Yeast can be found in all of us. However, in some individuals, opportunistic yeasts like candida albicans become overgrown and colonize the intestines and other areas of the body; this may cause a wide array of symptoms, from fatigue and cloudy thinking to itching and skin complaints. Garlic demonstrates special properties that may help in the restoration of a healthier intestinal balance.
Causes of Yeast Overgrowth
Leon Chaitow, the author of "Candida Albicans," explains how overgrowth of candida and other yeasts may occur due to the use of antibiotics, periods of stress or a diet high in sugar. While the beneficial bacteria normally dominate the microbial population of the intestines, opportunistic yeasts can colonize the intestinal wall, where they will stay unless eradicated. Chaitow recommends the use of a low carbohydrate diet that starves the yeasts, together with foods that show an anti-fungal effect.
Garlic
Garlic demonstrates potent anti-fungal activity. Jonny Bowden, a nutritionist certified by the American College of Nutrition and best-selling author, rates garlic as one of the world's most useful foods and includes a profile of garlic in his book The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. In it, he describes garlic's anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects. Adding a clove of garlic into the diet each day can help kill off intestinal yeast to allow the beneficial bacteria to re-populate the digestive tract.
Garlic's Antioxidant Effects
Garlic delivers more properties than just the anti-microbial effects. The plant shows promise in supporting cardiovascular function, an effect attributed to its impressive antioxidant profile. The same antioxidant capability appears central to garlic's ability to improve the function of the immune system. Jack Challem, aka The Nutrition Reporter, reports that a particular compound called allicin appears to be responsible for these effects.
Choosing Capsules
Allicin content stands out as one of the most important factors when choosing garlic capsules. Manufacturers may provide the concentration of this key compound in a scale known as the allicin potential. It would appear wise to choose a product with an allicin potential of between 5,500 and 6,000 micrograms. Some companies encapsulate the garlic with a special coating so that it breaks down in the intestines rather than the stomach; this provides all the same health benefits but avoids garlic breath.
Other cConsiderations
Garlic stands out as a proven approach to help eradicate yeast overgrowth in the intestines. However, sufferers of these problems should also consider the role that carbohydrate control and probiotics play in achieving these positive changes.
References
- "Candida Albicans": Leon Chaitow: 1996
- The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: Jonny Bowden: 2007
- The Nutrition Reporter: The Wonders of Garlic
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