THRUSH,
CANDIDA, VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
These
problems generally arise from infection due to the yeast-like
fungus Candida albicans. This yeast is a normal inhabitant
in the bowel, and in women the vagina. Infection results
when the candida become more active than usual (overgrowth),
changing form and literally taking root & penetrating
the tissue on which it establishes. An overgrowth of candida
albicans is a significant factor in a range of different
disorders.
SYMPTOMS
A wide
range of symptoms can result due to the allergic type reactions
when candida organism gets through the bowel wall allowing
foreign bodies (yeast by-products & partially digested
foods) into the blood stream. Common symptoms can include
digestive problems, vaginal thrush infections, flatulence
& bloating, diarrhoea, irritable bowel, cystitis, vaginitis/itching,
prostatitis, fatigue, lethargy, depression, emotional &
mental disturbances, worsening of symptoms after eating
refined carbohydrates and yeasted foods (and still having
a craving for them), fungal nail or skin infections...
CAUSES
*It
appears that a normal, healthy body can resist this infection,
but as soon as stress, fatigue or nutritional deficiencies
weaken the immune system, the infection easily starts taking
over.
*Altered
intestinal flora also can influence a candida overgrowth.
Broad spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs and
so on can destroy the 'good' flora, and candida can use
this opportunity to establish itself. This is a bigger risk
to people who have been using antibiotics long-term, as
their intestinal flora are likely to continually be unbalanced.
*The
contraceptive pill & steroids also favour the spread
of candida, particularly if they have been using them over
a long period of time. Pregnancy and old age are also times
that candida is typically a problem.
*A
diet too high in refined carbohydrates (sugars & starchy
foods) can also bring on candida, as these 'feed' the candida
in the gut and help them grow and establish further, increasing
bloating, flatulence, itching, disturbing bowel function,
and generally making you feel worse.
ORTHODOX
TREATMENT
Treatments such as nystatin or clotrimazole (Nystan, Canastan)
can assist but unless the immune system, stress & diet
are addressed re-occurrence of the infection is likely.
NATUROPATHIC
TREATMENT
*Follow
an Anti-Candida Diet program for a few weeks until you are
better - this is low in refined carbohydrates, fermented
foods (eg alcohol) or mould. This means NO white flour,
white sugar, brown sugar, yeast, marmite, concentrated orange
juice, mushrooms, cheese, bread, alcohol, grapes, unpeeled
fruits, raisins etc or foods containing these. It can be
difficult at first, but BE STRONG, and your perseverance
will reward you with a great relief of symptoms!
*Use
a good herbal formula to control thrush, for example Twinlab
Yeast Fighters. Herbs that can help relieve and control
symptoms include bayberry, licorice, pau d'arco, echinacea,
garlic, golden seal.
*Acidophilus
capsules are extremely useful to help rebalance the intestinal
flora. Enteric coated capsules are best as they will get
through stomach acids before breaking up in the intestines
where they are needed - giving a better result. This is
very important immediately after antibiotic use. You can
also use this kind of capsule (including garlic) as a suppository
if vaginal thrush is a problem.
*Fructooligosaccharides
(FOS) act as a fertiliser for acidophilus. FOS is found
in some acidiphilus supplements or can be taken seperately.
*Follow
up Thrush treatment with a good immune formula to prevent
re-occurrence.
*
Vitamin C (1000mg), B Complex (yeast free), zinc and iron
are also useful.
*External
creams and gels can be used if required.
*For
best results also treat sexual partner to prevent re-infection.
*Deal
with stress
WE
RECOMMEND:
Twinlab
Yeast Fighters or Natures Herbs Single Herbs (as listed
above)
Floramax Pro 20 billion probiotic
Echinacea Pro Immune Formula with Olive Leaf for anti-fungal help.
Living Nature Candida Gel
Also
read our Thrush & Candida
Diet Sheet, and Yeast Fighters
Product info.
|
