Candidiasis

Diet and Nutrition: (references)

• Avoid simple carbohydrates, e.g., sugar, alcohol and fruit juice
• *Cleansing diet for 14 - 21 days
• Increase fiber in diet if bowel sluggishness/toxemia appears to be a problem
• Eat lots of garlic (several cloves per day)
• Avoid milk products and all refined foods (white flour, etc.)
• Avoid all yeast products (fermented beverages, cakes, breads, many fruits, peanuts)
• Avoid leftovers unless frozen (these contain a high level of fungus)

Vitamins and Minerals: (references)

• Vitamin A: 25,000 - 50,000 I.U.
• Vitamin C: to bowel tolerance (usually 5 - 15 gm.)
• Biotin: 500 mcg. BID
• Zinc: 45 mg.
• Copper: 2 - 4 mg.
• Iron: 45 mg.
• Selenium: 200 - 300 mcg.

Supplements: (references)

• Fiber: 20 - 45 gm. in divided doses per meal with 12 ounces of water per dose
• Acidophilus and Bifidus: 1 capsule between meals
• Quercetin: 400 mg. 20 minutes before meals, TID
• Hydrochloric Acid: 10 - 70 grains, before each meal (if lab confirms hypochlorhydria)
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids: 1-5 gm. BID
• Thymus Glandular: 2 tablets TID
• Digestive Enzymes: 1 - 2 tablets per meal

Botanicals: (references)

• Liquid Extract - Spilanthes acmella, Tabebuia impetiginosa, *Usnea spp, Berberis vulgaris, Thymus vulgaris: 1/4 tsp. TID

• Individual botanicals to be considered for this condtion:
  Allium sativum (Garlic)
  Berberis vulgaris (Barberry, Oregon grape)
  Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree)
  Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
  Spilanthes acmella (Paracress)
  Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d' arco)
  Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
  Usnea spp. (Old man's beard)

Homeopathic Remedies: (references)

• Candida albicans:
  
  calc, chin, helon, lyc, med, nat-p, nit-ac, puls, sep, thuj

(For an overview of Homeopathy, click here.)   

Other Therapies: (references)

• Lactobacillus acidophilus enema (or douche): 2/week
• Constitutional hydrotherapy
• Quit taking antibiotics
• Avoid oral contraceptives and estrogen supplements
• Avoid or reduce cortisone use
• *Wear loose underwear to ventilate vaginal area
• *Fasting may ameliorate

Recommended Labs:

• Check for candidiasis: Candida Panel
• Rule out adrenal insufficiency: Adrenocortex Stress Profile
• Rule out allergies: IgG Food Allergy Antibody, IgG and IgE Inhalent Allergy Antibody
• Rule out Helicobacter pylori: H. pylori Antibody, H. pylori Antigen, H. pylori Breath, Rapid Urease, Endoscopy with Biopsy

*  The recommended use of this supplement or therapy is based on a physiological mechanism or empirical data and is not necessarily supported by peer-reviewed research studies.

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).