Candida refers to a type of fungal infection more commonly called "yeast." These infections can occur in the mouth (thrush), on the skin (athlete's food, jock itch) and in the vagina. For most people, these infections are minor, causing itching and irritation, and can be cleared up with natural or over-the-counter remedies. For others, these infections are more severe and persistent, returning often and responding poorly to conventional treatments. For these chronic, persistent candida infections, it may take a combination of treatment and lifestyle change to find relief.
Nutritional Approaches
The University of Maryland Medical Center found a link between people with chronic yeast infections and people who do not have enough calcium and B vitamins in their diets. It recommends increasing these vitamins, either through food or supplements. It also recommends adding vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium supplements, as these are important in fighting inflammation and healing tissue. Dietary changes may also prove effective at fighting candida. For example, according to the Earth Clinic, reducing your intake of simple sugars and simple starches, like bread, rice, pasta and white sugar, can reduce candida symptoms.
Natural Remedies
Several herbs have shown effective at treating candida. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports taking 2 to 4ml of echinacea juice per day lowers the occurrence of vaginal yeast infections. Regular consumption of garlic is said to create conditions in the body that are not conducive to candida growth. One study showed pomegranate gel worked as well as over-the-counter creams to treat candida. Apple cider vinegar is also a popular candida treatment, both applied to the skin and used in the mouth.
Homeopathic
Homeopaths have several different regimens for controlling chronic yeast infections, and the type of regimen depends on the symptoms and the individual. Popular recommendations are borax to sooth mucous membranes, belladonna and chamomilla for inflamed skin and arsenicum album or kreosotum for itching or burning. These remedies are prescribed in addition to examining physical, emotional and spiritual causes of illness.
Medicinal
Doctors may prescribe candida-fighting drugs or over-the-counter antifungal regimens. Many antifungal medications can treat candida at home and without a prescription. Unfortunately, most of these medications are for vaginal yeast infections and not oral or skin infections. For example, miconazole, ticonazole and clotrimazole are the three most popular over-the-counter vaginal yeast infection treatments. There are some over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays available to skin candida. Look for products that state they treat jock itch or athlete's foot. Fluconazole, or Diflucan, is a prescription pill which is often prescribed for a wide variety of candida infections. While these treatments may prove effective for some, they do not control chronic candida for others.
Treating Other Illnesses
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, frequent, chronic yeast infections could be a symptom of another disease. For example, people with diabetes have increased incidences of candida, as do people with HIV and psoriasis. If you can't get your yeast infections under control, it may be time to look at other causes. Getting other conditions under control will often get your yeast infections under control as well.
