Women's Health Week: Being Candid about Candidiasis

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Good Morning!

 

Women's Health Week: Being Candid about Candidiasis

 

Two of the most common of these single celled fungus is oral thrush

and in the vagina (vaginitis or yeast infection). Sometimes though,

this fungus is difficult to pin point. It can manifest itself as

other ailments such as acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue,

rashes, dizziness, headaches, muscle soreness and pain.

 

Antibiotics are a major factor in Candidiasis. They not only kill the

bacteria that cause infection but, the bodies' natural defenses as

well.

 

Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, yeast laden

foods, diet high in sugar are all major culprits in upsetting the

bodies' natural balance. When candida infects the vagina, it results

in vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white cheesy discharge

and intense itching and burning. When the infection is in the mouth,

it appears as white soars on the tongue, gums and inside of the

cheeks. Candida can appear in the form of athlete's foot, jock itch

and diaper rash in babies.

 

Poor co-ordination, muscle weakness, swollen or painful joints, mood

swings, loss of libido, infertility, depression, and unexplained

tiredness can all be signs of candida. It can cause digestive and

hormonal disturbances.

 

Systemic Candidiasis and Albicans is an overgrowth of candida

throughout the body. In the most severe cases, it can found traveling

through the bloodstream and invading every organ in the system.

 

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, but is rarely transmitted

sexually. Very often allergies to food are present in people with

candida infection. The symptoms of food allergies and environmental

sensitivities can also mimic those of candidiasis.

 

Doctors often take a culture or examine vaginal discharge under a

microscope because not all discharges are caused by relatively

harmless yeast. Anything from a forgotten tampon to life-threatening

pelvic inflammatory disease can cause similar symptoms: itching and

an odd-smelling discharge.

 

Other causes include gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterial infection;

trichomonas, a parasitic infection; and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and

syphilis. Get a professional diagnosis, if you have any doubts about

your condition.

 

 

Candida Self Test

 

1. Do you feel fatigued, have low energy or muscles aches? (yes =

1/no = 0)

2. Do you experience food sensitivities or food allergies? (yes =

1/no = 0)

3. Do you have nail fungus, athlete's foot or jock itch? (yes = 1/no

= 0)

4. Do you have recurrent vaginal yeast infections? (yes = 1/no = 0)

5. Have you taken broad spectrum antibiotics? (yes = 1/no = 0)

6. Do you crave sugar? (yes = 1/no = 0)

7. Do often have gas/bloating? (yes = 1/no = 0)

8. Do you crave refined white flour (bread, pasta, baked goods? (yes

= 1/no = 0)

9. Have you been on birth control pills for 6 months or more? (yes =

1/no = 0)

10. Do you experience brain fog/fatigue? (yes = 1/no = 0)

 

 

Total Score______

 

A score of 4 or higher may indicate that you are suffering from

candida overgrowth.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

Black Walnut has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly

prescribed antifungal drug.

 

Pau D'arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American

jungle tree (species of Tabebuia, also known as palo de arco,

lapacho, and taheebo) is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau

D'arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb

works well in tea or tincture form.

 

Clove works for those when Pau D'arco does not.

 

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be

beneficial.

 

Garlic Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider

eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal

agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural

antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection

by enhancing immune function.

 

Grapefruit Seed Extract for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast

growth.

 

Oregon Grape Root has been shown to inhibit Candida in various

studies due to its potent ingredient, berberine.

 

 

Aromatherapy

 

Aromatherapy can help speed recovery. Helpful, are essential oils of

allspice, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender,

patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme are all beneficial for this

condition.

 

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and viral infections. This oil

stimulates regeneration of tissue. It increases blood oxygen supplies

allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to the

cells throughout the body.

 

Lavender: boosts the immunity and helps destroy candida.

 

Rosemary: helps fight infection, expels phlegm and assists in lymph

drainage.

 

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, tea tree oil contains anti-candidal

activity. Studies indicate that it may be useful in the topical

treatment of superficial candida infections.

 

Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood

cells. This oil is great for candida and yeast infectious disorders.

 

 

Water Works

 

Hydrotherapy has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm; thus,

hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular

strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, and backache. Heat is often

used in conjunction with massage or other manipulative or stimulative

treatments, such as the whirlpool bath. Sitz baths (sitting in hot

water) are effective in the treatment of many disorders. Water is

also useful in physical therapy because patients who exercise in a

buoyant medium can move weak parts of their bodies without contending

with the strong force of gravity.

 

One alternative to douching is the sitz bath. Fill a shallow tub

(just to the hip) with warm water. As the tub fills with water add 2

spoons Sea Salts to the bath water. You may consider adding vinegar

(1/2 cup) to help rebalance the vaginal pH to 4.5 Now, sit in the

water, knees apart, until it gets cool. The bath will do the

cleansing.

 

 

Homeopathy

 

This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to

stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses.

Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients

they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary

disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its

individual and " wholistic " approach. This often leads to a complete

recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved

understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes

it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future

and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by

reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.

 

Candidiasis:

 

Pulsatilla 6c if the symptoms are worse before and after a menstrual

period, changeable discharge.

 

Kali Bichromicum 6c if there is much itching with greensih discharge.

 

Sulfur 6c if there is burning, stinging and itching.Symptoms are

aggravated by heat or bathing.

 

 

Nutritional Advise

 

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program.

Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the

cleansing and free flow in the system.

 

Consider eating foods such as lean beef, chicken, eggs, fish, yogurt,

vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils.

 

A common cause of yeast overgrowth is antibiotic therapy, which can

kill off the " friendly " bacteria that compete with candida for food

and keep it in check. If you have to take broad-spectrum antibiotics,

it is a good idea to take supplemental

 

Substitute with gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa.

 

Acidophilus to reduce the possibility of yeast infections. Rebuild

the colon by repopulating it with " good/friendly " bacteria.

 

Increase soluble fiber One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble

fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and

can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty

stomach.

 

Avoid milk and buttermilk, which are high in sugar.

 

Avoid foods that contain yeast or mold including all breads, muffins,

cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and

mushrooms.

 

Avoid sugars in all forms. Avoid eating a high-carbohydrate diet. No

sugar, syrups, fruit drinks, soft drinks, honey, alcohol, fruit or

dried fruit.

 

Stevia is a natural sweetener, with no side effects that should be

used instead of sugar, which adds a perfect breeding ground for yeast

growth.

 

Detoxification is a very important element to cleansing your body to

help fight off opportunistic yeast and infection.

 

The advantage of a natural approach to fighting yeast infection,

allows control over the yeast permanently and puts your immune system

back on track.

 

 

Managing Your Candidiasis

 

Avoid irritating soaps (including bubble bath), vaginal sprays and

douches.

 

Change tampons and sanitary napkins often.

 

Keep the external genital area clean and dry.

 

Wear loose cotton (rather than nylon) underwear that doesn't trap

moisture.

 

Avoid tight-fitting or synthetic-fiber clothes as well as wearing of

pantyhose, daily.

 

Do not stay in a wet bathing suit for prolonged periods after

swimming.

 

Diabetics should keep control over blood sugar levels.

 

Eliminate the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids,

immune suppressing drugs and oral contraceptives.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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