(also referred to as...) Candida, Candida Albicans, Thrush
Description Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is naturally present in small amounts in the digestive tract and colon of all people. When these yeast overgrow, the condition is referred to as candidiasis. Thrush Thrush is candidiasis of the tissues of the mouth. It is a fungus that spreads over the tongue and inside of the cheeks, and looks like white patches. Thrush is very common in babies and quite rare in adults.
Symptoms and Signs: Common symptoms in women include recurring yeast or bladder infections. Other symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, lightheadedness, indigestion, skin rashes, gas or bloating and fatigue. Candidiasis-related symptoms are quite numerous and signs of candida overgrowth can appear through a variety of other symptoms and ailments including depression, loss of sex drive, et cetera.
Causes: Antibiotics, contraceptives, poor diet, and stress are all known to contribute to candidiasis. Antibiotics result in the loss of "friendly" bacteria. In their absence, the candida may flourish (lack of competition). The Birth Control Pill also destroys friendly bacteria and thus encourage candida growth. Diets high in sugar and starch provide the necessary "food" for candida; resulting in increased growth. Stress creates an imbalance in the body, hindering the immune system, which then allows an increased proliferation of any yeast in the body.
What to Expect: If left untreated, candidiasis can transfer to your bloodstream. This is quite rare (usually in severely immune compromised individuals) but can prove to be quite dangerous, if the situation is left unattended.
Remedies
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.
Actions and Remedy Listings
See also Yeast Infection
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