When deciding to treat the Candida Overgrowth naturally, it is crucial to take a holistic view.
It’s always worth considering going the GP route and taking prescription antifungals, whether as an alternative or a supplement to the natural treatment route.
Natural treatment, while effective, requires a lot of discipline, lifestyle changes and obtaining a number of food supplements, which should be taken appropriately.
Some people can be, or become sensitive or allergic to one of the food supplements. For that reason it’s always best to work with a qualified nutritionist and raise any concerns with them.
Candida die-off period can be especially fraught with difficulty, as it’s when the Candida releases the toxins from the breaking down yeast. This almost makes it seem like the symptoms are getting worse, not better. It’s a known phenomenon, but again – working with a qualified nutritionist or doctor will ensure optimal and safe progress.
If the Candida die-off symptoms are overwhelming, it’s prudent to reduce the supplementation, or stop it altogether.
NOTE: This is a generic program, not personalized health advice. It’s based on publically available information at the time of writing, but can contain errors or omissions. We take no responsibility for any adverse effects. Always consult your doctor of qualified health professional before undertaking any treatment like that or similar.
Pillar 1: The Candida Diet
The good news is that by making healthy changes to your diet you can help your body become resistant to Candida overgrowth.
It is important to follow a well balanced and tolerated diet. Some people suffer from intolerances of:
- Salicylates
- FODMAPs
- Gluten
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Gluten
- Lactose
These can be caused by a variety of factors like leaky gut, bacterial overgrowths within the gut or others.
It is critical to ensure the diet during the Candida cleanse will not make any symptoms worse. It’s advisable to switch to the “Candida diet” 30 days before starting the supplementation, to ensure it doesn’t give any side effects of its own.
For the most comprehensive information source on the Candida Diet, we recommend the following website:
The Candida Diet | https://www.thecandidadiet.com
Avoid Sugar, In All Its Forms
If you want to contain candida, stay away from sugary foods. A study conducted in 2015 which was published in Nature Communications revealed that sugar causes the death of immune cells that play a role in fighting against candida cells.
Researchers found out that candida yeast cells are able to build protective cell walls when they are fed with sugar. With the help of sugar, these candida cells also become more capable of expanding their colonies and change into a more destructive fungi form.
Avoiding sugar is definitely one of the most significant keys in defeating candida. This means reducing the intake of all simple carbohydrates and high-GI foods.
Eat More Vegetables
Increase the intake of cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are examples of vegetables that stimulate the production of glutathione in the body.
Glutathione is essential for the optimal functioning of the liver. When there is enough glutathione, the liver will also be more efficient in carrying out the detoxification process.
Eat more leafy greens. Green leafy vegetables are essential for increasing your alkalinity which is very important for creating an environment in your body that is not conducive to yeast overgrowth.
Leafy greens are rich in magnesium which naturally detoxifies your body. These leafy veggies are also high in vitamin C that boosts your immune system and chlorophyll that also cleanses your system. They are also loaded with B vitamins that energize your body.
NOTE: Cruciferous vegetables can cause bloating when the microbiome is not balanced
Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur which makes it a perfect antifungal remedy for sufferers of Candida albicans. Apply crushed raw garlic on the affected area and add it to your daily diet.
NOTE: Garlic contains a large amount of FODMAPs.
Coconut Oil
The saturated fats in coconut oil also have antimicrobial properties that are capable of killing off candida fungi. You can apply coconut oil directly onto the affected area or you may also add one to three teaspoons of organic coconut oil every day into your daily diet.
NOTE: Coconut oil is high in Salicylates
Yoghurt
The Lactobacillus acidophilus culture found in natural yoghurt is helpful for regulating candida growth. The Lactobacillus acidophilus content in yoghurt is responsible for producing lactic acid which keeps candida under control. Natural yoghurt is ideal for helping restore gut flora balance during and following a course of antibiotics.
NOTE: Consider using lactose free yoghurt, like Coconut Yoghurt.
Pillar 2: Gut and Liver Strengthening Food Supplements
It is common for Candida sufferers to suffer from digestive issues. In those cases an overall gut strengthening program typically applies.
Probiotics
It’s important to supplement as much of beneficial bacteria to the digestive system to help balance the gut flora.
One strain in particular, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus is shown to have Anti-Candida effects on its own, so acts as both probiotic and an antifungal.
Oral probiotics are also available in tablet form, Bacillus coagulans strain is shown to be beneficial to the health of the gut flora in the mouth.
Sodium Butyrate
Sodium Butyrate works by providing fuel for the gut lining, which results in a stronger gut wall, lessening irritability and permeability. It’s commonly used with IBS sufferers.
Betaine HCL with Pepsin
Betaine hydrochloride (HCL) is a supplement that can be taken to increase stomach acid production. It is often used to help with digestion, particularly in people who have low stomach acid. Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is activated by stomach acid, so low stomach acid levels can reduce its effectiveness.
There is some evidence to suggest that low stomach acid levels may be a contributing factor in the development of Candida overgrowth, as the low acid environment may allow Candida to grow and thrive in the digestive system.
NOTE: Betaine can cause a feeling of heartburn. It’s a sign of the stomach acid sufficiency. It can then be stopped altogether.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used by the body. They are produced by the pancreas and other organs and are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
In people with Candida overgrowth, digestive enzymes may be useful for several reasons. First, Candida can produce toxins that can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Digestive enzymes can help break down food more effectively, which may improve nutrient absorption and reduce the burden on the digestive system.
Second, Candida overgrowth can cause a range of digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements. Supplementing with digestive enzymes may help alleviate these symptoms by improving digestion and reducing the load on the digestive system.
Finally, some research suggests that certain digestive enzymes, such as proteases and lipases, may have antifungal properties and may be able to help kill off Candida cells.
Collagen
There is evidence to suggest that collagen may be beneficial for people with certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and leaky gut syndrome. It may help reduce inflammation, improve healing, and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Collagen may also be helpful in supporting the health and function of the intestinal lining, which can help improve nutrient absorption and reduce the risk of food sensitivities.
L-Glutamine
L-Glutamine is an amino acid that plays a number of important roles in the body, including serving as a source of fuel for the cells lining the intestines (enterocytes). Some research suggests that supplementing with L-glutamine may be helpful in supporting gut health and function, particularly in people with certain gastrointestinal conditions. It may help reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
It’s also beneficial in reducing sugar cravings, which is very important for the success of the Anti-Candida Diet.
Pillar 3: Antifungals
Warning: Antifungals are strong, functional products. Always check with your doctor or qualified nutritionist if they’re suitable for you, and stop taking them in case of any adverse side effects. Efficacy can vary by vendor and source of origin; also some brands are better than others.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has both antibacterial and antifungal properties. Individuals with vaginal yeast infection may dip tampons into diluted tea tree oil and replace the tampon every four or six hours. Tea tree oil can also be added into a glass of water to be used for gargling as a remedy for oral thrush.
Oregano Oil
Oregano oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help treat and prevent candida overgrowth. Mix oregano oil with olive oil before applying it into the affected area. You may also drink a glass of water which contains a few drops of oregano oil and do this two times a day.
NOTE: Oregano Oil is a strong product, it’s important to check it can be supplemented safely
Berberine Sulfate
Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants, including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including infections and digestive disorders. Some research suggests that Berberine may have antimicrobial properties and may be effective against certain types of bacteria and fungi, including Candida.
NOTE: Berberine has potential side effects. It may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may interact with certain medications. Berberine may also lower blood sugar levels, so it may not be safe for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia.
Reishi Extract
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is often referred to as the “mushroom of immortality” and is believed to have a variety of health benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. Some research suggests that Reishi extract may have antimicrobial properties and may be effective against certain types of bacteria and fungi, including Candida.
Pillar 4: Detox Supporting Food Supplements
During Candida Die-off it’s crucial to help the body detoxification pathways
Liver regeneration complex
A number of food supplements are available to that effect. The important ingredient is Milk Thistle Extract
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including liver support and detoxification. Milk thistle extract is often taken as a supplement to support liver health and function.
There is some evidence to suggest that milk thistle extract may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may be helpful in supporting liver function. The liver plays a vital role in the detoxification process, and some people believe that milk thistle extract may help support this process and aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
Pillar 5: Supportive Food Supplements
Liposomal Vitamin C
Supplementing with vitamin C is helpful during a detox program to support the body’s natural detoxification processes and promote overall health and wellness. Liposomal vitamin C is a form of vitamin C that is encased in a phospholipid (fat) layer, which allows it to be absorbed more efficiently by the body. Vitamin C is more effective than traditional vitamin C supplements because it is more bioavailable, meaning that it is more readily absorbed and utilized by the body.
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a number of important roles in the body, including supporting nerve function, muscle function, and bone health. It is also involved in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis.
Magnesium is found in a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, but many people do not get enough of it in their diet. Magnesium deficiency, also known as hypomagnesemia, is relatively common and can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle cramps, fatigue, and weakness. It may also increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
For these reasons, magnesium supplementation may be important for everyone, especially those who are at risk of magnesium deficiency due to certain factors, such as an inadequate diet, certain medications, or certain medical conditions. Magnesium supplementation can help restore normal magnesium levels and may be helpful in relieving symptoms of deficiency and improving overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
Recurring candidiasis is a problem for a great many people. Topical treatments may reduce symptoms temporarily, however unless the underlying environment is changed, the problem will recur.
In some cases, if left untreated, yeast infections can become extremely virulent and even cause more serious damage.
We hope this book will inspire you in your health journey, and wish you all the best.