Let's Kill Candida

Thrush is only one minor symptom of a serious general condition caused by the uncontrolled growth of a common yeast called Candida Albicans.

This fungus is present in all of us, in the gastrointestinal tract, and normally causes no problems. However, if it overgrows, as is becoming increasingly common, then a serious disease state may come about, which can become disabling.

Primary effects are on the gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune and nervous systems.

¨      Thrush (candida overgrowth in the mouth), bloating, wind, rectal itching.

¨      Endocrine systems; primarily menstrual complaints.

¨      Allergies, chemical sensitivities, lower immune function, bladder and vaginal infections.

¨      Irritability, depression, confusion and inability to concentrate.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is difficult, partly because we all have the organism and would all test positive, and partly because there are many different symptoms, most of which can be connected with other diseases. However, there are checklists of symptoms that would indicate whether candidiasis is probable. We can supply these lists.

Pre-disposing factors

1)      Probably the most important of these, as we emphasised in a previous article on irritable bowel syndrome, is decreased digestive activity. In particular, reduced hydrochloric acid will allow the yeast to live in the stomach, and overgrow in the intestines. Lack of pancreatic enzymes and bile will add to this problem in the small intestine.

2)      Diet; a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates is ideal for candida growth. Yeast and moulds also allow it to thrive.

3)      Impaired immune function; excessive or prolonged use of antibiotics can reduce the beneficial bacterial flora, and also weaken the immune system. The toxic effects of heavy metals and chemicals and additives in food can place excess strain on the system.

4)      Nutritional deficiency: The immune system cannot work properly if nutrient deficiencies are present. Most important are vitamins A, B6 and C, zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, folic acid and essential fatty acids.

Treatment

A four-pronged approach is necessary.

¨      Reduce pre-disposing factors

Then

¨      Crowd out the fungus.

¨      At the same time, starve it.

¨      Kill the remainder.

1) Correct pre-disposing factors

Digestion and nutrition

¨      Take a good digestive enzyme supplement.

¨      Take a strong multivitamin/multimineral, plus possibly extra zinc picolinate.

2) Crowd out

Lactobacillus

¨      Take an acidophilus product to re-populate the beneficial bacteria.

3) Starve

Diet

¨      Eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates, fruit juices and honey.

¨      Avoid foods containing fungus or yeasts, including bread, peanuts, dried fruit, smoked products, cheese and mushrooms.

¨      Avoid milk, because of the high content of lactose (milk sugar). Substitute with sugar-free soya milk.

¨      Avoid any meat or poultry products that are not free-range, because of their antibiotic content.

¨      All vegetables and potatoes and parsnips can be eaten freely, and also fish and free-range poultry and meat.

4) Kill

Kill the fungus

¨      Grapefruit Seed Extract; this is probably the most powerful anti-pathogenic treatment for the intestinal tract. However, it does not readily get into the bloodstream.

¨      Goldenseal; if the infection is extremely severe and has become systemic i.e. has penetrated through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream, then goldenseal is essential – it is the most powerful anti-bacterial known, but can also kill fungi and parasites.

Frequently, when the fungus begins to be killed, there occurs a "Die-off" or "Herxheimer" reaction. This is caused by a release of toxins as dying fungus cells collapse, which further overloads the liver's ability to remove them.

To avoid or reduce this, we often suggest carrying out steps one to three for a week before carrying out step four. A further aid is to take psyllium seeds, which help absorb the toxins and flush out the fungus.

Note 1

Discussion only of Candida Albicans is an oversimplification. There are invariably various other parasites and even worms. Such herbs as wormseed, clove oil and black walnut are useful against these.

Note 2

Olive leaf extract has been found to have strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects.

Biotin slows down the multiplication of candida.

Resveratrol (from grape skins) is a powerul antioxidant and detoxifier.

Note 3

L-Glutamine; this amino acid can be a very powerful aid in combating candidiasis, for two reasons:

a)      The cells of the intestinal walls are the most dynamic in the body, being fully replaced every six days or so. L-Glutamine is a major component of these cells, but is also the main fuel for regeneration, so it will aid repair of leaky intestinal walls.

L-glutamine is the main fuel of the immune system, and will therefore aid the fight against various microbes.

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