Candida
Candida albicans is a single-celled fungus (a species of yeast) found as part of the normal microflora in the human digestive tract. This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body and is keeping in check by the bacteria and other microorganisms that make up our microbiome. Its overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract can cause a yeast infection known as candidiasis.
Candidiasis affects both men and women, but women are eight times more likely to experience candidiasis due to the use of birth control pills or if they are pregnant.
Small amounts of the yeast live in various warm, moist areas throughout the body. There are several types of candidiasis depending on which body’s area candida affects:
- Oral candidiasis, in the mouth or throat, can cause thrush or white plaques. Usually get thrush infants or elderly
- Penile candidiasis, in the urethra.
- Candidiasis in the genital area. In women can cause
- Candidiasis in babies’ skin bottom area. It can cause diaper rash.
- Systemic candidiasis when candida’s overgrowth is everywhere, throughout the body.
- If candida travel throughout the bloodstream to invade every organ system in the body, causing a type of blood poisoning known as candida septicaemia
Causes
- People with Aids,
- People with diabetes,
- People getting chemotherapy
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Menstruation
- The use of antibiotics which kills both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria.
- A weakened immune system
- Very low birth weight infants
- The use of corticosteroid drugs
Symptoms include
In oral candidasis:
- White spots inside the mouth and on the tongue, inner cheeks, and gums.
- Pain during swallowing
- Cracking at the corners of the mouth
- Redness or discomfort in the mouth area
In vaginitis:
- A sensation of itching and burning in the vaginal area, including the labia and vulva
- Soreness and redness in the vaginal area
- White, clumpy vaginal discharge that sometimes looks like cottage cheese
- Pain during urination or sex
Penile candidiasis
- Red rash on penis which may have pus.
- Itching or burning on the tip of the penis.
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- Pain during urination or sex.
- An unpleasant odor of the foreskin.
- Difficulty in pulling back your foreskin.
Candidiasis-related to diaper rash:
- Dark red patches of skin in the diaper area, especially in the folds of skin near the thighs.
- Yellow, fluid-filled spots that can break open and become flaky.
Other symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Depression
- Numbness
- Chills
- Constipation
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Poor memory
Recommendations
- Take lactobacillus probiotics daily.
- Eat yogurt, propolis and garlic.
- Take boric acid capsules for two weeks.
- Eat vegetables, gluten-free grains and fish.
- Eat a diet rich in fiber.
- Replace your toothbrush every thirty days
- Avoid chemical products and cleaners.
- Avoid antibiotics, steroids
- Drink distilled water.
- Avoid birth control pills
- Avoid aged cheeses, baked goods, sugar, honey and fruit juices.
- Eliminate citrus, oranges, lemons, tomatoes and grapefruit for a month.
- Keep clean and dry the affected area
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Eliminate all known food allergies.
Beneficial Herbs
Herb |
Form |
Benefits |
Aloe Vera |
Juice |
Boosts the ability of white blood cells to kill yeast cells |
Barberry |
Tincture |
Anti-fungal. Prevents diarrhea |
Coptis |
Tincture |
Anti-fungal. Prevents diarrhea |
Echinacea |
Capsules |
Stimulates production of macrophages |
Garlic |
Tablets |
Anti-fungal |
Goldenseal |
Tincture |
Anti-fungal. Prevents diarrhea |
Jatobá |
Tincture |
Useful when other herbal treatments fail |
Lavender |
Fresh herb. Bath the affected area |
Treats yeast infections of the skin |
Olive leaf |
Extract |
Powerful healer of microbial infections |
Oregano oil |
Oil, capsules |
Strong antifungal agent, antiseptic |
Oregon grape root |
Tincture |
Anti-fungal. Prevents diarrhea |
Pau d’ arco |
Capsules |
Antibacterial, antifungal |
Peppermint |
Enteric coated oil capsules |
Strong antifungal agents |
Reishi |
Tablets |
Stops inflammatory processes |
Rosemary |
Enteric coated oil capsules |
Strong antifungal agent |
Thyme |
Enteric coated oil capsules |
Strong antifungal agent |