Embarrassing illnesses don't have to suffered in silence
For many women uncomfortable and intimate health problems such as thrush, cystitis and constipation can make life extremely uncomfortable, especially as the embarrassing nature of the conditions often make them hard to discuss.
With two thirds of British adults using the internet to self diagnose embarrassing problems, rather than visiting their pharmacist or GP, it is even more important that we know what signs to look out for and how to treat them when they strike.
The good news is that many of them can be easily treated without a prescription. Here is a lowdown on some of the most common embarrassing problems for women and remedies that can help.
Candida
For around 80 per cent of people the yeast Candida will live harmlessly in the normal gut flora, but an overgrowth can cause embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms. Various studies have investigated the benefits of olive leaf extract in controlling Candida. Research has shown that the active ingredient in Olive Leaf Extract – Oleuropein - has powerful healing properties that fights the bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that cause infection and disease. The plant compounds not only fight and ‘kill’ invading pathogens, but also stimulate the body’s own immune system to fight microbes more efficiently. Lina Swailem a Naturopath who works at the Comvita store in Portobello Road comments: “Comvita Olive Leaf complex guarantees high levels of Oleuropein. In total there are 12 key polyphenolic antioxidants which is why the bottle carries the ‘Synergy 12’ mark. Those who wish to banish Candida should use the product in conjunction with other dietary changes to discourage yeast growth for up to six months”
Comvita's Olive Leaf Complex, £10.99 for 100ml, is available from Comvita’s Portobello Road store, larger Boots, Holland & Barrett and all good pharmacies and health food stores.
Cystitis
Almost every woman will suffer from cystitis at least once in their lifetime and cranberry is the commonly held natural solution. An effective preventative, cranberry juice is relied on by many women when cystitis strikes but packed full of sugar and with a distinctive, bitter flavour it’s not to everyone’s taste. Some women will be looking for an alternative without the calories, such as Nature’s Best Cranberry Complex a sugar free powder concentrate produced from mature cranberries. Its powder format makes it more powerful than tablets. It is mixed with a complex carbohydrate called Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), extracted from chicory root, which acts as a prebiotic - encouraging the growth of friendly bacteria at the expense of less welcome bacteria.
Nature’s Best Cranberry Complex (£10.25 for 100gs, www.naturesbest.co.uk)
Constipation
Nearly four in ten women have suffered from Constipation which can be caused by diet and lifestyle factors. BBC media medic and family GP Dr Sarah Jarvis explains: “Constipation can be triggered by not eating enough fibre, not doing enough exercise or simply ignoring the urge to go to the loo”. Make sure you eat your fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of fluid to stay hydrated. If constipation is becoming uncomfortable make sure you have some Care Senna tablets to hand. Each tablet contains natural senna which acts as a laxative. Another alternative suitable for adults and children (over 12) is using Care Epsom Salts. This has offered families relief from occasional constipation for many years.
Care Senna tablets (20s & 100s) (£1.58 & £3.52) available from independent pharmacies nationwide.
Care Epsom Salts (£2.89 for 300g) are available from Sainsbury’s Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide.
Diarrhoea
The last thing you need is to have to look for a pharmacy when stomach bugs strike. So don’t get caught out, and make sure you have some Care Loperamide capsules to hand to help relieve sudden cases of diarrhoea. Care Kaolin Mixture, suitable for adults and children (from 6 years old), helps provide relief from the symptoms of occasional diarrhoea and stomach upset by gently removing toxic substances from the digestive system, and increasing the bulk of solid waste.
Care Loperamide 2mg capsules (6s for £2.00 & 12s for £3.47) are available from independent pharmacies nationwide.
Care Kaolin Mixture (£1.45 for 200ml) is available from Lloyds Pharmacy, Sainsbury’s Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide.
Ease IBS with Peppermint Oil
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) a condition which affects around 1 in 5 of us at some stage of our lives. The intestines contract and relax involuntarily when there is food to digest or when they receive messages from elsewhere in the gut or from the brain. For IBS sufferers this can be brought on involuntarily through stress leading to a complicated mix of symptoms spanning urgent bouts of diarrhoea, period of chronic constipation often accompanied by flatulence. The condition can cause sufferers much discomfort and also embarrassment.
Natural solution… Peppermint has a well-proven relaxing effect on ‘smooth muscle’ - the type found in the walls of the intestines and the stomach. Much of the recent research has focused on the action of peppermint on the digestive system where it has been shown in trials to possess soothing properties. The key active ingredient in peppermint is the volatile oils, particularly menthol. Nature’s Best Peppermint Oil high strength capsules contain 50mg of pure natural peppermint oil, distilled from mint leaves. They are many times stronger than even the most powerful confectionary mint sweets and will provide you with a warm comfortable feeling inside.
Nature’s Best Peppermint Oil (£6 for 180 capsules, www.naturesbest.co.uk)
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