Candida (Candidiasis) Diet and Herbal Remedies

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Candida

(Candidiasis) Diet and Herbal Remedies

Two of the most common of these single celled fungus is oral thrush and in the vagina (vaginitis or yeast infection). Sometimes though, this fungus is difficult to pin point. It can manifest itself as other ailments such as acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, rashes, dizziness, headaches, muscle soreness and pain.

Antibiotics are a major factor in Candidiasis. They not only kill the bacteria that cause infection but, the bodies' natural defenses as well.

Since probiotic (good) bacteria are killed by antibiotics or if the immune system becomes weakened, Candida yeast can grow without boundaries. Local infections, such as oral thrush, skin infections and vaginal yeast infections in women can result.

Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, yeast laden foods, diet high in sugar are all major culprits in upsetting the bodies' natural balance. When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the infection is in the mouth, it appears as white soars on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. Candida can appear in the form of athlete's foot, jock itch and diaper rash in babies.

Poor co-ordination, muscle weakness, swollen or painful joints, mood swings, loss of libido, infertility, depression, and unexplained tiredness can all be signs of candida. It can cause digestive and hormonal disturbances.

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, but is rarely transmitted sexually. Very often allergies to food are present in people with candida infection. The symptoms of food allergies and environmental sensitivities can also mimic those of candidiasis.

People with severely weakened immune systems, such as those with cancer or AIDS, may develop widespread Candida infection, a serious medical condition called systemic candidiasis.

Systemic Candidiasis and Albicans is an overgrowth of candida throughout

the body. In the most severe cases, it can found traveling through the bloodstream and invading every organ in the system.

The Yeast Syndrome: Candida albicans yeast in the intestines is responsible for a yeast syndrome that results in symptoms such as fatigue, headache, mood swings, sinus congestion, depression, poor memory and concentration, and cravings for sweets. This excess yeast is believed to penetrate the intestinal wall, causing yeast and other unwanted particles to be absorbed into the body and blood stream. The absorbed yeast particles are believed to activate the immune system, resulting in an allergic hypersensitivity to Candida.

Doctors often take a culture or examine vaginal discharge under a microscope because not all discharges are caused by relatively harmless yeast. Anything from a forgotten tampon to life-threatening pelvic inflammatory disease can cause similar symptoms: itching and an odd-smelling discharge.

Other causes include gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterial infection; trichomonas, a parasitic infection; and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, high-sugar diets, pregnancy, smoking, food allergies and intolerance and diabetes.

Herbal Remedies

Black Walnut has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly prescribed antifungal drug.

Pau D'arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American jungle tree (species of Tabebuia, also known as palo de arco, lapacho, and taheebo) is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau D'arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb works well in tea or tincture form.

Clove works for those when Pau D'arco does not.

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be beneficial.

Garlic Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.

Grapefruit Seed Extract for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast growth.

Oregon Grape Root has been shown to inhibit Candida in various studies due to its potent ingredient, berberine.

's Candida Diet

Avoid foods containing all types of yeast. This includes fermented foods

such as bread made with yeast, cheese, tomato paste, mushrooms, and beer.

A common cause of yeast overgrowth is antibiotic therapy, which can kill

off the " friendly " bacteria that compete with candida for food and keep

it in check. If you have to take broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is a good idea to take supplemental

The advantage of a natural approach to fighting yeast infection, allows control over the yeast permanently and puts your immune system back on track.

Avoid foods that contain yeast or mold including all breads, muffins, cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and mushrooms.

Other yeast-containing foods include: Baker's yeast, Brewer's yeast, Engevita, Torula, and any other types of nutritional yeast. Baked goods raised with yeast such as breads, rolls, crackers, bagels, pastries, and

muffins are not permitted. Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such

as bread and pasta.

Fruit contain natural sugar and is believed to support the growth of yeast. Fruits that are typically eliminated include fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and juice.

Avoid all types of vinegar, such as white vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, and any food made with vinegar including mayonnaise, salad dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, shrimp sauce, soy sauce, mustard, pickles, pickled vegetables, green olives, relishes, horseradish, mincemeat, and chili sauce.

Avoid sugars in all forms. Avoid eating a high-carbohydrate diet. No sugar, syrups, fruit drinks, soft drinks, honey, alcohol, fruit or dried

fruit. Sugar promotes the growth of yeast. For the first two to three weeks, the carbohydrate intake must be restricted to less than 60 grams per day, depending on age, health, activity level, and the extent of food sensitivities.

Avoid milk and buttermilk, which are high in sugar.

Refined sugar is believed to encourage the growth of Candida yeast. Foods containing refined sugar include: white sugar, brown sugar, honey,

maple syrup, corn syrup, maple sugar, molasses, date sugar, turbinado, raw sugar, demerrara, amasake, rice syrup, sorghum. Read labels carefully as there are hidden forms of sugar in many foods. When reading

the label, words to watch out for include: sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharides, polysaccharides.

Low-carbohydrate foods such as meat, chicken, turkey, shellfish, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts should be enjoyed instead. As symptoms subside, the carbohydrate total of the diet can be gradually increased.

Dairy products may have to be restricted. as Candida is thought to impair the body's ability to digest fat. How much dairy one consumes may

also depend on individual reactions to cow's milk and cow's milk products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and butter.

Avoid most cheeses. Cheeses lower in lactose may be tolerated, such as Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, Colby, provolone,

and dry curd cottage cheese.

Consider eating foods such as lean beef, chicken, eggs, fish, yogurt, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils. Organic skim yogurt made with live bacteria may be beneficial for some people because of the beneficial bacteria it contains.

Substitute with gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa.

Acidophilus to reduce the possibility of yeast infections. Rebuild the colon by repopulating it with " good/friendly " bacteria.

Increase soluble fiber One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Stevia is a natural sweetener, with no side effects that should be used instead of sugar, which adds a perfect breeding ground for yeast growth.

Detoxification is a very important element to cleansing your body to help fight off opportunistic yeast and infection.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system.

The length of time on a Candida diet depends on the length of time one has had symptoms and the severity of the symptoms.

Managing Your Candidiasis

Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and douches.

Change tampons and sanitary napkins often.

Keep the external genital area clean and dry.

Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap moisture.

Avoid tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes as well as wearing of pantyhose, daily.

Do not stay in a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods after swimming.

Diabetics should keep control over blood sugar levels.

Eliminate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, immune suppressing drugs and oral contraceptives.

Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://peacefulmind.com/candidiasis.htm

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