of Candidiasis
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- What is candidiasis?
- Symptoms of candidiasis
- Causes of candidiasis
- Prevention of candidiasis
- Risk factors for candidiasis
- Complications of candidiasis
- When to see a doctor about candidiasis
- Diagnosis of candidiasis
- Conventional treatment of candidiasis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of candidiasis
- Living with candidiasis
- Caring for someone with candidiasis
Alternative/complementary treatment of candidiasis
There are a number of alternative and complementary treatments which are useful in treating candidiasis and reducing symptoms:
Herbs
Certain herbs have been shown in studies to help alleviate the symptoms
- Echinacea - the herb echinacea has proven anti-fungal (as well as anti-bacterial and anti-viral) properties. Studies show that intake of echinacea can help improve the condition by reducing symptoms
- Garlic - the herb garlic is best if eaten fresh, cooked with food or taken as a supplement. Garlic has potent anti-fungal properties and can help to reduce some symptoms
- Pau d'arco - the herb Pau d'arco is a potent anti-fungal which can be used on the infected areas (only the vagina, penis and skin but definitely not the stomach or mouth) to quickly relieve symptoms
- Tea tree oil - diluted tea tree oil can be used on the infected areas (only the vagina, penis and skin but definitely not the stomach or mouth) to quickly relieve symptoms, as it is a potent anti-fungal
Vitamins
There are a number of vitamins which are useful in treating candidiasis and reducing symptoms:
- Biotin - the B cofactor vitamin, biotin (vitamin H) is effective in stimulating the immune system to return the flora balance that has been overgrown with the candida albicans yeast, back to healthy levels
- Vitamin A - the antioxidant vitamin A stimulates and supports the immune system to function more effectively and this helps to reduce the levels of the candida albicans yeast, which helps to reduce symptoms and returns the flora back to healthy levels
- B vitamins - the B vitamins (vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid) all help to stimulate the immune system to function better and this helps to reduce overgrowth of the candida albicans yeast and returns the flora balance back to healthy levels
- Vitamin C - the antioxidant vitamin C stimulates and supports the immune system to function more effectively and this helps to reduce the levels of the candida albicans yeast, which helps to reduce symptoms and returns the flora back to healthy levels
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E stimulates and supports the immune system to function more effectively and this helps to reduce the levels of the candida albicans yeast, which helps to reduce symptoms and returns the flora back to healthy levels
Minerals
There are a number of minerals which are useful in treating candidiasis and reducing symptoms:
- Selenium - studies show selenium increases resistance to candidiasis by boosting the function of the immune system to get rid of the bacteria more effectively and prevents proliferation
- Zinc - studies show zinc increases resistance to candidiasis by boosting the function of the immune system to get rid of the bacteria more effectively and prevents proliferation
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Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which are useful in treating candidiasis and reducing symptoms:
- Acidophilus - the friendly bacteria acidophilus, a helpful probiotic, makes the intestinal tract more acidic, inhibiting the growth of candida albicans, as well as producing hydrogen peroxide, which also kills the candida albicans yeast, prevents overgrowth and reduces symptoms by promoting proper intestinal flora
- Omega 3 fatty acids - the omega 3 essential fatty acids (DHA/EPA) help to reduce inflammation which is present in the area which has been infected with candidiasis through the overgrowth of the candida albicans yeast
Dietary modifications
Certain foods should be restricted (or even eliminated), while others need to be increased. The Candida diet may need to be adhered to for a minimum of 4 weeks, but could be recommended longer depending on how long symptoms have been experienced and how bad they are, after which the foods will be slowly introduced back into the diet (as long as they do not cause adverse effects):
- Confectionary - any type of "sweet stuff" including chocolate, ice cream and lollies should be avoided when treating candidiasis to get the best result, as candida growth is promoted by excessive sugar intake
- Fibre - foods high in soluble fibre should eaten each day to help improve and balance bowel flora. Suitable soluble fibres are: flaxseeds, oats and psyllium. The intake of these soluble fibres should be done gradually in people who are not used to eating so much fibre in their diet, in order to prevent adverse symptoms such as gas, bloating and constipation and ensure to drink a lot of water
- Fruit - most fruits are eliminated or greatly reduced on an anti-candid diet, as candida growth is promoted by excessive sugar (or glucose) intake
- Nuts - certain nuts, such as walnuts, contain beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which assist with relieving inflammation associated with symptoms
- Oily fish - these fish (mackerel, salmon, sardine, trout, tuna) contain beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which assist with relieving inflammation
- Processed foods - any types of processed foods will put extra stress on the body as they contain too much sugar and fat will assist the candidiasis to worsen
- Wholegrains - these foods contain fibre (to help bowel flora become balanced and healthier) and B vitamins which may be depleted in people with candidiasis
- Yeast containing foods - any fermented foods, such as cheese, tomato paste, vinegar should be avoided as the yeast inside them may stimulate further growth of the candida albicans yeast and worsen symptoms
- Yoghurt - plain yoghurt, especially if it has been fortified with acidophilus, will help to lower levels of candida albicans yeast and help to reduce symptoms
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modification strategies that can be used to help reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence of candidiasis in the future:
- Avoid antibiotics - it is important to avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily, as they can kill off both the "good" and "bad" bacteria (flora) and cause candidiasis in some susceptible people whose immune system (and digestive system) may not be functioning as optimally as possible
- Bottle feeding babies - mothers (and fathers) need to ensure that all parts of the feeding bottles are sterilised properly to prevent possible candida albicans overgrowth in the unsterilised bottles. Alternatively, breastfeed the baby as much as possible to prevent any issues with sterilisation of the baby bottles
- Cotton, linen or silk underwear - these natural materials allow the vaginal area to "breathe" and give less opportunity for the candida albicans yeast to overgrow and candidiasis to begin
- Good hygiene - women should always wipe from the vagina to the anus when going to the toilet, never the other way, as that can spread infection
- Vaginal douches - women should avoid using any type of vaginal douches or deodorants, as these can cause a disturbance of the acidity and flora balance in the vagina and can lead to candidiasis
Alternative treatments
There are no other alternative treatments recommended for candidiasis.
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
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< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with candidiasis > Last reviewed: 2 September 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
