Food Supplements
Acidophilus and Bifidus supplementation will restore beneficial bacteria counts in the digestive tract and help keep harmful bacteria and yeast at bay. It is essential that these bacteria be restored to the body, particularly after the use of antibiotics. Look for a dairy-free formulation with at least 2.5 billion viable cultures per capsule and keep refrigerated. Take 2 or 3 capsules daily on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or right before bed. Supplements with Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) provide a beneficial "bed" and initial food source for the bacteria. If dairy allergies have been ruled out, you can also eat yogurt that has had either bacterial culture added.
Herbs
Garlic's anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and general anti-biotic properties make for an effective long term remedy in the prevention and elimination of recurring yeast infections. This versatile herb also helps lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and has antioxidant properties, too. Add it to your favourite meal and enjoy the numerous benefits. If eating whole cloves, take 2 to 4 daily. If using capsules, take 600 to 1,200mg once or twice daily with meals. If using a tincture, take 2 to 4mL three times daily.
Goldenseal has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. NOTE: This delicate, wild herb is becoming increasingly rare as its popularity grows. Use only after you have exhausted other possible courses of antibacterial treatment. To prepare a tea, use 1/2 to 1 tsp. powdered root per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups daily. Add honey or lemon to reduce the bitter flavour. If using a tincture, take 10 to 40 drops two times daily. If using capsules, take 250 to 500mg of powdered extract. Do not take for more than one week at a time and avoid completely if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.
Calendula, Echinacea, and Pau D'Arco may also prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs.
Homeopathy
Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy.
Thrush
Borax: Mucosa of the mouth is very sensitive and bleeds easily. Excess salivation.
Mercurius: Ulceration of the mouth. Bad breath. Excessive salivation.
Lifestyle
The first step is to eliminate sugars from your diet. This includes white/brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, molasses, et cetera. You may wish to keep "natural" sugars in your diet, i.e., fruits, but no more than two pieces per day. By eliminating sugar from your diet, you deny candida their food source as well.
After sugars have been eliminated, avoid yeast-containing foods as well. Dietary intake of yeast further promotes yeast growth in the body, when normal defence mechanisms have been compromised. The goal is to check their growth and starve their numbers, as it were. Yeast products include breads, pizza dough, bagels, donuts, and baked goods.
Miscellaneous
Other anti-fungal remedies that are effective in yeast elimination include grapefruit seed extract in liquid or tablet form at least three times daily on an empty stomach and caprilic acid, 500mg, two to three times daily.
Vitamins
Biotin inhibits yeast growth. Take 300mcg 3 times daily.
Vitamin C has antibacterial and immune boosting properties. Take 1,000 to 2,000mg daily in divided doses. You may further increase Vitamin C intake up to bowel tolerance.
