The medical community is resistant to change. It is generally not until major investors and researchers become involved in a cause that physicians will sit up and take notice. When major governmental health organizations begin researching diseases like Candida, and major university teaching hospitals conduct experiments and then publish the results in respected medical journals, the medical community begins to accept new information.
Candida research is still in its infancy, so there are few reputable practitioners. It is important to seek the services of a qualified medical professional because, for an accurate diagnosis to be determined, known medical conditions and diseases must first be ruled out. The following list details conditions that may have symptoms similar to Candida:
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hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Sleep disorders (narcolepsy and sleep apnea)
Side effects of medication
Active hepatitis B or C infections
Certain cancers
Major depressive disorders (bipolar, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa)
Substance abuse (including alcoholism)
Obesity.
Once one of the above disorders has been ruled out and you have received a diagnosis of Candidiasis, you will want to seek the services of a qualified treatment specialist. For some people, this means a reputable physician. For others, a registered dietitian. And for others, it means one of many forms of alternative therapies. The reality is that successful treatment of Candida may involve the services of several different health providers.
After a diagnosis of Candida, when looking for an appropriate provider, it is important to remember that suffering from the symptoms of Candida are likely to have produced a lot of frustration in the sufferer. Make sure that you have the support of family and friends and discuss your treatment options with a trusted individual before selecting a provider or provider. There are many alternative medicine practitioners and internet web sites that are selling miracle cures for Candida. The reality is that treating Candida will take time, effort and a lot of emotional support. If you find that you are not comfortable with your treatment provider(s), then seek the services of someone else. It is important that you trust your provider and that you believe in the efficacy of the treatment method(s). You will likely have to make major changes to your lifestyle, therefore you absolutely must arm yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding your treatment.
How is Candida Treated?
Recent research has uncovered exciting news about the treatment of Candida. The National Institute of Health's National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research posted the following release on their website...
May, 1999
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered the mechanism by which the pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans, latches on to human cells and gains a permanent foothold for tissue invasion. It involves an irreversible chemical bond between a protein on the fungus and as yet unknown proteins present on cells of the mucous membranes. The manner in which Candida binds to human cells may help explain its ability to cause disease, and may also provide a target for developing agents that can block the process.
The study, which appeared in the March 5 issue of the journal Science, was supported by the NIDCR and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
This unprecedented news may mean that a cure for Candida may be found in the near future. For now, however, we are left with the standard treatments that, if adhered to, can bring much-needed relief. Standard treatments include prescription medications, natural and herbal remedies, and dietary therapies.
Prescription Treatment of Candida
The following prescription medications are used in the treatment of Candida.
Nystatin - Nystatin is an antibiotic used to destroy yeast. Nystatin kills ONLY yeast and is one of the least toxic drugs used for this purpose. However, Nystatin frequently induces an allergic reaction with prolonged use.
Diflucan (generic Fluconazole) -Fluconazole is a synthetic antifungal that is used for the treatment of a variety of fungal infections.
Clotrimazole (sold as Gyne-Lotrimin, Lotrimin, Mycelex) -Clotrimazole is an over-the-counter antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections such as vaginal yeast infections, athlete's foot, ringworm and nail infections. The improper and unsupervised use of over-the-counter medications may be responsible for bacterial resistance to these drugs.
Homeopathic Treatment of Candida
Spilanthes -A plant native to Brazil that is used to treat bacterial infections
Usnea -A lichen found in damp forests, usnea has been used as an antifungal and antibiotic for over one thousand years.
Oregano oil -Oil of Oregano is used both internally and externally as an antiseptic. Known to destroy yeast and bacteria.
Coconut oil -The antifungal properties of the lauric acid found in coconut oil is said to destroy the bad bacteria but leave the good bacteria alone.
Olive leaf -Olive leaf capsules are purported to destroy yeast taken in combination with other yeast destroying herbs.
Colloidal Silver -Colloidal silver is used as an antimicrobial. Used for extended periods, it may make the skin turn grey.
Caprylic Acid -Caprylic Acid is highly recommended by nutritionists for the treatment of Candida. However, once the Candida yeast leave the intestinal tract and penetrate other host tissues, the effectiveness of Caprylic Acid diminishes.
Acidophilus -A group of probiotics sold as a capsule and containing lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus bulgaricus, bifidobacterium bifidum, and streptococcus.
Dietary Treatment of Candida
Candida yeast thrives on sugar. Dietary treatments generally focus on depriving Candida of the substances it needs to survive, thereby "starving" it to death. Individuals have noted that dietary changes are quite effective in managing the symptoms of Candida. They have also noted that abandoning their newly adopted dietary style leads to a return of symptoms.
It is crucial to avoid foods that feed Candida. Yeast love refined carbohydrates[ix] such as white rice, white bread, sugary cereals, and pasta and noodles made from white flour. Yeast also loves an acidic environment. Depriving them of this environment effectively destroys them. It is important to "eat like a caveman" to deprive Candida of what it needs to survive. Eat as close to nature as you can. Enjoy as many immune boosting foods as possible, like garlic, onions and olive oil. Also recommended are kale, turnips and cabbage. It is thought that these roots inhibit the growth of fungas. Be sure that you get the appropriate vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, and zinc, iron and magnesium is less likely to foster an environment where Candida can take over.
There will always be times when taking antibiotics may be unavoidable. If you must resort to taking antibiotics, be sure to pair your antibiotic with a pro-biotic supplement such as acidophilous or bifidobacteria in order to maintain appropriate levels of good bacteria and to counter the harmful effect of the antibiotic on the delicate bacterial balance.
Remember to avoid stress. Too much stress affects the immune system and prevents it from keeping infectious agents in check. Exercise is crucial to a successful recovery also. A healthy body benefits from exercise as does an unhealthy one. Exercise can assist in strengthening not only the musculoskelatal system, but other systems as well. A properly functioning body is better able to resist fluctuations in system bacteria and hormone levels.
The theory behind dietary control of Candida is that the system must be cleansed of harmful bacteria and an environment that deprives harmful bacteria and promotes beneficial bacteria must be maintained.
It is important to remember that education is the key to managing Candida. The lifestyle changes that must be made to stop the spread of the disease and return the bodily systems to normal, or something resembling normal, are massive and ongoing. There is no magic pill to cure Candida. There is only a long-term management plan that can be developed by working with a medical professional, registered dietitian, and/or nutritionist.
The information currently available about Candida must be managed also. There is a host of information available on the Internet and, during this information age, more and more people are accessing this information. However, we must realize that not all information is created equal. Rely on reputable sources for your information and do not take anything at face value.
Treating and Managing Candidiasis
