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reproductive system
Intestinal flora imbalance
Integrative Therapies

Home Care

Candida albicans infection, also called candidiasis or intestinal flora imbalance, is a condition in which the yeast normally found in the digestive tract multiplies at an abnormal rate. Many times, it is characterized by vaginal itching or burning accompanied by a thick discharge and a strong odor. However, it is important to keep in mind that a small amount of discharge from the vagina is normal, especially as long as it isn't accompanied by pain or itchiness.

Other symptoms of candida albicans include constant tiredness, bloating, cramps, rectal itch, frequent bladder infections, and menstrual complaints such as with PMS. Symptoms also include depression, inability to concentrate, headaches, painful intercourse, and general weakness.

An overabundance of yeast can be traced to many factors. Many times, candida multiplies because of the overuse of antibiotics. Long-term use of birth control pills, antibiotics, cortisone and other steroid hormones, and anti-ulcer medications may also result in an overgrowth of yeast. Other factors that may contribute to the development of candida albicans are improper functioning of the digestive system, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress, too much sugar in the diet, douching, pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, and impaired liver functioning.

Consult your physician if the symptoms are accompanied by sores or bumps on the vagina, if the pain is unbearable, or if a fever develops.


THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USEFUL, AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:

1. Take a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement daily and according to the product label instructions. Check the label to be sure the supplement is free of sugar, yeast, and artificial preservatives.

2. A fiber supplement of psyllium seed or pectin will bind to candida toxins so that they can be excreted. Take 1 tablespoon of the supplement mixed in 1 cup of water at night just before bedtime.

3. Caprilic Acid or Mycocidin – Take according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Chromium – 200 micrograms per day.

5. Acidophilus – preferably a milk-free acidophilus. Take 1 capsule or 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day.


THE PROPER DIET FOR CANDIDAS ALBICANS WILL INCLUDE:

1. Avoid sugar in your diet. This includes concentrated fruit juices as well as sweeteners such as cane sugar, honey, and molasses.

2. Avoid the foods that promote the overgrowth of yeast, such as alcohol, cheeses, vinegar, dried fruits, peanuts, and yeasted breads. Avoid eating large portions of grains.

3. Eat a high-quality protein diet. The number of grams of protein you need to eat daily is equal to 1/2 your weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, eat 70 grams of protein.

4. Allergic reactions to foods can weaken the body and be conducive to the development of yeast. To determine food allergies, use the elimination diet, or see a physician to get tested. Remove suspected allergic foods from your diet or reduce their intake. As the condition improves, it may be possible to eat small amounts of such foods without ill effects. For more information about the elimination diet and food allergies, refer to the article on Food sensitivities.

5. Watermelon helps to flush out the system. After eating the fruit, slice the rind and boil it in water to drink as a tea.


HERBS USED FOR CANDIDA ALBICANS:

1. Garlic, Ginger, Thyme, Rosemary, and Cinnamon are recommended for their antifungal properties. Include them as condiments in your diet as often as possible. You can also take 2 capsules of garlic with each meal.

2. Oregon Grape root tea – Drink 1 cup of tea or take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract, 3 times per day. To make the tea, add 1 tablespoon of the powdered root to 1 pint of boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes and steep for 15 minutes.

3. Golden Seal – Take 1 capsule 3 to 4 times a day. Do not take Golden Seal if you are pregnant.


PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. For vaginal itching, insert 2 gelatin capsules of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the vagina before going to bed. Follow with a vinegar douche the next morning. Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water for this douche.

2. Unless there is a medical necessity with no available alternatives, consult a physician about discontinuing antibiotics, steroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and birth control pills.

3. An effective douche can be made of the following herbs: 1 part Golden Seal and Echinacea powder to 3 parts Yarrow and Calendula flowers. Add 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Use as a douche once a day.

To prevent the reoccurrence of the yeast infection, this program must be adhered to for many months at a time.



Clinic

See separate articles with protocols developed by Tori Hudson, N.D.

Footnotes

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