Identified in the 1970's by the American medical community, Candida is the more common name for Candidiasis, yeast overgrowth. Rarely acknowledged or diagnosed by physicians, Candida is well-accepted in holistic settings where it is felt to be the cause of numerous illnesses and diseases such as weight gain/loss, allergies, thrush, PMS, fungal infections of the nails/skin, diarrhea or constipation, to name a few. However, not enough evidence exists to support the effectiveness of alternative remedies.
Probiotics
Candida is normally present in our bodies and is kept in check by our immune system. If the immune system is compromised, such as with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, according to the National Candida Society of England, Candida can grow unchecked. Probiotics re-establish a healthy balance of our natural bacteria flora that is necessary for good health.
Diet
Although inconclusive, the Henry Spink Foundation in England maintains eliminating sugars such as carbohydrates, processed foods, fruits and fruit juices, as well as foods containing molds, yeast, fungi and starches, such as bread, mushrooms, potatoes, aged cheese, melons, black olives, peanuts, alcohol, dried fruits and vinegar, effectively starve the yeast. They recommend a diet low in the aforementioned foods and high in leafy green vegetables.
Anti-fungal and Vitamin Supplements
Garlic's use in battling Candida is inconclusive, yet the University of Maryland Medical Center does say, "Garlic may strengthen the immune system" and is said to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Other supplements are olive oil, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, aloe vera and horseradish, among a few. Essential fatty acids, glutamine and vitamins A, B, C, D and E are also used. Results here are also unsubstantiated.
Colon Cleansing
A side effect of treating yeast over-growth is the release of toxins into the body by the dying yeast cells. This is referred to as cell-die-off or the Herxheimer reaction. To expedite the process and ease the symptoms, colon cleansing is used.
