by Stephen C. Byrnes, N.D., R.N.C.P. THE NIGHTMARE OF CANDIDA OVERGROWTH Candida albicans and candida tropicalis are the names given to common
yeasts that live within our intestines and certain mucous membranes, the
throat, for example. Everyone has candida within them: we are born with
it. Candida usually lives at peace with our other intestinal fauna, the
acidophilus and bifido bacteria, and it is these bacterial residents that
keep candida under control, preventing a "population burst."
Candida's function in the body is mainly to gobble up any putrefied food
matter in our digestive system (mostly caused by improper digestion due
to low stomach acid) before any potentially harmful bacteria can have
a feast, multiply, and become threatening to our health. After we die,
candida acts to decompose the body, feeding off our corpse, much like
a fungal mold on a dead tree. Candida is usually kept in check by the
gastrointestinal "good" bacteria and the immune system, but
trouble can arise when certain conditions are present. It is in the presence
of these conditions that candida can begin growing out of control in the
intestines, branching out and colonizing the gut. In this process, candida
can eat away at the intestinal walls, spread into the bloodstream, and
infiltrate other tissues. The normally benign yeast has literally transformed
itself into an aggressive, destructive, fungal pathogen that can cause
a variety of seemingly unrelated health problems. This condition/disease
is known as systemic candidiasis. SYMPTOMS & CAUSES Systemic candidiasis, as a separate disease, was not recognized or defined
until the 1980's, mostly because its symptoms were so varied and duplicated
those of other illnesses, leading doctors to conclude that the patient
was suffering from, for example, sinusitis instead of yeast infiltration
of the nasal passages. Additionally, since one of the main causes of systemic
candidiasis are doctor prescribed antibiotics, which kill the intestinal
bacteria that control candida, the medical profession was probably not
too eager to admit the existence of this disease. Diagnoses of candidiasis
were limited to its visible manifestations, e.g., a vaginal or oral yeast
infection. Treatment was directed towards eradicating these conditions
alone without addressing the reality of a more serious, but hidden, infection.
The symptoms of candidiasis, and their severity, vary from person to
person but the main ones are: chronic fatigue, especially after eating,
depression, craving for breads and sugars (yeast eats sugar), extreme
mood swings, feelings of rage, especially after eating sugary foods, feeling
"drunk" after eating a meal high in carbohydrates (candida's
waste is alcohol), hypoglycemia, excessive mucous of the throat, nose,
and lungs, chronic fungal infections of the skin (jock itch, athlete's
foot) or vaginal/oral thrush, diarrhea, anal itching, short-term memory
loss, feeling "spacy," and bloating or gassiness after eating.
In addition to these, lymphatic swelling, difficult PMS, night sweats,
chest and joint pain, memory loss, incoordination, blurred vision, intense,
random headaches, intermittent vertigo, insomnia, sneezing fits, and increased
food allergies are also fairly common. A person tends to get extremely
sensitive to damp, mildewy environments and, sometimes, to extreme humidity
as well as perfumes, colognes, and smoke. Since candida can infiltrate
the urinary tract, acute kidney infections, cystitis, and prostatitis
are possible. While these symptoms can indicate other illnesses, if certain factors
are present in one's personal history the symptoms are likely to indicate
candida overgrowth. These factors are: Contributing factors are A 20TH CENTURY DISEASE Candidiasis is truly a modern disease, brought on by medical "innovations"
like antibiotics and the Pill and a more "civilized" diet of
refined, sugary foods and candy. In some naturopathic circles, the illness
is derisively known as "Candy Disease." In all seriousness, however, candidiasis is a serious condition for two
main reasons: TREATMENTS & RECOVERY The standard allopathic treatment for candidiasis is the drug Nystatin,
a mold which inhibits the growth of other molds like candida. Two other
popular drugs are Nizoral and Fluconazole. While these drugs certainly
kill candida, they do not work forever due to candida's ability to mutate
into drug resistant strains, nor do they prevent candida from coming back.
Natural therapies are the most potent and effective weapons against this
disease and recovery time lasts about 6 to 12 months (or longer depending
on the length of time one has had the condition and the severity of symptoms).
This might seem long, but once candida has colonized the body, it takes
quite an effort to drive it out. Let's now take a look at the natural
therapies most effective against this adaptable and extremely tenacious
invader. DIGESTION The key to conquering candida is in cleaning up the digestive system,
the ultimate source of the problem. In general, one must avoid constipation
at all costs so high water (4-5 glasses a day) and adequate fiber intake
is recommended. Drinking lots of water will also help flush the dead yeast
cells out of your system as you progress with your treatment. If diarrhea
is a problem, psyllium or yellow dock herb, both available in capsule
form, will tighten the colon. These two herbs are also effective for constipation
— they are bowel regulators. Yellow dock is also known as a blood
builder, effective for anemia and low white blood cell counts. If you
decide to take yellow dock, be sure to take it separately from any herb
containing tannic acid to avoid stomach upset. Supplementation with acidophilus and bifido bacteria is essential to
recolonize the intestines. While these bacteria will not kill candida,
they inhibit candida's growth and, generally, clean up the bowels, making
it more difficult for candida to thrive. Look for a high potency supplement,
either freeze dried or refrigerated, made without cow's milk. You will
need to supplement heavily with these "probiotics" throughout
your recovery and well after all your symptoms have gone. Chlorophyll-rich
foods, like leafy green vegetables and alfalfa, also promote acidophilus
growth and discourage yeast reproduction. Proper food digestion is an absolute MUST as nothing makes candida happier
than putrefied, poorly digested food. Unless you have an ulcer, consider
taking a digestive enzyme supplement with hydrochloric acid (HCL) immediately
before or after each meal. If you have an ulcer, look for digestive enzyme
supplements without HCL. Plant enzyme supplements are excellent. Both
pancreatin and plant enzymes can be taken between meals to hinder yeast
growth. Using digestive enzymes will help your condition dramatically
and also take some stress off your pancreas which might be weary from
dealing with possible candida-caused hypoglycemia. (If you notice any
stomach irritation when using HCL supplements, cut back on the dose at
once to prevent possible ulcer formation.) If enzyme supplements are not available, a cup of German chamomile tea
just before or after eating will stimulate HCL production by the stomach.
Chamomile will also ease any gassiness and/or bloating and contains potent
anti-candida compounds. If you have a history of ragweed allergy do not
use chamomile; fennel or cardamon are fine substitutes. Another herb to
consider for digestion is wormwood. Wormwood, while extremely bitter,
is probably the best digestive herb around, stimulating HCL and bile production.
SIde benefits of wormwood are ridding you of any parasites, gas, nervousness,
and weak stomach. Wormwood extract or tincture can be found at any health
food store; take the recommended dose just before eating in a little water.
CAUTION: Wormwood should not be used by pregnant women. Since the liver can get overburdened with candida's toxins because it
filters the blood, cleansing this organ is essential for your recovery.
Daily supplementation with hepatic herbs like, dandelion root, golden
seal, wormwood, barberry, Oregon grape root, or bayberry, is highly recommended.
Again, the need for increased water intake is emphasized here to facilitate
internal cleansing. CAUTION: Avoid goldenseal and barberry if you are
pregnant. DIETARY DO'S AND DONT'S Since candida loves sugar, it must be avoided in all its forms (dextrose,
sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose, fructose). Say goodbye to all fruits,
except the low sugar ones like strawberries, cherries, and papayas which
can be eaten in strict moderation. Read the label of every food product
you buy to be sure there is no added sugar (a near impossible task these
days!). Diet is your main weapon against candida, but also the most frustrating
as you will have to give up a number of foods. Bid farewell to: wheat,
rye, milk, cheese, alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, potatoes, honey,
mushrooms, and vinegar: all these foods promote yeast growth or can aggravate
already present yeast colonies. Keep your food well covered in the refrigerator
to prevent mold formation. When eating out, be sure to ask how a dish
is prepared and tell the server to hold any undesirable ingredients like
soy sauce or mayonnaise. In general, a low carbohydrate diet is preferred. Carbohydrates, even
complex ones, eventually break down to glucose (sugar) in the digestive
tract, and sugar feeds candida. Its also adviseable to avoid the starchier
vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and winter squashes. Different
people, however, have different sensitivities. I've worked with patients
who can handle wheat, despite a candida problem. You and your body are
your best guide as to which foods to avoid. At rock bottom, however, all
sugars MUST be avoided. Due to the restrictions, you may be wondering at times, "What the
hell am I supposed to eat?!" Books will be listed at the end of the
article to help with food selections and recipes. On the positive side, assuming you have no allergic reactions, you can
enjoy all of the following: fish, poultry, meat, all vegetables, brown
rice*, eggs, seeds, all nuts except cashews and peanuts, herb teas, beans*
and lentils*, goat milk*, corn*, amaranth*, kamut*, quinoa*, buckwheat*,
oats*, and spelt*. Check with a local health food store for sugar free
breads made of kamut, millet, or spelt and consider eating corn tortillas
to replace wheat bread. (*: moderate amounts only.) To ease their digestion,
all nuts, seeds, and whole grains should be soaked for at least seven
hours before cooking or drying. Soaking initiates the sprouting process
and breaks up the enzyme inhibitors and phytates found in these foods.
Contrary to popular belief, foods containing yeast may be eaten if no
allergic reactions are present. Brewer's yeast, for example, is a very
nutritious and immune enhancing food and can be eaten for nutritional
support during one's recovery. As your symptoms disappear, you can cautiously add back the forbidden
foods, one at a time and slowly. Do not eat any refined sugars for at
least 6 months after your recovery. Having candidiasis once predisposes
one to getting it again so be very careful after you are well. Indulging
in too many foods too quickly can, as I can painfully attest to, cause
a relapse. HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS The following herbs should assist in recovery: Garlic - a powerful antifungal and immune stimulant. Garlic will
also help with constipation, gas, excess mucous, and blood cleansing;
it is antiparasitic and hypotensive also. Some people are sensitive to
garlic so increase your dosage slowly to discern any unpleasant side effects.
If there are none, include it liberally in your diet, everyday. If you
prefer to take garlic tablets, look for ones that are enteric coated to
insure that the garlic is released deep inside the intestines where candida
thrives. Golden Seal, Barberry, Oregon Grape Root - the berberine in these
herbs is lethal to candida. Berberine is also a powerful immune stimulant.
Don't overuse golden seal as too much will irritate the liver: take for
2 weeks on, one week off. All of these herbs can also be used to assist
digestion. Golden seal can be topically applied to ringworm, and made
into a tea for athlete's foot. These three herbs are excellent for urinary
tract problems, being diuretic, antibacterial, and antifungal. Like wormwood,
golden seal and barberry should not be used by pregnant women. Licorice root - Though not antifungal, licorice will soothe the
inflamed intestines so common with candida, thus helping to prevent malabsorption
of nutrients and food allergies. Licorice also tones the adrenal glands
and helps regulate blood glucose, controlling sugar cravings. This herb
is also excellent for excessive mucous, cough, and constipation. Astragalus - This popular Chinese herb is excellent for stimulating
the immune system, essential for recovering from candida or any other
infective condition. Aloe Vera- a must if sufferring from fungal skin
infections. The fresh gel is effective against ringworm, jock itch, and
athlete's foot and will also help heal cracked, damaged skin. Use bottled
gel if the fresh herb is not available. Other useful herbs are clove, ginseng (all varieties),
ginger, pau d'arco, and cinnamon. For proper doses,
check the labels, but higher doses may be taken without fear of toxicity
except as noted above. Tea tree oil, from Australia and New Zealand, is very deadly to
candida and may be used topically for athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
It can also be used as a gargle or douche when mixed with water and can
be safely taken internally (3-4 drops, 3 times a day, do not exceed this
dose). Be absolutely certain the brand you buy does NOT say "For
external use only" on its label. Caprylic acid, a short chain fatty acid, is extremely effective
against candida and is, fortunately, available over the counter at health
food stores. Look for a slow release formula of about 300-500 mg. and
arrange for a dose of 500 to 1000 mg. with each meal. Colloidal silver, and the newer olive leaf extract, are
excellent antifungal agents and lethal to candida. Though expensive, my
clients have had excellent results with these products. Look for a silver
supplement of at least 40 ppm with a micron size of no more than .001.
Follow the instructions on the labels for the correct doasages. Oxygen is an antifungal compound. Taking stabilized oxygen products,
like flavored peroxide combinations found in health food stores, can also
be employed in one's recovery. The latest in candida treatment are enteric coated essential oils. Oregano,
peppermint, and rosemary oils are all extremely powerful
against candida and some supplement companies already have formulas using
these oils on the market. Oregano oil is estimated at being 100 times
more powerful than caprylic acid. Be prepared for some explosive diarrhea
when using this product. As the yeast cells die, the body makes every
effort to expel them. Vitamin/mineral supplementation is a good idea to not only insure that
adequate nutrients are ingested, but also to help the immune system fight
the infection. The following are suggested daily guidelines. For individual
needs, its best to see a health practitioner who is familiar with approaching
candidiasis: Vitamin A (as retinol and beta carotene)- 75,000 iu; vitamin
C- 3 to 5 gms.; selenium- 200 mcg.; zinc- 50 mg.; vitamin E- 400 iu; iron-
10 mg.; essential fatty acids- 4 gms; high potency multi
vitamin/mineral- 1 a day.
One particularly useful nutrient is the free-form amino acid glutamine.
Glutamine is very pivotal in maintaining proper muscle mass, brain function,
intestinal integrity, and stable blood sugar levels. It is often prescribed
to recovering alcoholics by natural therapists to control alcohol cravings.
1-3 grams before each meal is suggested. Glutamine is excellent for helping
to heal leaky gut syndrome, a very common symptom of intestinal
candidiasis. Also, since weight loss is usual with severe candida infestations,
this amino acid helps protect against muscle loss. Glutamine is also very
stimulating to the immune system. Do everything you can, then, to acquire
it and be diligent about taking it. There are homeopathic preparations of Candida albicans on the market.
From personal and professional experience, you have to be very careful
with these products as they can cause a severe Herxheimer Reaction,
or temporary worsening of your symptoms due to the rapid die off of yeast
cells in the body. The best way to use homeopathics is to start with a
weaker preparation of about 12X potency, and gradually work your way up
to more powerful doses — 30C and above. A slow build up avoids the
unpleasant hassle of aggravated die off. You will sometimes feel like a walking medicine chest from all of the
supplements, herbs, probiotics, and antifungal products you'll be taking.
Inconvenience aside, it is necessary as candida is a very tenacious organism.
You must be persistent and unwavering in your efforts to recover or you
will get nowhere; the total approach is necessary. DIE OFF When you take away candida's food, sugar, and attack the yeast with herbs
and supplements, it will die, causing a condition known as die off. Die
off will last from a few days to a few weeks and the severity of symptoms
will vary from person to person. Usually present are nausea, headaches,
gas, irritability, diarrhea, severe energy loss, sugar cravings, and blurred
vision. Exercise and water will reduce your symptoms by flushing the dead yeast
cells more quickly from your system. Use your herbs smartly as many of
those listed before can help, e.g., cinnamon or clove tea will help allay
nausea and gas, as well as help disinfect your digestive tract. YOUR GREATEST WEAPON As a former candida sufferer, and a naturopath who has dealt with affected
individuals, I can confidently tell you that your greatest weapons against
it are your diet and your patience. Frustration is likely to run high
during your recovery as candida is an incredibly tenacious organism. Stick
it out, however, and know that you will eventually recover for the rewards
are great. SOURCES & RECOMMENDED READING The Candida Directory and Cookbook by Helen Gustafson and Helen
O'Shea. 1992; Celestial Arts Publishing. The Yeast Connection by William Crook, M.D.. 1986; Vintage Books.
Candida Albicans: Could Yeast Be Your Problem? by Leon Chaitow,
N.D. 1985; Thorsons, U.K. About the Author Stephen C. Byrnes is a Naturopathic Doctor and Clinical Nutritionist
living in Honolulu, HI. He writes frequently and is the author of Overcoming
AIDS with Natural Medicine and other books available off of www.amazon.com.
You can contact Dr. Byrnes at [email protected]
or click here to visit his website
Candidiasis Naturally
