Candidiasis Fungus - What is it and how can I treat it?

What is Candida?

Single-cell Fungal organism that is in the inner creases of the intestine, vagina and skin – Has a beneficial role in the body when present in the correct amount/proportion to other bowel bacteria– part of the “microflora” Causes and Links

• Repeated use of antibiotics or birth control pills (Lactic acid bacteria)

• Chlorinated water (chlorine)

• Factors affecting digestion (Low stomach acid – doesn’t kill pathogens)

• Liver gallbladder – lack of bile, doesn’t kill pathogens and Candida metabolites poison liver • STRESS (over/underactive adrenals).

• Suppress immune system Thymus

Think Natural - Diet Elimination of the following: Sugar, fruits (frozen, canned, juices), yeast containing foods, vinegar, mushrooms, peanuts (butter) and pistachios, alcohol, coffee and tea, moldy and processed cheeses, processed, dried smoked and pickled meats, packaged, processed and refined foods in general Restriction of the following: Allergic foods, foods high in carbohydrates.

GAPS or Specific Carbohydrate diet may be necessary for extreme cases (restriction of all complex carbohydrates). Introduce: More pre and probiotic foods including miso, sauerkraut (refrigerated), garlic, onions and pickles. Cooked vegetables, whole grains (brown rice, multi-grain rice), ancient grains, eat the colors of the rainbow. Each color represents different nutrients so the more the merrier.

RECOMMEND

1. Start with diet and continue for 2 weeks prior to adding the anti-fungal.

2. Add probiotics at the same time.

3. Drink at least 2 litres of water throughout the day with lemon to reduce symptoms as well as a high fibre diet.

4. Add an antifungal but if you are experiencing headaches, bloating or nausea reduce the dosage of anti-fungal you are taking or stop all together.

5. Continue with diet and probiotics and re-introduce anti-fungals after 2 weeks.

Expect 1 month min for less severe cases and much longer for complicated cases. Probiotics – to re-establish beneficial endogenous bacteria – At first symptoms of die off including flatulence, bloated stomach, and nausea.

This is part of the candida die off process and can be minimized by reducing or stop taking Probiotics - 45 billion live cells + on an empty stomach and before bed and make sure you are taking fibre, chia or flax and lots of hydration. Chia is best as does not scratch the bowel wall. Multi-strain - 4-5 types of bacteria in probiotic. Probiotics should include: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. gasseri, and L. plantarum.

Over the counter non refrigerated strains usually are less potent than the refrigerated strains in your health food store. Probiotics come in dairy, plant and human strain, use pharmaceutical grade, enteric coated and will get past stomach acid.

Anti – fungal: Caprylic acid with Bentonite – take as directed on the label, usually with meals. Or other antifungals include oil of oregano, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, raw garlic or other combinations from the health food store.