Download Conquering Candidiasis Naturally

Conquering Candidiasis Naturally
by Stephen C. Byrnes, N.D., R.N.C.P.
THE NIGHTMARE OF CANDIDA OVERGROWTH
Candida albicans and candida tropicalis are the names given to common yeasts that
live within our intestines and certain mucous membranes, the throat, for example.
Everyone has candida within them: we are born with it. Candida usually lives at
peace with our other intestinal fauna, the acidophilus and bifido bacteria, and it is
these bacterial residents that keep candida under control, preventing a "population
burst." Candida's function in the body is mainly to gobble up any putrefied food
matter in our digestive system (mostly caused by improper digestion due to low
stomach acid) before any potentially harmful bacteria can have a feast, multiply, and
become threatening to our health. After we die, candida acts to decompose the body,
feeding off our corpse, much like a fungal mold on a dead tree. Candida is usually
kept in check by the gastrointestinal "good" bacteria and the immune system, but
trouble can arise when certain conditions are present. It is in the presence of these
conditions that candida can begin growing out of control in the intestines, branching
out and colonizing the gut. In this process, candida can eat away at the intestinal
walls, spread into the bloodstream, and infiltrate other tissues. The normally benign
yeast has literally transformed itself into an aggressive, destructive, fungal pathogen
that can cause a variety of seemingly unrelated health problems. This
condition/disease is known as systemic candidiasis.
SYMPTOMS & CAUSES
Systemic candidiasis, as a separate disease, was not recognized or defined until the
1980's, mostly because its symptoms were so varied and duplicated those of other
illnesses, leading doctors to conclude that the patient was suffering from, for
example, sinusitis instead of yeast infiltration of the nasal passages. Additionally,
since one of the main causes of systemic candidiasis are doctor prescribed
antibiotics, which kill the intestinal bacteria that control candida, the medical
profession was probably not too eager to admit the existence of this disease.
Diagnoses of candidiasis were limited to its visible manifestations, e.g., a vaginal or
oral yeast infection. Treatment was directed towards eradicating these conditions
alone without addressing the reality of a more serious, but hidden, infection.
The symptoms of candidiasis, and their severity, vary from person to person but the
main ones are: chronic fatigue, especially after eating, depression, craving for breads
and sugars (yeast eats sugar), extreme mood swings, feelings of rage, especially
after eating sugary foods, feeling "drunk" after eating a meal high in carbohydrates
(candida's waste is alcohol), hypoglycemia, excessive mucous of the throat, nose,
and lungs, chronic fungal infections of the skin (jock itch, athlete's foot) or
vaginal/oral thrush, diarrhea, anal itching, short-term memory loss, feeling "spacy,"
and bloating or gassiness after eating.
In addition to these, lymphatic swelling, difficult PMS, night sweats, chest and joint
pain, memory loss, incoordination, blurred vision, intense, random headaches,
intermittent vertigo, insomnia, sneezing fits, and increased food allergies are also
fairly common. A person tends to get extremely sensitive to damp, mildewy
environments and, sometimes, to extreme humidity as well as perfumes, colognes,
and smoke. Since candida can infiltrate the urinary tract, acute kidney infections,
cystitis, and prostatitis are possible.
While these symptoms can indicate other illnesses, if certain factors are present in
one's personal history the symptoms are likely to indicate candida overgrowth. These
factors are:
Prolonged, or repeated, use of antibiotics, corticosteroid drugs, and/or birth control
pills, at any time in the past,
1. a diet high in processed sugars
2.
which encourages candida growth,
and
preexisting immunosuppression
caused by drug or alcohol abuse,
multiple blood transfusions,
debilitating illness, organ
transplants, or chemotherapy. All
three are NOT required to bring on
a case of candidiasis: excessive
"sugar binging" can cause it just as
surely as antibiotics can.
Pregnancy also predisposes women
to the condition since pregnancy
alters the body's delicate hormonal
and pH balance: candida thrives in
an alkaline environment.
Contributing factors are
1. low stomach acidity leading to
2.
poorly digested food and
improper
bowel
movements
leading to prolonged retention of
fecal matter in the colon: these
conditions
promote
yeast
overgrowth.
A 20TH CENTURY DISEASE
Candidiasis is truly a modern disease, brought on by medical "innovations" like
antibiotics and the Pill and a more "civilized" diet of refined, sugary foods and candy.
In some naturopathic circles, the illness is derisively known as "Candy Disease."
In all seriousness, however, candidiasis is a serious condition for two main reasons:
1. It often goes undiagnosed, allowing
the yeast to spread unhampered,
and
2. the
numerous
symptoms
it
produces severely tax the immune
system, forcing it to deal with, not
only the yeast infection, but the
other conditions the yeast causes.
A truly vicious cycle can ensue: a
person is weakened by a candida
caused problem, say cystitis, and
goes to a doctor who then
prescribes antibiotics for it. The
drugs kill off more of the intestinal
bacteria which control candida,
making the candida overgrowth
worse, leading to more infections
and more antibiotics, etc. At its
most destructive, candida can
exhaust
the
adrenal
glands,
leading to Addison's disease, can
interfere with digestion so much
that virtually no nutrients are
absorbed from food, and can cause
life threatening infestations of the
vital organs and the brain.
TREATMENTS & RECOVERY
The standard allopathic treatment for candidiasis is the drug Nystatin, a mold which
inhibits the growth of other molds like candida. Two other popular drugs are Nizoral
and Fluconazole. While these drugs certainly kill candida, they do not work forever
due to candida's ability to mutate into drug resistant strains, nor do they prevent
candida from coming back.
Natural therapies are the most potent and effective weapons against this disease and
recovery time lasts about 6 to 12 months (or longer depending on the length of time
one has had the condition and the severity of symptoms). This might seem long, but
once candida has colonized the body, it takes quite an effort to drive it out. Let's now
take a look at the natural therapies most effective against this adaptable and
extremely tenacious invader.
DIGESTION
The key to conquering candida is in cleaning up the digestive system, the ultimate
source of the problem. In general, one must avoid constipation at all costs so high
water (4-5 glasses a day) and adequate fiber intake is recommended. Drinking lots
of water will also help flush the dead yeast cells out of your system as you progress
with your treatment. If diarrhea is a problem, psyllium or yellow dock herb, both
available in capsule form, will tighten the colon. These two herbs are also effective
for constipation — they are bowel regulators. Yellow dock is also known as a blood
builder, effective for anemia and low white blood cell counts. If you decide to take
yellow dock, be sure to take it separately from any herb containing tannic acid to
avoid stomach upset.
Supplementation with acidophilus and bifido bacteria is essential to recolonize the
intestines. While these bacteria will not kill candida, they inhibit candida's growth
and, generally, clean up the bowels, making it more difficult for candida to thrive.
Look for a high potency supplement, either freeze dried or refrigerated, made
without cow's milk. You will need to supplement heavily with these "probiotics"
throughout your recovery and well after all your symptoms have gone. Chlorophyllrich foods, like leafy green vegetables and alfalfa, also promote acidophilus growth
and discourage yeast reproduction.
Proper food digestion is an absolute MUST as nothing makes candida happier than
putrefied, poorly digested food. Unless you have an ulcer, consider taking a digestive
enzyme supplement with hydrochloric acid (HCL) immediately before or after each
meal. If you have an ulcer, look for digestive enzyme supplements without HCL.
Plant enzyme supplements are excellent. Both pancreatin and plant enzymes can be
taken between meals to hinder yeast growth. Using digestive enzymes will help your
condition dramatically and also take some stress off your pancreas which might be
weary from dealing with possible candida-caused hypoglycemia. (If you notice any
stomach irritation when using HCL supplements, cut back on the dose at once to
prevent possible ulcer formation.)
If enzyme supplements are not available, a cup of German chamomile tea just before
or after eating will stimulate HCL production by the stomach. Chamomile will also
ease any gassiness and/or bloating and contains potent anti-candida compounds. If
you have a history of ragweed allergy do not use chamomile; fennel or cardamon are
fine substitutes. Another herb to consider for digestion is wormwood. Wormwood,
while extremely bitter, is probably the best digestive herb around, stimulating HCL
and bile production. Side benefits of wormwood are ridding you of any parasites,
gas, nervousness, and weak stomach. Wormwood extract or tincture can be found at
any health food store; take the recommended dose just before eating in a little
water. CAUTION: Wormwood should not be used by pregnant women.
Since the liver can get overburdened with candida's toxins because it filters the
blood, cleansing this organ is essential for your recovery. Daily supplementation with
hepatic herbs like, dandelion root, golden seal, wormwood, barberry, Oregon grape
root, or bayberry, is highly recommended. Again, the need for increased water intake
is emphasized here to facilitate internal cleansing. CAUTION: Avoid goldenseal and
barberry if you are pregnant.
DIETARY DO'S AND DONT'S
Since candida loves sugar, it must be avoided in all its forms (dextrose, sucrose,
glucose, maltose, lactose, fructose). Say goodbye to all fruits, except the low sugar
ones like strawberries, cherries, and papayas which can be eaten in strict
moderation. Read the label of every food product you buy to be sure there is no
added sugar (a near impossible task these days!).
Diet is your main weapon against candida, but also the most frustrating as you will
have to give up a number of foods. Bid farewell to: wheat, rye, milk, cheese,
alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, potatoes, honey, mushrooms, and vinegar: all
these foods promote yeast growth or can aggravate already present yeast colonies.
Keep your food well covered in the refrigerator to prevent mold formation. When
eating out, be sure to ask how a dish is prepared and tell the server to hold any
undesirable ingredients like soy sauce or mayonnaise.
In general, a low carbohydrate diet is preferred. Carbohydrates, even complex ones,
eventually break down to glucose (sugar) in the digestive tract, and sugar feeds
candida. Its also adviseable to avoid the starchier vegetables like sweet potatoes,
parsnips, and winter squashes. Different people, however, have different
sensitivities. I've worked with patients who can handle wheat, despite a candida
problem. You and your body are your best guide as to which foods to avoid. At rock
bottom, however, all sugars MUST be avoided.
Due to the restrictions, you may be wondering at times, "What the hell am I
supposed to eat?!" Books will be listed at the end of the article to help with food
selections and recipes.
On the positive side, assuming you have no allergic reactions, you can enjoy all of
the following: fish, poultry, meat, all vegetables, brown rice*, eggs, seeds, all nuts
except cashews and peanuts, herb teas, beans* and lentils*, goat milk*, corn*,
amaranth*, kamut*, quinoa*, buckwheat*, oats*, and spelt*. Check with a local
health food store for sugar free breads made of kamut, millet, or spelt and consider
eating corn tortillas to replace wheat bread. (*: moderate amounts only.) To ease
their digestion, all nuts, seeds, and whole grains should be soaked for at least seven
hours before cooking or drying. Soaking initiates the sprouting process and breaks
up the enzyme inhibitors and phytates found in these foods.
Contrary to popular belief, foods containing yeast may be eaten if no allergic
reactions are present. Brewer's yeast, for example, is a very nutritious and immune
enhancing food and can be eaten for nutritional support during one's recovery.
As your symptoms disappear, you can cautiously add back the forbidden foods, one
at a time and slowly. Do not eat any refined sugars for at least 6 months after your
recovery. Having candidiasis once predisposes one to getting it again so be very
careful after you are well. Indulging in too many foods too quickly can, as I can
painfully attest to, cause a relapse.
HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS
The following herbs should assist in recovery:
Garlic - a powerful antifungal and immune stimulant. Garlic will also help with
constipation, gas, excess mucous, and blood cleansing; it is antiparasitic and
hypotensive also. Some people are sensitive to garlic so increase your dosage slowly
to discern any unpleasant side effects. If there are none, include it liberally in your
diet, everyday. If you prefer to take garlic tablets, look for ones that are enteric
coated to insure that the garlic is released deep inside the intestines where candida
thrives.
Golden Seal, Barberry, Oregon Grape Root - the berberine in these herbs is
lethal to candida. Berberine is also a powerful immune stimulant. Don't overuse
golden seal as too much will irritate the liver: take for 2 weeks on, one week off. All
of these herbs can also be used to assist digestion. Golden seal can be topically
applied to ringworm, and made into a tea for athlete's foot. These three herbs are
excellent for urinary tract problems, being diuretic, antibacterial, and antifungal. Like
wormwood, golden seal and barberry should not be used by pregnant women.
Licorice root - Though not antifungal, licorice will soothe the inflamed intestines so
common with candida, thus helping to prevent malabsorption of nutrients and food
allergies. Licorice also tones the adrenal glands and helps regulate blood glucose,
controlling sugar cravings. This herb is also excellent for excessive mucous, cough,
and constipation.
Astragalus - This popular Chinese herb is excellent for stimulating the immune
system, essential for recovering from candida or any other infective condition. Aloe
Vera- a must if sufferring from fungal skin infections. The fresh gel is effective
against ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot and will also help heal cracked,
damaged skin. Use bottled gel if the fresh herb is not available.
Other useful herbs are clove, ginseng (all varieties), ginger, pau d'arco, and
cinnamon. For proper doses, check the labels, but higher doses may be taken
without fear of toxicity except as noted above.
Tea tree oil, from Australia and New Zealand, is very deadly to candida and may be
used topically for athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm. It can also be used as a
gargle or douche when mixed with water and can be safely taken internally (3-4
drops, 3 times a day, do not exceed this dose). Be absolutely certain the brand you
buy does NOT say "For external use only" on its label.
Caprylic acid, a short chain fatty acid, is extremely effective against candida and is,
fortunately, available over the counter at health food stores. Look for a slow release
formula of about 300-500 mg. and arrange for a dose of 500 to 1000 mg. with each
meal.
Silver, and the newer olive leaf extract, are excellent antifungal agents and lethal
to candida. Look for a silver supplement of at least 40 ppm with a micron size of no
more than .001. Follow the instructions on the labels for the correct dosages.
Oxygen is an antifungal compound. Taking stabilized oxygen products, like
flavored peroxide combinations found in health food stores, can also be employed in
one's recovery.
The latest in candida treatment are enteric coated essential oils. Oregano,
peppermint, and rosemary oils are all extremely powerful against candida and
some supplement companies already have formulas using these oils on the market.
Oregano oil is estimated at being 100 times more powerful than caprylic acid. Be
prepared for some explosive diarrhea when using this product. As the yeast cells die,
the body makes every effort to expel them.
Vitamins and a multi mineral supplementation is a good idea to not only insure that
adequate nutrients are ingested, but also to help the immune system fight the
infection. The following are suggested daily guidelines. For individual needs, its best
to see a health practitioner who is familiar with approaching candidiasis: Vitamin A
(as retinol and beta carotene)- 75,000 iu; vitamin C- 3 to 5 gms.; selenium- 200
mcg.; zinc- 50 mg.; vitamin E- 400 iu; iron- 10 mg.; essential fatty acids- 4 gms;
high potency multi vitamin/mineral- 1 a day.
One particularly useful nutrient is the free-form amino acid glutamine. Glutamine is
very pivotal in maintaining proper muscle mass, brain function, intestinal integrity,
and stable blood sugar levels. It is often prescribed to recovering alcoholics by
natural therapists to control alcohol cravings. 1-3 grams before each meal is
suggested. Glutamine is excellent for helping to heal leaky gut syndrome, a very
common symptom of intestinal candidiasis. Also, since weight loss is usual with
severe candida infestations, this amino acid helps protect against muscle loss.
Glutamine is also very stimulating to the immune system. Do everything you can,
then, to acquire it and be diligent about taking it.
There are homeopathic preparations of Candida albicans on the market. From
personal and professional experience, you have to be very careful with these
products as they can cause a severe Herxheimer Reaction, or temporary
worsening of your symptoms due to the rapid die off of yeast cells in the body. The
best way to use homeopathics is to start with a weaker preparation of about 12X
potency, and gradually work your way up to more powerful doses — 30C and above.
A slow build up avoids the unpleasant hassle of aggravated die off.
You will sometimes feel like a walking medicine chest from all of the supplements,
herbs, probiotics, and antifungal products you'll be taking. Inconvenience aside, it is
necessary as candida is a very tenacious organism. You must be persistent and
unwavering in your efforts to recover or you will get nowhere; the total approach is
necessary.
DIE OFF
When you take away candida's food, sugar, and attack the yeast with herbs and
supplements, it will die, causing a condition known as die off. Die off will last from a
few days to a few weeks and the severity of symptoms will vary from person to
person. Usually present are nausea, headaches, gas, irritability, diarrhea, severe
energy loss, sugar cravings, and blurred vision.
Exercise and pure water will reduce your symptoms by flushing the dead yeast cells
more quickly from your system. Use your herbs smartly as many of those listed
before can help, e.g., cinnamon or clove tea will help allay nausea and gas, as well
as help disinfect your digestive tract.