Home Remedies To Cure Candida

The term "candida" is used to describe the condition of Candida albicans overgrowth in the human body. Candida albicans fungus normally resides at healthy levels in the intestinal tract, but it becomes a problem when the bacterial balance in the stomach is disturbed, causing the candida yeast to spread throughout the body. Candida symptoms include depression, stomach problems, fatigue and athlete's foot. Because many times mainstream medicine does not diagnose or treat candida, you can use home remedies to cure the overgrowth.

Diet

According to obstetrician gynecologist Marcelle Pick, co-founder of the Women to Women Clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, a four-month, yeast-free diet can starve and kill the candida overgrowth. Eliminate all foods and drinks that contain sugar, including "natural" sugars like maple syrup and honey. Fresh fruit, up to three times a day can be consumed but not fruit juice or dried fruit. Only eat whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, in limitation (no more than 15 g carbohydrates per meal). Foods containing yeast or mold must also be eliminated, so no cheese, pickles, alcohol, mushrooms or peanuts are allowed. On Pick's candida elimination diet, you will be eating mostly raw and steamed vegetables, along with fresh meat and eggs. Organic foods are recommended.

Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids like lauric acid, which is also found in human breast milk. The unique properties of virgin coconut oil make it an ideal anti-fungal remedy that will kill the candida overgrowth in your body. A 2007 study at the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, in Ibadan, Nigeria found that Candida Albicans had a 100 percent susceptibility to coconut oil, and that "coconut oil should be used in the treatment of fungal infections in view of emerging drug-resistant Candida species." Take 3 tbsp. high quality virgin coconut oil daily, either directly or incorporated into your favorite recipes.

Oil of Oregano

In the book "The Cure is in the Cupboard", Dr. Cass Ingram writes that oil of oregano contains two phenols, carvacrol and thymol, which are potent microbial killers. Ingram also explains that wild oregano is a powerful anti-fungal herb, and it will effectively treat candida overgrowth. Start your oil of oregano treatment gradually, with one drop a day. Work up to three drops, three times daily, of oil of oregano. You can also dilute one drop of oil of oregano with 1/2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil.