Question: How can I get rid of thrush?

Answer: Thrush is a vaginal infection caused by an excess of Candida albicans, a yeast which normally inhabits the intestines. Symptoms include intense burning, itching and a discharge.

Anything which disturbs the normal vaginal environment can trigger it, e.g. stress, antibiotics, birth control pills or spermicides and hormonal changes. These remedies will strengthen your defences.

• Cut back on sugar and refined carbohydrates, since yeast feeds on sugar. In particular, cut back on concentrated sweets like soft drinks, lollies, syrup and jam. Instead, focus on foods that are low in sugar but high in fibre and nutrients; eat complex carbs like whole grains, beans and brown rice.
• Eating garlic regularly reduces the growth of the Candida organism. Herbal bitters encourage digestive secretions, which in turn keep intestinal microflora happy.
• Boost your body's supply of friendly bacteria by taking supplements of acidophilus and bifidus; a UK study has found that women who ate acidophilus yoghurt every day for three months nearly halved their incidence of vaginal thrush.
• The herb echinacea strengthens your immune system by stimulating white blood cells to destroy the Candida yeast; vitamin A maintains the health of the mucous membranes that line the vagina.
• Try ready-made suppositories of tea-tree oil or calendula, available in health food shops. Clinical studies show that tea tree oil is an effective anti-fungal agent, while calendula is anti-inflammatory.
• If you do end up with a yeast infection, use an over-the-counter antifungal vaginal application and medication such as Diflucan. Avoid using tampons, feminine hygiene sprays, douches, talc and perfumed soaps – they can aggravate the infection. Wear cotton underwear and stop wearing pantyhose.