Candida is natural yeast that lives in the body in small harmless amounts. It is found in the creases and crevices of the digestive tract and in the vaginal tract in women.
Many factors can contribute, but a disturbance in the yeast/ bacteria balance , change in the pH (acidity/ alkalinity), drugs such as antibiotics, or a suppression of the immune system can allow the candida to proliferate and grow out of control.
A candida overgrowth in the vagina is termed thrush and the symptoms are an intense genital itching, inflammation and redness in the external genital area, and sometimes a thick vaginal discharge.
Candidiasis or candida overgrowth in the intestine can produce a wide range of symptoms and questionnaire by your practitioner will determine the likelihood of the yeast being responsible, but can include fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, digestive disturbances and chemical sensitivities are some prominent ones.
What Natural Treatments Can Help?
It is important firstly to rectify any problem areas in the diet.he most important of these are the high intake of sugar, milk and other dairy products.
Sugar is the cheif nutrient for candida and it is well accepted that simply cutting refined sugar and large amounts of fruit juice, honey and maple syrup will make a big impact.
Milk a high lactose content promotes the overgrowth and may also contain trace antibiotics.
Other treatments:
- A course of probiotics such as acidophilus will restore balance in the gut
- A course of herbs to destroy the overgrowth, ( available in capsule form from Richard Linton herbals)
- A course of vitamin C to boost the immune system
- For Thrush a live natural yoghurt will give relief if applied directly to the area affected
- With Thrush any sexual partner should take a course of herbs as well
- Reduce the use of antibiotics if this is possible with the help of your practitioner.
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