infection of the female genitalia system. Candidiasis is caused by a fungus named candida albicans.
Candida albicans is present in 25% of healthy women without causing any harm and symptoms. The gastrointestinal tract serves as a reservoir for this organism. The overgrowth of candida albicans leads to a complex medical condition increasingly known as chronic candidiasis or yeast syndrome.
The most common manifestation of candidiasis is yeast infection of the vagina, though it could cause complex symptoms. They include itching and burning in the vagina, white sticky discharge, white patches inside the mouth, dry mouth, chronic fatigue, low level of energy, bloating, constipation, frequent bladder infection, menstrual irregularities, decreased libido, dysuria (burning during urination), painful intercourse, and irritability.
Infection of the oral cavity with candida albicans is called “Thrush”, which is usually seen in infants, immunocompromised patients (especially those with AIDS), and recipients of prolonged antibiotic or glucocorticoid therapy.
Potential risk factors for overgrowth of candida albicans:
- Antibiotic therapy.
- Corticosteroids.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Compromised immune system.
- Cancers.
- Chemotherapy.
- Food allergies.
- Hormonal changes.
- Use of birth control pills.
- Pregnancy.
- Poor digestion.
- Low function thyroid.
- Impaired liver function.
- Obesity.
- Tight-fitting clothes.
- AIDS.
- Chronic stress.
- Vaginal douche.
- A high sugar diet.
- Decreased secretion of stomach acid.
- Decreased bile production.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Sugar and sweets. They weaken immune system. Also sugar is the main nutrient for candidia albicans.
- Foods high in yeast and mold: beers, aged cheese, dried fruits, melons, and peanuts.
- Dairy products: cheese, and milk.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Refined foods.
- Juices.
Recommended Foods:
- Drink plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Legumes: lentils and beans.
- Lean protein: fish, turkey and chicken.
- Fresh vegetables.
- Flaxseeds.
- Unsweetened yogurt.
- Unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Garlic.
- Basil.
- Peppermint.
- Rosemary tea.
- Oregon grapes. They contain the alkaloids berberine, berbamine, canadine, and hydrastine, which fight against candida albicans.
- Cinnamon.
- Ginger.
Recommended Supplements:
- Betaine HCL: 600 -1200 mg a day.
- Digestive Enzymes: A broad spectrum product.
- Probiotics: a product with minimum 5 to 10 billion active organisms per serving.
- Boric Acid Suppositories: boric acid is not taken orally. It should be inserted intra-vaginally 600 mg in the morning and 600 mg in the evening for one week for acute infection and for up to four weeks for chronic infections.
- Oregano Oil (containing over 50% carvacrol): as a capsule, 300 – 500 mg a day or as a liquid form, 0.5 ml twice daily. Oregano oil has a potent antifungal activity.
- Caprylic Acid: 2000 – 3000 mg a day. It has antifungal properties.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract: 400 – 600 mg a day.
- Echinacea: 500 – 1000 mg a day.
- Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Liver detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
- Cessation of smoking.
