Candida is the name for a group of yeast, one-celled organisms classified as fungi. Candida yeast are normal inhabitants of the human body, living in harmony with bacteria and other organisms in the mouth, digestive system and vagina. Candidiasis is the illness that occurs when an imbalance in the system, caused by antibiotics, stress, other diseases or diet, allows the yeast to overgrow. Once a yeast infection occurs, there are several treatment options available, ranging from prescription medications to homeopathic alternatives.
Antifungals
Moderate to severe yeast infections will likely require an antifungal medication. There are several prescription medications to choose from and it may be necessary to try a few before you find the one that works effectively for you.
Nystatin is commonly used to treat Candida infections of the digestive tract. Because this medication is not absorbed through the intestines, it has very few side effects. In addition, it is cost effective. Amphotericin B, an antifungal medication similar to Nystatin, is just as effective but because it costs significantly more is often only prescribed after Nystatin fails to work.
There are also antifungal medications that are systemic medications, meaning they are effective in treating yeast infections occurring in other parts of the body, such as the vagina. These include fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole and terbinafine HCL. Because they affect the whole body they can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Terbinafine HCL has been associated with serious liver damage, according to the Environmental Illness Resource.
Natural Supplements
Many natural supplements have been found to be effective in treating Candida infection, especially mild infections. There are several advantages to trying natural supplements, including the cost effectiveness and the fact that yeast will not develop a resistance to them, as they often do to prescription medications.
Saturated fatty acids, such as palm oil, coconut oil or castor bean oil, have long been used as a treatment for yeast infections. Berberine, a compound found in herbs such as barberry and goldenseal, has shown to have strong antifungal effects against Candida albicans, according to a study published in "The Journal of Thermal Analysis on Calorimetry."
Other natural supplements that can help to alleviate Candida infections include oregano, garlic, colloidal silver, cellulose and plant tannins such as those found in black walnuts.
Candida Diet
Controlling the growth of microorganisms in the body can be accomplished by changing the diet. Often an unhealthy diet or the presence of stress can cause our systems to become imbalanced, leading to candidiasis. To help keep intestinal yeast from getting out of control, follow a diet that restricts the intake of sugar, processed foods (including any pre-packaged food, canned foods and processed meats), moldy foods (such as cheese, buttermilk or sour cream) and foods containing yeast (such as alcoholic drinks).
