Candidiasis

Candida albicans is a yeast fungus. Under normal conditions it sparsely populates the intestinal tract. If the healthy environment is altered, the candida organism flourishes and illness results. Systemic candida infections have long been recognized in the immune-deficient person. This is often seen in AIDS, where candida can be life threatening. Symptoms of systemic candida are varied and diverse. This fungal related complex manifests itself primarily in five areas of the body:

• The digestive system-where symptoms include bloating, gas, cramps, alternating diarrhea with constipation, multiple food allergies. The individual may feel allergic to all foods (i.e. pan-allergic ).
• The nervous system-where symptoms include abnormal fatigue,  anxiety, mood swings, drowsiness, memory loss, depression, insomnia and mental fogginess. In extreme cases, hallucinations and violent behavior can occur.  Autism, hyperactivity and learning disabilities in children are other manifestations of fungal infestation.
• The skin-where symptoms include hives, psoriasis, eczema, excessive sweating, acne and nail infections.
• The genito-urinary tract-in women, common symptoms include PMS (depression, mood swings, bloating, fluid retention, cramps, craving for sweets, headaches prior to menstruation), recurrent bladder or vaginal infections and a loss of interest in sex; in males common problems include chronic rectal or anal itching, recurrent prostatitis, impotence, genital rashes and jock itch.
• The endocrine system-an intimate relationship exists in the body between the immune system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. The thyroid and adrenal glands in particular may be involved. It is not uncommon to find that victims of both hypo - and hyperthyroidism, especially the autoimmune variety, linked to fungal overgrowth.

Since candida/fungal toxins can travel to virtually all organs and tissues in the body, the syndrome has been associated with practically every medical condition including cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis,  AIDS, asthma, arthritis, chronic sinusitis, recurrent flues, middle ear infections, alcoholism, addictions, diabetes, eating disorders, hypoglycemia, and many other less common conditions. In some of these diseases fungi are secondary "opportunistic" infections. In any event, a healthy immune system is the only natural defense against these microbes and their poisons.
The presence of antibodies in the blood or candida organisms in the stool are evidence for the correct diagnosis of systemic candida.

Like all fungi, Candida albicans thrives in warm, moist areas. Under normal conditions, this yeast exists within us in a healthy environment and the immune system keeps the fungus from spreading. The single largest cause for candida overgrowth is the use of antibiotics. Whenever antibiotics are given, they eliminate the healthy, friendly bacteria in the bowels, thereby setting up an imbalance that allows yeast organisms to invade and grow. Even short-term antibiotic use eliminates the good bacteria that prevent fungal infections from developing. Other medications cause similar imbalances, among them the contraceptive pill, cortisone, chemotherapy drugs and ionizing radiation.

Candida is more likely to thrive when the immune system is weak, or the overall state of health is poor. For this reason, diabetics and others with long-term chronic illnesses are much more prone to candida infections. A poorly functioning digestive system, due to insufficient enzymes or stomach acid for instance, also increases the likelihood of infections. Stress, a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle all weaken the body's resistance. A poor diet that lacks raw foods and whole grains is most detrimental. Simple sugars, including refined white flour, rice and pasta are particularly problematic as they promote candida.

Hormonal imbalances can also create an environment conducive to candida infection. The tendency for yeast infections increases before and during the menstrual period, and for pregnant women.

Do fungal infections occur because of altered immunity resulting from a different cause? Or, do fungal infections cause altered immunity leading to various immune disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome? The answer to both questions is yes. The debate is similar to the debate in the earlier half of the twentieth century with respect to tuberculosis. No matter how you look at this problem, the inescapable fact is that the micro-organisms involved must be directly dealt with to reverse the disease in question. As with tuberculosis, the health of the host must be enhanced by better nutrition, reduced stress, cigarette and alcohol cessation, aerobic exercise, spiritual and psychological therapy as well as a less contaminated or less polluted environment. Diet changes alone do not reverse candida/fungal syndromes. Aggressive antifungal therapy is also necessary in almost all cases.

Supplements and herbs

Candida must be fought with a diet that promotes health and produces an unfavorable environment for candida. Nutritional supplements are required to support the healing process.

Betaine and pepsin hydrochloride as well as other stomach acidifiers like glutamic acid and stomach bitters dissolve candida and fungi in the stomach. One of the reasons why antacids and acid suppressing drugs like cimetidine and ranitidine lead to fungal infections is because they eliminate the fungal-protective effect of hydrochloric acid. Excess acid, however, can cause severe heartburn and possible lead to either gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. The need for acid supplementation should be determined by tests ordered by a natural health care practitioner.

Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins. It is important particularly for the health of the hair, skin and nails. It inhibits the conversion of the benign yeast form of candida to the invasive mycelial form. The usual effective therapeutic dose in adults is 1 mg or more daily.

Caprylic acid is another naturally occurring antifungal fatty acid (from coconut oil) which works at the primary level of the gastrointestinal tract. It is comparable in its antifungal activity to the prescription drug, nystatin. It only has weak systemic antifungal properties though.

Citrus seed extracts are as effective as nystatin and caprylic acid in the treatment of gut fungal overgrowth. Parasites like giardia and blastocystis hominis are also effectively treated by citrus seed extracts.

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant normally found in the body which optimizes the effects of oxygen in the body. CoQ10 has been well documented in helping the many symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome, angina pectoris and high blood pressure. It has no side-effects or significant toxicity.

Colloidal silver is another broad spectrum antifungal product which is gaining more widespread use, especially with alternative health care practitioners. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Silver in a colloidal form is nontoxic to human cells. It works by disabling enzyme systems found in bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Fish and fish oils (omega- 3 and fatty acids) have been demonstrated to substantially reduce the mortality rate from atherosclerosis. Fish oils as well as other fatty acids have strong antifungal properties. Flax seed oil is another good source of omega3 essential fatty acids. Evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oil are all excellent sources of omega-6 EPA fatty acids. All of the above are antifungal.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are sucrose molecules linked in sequence with fructose. They are widely found and naturally occurring in many vegetables, grains and fruits. FOS promote the growth of the beneficial gut bacterial (lactobacillus addophilus and bifidus). Some of the documented beneficial effects of FOS are: a reduction of bowel toxins, the prevention of diarrhea and constipation, a reduction in serum cholesterol, the protection of liver function, an anticancer effect and an improvement of chronic inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus are friendly bacteria and normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. Their presence is one of the body's natural defenses against fungal invasion.

Nicotinic acid (niacin or vitamin B3) in high dosages has strong antifungal properties. Medical doctors use niacin in high doses as primarily a cholesterol lowering agent. Since high cholesterol blood levels are actually the result of fungal mycotoxins, it makes sense that one of niacin's mechanisms of action is to inhibit fungi and their toxins. Niacin does cause flushing, severe itching, nausea and other gastrointestinal complaints in the majority of users.

Pancreatic digestive enzymes are another line of protection. These enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease and others) can be supplemented to increase the control of fungal growth in the gastrointestinal tract.

Pau d'arco is an effective antifungal remedy which is available in either loose tea form or as a tincture.

Selenium in high doses is antifungal. It is a common ingredient in fungicidal shampoos and lotions.

Tanalbit is a broad spectrum intestinal antiseptic made up of natural tannins and zinc. It is preferred by some practitioners over nystatin and caprylic acid.

Vitamin C in high doses is antifungal. In general, vitamin C is a weak acid. Candida, bacteria, fungi and parasites are often killed off by high dose vitamin C and this releases toxins into the system. Gas, headache, nausea and lightheadedness sometimes result, but this is just a sign of a temporary cleansing or detoxification reaction.

Herbal remedies kill the harmful bacteria, build the flora that controls their growth and restore the metabolic capacity to bum carbohydrates. Herbal juices should be taken 1 tbsp. daily. For herb teas, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of herbs, steep for ten minutes and drink three times daily.

• A combination of ramsons and wormwood juice is recommended for gastrointestinal complaints of bacterial origin, like Candida albicans.
• Calendula tea has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent remedy for yeast overgrowth.
• The high silica content in horsetail normalizes the bowels and can clear up the intestinal tract. Silica also rebuilds damaged or inflamed intestinal walls. Take as tea or aqueous extract vegetal-horsetail capsules.
• Aloe vera juice and fig syrup are great aids for normalizing bowel function. Aloe vera juice has long been known for its antimicrobial properties. It is loaded with antioxidants, enzymes and a long list of phytochemicals with immune system boosting properties which help keep fungi under control.
• Ginger tea is the pot beverage of choice to both soothe the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract caused by candida or fungal overgrowth as well as to help repair inflamed tissues.
• Goldenseal is another herbal remedy which helps fungal infections by encouraging the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria. Both goldenseal and lactobacillus acidophilus are valuable supplements that prevent fungal overgrowth if one has been prescribed antibiotics in the treatment of a bacterial infection. Goldenseal is often combined with Echinacea. Avoid during pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions.
• Green food supplements are effective against candida and fungi primarily because of their high chlorophyll content which prevents the spread of any fungal or bacterial infection. They also promote the growth of the friendly bacteria.
• Kelp, dulse, and other seaweeds are exceptionally good antifungal foods. They are rich in both iodiner and selenium, two minerals well known for their ability to inactivate fungi. Before the advent of antifungal drugs, iodine was considered the main effective remedy against candida and fungi.
• Peppermint oil is used as an antispasmodic remedy in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome; it happens to be anticandidal and antifungal.
• Psyllium husk powder is a water soluble, high fiber substance which has a particularly beneficial effect in clearing toxic debris accumulating in the large intestine. It flushes the gastrointestinal tract of fungi and their mycotoxins. It must be taken with at least sixteen ounces of water in order to prevent constipation and optimize its use.
• Tea tree oil is a broad spectrum antiseptic (fungi, bacteria, parasites) which has traditionally been used as an effective remedy against acne, blisters, athlete's foot, bronchitis, cold sores, wounds, boils, burns, insect bites, sore throats and all types of candida infections. Tea tree oil works topically as a local anesthetic (muscle pain); it penetrates below the skin surface yet does not burn skin (unlike water soluble antiseptics). Some health care practitioners recommend the oral use of tea tree oil as an antifungal (15 drops in water two or more times daily). Tea tree oil appears to be safe when taken at this dose internally.

What else you can do

• Avoid prolonged stressful situations and spend some time every day exercising outdoors.
• Sauna and affusion baths are beneficial.
• Keep the immune system healthy by following a regulated lifestyle with plenty of sleep and relaxation.
• Aerobic exercise is an effective antifungal therapy simply and only because candida and fungi do not thrive in a high oxygen environment. A higher oxygen level can be created in the body by regular aerobic exercise. The only drawback to this is the fact that many people who suffer from the more serious effects of fungal infections are physically incapable of exercise without aggravating their symptoms. For those that can do it, aerobic exercise is well worth the effort.
• In the case of vaginal infections, make sure that underpants are loose and allow the passage of air. Fungi are difficult to eradicate from underwear even if they are machine washed with detergents. In persistent, recurrent vaginal yeast infections, placing the moistened underwear in a microwave oven and turning the setting to high for five minutes destroys all traces of candida. Sitz-baths with Epsom salts or magnesium sulfate are very soothing for the inflammation which is often the cause of severe itching in candida vaginitis.

How much to take

• Lactobacillus acidophilus combination supplement, 1-3 capsules or 1 tsp.
• Caprylic acid, 500 mg twice daily
• Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg daily
• Digestive enzymes as recommended on the label
• Grapefruit seed extract, 1-3 capsules three times daily
• Garlic, two capsules three times daily
• Multivitamin, as recommended on the label
• Niacin vitamin B3, 500-1,000 mcg daily
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg daily or to bowel tolerance
• Psyllium seed, 2 tbsp
• Barley or wheat grasses, 1 tsp. two to three times daily
• Colloidal silver as recommended on the label

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