No sweat!
Natural solutions for your most awkward health problems
From bad breath to body odour, there are some health issues that make us squirm with embarrassment to talk about. In some cases these conditions can even affect our confidence and quality of life. The good news is that there are plenty of natural ways to soothe these symptoms – and spare our blushes. Here is our guide to addressing some of the most common embarrassing health conditions with simple, natural solutions.
Diarrhoea
“Diarrhoea is a form of digestive dysfunction where a person passes watery and loose bowel movements multiple times a day,” says nutritional therapist Phoebe Liebling (www.naturalnourishment.me). “A short burst of intense diarrhoea can occur if we eat or drink something containing a pathogen (bacteria, parasite or a worm) or if we are unwell (have a virus for example). This form is best addressed by keeping fluid intake up, using electrolytes to replace the mineral salts we are losing in those loose bowel movements, taking a saccharomyces boulardii supplement and sticking to plain, well-cooked foods rich in soluble fibre. Examples would be white rice cooked in bone broth with a little turmeric and baked white fish or scrambled eggs and sautéed courgettes with some herbs for a burst of flavour.”
How to manage it:
“More chronic ongoing diarrhoea, often just labelled as IBS, actually needs much more attention,” says Phoebe. “If food is passing through the gut too quickly we don’t absorb nutrition properly but we also don’t get rid of waste effectively either. The rapid movement of partially digested food through the intestines will also destabilise the internal environment leading to issues with digestive inflammation, increasing the risk of food intolerances/sensitivities and poor immune function. I would encourage anyone with chronic diarrhoea to conduct a functional stool test like a GI Map to assess this properly and then look at targeted therapeutics which could include digestive enzymes, bile support, probiotics and/or prebiotics depending on their results to fix the issue.”
Body odour
“The most common causes of smelly sweat are increased amounts of yeast or fungi in the digestive tract and higher levels of testosterone (in both men and women),” says Phoebe Liebling. “Increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone in women around ovulation and the second half of their menstrual cycle can cause changes to body odour, whilst also making their sense of smell more acute so they will pick up on this minor change more intensely.”
How to manage it:
“If you are struggling with body odour I suggest increasing your water intake whilst decreasing caffeine consumption,” says Phoebe Liebling. “You would also want to assess your digestive function; if you are regularly bloated, gassy and/or constipated then this would suggest that some gut inefficiency is playing a part. Try taking out yeast-rich foods, for example swapping sourdough for a yeast-free rye bread and switching beer for wine if you are having alcohol. Epsom salt baths are also a fantastic way to support gut function and hormone balance so can be hugely helpful too if used regularly. For women with raised testosterone levels consumption of spearmint tea can help to bring these levels back down.”
Bad breath
“Bad breath (halitosis) may come and go but for some people it is a debilitating symptom affecting their interaction with people in their working and social lives,” says naturopath Caroline Peyton (www.peytonprinciples.com). “The starting point is to check dental hygiene. The mouth – like the gut – is home to our second largest microbiome of bacteria, fungi and viruses; and just like the gut consists of both beneficial and pathogenic types. Keeping the pathogenic bacteria in check is important to help prevent tooth decay but it can also be a factor in bad breath.”
How to manage it:
“Oil pulling is an Auyervedic method originating in India,” says Caroline. “By swishing a teaspoon of coconut oil around the mouth (first thing before brushing or drinking) for up to 20 minutes helps to reduce damaging microbes. Don’t swallow though! Coconut oil has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It takes time to build up to 20 minutes but even a short amount of time is beneficial. Follow by rinsing with warm water with added salt for additional antimicrobial properties.”
Thrush
“Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida (fungus) in the vagina,” says Dr Cliona O’Connell, GP and creator of Dr O’Connell supplements (www.droconnell.co.uk). “This can often occur after the use of antibiotics, as they can get rid of good and bad bacteria, and candida grows in its place. Other causes can be a drop in oestrogen levels particularly through pregnancy, menopause or while on birth control. Symptoms include itchiness and a strong discharge.”
How to manage it:
“A good natural treatment for thrush would be a good pre/probiotic which will put the good bacteria back in place,” says Dr O’Connell. “Natural live yoghurt can also help to both soothe the area and introduce bacteria. For more severe cases there are anti-fungal treatments available. If symptoms persist long-term, a GP should be seen.”
Piles
“Piles are veins in the anus that can become enlarged and protrude making them painful and itchy; they might also bleed,” explains medical herbalist Pamela Spence
(www.pamelaspence.co.uk) “They are caused by straining when you pass a bowel movement – so if you often get constipated this is often why they occur. Pregnancy is another time when they are common when there is just more pressure on the system and constipation is common as ligaments relax.”
How to manage it:
“Increasing fibre in your diet and ensuring you are well hydrated will help to take care of the constipation,” says Pamela. “Switch to moist toilet paper to reduce irritation. For the piles themselves, make a strong mug of chamomile tea, cool and refrigerate. Use a facecloth soaked in the tea to hold against the piles to reduce pain and itching. Aloe vera gel is also soothing – simply dab on each time you go to the toilet or use coconut oil as a simple alternative.”
Vaginal dryness
“Vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness is very common in the perimenopause and menopause as oestrogen levels drop,” says Dr O’Connell. “The walls of the vagina can thin out and become very dry and inflamed. Symptoms are likely to include bleeding, the constant feeling of needing to urinate and painful intercourse.”
How to manage it:
“Vaginal lubricants can be used to combat the continuous dry feeling,” says Dr O’Connell. “Introducing foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy products, apples, plums, grains, seeds and nuts into your diet can help as can taking regular pre and probiotics.”
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