Alexandra Worsley
Candidiasis
The following are some of our suggestions to help understand and manage candidiasis.
Candida (candida albicans is the most common form) is a yeast which is found in most people in small amounts. It is usually kept under control by a healthy balance of friendly gut bacteria, our immune system and the acid environment of our intestines. However, when we don't have sufficient friendly gut bacteria, or when conditions favour candida, this yeast can proliferate and start to cause health problems.
Candida can cause yeast infections in the vagina and fungal infections in the nails, eyes, mouth and throat. It can also proliferate in the intestines and cause symptoms such as bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea, food and environmental sensitivities, nasal congestion and sinus problems, as well as mental problems such as depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and cloudy thinking amongst others. It may also cause cravings for foods containing wheat and sugar as these can both encourage its growth.
There are several factors that can cause candida overgrowth, including overuse of antibiotics and long term use of other medicines such as the pill and steroids as well as overconsumption of sugar and even stress. This is due to the fact that they can cause an imbalance of gut bacteria.
As the candida spreads it produces toxins that can destroy and irritate the intestinal lining. This breakdown in the lining allows small particles of undigested food to pass into the blood stream. Our immune system then sees these particles as foreign invaders and launches an attack which can then result in ongoing food sensitivities each time that food is consumed.
This is a very common condition, that once diagnosed can be effectively managed through dietary changes and supplementation where appropriate.
Dietary Recommendations
• Eat protein in the form of lean meats, fish, seafood, eggs, tofu and pulses.
• Aim for at least 2 portions of oily fish a week (salmon, mackerel, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and tinned fish (not tuna). These contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce the inflammation which may accompany a yeast overgrowth.
• Aim for 5-7 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Avoid very sugary and dried fruits and instead try apples, not too ripe pears, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, pineapple and not too ripe papaya. Good vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, celery, leeks, onions, lettuce, avocado, asparagus, spinach and watercress. Root vegetables and squashes may not be well tolerated as they are starchy and are converted readily into sugars in the gut.
• Garlic can be particularly beneficial as it has anti-fungal properties.
• Swap cow's milk for oat milk, rice milk or soya which don't contain lactose, a milk sugar.
• Include live, unsweetened plain yoghurt in your diet as it contains healthy gut bacteria.
Limit / Avoid
• Some experts say to remove all foods and drinks containing yeast and fermented food from your diet - breads, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, cheeses (of aged or fermented varieties). Look at food labels as yeast is also included in many ketchups, salad dressings, soy sauce, gravy and pickles) Traditionally, it has been advised to avoid mushrooms, but the research is conflicting and some mushrooms contain beneficial immune boosting properties.
• Whilst bananas are sweet, they also contain prebiotics that feed good bacteria - use sparingly providing they don't worsen symptoms.
• Eliminate sugar from the diet for at least 1 month including sucrose, honey and sweet fruit such as dried fruit, fruit juices, grapes, melon and peaches.
• Peanuts should also be avoided as they contain moulds which can add to the problem.
• White and refined grains in bread, pasta and white rice.
• If you suspect any food intolerances, remove them from your diet for at least 1 month.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy can be a gentle and effective method of treating symptoms associated with candida. As it is a holistic therapy, the whole person will be taken into consideration, focussing of course on the main complaint.
Supplements
Whilst candida can be controlled by diet, it often requires nutritional supplements to clear the yeast from the body completely. We can starve yeasts of the food they need to grow, but if we starve them of that food, they can simply hibernate, only to pop up again when the conditions are right. We have a range of supplements in store and would be happy to recommend suitable ones for you. Please pop into the store or call us for help.
Further Tips
• Sometimes it is possible for symptoms to worsen before they improve, particularly when taking supplements. This can happen when killing the yeast occurs more quickly than we can eliminate the by products, known as the "die-off reaction". If this happens, reduce the amount of supplements you are taking and then re-introduce at lower levels and gradually increase them.
• Candida is often linked to further intolerances, so if you still have symptoms once you've eliminated yeasts from your diet for a month, you may wish to consider further food intolerance testing or a full comprehensive stool test with parasitology.
Sources
Institute for Optimum Nutrition (2010) Chronic Candidiasis, http://www.ion.ac.uk/healthnotes.php?org=ion&ContentID=1186005
Hazel Courteney (2009) 500 Of The Most Important Health Tips You'll Ever Need, CICO Books, London
Elizabeth Lipski (2005) Digestive Wellness, McGraw-Hill Books, New York
Patrick Holford (2004) New Optimum Nutrition Bible, Piatkus Books Ltd, London
Here at Alexandra Worsley, we can support and guide you with advice on which products and lifestyle changes we consider would be best for you. Just ask! Email us or call 0161 439 9856 or pop into the shop for a FREE shop floor consultation. If we can't help immediately, we have a team of therapists who can help, particularly in more complex cases. We always recommend that with any health condition, you consult with your GP in the first instance.
Biocare One A Day Vitamins & Minerals (30/90 tablets)
Premium strength multi-nutrient & antioxidant.
£8.90
Dr.Schulze's SuperFood Plus (396g)
My Antidote To The Negative Effects Of Modern Life. Alkalises, detoxifies and fills you up too!...
£36.77
Lamberts Pure Fish Oil 1100mg (60/120 capsules)
A pure fish oil providing 700mg omega 3 fatty acids with 360mg of EPA and 240mg of DHA....
£10.40
Eskimo-3 with Vitamin E (capsules/liquid)
An excellent quality fish oil, we prefer the liquid for it's higher EPA and DHA content....
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Biocare Bio-Acidophilus capsules
A high potency probiotic supplement with 10 billion viable organisms per capsule....
£20.30
Biocare Mindlinx Powder
A probiotic supplement with L-glutamine, developed for children and infants, also suitable for adults....
£25.45
Lamberts Candaway
A complex of natural herbs and spices which may help to maintain a healthy balance in the digestive tract...
£15.66
Viridian Tri-blend Acidophilus Complex
A probiotic acidophilus complex containing 3 strains of probiotics with fructooligosaccharides...
£7.80
Viridian 40+ Synbiotic (60 capsules)
A synergistic blend of probiotics designed especially to support the gut health of adults aged 40 and ove...
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Viridian Tri-Blend Probiotic Powder with FOS
A combination of probiotics in a blend of soluble fibre and natural bacteria food sources including fruct...
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Lepicol capsules(180 caps)
A supplement that promotes gentle colon cleansing and digestive health....
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Lepicol Whole Psyllium Husks
Whole psyllium husks to provide a natural source of soluble fibre....
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J L Braggs - Charcoal Tablets - 250 tabs
250 charcoal tablets designed to provide symptomatic relief of indigestion, wind and heartburn....
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Lepicol Plus Digestive Enzymes
A formula containing digestive enzymes, psyllium husk, prebiotics and 5 probiotic cultures for digestive ...
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Colon Massage Oil
A massage oil desiged to massage into the abdomen to support and soothe the colon....
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Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Juice Maximum Strength (500ml/1 litre)
A unique blend of aloe vera whole leaf and unfiltered aloe vera inner gel to support digestive health....
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Aloe Pura - Aloe Vera Cranberry and Blueberry (500ml)
Natural aloe vera juice with cranberry and blueberry to support digestive health....
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Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Digestive Aid Juice (500ml)
Aloe vera juice with a blend of herbs and papaya juice to support the digestive system....
£9.01
Lecigran - Lecithin Granules(250/500g)
Non-GM soya lecithin to help the breakdown of fats and support the digestive system....
£6.39
