Candida albicans is a type of yeast that can become overgrown in the body. This yeast is found throughout the body, and almost every organ can be affected. When present at appropriate levels, it's useful to the body and helps maintain normal body functions and balance. However, an excess of yeast can cause a variety of symptoms affecting the digestive tract, respiratory tract and the skin. Treating local symptoms is fairly simple, and a variety of natural remedies are available.
Healthy Diet
Following a restricted diet for several weeks can help eliminate Candida overgrowth. Adding foods back into the diet one at a time can help determine which foods are adding to the Candida problem. The most important thing to remember when adjusting the diet for Candida is to eliminate sugar. Yeast feeds off the sugars in the body, which exacerbates the issue. Watch out for all foods that contain sugar, including syrups, fruit, sodas, honey and many dairy products. Fermented products that contain yeast should be eliminated as well, including breads, cheese, vinegar and alcohol. Healthy foods that can be incorporated into the diet include whole grains, fresh vegetables, yogurt, fish and eggs.
Herbs
Many herbs can be used to prevent the overgrowth of yeast. Garlic is a powerful antifungal agent that can also aid with digestive complaints stemming from candida overgrowth. Tea tree oil is also very effective against Candida when used topically for symptoms such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Berberin acts as an immune stimulant that's also effective against eliminating Candida. It can be found in herbs such as goldenseal, Barberry and Oregon grape root.
Supplements
Supplementing with probiotics can help increase the body's beneficial bacteria present in the intestinal tract. These flora can decrease the amount of yeast overgrowth. Lactobacillus acidophilus can be taken in powder form and is also available in many yogurts. These bacteria help to fight Candida found in the upper intestinal tract. Lactobacillus bifidum helps to restore healthy bacteria found in the lower intestines. Chlorophyll can also help to detox the intestines. It's available as a liquid or in capsule form, or you can consume six 8-oz. glasses of vegetable juice daily.
Colon Therapy
Colonics, also known as colon hydrotherapy, can help to clean the internal surroundings of the intestines, according to colon therapist Tova Finman-Nahman of New York. Taking psyllium in conjunction with colonics can help loosen stool that has become impacted in the colon.
References
- "Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing"; Gary Null, Ph. D, 2005
- Chet Day: Candida
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