Vaginal yeast infections happen for several reasons – and functional medicine from the Toronto area may be beneficial for treating this, as it involves tailoring a treatment plan that addresses your biological needs only!

A type of yeast strain called Candida is normal to have in the human body, especially since it may live inside our mucous membranes. But only a small amount of Candida can be tolerated by the body. When your membranes, including the vaginal lining, form an imbalance of microorganisms, a yeast infection can form. Irritations begin to develop around the genitals, which can include itchiness, redness, and inflammation. 

The functional medicine model can be applied to yeast infections. It may occur due to hormone imbalances, corticosteroids, certain birth control pills, pregnancy, or bacterial infections. Here, we explain what happens when you have this vaginal health condition, tips to help you cope, and how we can provide a personalized medicine approach to your health. 

Vaginal yeast infection symptoms and causes

The symptoms of vaginal yeast overgrowth are noticeable, as they include: 

• • Swelling, pain, rash, itching around the vagina and vulva (this is where the vagina opens)
  • Discharge that’s either thin and watery or thick and resembles cottage cheese 
  • Burning feeling when you urinate or have sexual intercourse

If you have severe symptoms (i.e. excessive swelling) or yeast infections that reoccur four times a year, please see a health practitioner to explore underlying concerns. Yeast infections can happen due to: 

• • Weakened immune function
  • Using antibiotics
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Contact with irritants and chemicals, such as those found in douching and soap products
  • Wearing tight clothing
  • Sitting in wet clothing for a lengthy period of time
  • Being pregnant
  • Not treating diabetes
  • Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle

Suggested Reading: Treating Vaginal Yeast Infections With Functional Medicine In Toronto 

Are vaginal yeast infections contagious? Though it’s not a sexually transmitted infection, it can be passed onto your partner via sex. If you have this condition and you’re sexually active, we suggest telling your partner and refraining from sex until you’re free of symptoms. Next, check out some strategies for preventing and/or manage this condition.  

5 Functional tips for handling yeast infections

1. 1. Consider functional medicine testing for your ‘next steps’: Lab testing can help determine the potential root cause of vaginal yeast infections. For instance, our clinic can run organic acid testing, which can detect intestinal yeast, as well as the presence of nutrient deficiencies and mold that may contribute to candida overgrowth. Another test to consider is the DUTCH Complete, which helps quantify estrogen and progesterone levels. Strategies for balancing these hormones could help reduce the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections. 
   2. Pay attention to your gut health: The functional medicine approach emphasizes health optimization, which may include strengthening gut functions. Just like the gut, the vagina also houses microorganisms. If your gut is in a poor, imbalanced state, this can trigger the growth of additional ‘bad’ bacteria. This ‘bad’ bacteria can trek towards the vagina and disrupt the vaginal microbiome. Thus, look into probiotic supplements and eat foods rich in beneficial bacteria, such as avocados, kefir, and Greek yogurt.  
   3. Ask your functional medicine provider about nutraceuticals/supplements: Along with inquiring about probiotics, ask about other supplements to try. Depending on your needs, a functional practitioner may recommend  detoxification and herbal anti yeast support. Boric acid suppositories may also be considered, as they’ve been shown to fight recurring infections due to their antifungal properties. 
   4. Make dietary modifications: Treating and preventing candida overgrowth may involve fixing your current diet. Nutrition advice may include eating fermented foods, spinach, foods low on the glycemic index (i.e. berries, lemon), lean chicken, and whole grains. Also, start reducing your consumption of sugars, high-glycemic fruits (i.e. mangoes, bananas), alcohol and foods high in gluten and sugars. 
   5. Refrain from using tampons and pads with fragrances: Use unscented feminine sanitary products only! Fragranced pads and tampons can disrupt the bacteria in the vagina and cause a yeast infection. 

Whether you’re struggling with yeast infections, digestive issues, memory troubles or skin disorders, functional medicine can offer useful strategies for health improvements. Read about our private downtown clinic below.

Suggested reading: Understanding Prediabetes with the Functional Medicine Toronto Approach

Tailor your clinical experience at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre 

Our Toronto Functional Medicine Centre health providers are available for consultations regarding personalized treatment options. A curated treatment plan from the TFMC may include conventional and naturopathic medicine, holistic treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture), IV therapy, hormone optimization programs, among other modalities. 

In our private clinic, each patient is provided with ample time to discuss their health concerns. These sessions are designed to focus on your wellness needs only. During your first appointment, we will discuss your medical history, genes, environmental factors, your current lifestyle, and more – knowing these pieces of information helps us customize your treatment plan for your needs. All of our therapies, including IV drips, are modified with functional medicine principles. When these treatments are combined, along with healthy daily habits (i.e. exercise, balanced diet), they can contribute to optimal health and function. 

To tailor treatments for biological deficits, functional lab tests are offered to our patients. These test results are used by our clinicians to modify certain elements of your therapies (i.e. herbal medicine, intravenous therapy doses, types of supplements, etc.). We use lab tests to scrutinize various aspects of health, such as brain health, hormones, environmental exposures, and digestive health. Together, let’s help uncover the root of your current health issues!

You have the potential to accomplish health goals to revitalize energy, digestive health, hormone levels, and more. Experience firsthand our integrative approach to wellness – it’s simple, request your session for functional medicine in Toronto now. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Adolfsson, Annsofie et al. “How Vaginal Infections Impact Women’s Everyday Life —Women’s Lived Experiences of Bacterial Vaginosis and Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.” (2017).

“Are Scented Tampons and Pads Bad for You?” from the Cleveland Clinic, posted on January 13, 2021, viewed on August 6, 2024. 

Chandraseharan P, Sockalingam SNM, Shafiei Z, Zakaria ASI, Mahyuddin A, Rahman MA. The Efficacy of Apple Cider Vinegar at Different pH Values as an Antimicrobial Agent: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2023 Oct 1;24(10):779-786. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3581. PMID: 38152911.

Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011 Aug;20(8):1245-55. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2708. Epub 2011 Jul 20. PMID: 21774671.

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) [Updated 2022 Apr 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK543220/

Otašević S, Momčilović S, Petrović M, Radulović O, Stojanović NM, Arsić-Arsenijević V. The dietary modification and treatment of intestinal Candida overgrowth – a pilot study. J Mycol Med. 2018 Dec;28(4):623-627. doi: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2018.08.002. Epub 2018 Aug 27. PMID: 30166063.

Superti F, De Seta F. Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli. Microorganisms. 2020 Jan 17;8(1):130. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms8010130. PMID: 31963487; PMCID: PMC7023241.