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How to Treat Candida Albicans with Herbs & Vitamins
Candida albicans is a prolific fungus commonly referred to as yeast. It lives in mucous membranes, intestines, the vaginal cavity and the rectum. Although it is not always harmful, an overgrowth of candida can cause yeast infections, sinus infections, skin rashes, thrush and digestive problems. As with any type of infection, it takes time to rid the body of yeast overgrowth. By following a few basic steps, including taking certain herbs and supplements, you can eliminate Candida albicans and combat future infections.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Yeast-Free Plan
Eliminate sugary foods, especially processed flour and refined sugar, from your diet. The first step in eliminating candida and fighting a yeast infection is removing the fungus's main food source. This includes all candy, desserts, processed and packaged foods high in sugar or carbohydates, as well as colas and fruit juices with added sugar, corn syrup or other sweeteners. Although as a temporary measure it fights immediate infection, it is a good idea to decrease overall sugar consumption to prevent future outbreaks.
Grapefruit Seed Extract for a Yeast Infection
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Take a daily probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bifidobacterium bifidus to kill candida in the body. This simple step must be followed consistently to overcome the infection. Probiotics come in liquid and capsule form and can be found in the refrigerated section of your local natural health food store. As these supplements contain live bacteria, known as friendly flora, they should be kept refrigerated at all times and should be taken as directed. Yogurt and other dairy products also contain natural healthy bacteria, such as acidophilus, and can be part of the yeast-free diet.
Cleanse the infected area daily with either diluted goldenseal extract or tea tree oil. A few drops of either herb may be added to the bath, sitz bath or a douche. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health Herb Reference Guide, both goldenseal and tea tree oil naturally fight a number of fungi and bacteria, including Candida albicans 3. Herbalists use these plants as natural antibiotics and in the treatment of sinus infections, infections of mucous membranes, vaginal yeast infections and parasitic infections. Do not to take tea tree oil internally, as it may be toxic. Use it only on external infections such as thrush.
Should I Take a Probiotic Every Day?
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Take a daily supplement of vitamin C, B complex and a multivitamin containing a broad spectrum of trace minerals to nourish the immune system. In addition to feeding candida, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates also depletes zinc, manganese, selenium, B vitamins and other nutrients that support immune function. This decreases the body's natural defenses against bacteria and fungi such as candida. Follow product directions or check with a health care professional for appropriate dosage.
Tips
Drink plenty of water each day, at least 6 to 8 8-oz. glasses. Water not only helps cleanse the body naturally, but is important for proper function of several body systems.
Warnings
Always check with a health care professional before taking herbs or other supplements, especially if you are currently taking prescription medication. Natural supplements should be used in conjunction with and not in place of conventional medical care.
- Eliminate sugary foods, especially processed flour and refined sugar, from your diet.
- According to the Clayton College of Natural Health Herb Reference Guide, both goldenseal and tea tree oil naturally fight a number of fungi and bacteria, including Candida albicans 3.
Related Articles
References
- National Institutes of Health: NCCAM: Introduction to Probiotics
- "Chronic Intestinal Yeast Infection"; by Lawrence Wilson, MD; Center for Development, 2009.
- Clayton College of Natural Health: Herb Guide
- Yang AM, Inamine T, Hochrath K, et al. Intestinal fungi contribute to development of alcoholic liver disease. J Clin Invest. 2017;127(7):2829-2841. doi:10.1172/JCI90562
- Uma B, Prabhakar K, Rajendran S. Anticandidal activity of Asparagus racemosus. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2009;71(3):342-343. doi:10.4103/0250-474X.56017
- Mitsou EK, Kougia E, Nomikos T, et al. Effect of banana consumption on faecal microbiota: a randomised, controlled trial. Anaerobe. 2011 Dec;17(6):384-7. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.03.018
- Ksouri S, Djebir S, Bentorki AA, et al. Antifungal activity of essential oils extract from Origanum floribundum Munby, Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus ciliatus Desf. against Candida albicans isolated from bovine clinical mastitis. J Mycol Med. 2017;27(2):245-249. doi:10.1016/j.mycmed.2017.03.004.
- Zhang N, Huang X, Zeng, Y, et al. Study on prebiotic effectiveness of neutral garlic fructan in vitro. Food Sci Nutr. 2013;2(3-4):119-123. doi:10.1016/j.fshw.2013.07.001
- Weerasekera MM, Jayarathna TA, Wijesinghe GK, et al. The effect of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners on the growth, adhesion, and biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Med Princ Pract. 2017;26(6):554-560. doi:10.1159/000484718
- Yang AM, Inamine T, Hochrath K, et al. Intestinal fungi contribute to development of alcoholic liver disease. J Clin Invest. 2017;127(7):2829-2841. doi:10.1172/JCI90562
- Sheth CC, Makda K, Dilmahomed Z, et al. Alcohol and tobacco consumption affect the oral carriage of Candida albicans and mutans streptococci. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2016;63(4):254-9. doi:10.1111/lam.12620
- Lei L, Ou L, Yu X. The antioxidant effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. shoot in D-galactose induced mice aging model and in vitro. J Chin Med Assoc. 2016 Apr;79(4):205-11. doi:10.1016/j.jcma.2015.06.023
- Oliveira VMC, Santos SSF, Silva, CRG, et al. Lactobacillus is able to alter the virulence and the sensitivity profile of Candida albicans. J. Appl. Microbiol. 2016;121(6):1737-1744. doi:10.1111/jam.13289
Writer Bio
A professional writer since 2008, Tracey Planinz writes articles on natural health, nutrition and fitness. She holds a doctorate and two professional certifications in her field, and continues to develop her education with additional classes and seminars. She has provided natural health consultations and private fitness instruction for clients in her local community.