PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Combating Candida albicans

• What is Candida albicans?
• How do I know if I have it?
• How can I control it?
• Dietary change
• Reducing intake of drugs
• The benefits of relaxation and stress reduction
• Treating the symptoms
• Supplements that can help reduce Candida overgrowth
• Topical applications to reduce irritation

What is Candida albicans?

Candida albicans is a type of yeast-like fungi that is present in practically every human being. In a healthy person it does not present much of a problem as it is kept under control by the existence of other micro-organisms sometimes called 'friendly bacteria' or 'pro-biotics.' Recently, candida has become more of a problem for many people. Diet, drug consumption and stress levels all play a part in determining the amount of yeast residing in our system.

How do I know if I have Candida?

The most recognisable symptom of candida infection is thrush or a similar condition - vaginitis. It tends to thrive in females more readily, yet it can be passed between the sexes. It is important that you visit the doctor to rule out the possibility of other sexually transmitted diseases. Thrush can also be present in the mouth and in any areas of damp skin. Other symptoms and related conditions are many and varied, including: athlete's foot; migraine type headaches; fatigue; constipation; bloating; allergy; sensitivity to strong smells; poor memory; feelings of unreality; irritability; difficulty in concentrating; depression; numbness; tingling and weak muscles; heartburn; abdominal pain; diarrhoea; recurrent sore throats.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they become worse after eating sugary or yeast rich foods then it possible that you are suffering from candida. Symptoms also tend to get worse in damp or mouldy environments. Check with your doctor or a complementary therapist to be sure the vega test or kinesiology can check for Candida.

How can I control candida?

It is impossible to eliminate all of the candida yeast from your body, yet it is possible to return it to a level at which it ceases to cause you problems. By improving our diet, reducing our intake of certain drugs and allowing time for stress reduction and relaxation we can gain the upper hand on the yeast. These changes will have a beneficial effect on your general health and will improve your overall quality of life - they are well worth attempting! If you have a sexual partner, it is important that they are making an effort to combat the yeast as well. Using condoms will help to prevent cross infection. Do not share bath towels as this can also spread candida.

Dietary change
Dietary change is one of the most important aspects of candida treatment. This is because most of the yeast tends to dwell in the digestive tract. The three most important types of food to minimise in your diet are sugar, yeasted foods and mouldy or fermented foods. Unfortunately, one of the symptoms of candida infection is a craving for these foods, particularly for sugar. Once you recognise that by eating these foods you are feeding the yeast, thus enabling it to multiply inside you more readily, it becomes easier to resist the temptation.

Sugar: Candida thrives on sugar; it is the micro-organism's favourite food. To successfully treat Candida, it is important that you eliminate it or, at the very least, dramatically reduce your intake. Avoid all products with white or brown sugar; malt or molasses; natural and refined syrups and artificial sweeteners. Fruits, dried fruits, sweet potato and yams are best avoided or kept to a minimum. Most nutritional experts feel it is difficult to control candida without ceasing to eat fruit for at least six months. If you continue to eat fruit eat very sparingly - berries or grapefruit are a good choice.
Yeasted foods: yeasted bread; brewers yeast; yeast pates and spreads (yeast extract type) are best avoided. Eat yeast free bread in moderation.
Mouldy or Fermented: Avoid foods that have mould on them including blue cheeses. A small amount of miso or pure soy sauce (half a teaspoon per day) may be beneficial even though they are fermented. Avoid all vinegars except for cider vinegar. Fermented alcohol such as beer, wine and cider should be eliminated. If you must, very occaisionally drink good quality whisky, vodka or gin, diluted with soda water.

Foods, nutrients and herbal teas which are beneficial:

• Carrots, beetroots and parsnips can help to reduce sugar cravings. Food state GTF Chromium can help to balance blood sugar and relieve cravings for sugar rich foods
• Craving Essence is also ideal for supporting adherence to a low sugar diet. Also try Hypnotherapy with EFT
• The following grains help to inhibit Candida growth: millet, roasted buckwheat (kasha), rye, oats, barley, amaranth, and quinoa. Grains should be chewed thoroughly and not overeaten.
• Green (chlorophyll rich) foods are purifying and help to promote growth of beneficial bacteria. These include parsley, spinach, dandelion, nettle, chard, watercress, wheat grass, seaweed (all kinds especially kelp), and micro-algae (blue green, spirulina, chlorella).
• Sprouted beans and grains are very beneficial, as are aduki beans and mung beans; apple cider vinegar; garlic (one clove, twice a day or take garlic capsules); cabbage; acidophilus goat's milk yoghurt (cow's milk acidophilus yoghurt if too flavour is too strong).
• Pau D'Arco (available as a loose herb or tincture) is traditionally used as a gentle anti-fungal, so are cloves which may be chewed. Also good are: cinnamon, lemon balm, dandelion tea and dandelion coffee.
• Aloe Vera juice (or in a capsule) has been traditionally used for allieviating digestive problems, it gently encourages the growth of friendly bacteria, and soothes irritated tissues.
• Food state vitamin B complex, certain B vitamins are important for sufferers particularly folic acid, pantothenic acid and riboflavin, B vitamins are vital if symptoms are associated with stress.
• An anti-oxidant formula will help support the body to detoxify the toxic substances released by the candida organisms. It should contain Vitamins A, C and zinc and selenium.
• An omega-3 rich Essential Fatty Acid supplement such as flaxseed oil or capsules may be of value as it can help to reduce inflammation.
• For non-vegetarians: try to eat organic meat and non farmed fish containing no anti-biotics or pesticides.

A note on dieting. The Candida diet can be very tough for some people to adjust to. If you find yourself becoming bogged down with it, allow yourself a treat occasionally (e.g. a low-sugar wholegrain biscuit, some blueberries, or two squares of dark, organic chocolate). It's better to do that than to give up completely. The Candida Albicans Yeast Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly is available upstairs at the Haelan Centre. Remember it is important to eat a wide variety of foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

Reducing intake of drugs
Anti-biotics: Many people experience a rise in the level of candida in their system after taking anti-biotics. These drugs can be over-prescribed by some GPs. Often a complementary practitioner can help to get to the root of an illness without using antibiotics. If you have to take a course, it is wise to take probiotic tablets to re-populate the gut with friendly bacteria.
Alcohol: alcohol is a fermented product, which stimulates the growth of the candida yeast. Generally people find they are more sensitive to beer, lager, wine and cider. Try to cut out alcohol completely.
Contraceptive pill: women taking the pill might find that they are more susceptible to candida, if all other measures have failed, it might be worth considering a change of contraceptive. See your GP for advice.
Caffiene: reducing intake of caffeine drinks can help to reduce stress, a contributory factor in Candida overgrowth. If you are a regular consumer of caffeine cut down to one cup a day. The following herbs may be drunk (maximum 3 cups per day) to help to reduce stress: German Chamomile (can be combined with mint) Mellow-Calm mixture and Lemon Balm. Dandelion coffee offers a good alternative to ordinary coffee.
Drug intake in general: most drugs tend to have a debilitating effect on the immune system and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Acupuncture can be a helpful support in cases of addiction (e.g. nicotine, alcohol).

The benefits of relaxation and stress reduction
Many people find that candida symptoms get worse when they are going through a stressful period of their lives. When we are more stressed our immune systems do not work as well and thus the yeast is more able to multiply. Increased adrenaline levels cause the release of sugar stores into the bloodstream, providing food for the yeast. Also, during periods of stress we tend to eat more comfort foods (often sugar rich) that feed the yeast. This is a cycle that is well worth breaking. It can be difficult, but it is important to make time for relaxation.
Going to a yoga or T'ai Chi class; enjoying a walk in natural surroundings; having an aromatherapy massage or bath are all ways of unwinding. Try to make these treats regular occurrences in your everyday routine. Meditation can be profoundly relaxing and its benefits can seep into your everyday life. Simple practises like deep breathing in stressful situations can be very beneficial. Therapies such as shiatsu, acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy with EFT, reflexology and massage all help to reduce stress levels. A course of treatments is ideal.

Treating the symptoms

Your GP may advise you on various products to control the yeast overgrowth. If you are using such products repeatedly, it is time to look at the underlying causes of the problem. If you wish to choose more natural methods, these are outlined below.

Supplements that can help reduce Candida overgrowth

Anti-Fungal Supplements

Choose one of the following, you need to take a probiotic supplement alongside each of these remedies. Take for about four weeks, if symptoms persist see a practitioner. For more advice ask in the Haelan Centre.

BioCare Oregano Complex: oregano is one of the strongest anti-fungals, yet it can be an irritant. This formula balances the oregano with antioxidant rich herbs which counteract the dies off reaction. Not suitable for those with sensitive kidneys. Must be taken with probiotics.

Biocare's Caprylic Acid: another strong formula which is calcium and magnesium rich, start off with medium strength as it cause a strong die off reaction. Must be taken alongside probiotics.

BioCare Grapefruit seed extract: a gentle form of grapefruit seed extract, with low recommended dose. Take alongside a probiotic. Ideal for long term use.

Grapefruit seed extract (Citricidal): This is a more bitter tasting stronger brand of grapfruit seed extract. The dosages on the label are much higher, go with the lower dosages. Grapefruit Seed Extract may not suitable for those with sensitive/irritable bowels. Must be taken alongside probiotics.

Bioforce's Spilanthes tincture has anti-fungal properties although it contains alcohol, you can take it in hot water to evaporate some. Take with probiotics.

Probiotic Supplements

Choose one of the following, those with more sensitive bowels should steer clear of the stronger formulas. Always drink plenty of water when taking probiotics. The more gentle formulas can be taken indefinitely. Otherwise, take for about four weeks, if symptoms persist see a practitioner. For more advice ask in the Haelan Centre.

High dose multi-strain probiotic formulas such as Megafoods Megaflora contain a wide spectrum of friently bacteria (15 strains) and are much stronger that most probiotic capsules. Not for those with sensitive digestive systems.

BioCare's Acidophilus Forte is also a strong formula. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Gentler probiotics include BioCare Bio-Acidophilus, which can be taken on a daily basis.

If you have recurrent cystitis, try BioCare's Acidophilus with Cranberry capsules. You may need to supplement with extra friendly bacteria, try using Viridian's Acidophilus Powder.

Take probiotic capsules in the morning with breakfast or during your eveing meal. Probiotics are best taken with a glass of diluted aloe vera juice or plain water. Once opened, store the capsules in the refrigerator.

For additional supplements see Foods, nutrients and herbal teas which are beneficial.

Topical applications to reduce irritation
Those with thrush should wear loose clothing and cotton underwear; don't wear tights or tight trousers. After visiting the loo, wipe from front to back to avoid cross infection. Use natural, unperfumed soaps and detergents. Many women have found that tea tree pessaries or tea tree and lavender pessaries help relieve thrush symptoms. One single drop of tea tree oil, no more, on a tampon can also be effective. (Do not use these methods if you are pregnant).
Yoghurt, applied either on a tampon or with the help of an applicator (block one tube and replace tampon with yoghurt), can be very soothing. Leave in for four hours once or twice a day.
Calendula Infused Oil with added lavender and myrrh is also a good remedy. For 50ml oil add 10 drops of lavender and 10 drops of myrrh
Biocare's IntraFresh is an acidophilus-garlic pessary which has been shown to be effective for relief of thrush symptoms, see packaging for directions and contraindications.

If possible, take a shower instead of a bath. Bathing tends to aggrevate thrush symptoms. The essential oils of myrrh, patchouli and tea tree are anti-fungal and maybe combined with lavender and used in a short, tepid bath. Dilute (one drop of essential oil to 2.5ml of base oil) in almond or apricot oil and use as a body oil. Do not use these oils if you are pregnant.

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