Candidiasis (systemic)

What you need to know

Systemic candidiasis or chronic yeast infection/syndrome is not widely recognised by orthodox medicine and so no conventional diagnosis is available. Naturopathic medicine suggests that if the yeast, Candida albicans is allowed to spread due to poor diet and overuse of certain drugs, then it can have an effect on the whole body.

This condition is much more than thrush and has been linked to a variety of other health disorders:

Energy disorders - chronic fatigue syndrome, TATT
Immune system problems - allergies, sensitivities and poor immune response
Digestive problems - irritable bowel syndrome, Constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, gas
Urinary complaints - thrush and bladder infections
Endocrine problems - mainly menstrual complaints
Nervous system disorders - Depression, irritability and poor concentration
Other - skin rashes, bad breath, aches & pains, poor libido, nasal congestion, dizziness

Candidiasis is a complex problem that is thought to have over 200 different symptoms. To diagnose this condition, it is advisable visit a naturopath.

A candida programme involves very strict dietary commitment from the onset in conjunction with specific nutritional and herbal treatment. It is also advisable to eliminate the use of steroids, oral contraceptives, immune suppressing drugs and antibiotics (unless there is absolute medical necessity - always consult your GP).

Each ‘stage’ below should be undertaken in the given order and be added to instead of replaced by the previous ‘stage’.

This means by ‘stage 5’ you will be doing all ‘stages’ at the same time.

Stage 1 - Probiotic treatment (replenish good bacteria which fights candida)

Stage 2 - Immune support (help body fight this infection)

Stage 3 - Improve digestion and bowel cleansing (Flush excess yeast out of body)

Stage 4 - Liver boosting (Flush toxins that are produced when yeast dies)

Stage 5 - Antifungal treatment (Kill yeast)

It is very important that this procedure is done in the order above so to avoid the rush of toxins (known as Herxheimer reaction) which occurs when candida is killed. These toxins make you feel worse that the candida itself.

The most useful Supplements:

Taking a good hypoallergenic multivitamin and mineral to help correct deficiencies in the diet will ensure the body is able to fight the candida yeast (Stage 2). See also the section on immune support:

Acidophilus and FOS	Stage 1 & 2 - take 2 to 4 capsules between meals
B complex	Stage 3 - high potency 1 to 2 times a day
Betaine HCI	Stage 4- start with one capsule with each meal and increase over several days until a feeling of warmth in the stomach is felt. At this point drop the dose until this feeling stops.
Caprylic acid	Stage 1 & 5- 1gm to 2gm of of enteric coated product with each meal
Grapefruit seed extract	Stage 5- as directed on the label
Soluble fibres	Stage 3- oatbran and pectin, 1 tablespoon at night before bed with plenty of water

The most useful Herbs:

Herbs which may help the immune system in Stage 2 include:

Astragalus	500mg 3 times per day
Cats claw	500mg 3 times per day
Echinacea	500mg 3 times per day
Reishi	500mg 3 times per day

Herbs containing high levels of mucilage and help digestion & bowel cleansing in Stage 3 include the following:

Linseeds	Added to foods and taken 1 to 4 teaspoons with each meal (drink plenty of water)
Slippery elm	Added to foods and taken 1 to 4 teaspoons with each meal (drink plenty of water)
Psyllium	Added to foods and taken 1 to 4 teaspoons with each meal (drink plenty of water)
Marshmallow	Added to foods and taken 1 to 4 teaspoons with each meal (drink plenty of water)

Herbs that stimulate liver function and help cleanse the system in Stage 4 include:

Artichoke	500mg 3 times per day
Burdock	500mg 3 times per day
Dandelion	500mg 3 times per day
Oregon grape	500mg 3 times per day
Milk thistle	500mg 3 times per day

There are many herbs that are antifungal and antiseptic, which makes them useful in Stage 5 of the treatment. They include:

Chamomile	500mg 3 times per day
Garlic	3,000mg to 4,000mg per day
Goldenseal	500mg 3 times per day
Lemon Balm	500mg 3 times per day
Marigold	500mg 3 times per day
Oregano	500mg 3 times per day
Thyme	500mg 3 times per day
Pau d'arco	500mg 3 times per day
Wormwood	500mg 3 times per day

Aromatherapy

The following could also be used for massage or as essential oils put into the bath:

Lavender
Myrrh
Palmarosa
Tea Tree

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

Nutritional changes based around supporting the immune system can help, and other changes that may help include:

Reduce simple sugar consumption to a bare minimum. This is very important as candida feeds on sugars and will spread faster and be harder to overcome, if there is a high sugar intake. Also avoid dried fruit, fruit juices, milk, root vegetables and honey.
Avoid all alcohol as it suppresses the immune system and impairs liver function.
Eat plenty of live natural yoghurt or take probiotics to top up the beneficial bacteria needed to keep candida under control. Live yoghurt can also be used inside the vagina by inserting a small amount of a natural bio brand with a tampon tube.
Garlic is a powerful antifungal and should be used in very generous amounts - at least two whole cloves a day, either added to cooking, chopped into salads or just eaten in a sandwich.
Drink at over two litres of water per day to help flush out toxins from the body.
Some complementary practitioners advise very extreme yeast-excluding diets, but there is no scientific basis for this. This however may be relevant if you have a yeast intolerance in addition to your yeast infection (candidiasis). A proper test performed by a qualified professional will confirm a yeast intolerance or any other foods you may be sensitive to (wheat and Dairy are common culprits).
Lots of complex carbohydrates - wholemeal bread, pasta, brown rice - for the B complex vitamins. Muesli, sunflower seeds, lentils and white Fish - all rich in Vitamin B6
eggs, sardines, pumpkin seeds, oysters and other shellfish - for good supplies of Zinc, which is needed for the health of the mucous membranes.

Other useful advice:

Systemic candidiasis is a difficult disorder to overcome as it takes several months to treat. In addition, any lapse in the diet with regards sugar can take you right back to ‘square one’ and negates all your efforts. Remember sugar is food for candida.

Studies have shown that candida yeast can become resilient to nystatin (an anti-fungal drug). There is no evidence that candida can do the same with natural remedies, however it may be useful to take antifungal herbs and supplements in cycles to reduce the risk of this happening.

Some antifungal herbs and supplements are also antibacterial, hence it is wise to take these several hours apart from probiotic supplements.

Once you have overcome the problem, it may be wise to follow a 3 day detox plan 2-4 times a year to cleanse the body of excess candida yeast. It is also a good idea to eat live yoghurt on a regular basis or use a probiotic supplement such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus to keep the bowel with high levels of good bacteria.

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.