Expert: Ask Suz - 9/6/2007

Question
I am a 44 yo, female in good health most of the time. I have no major illnesses, however, for the past 2 weeks I have been experiencing headaches and yesterday noticed that some of my gums are beginning to swell and my urine is not clear.

I think it could possibly be either a UTI or an allergic reaction to an ant bite. The problem is that I do not want to take antibiotics and would like to know what you recommend.

When I was bitten by the ants (on 2 seperate occasions), 2 weeks apart, but one bite each, once on my right foot and the 2nd time on my left ankle. The first bite was from a med sized black ant and it itched really bad and swelled like a misquito bite. It left a dark spot that was hard and then the scab came off in about a week.

The 2nd bite was from a smaller (tiny) brown ant and my whole ankle swelled, was red, and hot and the bite blistered for 3 days. I took Benadryl, put tea tree oil on the bite, and drank lots of water (8-10 glasses) a day. The swelling and redness went away and it is healing. I also experienced some diarrhea the 2nd day and know that some of it went where it should not have been, which is the reason for possible bacterial contamination of my vagina, and the possible UTI.

Please let me know what your thoughts are on this matter. I usually shop at The Home Economists Market for natural vitamins and remedies for ailments.

I also experience symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis frequently throughout the year and have used Tea Tree Oil suppositories once, with great relief, and also tried the Probiotic capsules and vaginal suppositories for a 14 day regimen (they didn't give as good results). I'd appreciate your input on this as well.

Answer
Hi,Sherri
Good Heavens. You have really been having a lot of problems!
I'll address the Bacterial Vaginosis first. Having this throughout the year is not good and there are times when we should see a physican. You are harboring bacteria that is multiplying and this needs professional attention asap. Why not get this cleared up for good. Give them a urine sample (for the suspected UTI, although I can't imagine "thinking" you may have one of those--they're so uncomfortable)and get the right cream for BV. Who knows? You may be harboring bacteria all the time and need to knock this out possibly for good.
You sound like you're allergic to insect bites and are handling it well. I think with your gum problem you need to build up your immune system by getting on a 365 day a year supplement regimen. You need the basics daily: at least one thousand mg of Vitamin C (I take Amla), one thousand of fish oil, 400 of natural Vit E, a probiotic such as Natrol, 1,000mg of coral calcium and CoralAdvantage mineral complex. This is the start of what I take. A natural antibiotic is bee propolis. You could try taking 5 of those daily for 2 weeks. I'm 63 and healthier than my daughters. I could go on forever on what else you could add such as Alive! Whole Food Energizer if you want to cover many nutrients in one bottle. Don't let those gums get out of hand. That worries me. I don't know if the gum swelling is from the ant bites or not, to be honest. Rinse your mouth out with hot water and salt 2X a day for ten days and keep up that vitamin C daily. And for your peace of mind at least, see a obgyn for that BV. They see it daily and will give you a specialized cream.
In summary, go heavy on vitamin C (I take capsules), buy some propolis, fish oil gelcaps, coral calcium, a good probiotic and see a gynecologist. Let me know how you are in a month, ok? Suz