What Doctors Don't Tell YouFollow the anti candida diet, avoiding sugars, yeast, alcohol and high allergy foods and, for a week or two, fruits.
Kill the candida with an anti fungal agent. Besides berberis, caprylic acid or goldenseal, a number of other traditional substances have shown promise. These include:Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). In one study of 28 women, inserting a suppository of tea tree oil every night for a week completely cleared symptoms in all of them (Phytotherapie, 1985; vol 15).
Supplements that combines oregano and thyme, a regime favoured by Leo Galland, both of which have potent anti yeast effects (J Appl Nutr; 1995; 47: 96-102).
The Japanese herbal medicine Juzen-taiho-to, pharmacologically related to ginseng, which has been shown in animal studies to increase the anti candidal activity of intestinal macrophages (Immunopharm and Immunotox, 1996; 18: 73-89).
Oleic acid (the major constituent of olive oil) and oil of cloves, both of which are known to hinder candida (J Appl Bacteriol, 1989; 66: 69-75).
Husks of the psyllium seed are highly fibrous and so have become favoured as colon cleaners; taken orally as a powder, psyllium forms into a gel which slowly passes through the gut and removes solid matter from the colon wall, so destroying one of candida’s major breeding grounds.
Bentonite, or hydrated aluminium silicate, has the remarkable ability to get bacteria and viruses to stick to it. Since bentonite is not absorbed, it can pass through the colon, taking the toxins with it.
Check your levels of micronutrients and supplement, if necessary. Dr Galland has discovered that his candida patients are often deficient in magnesium, vitamins A and B6, and omega-6 fatty acids. Dr Eaton showed that 30 patients with abnormal gut fermentation had significant deficiencies of vitamins B1 and 6, zinc and magnesium. These deficiencies in themselves were considered to be major enough to cause mood changes and muscular and circulatory problems (Nutr Biochem, 1993; 4: 635-8).
Consider taking pancreatic enzymes known as proteases. As well as breaking down protein and so aiding digestion, the proteases help to keep the small intestine free from parasites, including yeasts (Gut, 1990; 33:1331-7). A lack of proteases greatly increases the risk of intestinal infections, including chronic candida infections.
Improve the health of your liver and detoxify. Liver damage is often an underlying factor in chronic candidiasis. In one animal study, when mild liver damage was induced, experimentally, systemic candidiasis ensued (Mycopathologica; 1987; 100: 37-42). The nutrients choline, betaine and methionine collectively known as lipotropic agents enhance liver function and increase the levels of two important chemicals there: S-adenosylmethionine and glutathione (Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 1993; 17: 552-5, and FASEB J, 1991; 5: 2093-8).
Take 70 to 210 mg three times a day of extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum), commonly known as silymarin, proven to stimulate the manufacture of new liver cells and increase the production of glutathione and bile. It has been found particularly useful in long standing cases of chronic candidiasis (Scand J Gastroenterology, 1982; 17: 417-21; Min Med 1985; 72: 2679-88; J Hepatol, 1989; 9: 105-13).
Check stomach acid levels. Dr Keith Eaton finds that 500 mg of L-histadine improves gastric acid production in allergic patients; others say that dietary supplementation with betaine hydrochloride (hydrochloric acid) is usually helpful. Dr Gaier warns, however, that intermittent short courses of bismuth, citrus seed extract, berberis, artemis, colloidal silver and other anti microbials are sometimes necessary.
See the WDDTY Guide to Candida and ME.
Maryon Stewart
Hyla Cass MD
