Naturopathic Candida Treatment

Approach to Treating Candida with Naturopathy

What is Candida?

Candida is a term often applied to when a patient has an overgrowth of detrimental yeast species that can proliferate throughout your digestive system. This can result in a weakened immune system, digestion, chronic vaginal yeast infections, liver and bowel function issues and can lead to skin rashes.

There are approximately 150 species of yeast in and on the human body. The most prevalent type is Candida albicans however people can get many types of yeast. This fungus usually inhabits the mouth, intestines and vagina and sometimes skin.

Candida / yeast is kept at a low level by  having a good amount of good bacteria that also make their home in the intestines, bowel and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidus are the well studied predominant friendly flora that inhabit our bodies but there are many, many more. Similar to the bacteria in yogurt these bugs make acetic acid, lactic acid and bacteriocins to help regulate the intestinal pH, enhance immune system controls and help maintain gastrointestinal health. They are also known to inhibit overgrowth of candida, help reduce food intolerance, provide important nutrients such as vitamins and lower cholesterol by preventing its absorption. Unfortunately many things will reduce the volume of good bacteria we have: alcohol, processed food (low fiber diets), antibiotic use (although sometimes necessary), high stress, high sugar / refined carbohydrate diets, the list goes on.

Signs of Candida/Yeast Overgrowth

Inability to focus, Poor memory, Brain fog, Irritability, Anger, Dizziness, Depression, Crying spells, Panic attacks, Low libido, Persistent extreme fatigue
Hyperactivity, Cravings for sweets and alcohol, Insomnia, Poor coordination.
Acid reflux, Bloating, Flatulence, Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Stomach cramps, Indigestion, Burping after meals, Mucus in stool, Hemorrhoids, Itching anus.
Acne, Cysts, Hives, Night sweats, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fungal infections of the nails & skin, Athlete’s foot, Body odor.
Thrush (white coating on tongue), Swollen lower lip, Halitosis, Metallic taste in mouth, Bad breath, Canker sores, Bleeding gums, Cracked tongue.Persistent cough, Mucus in throat, Sore throat,
Sinus congestion, Chronic post-nasal drip, Flu-like symptoms, Hay fever symptoms, Sinusitis, Asthma.
Eye pain, Itchy eyes, Sensitivity to light, Blurred vision, Bags under eyes, Ringing in the ears, Ear infections.
Recurring yeast infections, Recurring UTI’s (urinary tract infections), Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), PMS & menstrual irregularities, Fungal rash.
Frequent colds and flu, Allergies, Sensitivities to food, fragrances and chemicals.
Inability to lose weight, Water retention, Weight loss.
Headaches, Heart palpitations, Chronic body pain and/or joint pains, Muscle aches and stiffness.

U N D E R S T A N D I N G   T H E   R O O T   O F   C A N D I D A   O V E R G R O W T H

What Causes Candida?

Candida is caused by an opportunistic microflora which over proliferates in the body when the conditions are right, such as an acidic, damp and sugary environment.

When people take a course of antibiotics the entire beneficial balancing flora in the bowels is destroyed and if we don’t replant these good bacteria then bloating and digestive symptoms become present
Constant emotional stress
Poor eating habits, including excessive consumption of foods and beverages high in sugar
Long term use of the contraceptive pill
Incomplete digestion commonly due to rushing meals.
Overuse of certain medication like antibiotics, antacids, corticosteroids and hormone therapy (including the contraceptive pill) predispose individuals to yeast overgrowth or candidiasis
Excessive alcohol consumption
Overconsumption of sweet foods and foods high in simple carbohydrates e.g. white flour products, cakes, biscuits, refined sugar, honey, cordials, soft drinks, fruit juice and certain fruits, particularly dried fruit, can provide fuel for Candida to overgrow in the intestines
Eating too fast

U N D E R S T A N D I N G   T H E   I M P A C T   O F   C A N D I D A

Effects of Candida Overgrowth

Over time a persistent intestinal overgrowth can result in Candida invading the mucous membranes lining the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the lower intestines and colon. This process severely interferes with normal mucosal health and produces microscopic holes in the membranes allowing yeast, bacteria, undigested food particles, pollen, environmental pollutants and other material to enter the bloodstream. This condition is known as “leaky gut syndrome”.

If this complaint is not addressed it may contribute to further complications such as:

Skin rashes
Fungal infections
Depressed immunity
Systemic candida which affects the lungs, liver, kidneys and brain.
Serious allergies, food sensitivities, asthma and sinusitis
Digestive complaints such as colitis, diarrhoea, constipation, cramps, bloated stomach, flatulence and bad breath
Genital thrush, prostatitis, pre-menstrual complaints (excessive bleeding and cramps) and low libido
Fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, inability to think (foggy thinking), decreased concentration, irritability, headaches and depression
Excessive sweet cravings, weight gain and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels)
Chemical sensitivities

How do you Diagnose Candida?

Dr. Smith uses a stool test that diagnoses whether there is an overgrowth, but also identifies exactly what strain(s) is present so that the correct antifungal medicine can be prescribed. She doesn’t treat based on symptoms alone as there are many conditions which can cause this long list of symptoms and the treatment takes time, major (temporary) diet changes and appropriate medications (either botanical or conventional or both).

What is the Natural or Functional Medicine treatment approach for Candida?

To address Candida successfully, you need to adhere to a number of steps simultaneously in order to make sure the candida has no way of surviving. Again, first and foremost we must isolate what species has overgrowth with diagnostic testing so that we succeed in killing it with the right medicines. However, diet also plays an extremely vital role:

Starving it:
Avoid sugar, yeast, mushrooms, alcohol, vinegar, all fermented foods, wheat, white flour products – really any grains. Sugar is the fuel source of the yeast, namely foods rich in sugar and refined carbohydrates including concentrated sugars, soft drinks, cordials, alcohol, sweets, most fruit, dried fruits, white flour products and yeast-containing products. These burden the immune system which is overburdened and struggling to overcome the yeast infection, they also feed the bacteria. Replace these with whole foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates and micronutrients including vegetables, well cooked legumes, whole nuts and seeds and protein such as eggs, antibiotic-free/ organic meats. “Sweet feeds yeast” and “bitter is best” are two catchphrases to remember when considering what to eat.
Killing it:
Using anti-microbial herbs that are targeting to the correct strain, and foods such as garlic, onions, thyme, goldenseal, wormwood, dandelion, andrographis, rhubarb and pau d’arco either in the diet or as a supplement. Most of these herbs are also anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial and also protect the liver. Dr. Smith finds that her patients generally get the best success with taking targeted antimicrobials (as per the testing) in supplement form, with the diet changes AND sometimes with conventional anti-fungals also.
Feeding it:
Reintroducing beneficial gut flora such as taking a good quality probiotic supplement – in particular S. Boulardi. Improve the immune system by eating large amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, bitter foods, lemon juice, vegetable juices: supplements such as echinacea, olive Leaf, Vitamin C, garlic. Repair normal gastrointestinal membrane integrity and heal “leaky gut syndrome” (which can result from the inflammation caused by the infection) with glutamine rich foods such as celery, spinach, dandelion greens, lettuce, parsley, brussels sprouts and carrots. Often Dr. Smith will also prescribe other supplements that also ensure gut lining repair.

Lifestyle factors for Candida

Support liver, digestion and detoxification processes by eliminating tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar, gluten, dairy, carbonated drinks
Candida is more likely to develop in warm, moist environments. Try to wear cotton rather than nylon underwear
Don’t overeat, and even allow yourself to get a little hungry before eating
Chew very well, combine your foods properly, and be relaxed at meal times
Serious allergies, food sensitivities, asthma and sinusitis

E X P L O R I N G   S O L U T I O N S

Natural remedies for Candida

Probiotics
Probiotics help to reinocculate the gut with good bacteria and produce antifungal enzymes. Many conditions of Candida are directly contributed to the wrong bacteria being housed in the bowels, by taking an acidophilius supplement such as this it helps to correct this imbalance and reduce symptoms such as bloating, thrush and constipation
Bitters
Improve digestion by increasing bitters such as Digestive enzymes and herbs such as Gentian, Meadowsweet and Dandelion

Diet Tips

Increase water intake to flush the kidneys and bowels of wastes and acidity. Introduce herbal teas to increase your water intake and cleanse the digestion. Teas such as Peppermint, Ginger, Echinacea, Lemongrass and Fennel are ideal
Increase the amount of garlic in your diet as garlic and onions as they are antimicrobial due to the sulphur content. Also include ginger and chilli in the diet as these are beneficial to encourage digestion and cleansing and fight the infection
Have a vegetable juice each day such as carrot, celery, ginger and beetroot
Include more bitter foods in your diet such as lemon, radicchio, arugula, endive and beet greens
Eliminate simple sugars from your diet such as sugar, honey, cakes, breads, chocolate, biscuits and bakery type foods
Eliminate fermented foods from your diet such as mushrooms, vinegar, apple cider vinegar, alcohol, wine, condiments, bread and yeasts
Yoghurt containing live probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus is also a valuable addition to the diet
A diet free of yeast and sugar will help your body to fight Candida infection. Avoid bread, alcohol, mushrooms and yeast spreads, as well as sugar in any form. (Hint – when checking ingredient lists, words ending in -ose, such as maltose, lactose and glucose, generally refer to forms of sugar)

THE PROCESS

How to get started

Your journey towards a balanced, vibrant life begins with a choice—a choice to prioritize your health and well-being. Let's explore together how natural hormone treatment can unlock your fullest potential.

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BOOK A CONSULTATION

If you're on the fence about jumping into your naturopathic health journey, feel free to book a free 10-minute consultation call with me. 

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PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Your initial health assessment is your first appointment which is one hour. We will discuss your medical history, family medical history, lifestyle, discuss your goals, review any lab work you may have sent ahead of time, do a deep dive on your concerns and order lab work if necessary. Then I provide a comprehensive strategic plan which may include nutrition and exercise changes, herbs or supplements, and hormone replacement therapy or other prescriptions as indicated and referrals if indicated.

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FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

In your follow-up appointments, we will go over any changes you have noticed and make adjustments accordingly to your plan, and do refills as required.  These visits vary in length and this depends on what is requried.