Candidiasis
(Thrush and Yeast Infection)

Candida albicans is one of the many types of fungi that live and grow inside most human bodies. Normally, candida causes no harm; our bodies are equipped with probiotic (or “friendly) bacteria and immune cells that keep it under control. However, some medications, high-sugar diets, allergies, and other factors can all cause the friendly bacteria to die, leaving candida free to grow unchecked in parts or all of the body.

The medical name for this overgrowth is candidiasis, but most people know the condition as either thrush or as a yeast infection. Thrush is marked by soft white patches in the oral cavity, around the anus, or on the skin. It most often appears in babies and the elderly, but people with seriously compromised immune systems—such as those who have AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy—are also quite vulnerable. Many conventional doctors do not believe that such a condition exists except in cases of a seriously compromised immune system such as AIDS. Our view is different, and we find that many people with chronic fatigue and other chronic health conditions have problems with yeast overgrowth.

A vaginal yeast infection, by far the more common manifestation of candidiasis, causes burning, itching, and soreness in the vagina, along with a thick, sticky discharge. It’s often the result of antibiotic use, poor diet, hormone imbalance, or a combination of these causes.

Sometimes the fungus spreads throughout the entire body in a condition known as systemic candidiasis. This disorder can produce any of a wide variety of symptoms and is often at the root of a persistent, mysterious illness. If you feel sick but are told by doctors that nothing is wrong, there’s a good chance that you’re actually suffering from systemic candidiasis. For people with dramatically weakened immune systems, systemic candidiasis is a grave threat, as the fungus can actually poison the blood.

Complementary treatments, which emphasize therapies that reduce the levels of candida to normal levels, are the best ways to resolve this condition. Depending on the person, several steps are often required for success in treating candida overgrowth. This requires treating the underlying cause(s). One of the obvious steps is to eliminate or cut down on simple sugars, alcohol, and so on, which feed yeast. Also, direct therapy that destroys candida works to assist the body in getting candida levels down to a controllable level. Examples include oregano oil and garlic. However, many chronic cases require a change in the biological terrain. By this, we mean the state and the health of the digestive tract, the organs of detoxification and elimination, the immune system, and hormone balance. In particular, one often needs to improve digestion and elimination. The by-products of poor digestion can form metabolites that can promote candida growth. Leaky gut syndrome, as the result of intestinal permeability, is often a root problem of chronic candida. It is also imperative to promote the growth of the friendly flora that inhabit the digestive tract and many other areas of the body. These good bacteria are an essential component of the immune system’s presence that keeps yeast levels in check. Also, keep in mind that chronic stress can alter flora balance and can suppress immune function. And finally, hormone balance is important, especially for women. The use of the birth control pill or other forms of synthetic hormones may set the stage for candida overgrowth.

In a small percentage of cases, antifungal medications may be required. They, of course, should be used sparingly and with close supervision. They are not a magic bullet, and the root causes must still be addressed for long-term success.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

LifeSource’s Super Prescriptions – Candidiasis

Super Prescription #1 Oregano Oil - LifeSource Product Take a 300 to 500 mg capsule or the liquid form (as directed on the container) three times daily with meals (to avoid digestive upset).

Super Prescription # 2 Probiotics Dophilus Plus - LifeSource Product Take a product containing 4 billion active organisms twice daily, thirty minutes after a meal. It supplies friendly bacteria, such as acidophilus and bifidus, which fight candida and prevent its overgrowth.

Super Prescription #3 Garlic (Allium sativum) - LifeSource Product Take 2,500 mg of aged garlic twice daily. Garlic fights fungal infections and also boosts immune strength.

Super Prescription #4 Grapefruit seed extract Take 200 mg two to three times daily. Practitioners rely on this herb for its anti-candida properties.

Super Prescription #5 Caprylic acid Take 1,000 mg three times daily. This type of fatty acid has been shown in studies to have antifungal properties.

Super Prescription # 6 Gentian root (Gentiana lutea) Take 250 mg or 0.5 to 1.0 ml at the beginning of each meal. It improves stomach acid levels and overall digestive function. It’s often used with other bitter herbals.

Super Prescription #7 Echinacea & Goldenseal combination - LifeSource Product Take as directed daily. Both herbs enhance immune function. Echinacea has been shown to have anti-yeast effects.

 

Symptoms of Thrush

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

Symptoms of Systemic Candidiasis

The list of symptoms that systemic candidiasis can cause is too long but following are some of the most common:

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TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

For high-density nutrition and immune support, base your meals around fresh vegetables, whole grains, and quality sources of lean protein, such as beans, lentils, fish, and organic poultry.

To replace friendly bacteria, eat unsweetened yogurt daily. Make sure the brand you’re using has live yogurt cultures. Sauerkraut and miso are other examples of foods that contain friendly bacteria.

Despite its name, brewer’s yeast does not encourage Candida albicans; in fact, it enhances your immune system, so add some to your salads and other dishes. Vegetable and green drinks will improve your resistance. Drink 8 glasses of pure water a day to help flush yeast toxins out.

Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily. Flaxseeds have antifungal properties.

Foods to Avoid

The fungus that causes candidiasis feeds on sugar and yeast, so you must absolutely avoid all foods (especially alcohol) containing these substances during the initial phase of treatment.

Many people with candidiasis also have undiagnosed allergies. Determine whether you’re one of them.

During the course of your infection, avoid foods with mold (aged cheese, nuts, and nut butters)

Avoid refined foods that are likely to be loaded with sugars.

Avoid or reduce the use of fruits and fruit juices during the initial phase (first month) of treatment. It is especially important to avoid these foods between meals.

Detoxification

Consume foods such as garlic, onions, chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, and others that are known to support detoxification.

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