Vulvodynia & My Diet
“There are no specific dietary recommendations in relation to vulvodynia. However, each individual case is different & some women may have sensitivity to specific chemicals & foods that may potentially contribute or exacerbate their symptoms” [1]. Of note, you should always consult your Vulvodynia Specialist or healthcare practitioner prior to embarking on a new diet
Dietary Oxalates & Vulvodynia
So what are oxalates, exactly? Put simply: oxalates refer to a compound which is naturally found in certain foods, such as various types of vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and beans. “Some time ago, a report linked dietary oxalates to vulvodynia. The case study described complete remission of vulvodynia following a low-oxalate diet with calcium citrate supplementation. This gave rise to the belief that oxalates may play a role in the onset and maintenance of vulvodynia” [1]. This may be of interest to some women, but does however, need further research.
Yeast Free Diet
This regime is set around the avoidance of refined carbohydrates, and foods which contain moulds, fungi, and yeast. The foods in this protocol are classed under three groups:
• Group 1: Low Carbohydrate Food which can be consumed without counting as part of the regime
• Group 2: Moderate Carbohydrate Food, namely, unrefined carbohydrate foods which are allowed in specified amounts
• Group 3: Refined, High Carbohydrate Food, & all food which contains moulds, fungi & yeast [1].
Avoiding Foods Which Acquire Mould Growth, Fungi & Yeast
A large number of foods acquire these elements. Moreover, they may not be visible to the naked eye; or could be a normal element in certain foods. To that end, if you are intending to embark on this regime, it is essential to make sure that everything you eat (including veggies and fruit), are fresh. You should also use a product such as ‘veggie wash,’ which removes these unwanted elements from the skins of fruit and vegetables. – It is simply to use: just spray on, leave for a minute or two, and then rinse in water.
So, in a nutshell, if you are following this diet which avoids mould growth, fungi and yeast, you must make sure that you buy and consume food which is as fresh as possible. Moreover, you should clean it yourself, even if it looks clean to the naked eye. And when it comes to left-overs, anything not consumed after a meal:
•Must be refrigerated right away & eaten the next day, or
•Frozen & consumed at a later date [1].
Have a Consultation With a Vulvodynia Specialist
Having an in-person or online consultation with an experienced Vulvodynia Specialist who has a long track record in this field, is the best course of action. – They will be able to devise a Personalised Holistic Treatment Plan, and get you on the road to recovery using both conventional and cutting-edge solutions.
Reference
[1]. Vulvodynia.comau (2021). “Dietary Considerations: Diet and Vulvodynia.”
http://vulvodynia.com.au/vulvodynia/vulvodynia-dietary-considerations/