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Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeastlike fungus called candida. It can infect the mouth, vagina, skin, stomach, and urinary tract.
Nutrition
The “candida diet” allows no alcohol, no simple sugars, and very limited amounts of refined foods. Alternative therapies aim to “starve” the yeast and use natural antifungals. Reduce animal fats in your diet and increase fish and nuts. Avoid simple carbohydrates including fruit juice, yeast, and fermented foods; limit fruit to one serving per day, increase garlic (fungicidal), nuts (essential fatty acids), whole grains (B vitamins), oregano, cinnamon, sage, and cloves (antifungal spices).
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Selenium
Essential Fatty Acid: anti-inflammatory
Biotin: inhibits a form of candida that is the most irritating to membranes
Calcium: to correct deficiency often found in people with yeast infections
Magnesium: to balance calcium intake
Lactobacillus acidophilus: to help restore normal balance of bowel and mucous membranes
Herbs
-Antifungal:
Pau d’arco bark (laphacho or taheebo): antifungal, best used as a tea, or use the cooled tea as a vaginal douche
Digestive immune stimulants include:
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia nervosa)
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
-Anti-inflammatory include:
Chamomile (Matricaria recicuta)
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Use a tea or tincture of 4 of the above listed herbs (1 cup tea three times a day or 30-60 drops tincture three times a day) for six weeks. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure.
Topical Treatments include:
Two to three times a day apply full strength to skin infections (discontinue if skin irritation develops).
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Lavender essential oil (Lavendula species)
Three to five times a day in a salve for rashes:
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Tea
Pau d'arco
Maitaiki
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