Candida is nearly an epidemic in our society and is responsible for many of the chronic illness categories we see so frequently. Candida symptoms are vast and all encompassing and can even incapacitate the individual. Most people are unaware that it even exists, because most main stream doctors are uneducated about its impact on our health. People suffering from this condition often go from doctor to doctor for years and are usually told they are a hypochondriac or that it is stress or a psychiatric problem, before ever discovering the real culprit.
Candida Albicans is a yeast that occurs naturally in the human body. Normally it lives in harmony with a variety of other microorganisms and actually performs a couple important functions. The problem occurs when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast organism to proliferate and take over all the healthy microorganisms. It normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat and genitals, however it can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the blood stream and then make it's way into any organ of the body. To make matters worse it emits over 70 different toxins into the body. Some people may even become allergic to the yeast itself.
The most common organism implicated in fungal infections is the ubiquitous Candida, which is found in the human digestive tract, mouth, and genital region (Eggiman P et al 2003). Under normal circumstances, levels of Candida are controlled by beneficial bacteria. However, if the bacteria-fungus balance is upset, by the use of antibiotics for example, or if the immune system is compromised, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, resulting in infection (Braunwald DE 2001).
Fungal overgrowth is encouraged by certain pH levels and the availability of sugar (glucose) (McGinnis MR et al 1996; Buddington RK et al 1996; Howard MD et al 1995). People with the right conditions for fungal infection, such as a high sugar diet, are at higher risk. Also, candida infections can be spread to vulnerable people with depressed immune systems who are in the hospital, where the fungus is commonly found on the hands of caregivers and where indwelling catheters can allow an infection to take hold.
Candidiasis Yeast Infection Causes
In women, yeast infections are the second most common reason for vaginal burning, itching, and discharge. Yeasts are found in the vagina of 20% to 50% of healthy women and can overgrow if the environment in the vagina changes. Antibiotic and steroid use is the most common reason for yeast overgrowth. But pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills also can contribute to getting a yeast infection. Yeast infections are more common after menopause
In people who have a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments, steroids, or diseases such as AIDS, candidal infections can occur throughout the entire body and can be life-threatening. The blood, brain, eye, kidney, and heart are most frequently affected, but Candida also can grow in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Candida is a leading cause of esophagitis (inflammation in the swallowing tube) in people with AIDS.
Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida. These infections enter into the bloodstream through breakdowns or cuts in the skin or mucous membranes. Candidal organisms may build up in an area because of frequent use of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that normally keep them under control.
Use of devices implanted in the skin such as urinary catheters and IV ports also provide access for the yeast to enter the body. IV drug users utilizing dirty needles may inject the yeast directly into their bloodstream or deep tissues.
Other Nutrients that Fight Fungal Infection
Certain nutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of fungal infection by attacking the organisms directly or enhancing the immune response. These include the following:
Goldenseal. The active ingredient of the herbal root goldenseal is called berberine. One of its many pharmacologic actions is metabolic inhibition of certain organisms, including fungi. In animal studies, it has been shown to work synergistically with intravenous amphotericin B, allowing dramatic reductions in dosages (Han Y et al 2005). Berberine has also demonstrated direct antifungal activity in laboratory studies (Slobodnikova L et al 2004).
Additional antimicrobial compounds have been identified in goldenseal. Nine compounds have been isolated from a commercially available sample of goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis).
Lactoferrin. Several studies have found that lactoferrin, a subfraction of whey protein, inhibits a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, and even certain intestinal parasites. Lactoferrin taken orally appears to survive absorption in the stomach and can make its way into secretory tissue such as breast and salivary glands (Percival M 1997; Lupetti A et al 2002). It has been described as an important part of the primary host immune defense against microbes including Candida (Orsi N 2004). C. albicans, in particular, has been proven to be inhibited by lactoferrin (van der Kraan MI et al 2005). In lab studies, the majority of C. albicans isolates succumbed to lactoferrin (Samaranayake YH et al 2001).
Find powerful herbal remedies Yeast Infection Remedy
Lactoferrin worked well in combination with fluconazole, a prescription antifungal agent (Kuipers ME et al 1999), demonstrating that lactoferrin and antifungal medications work together to reduce oral yeast infections in HIV-infected individuals. In a different study human lactoferrin was effective against candida strains that had become resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, raising the possibility of a potent new therapy (Viejo-Diaz M et al 2005).
Tea tree oil. Studies have demonstrated the antifungal properties of the oil of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) against a wide range of fungal isolates, including Candida. Controlled doses of tea tree oil may be used as an effective topical treatment for dermatologic Candida infection and paronychia. The mechanism of action of tea tree oil against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied by treating each strain of yeast with tea tree oil for up to six hours. Colonies were labeled with methylene blue to help researchers observe alterations in membrane permeability. Membrane fluidity was determined by fluorescence. The studies found that the antifungal properties of tea tree oil lie in its ability to disrupt the yeast cell wall (Hammer KA et al 1997, 1997; Rushton RT et al 1997).
Essential oils. Oils from various herbs, including clove, cayenne, and especially oregano, have been tested against Candida organisms (Hronek M et al 2005; Tampieri MP et al 2005). In a study on immunosuppressed animals, oregano and clove oil reduced the number of colony counts in samples of oral tissue (Chami N et al 2005). Oregano oil in combination with clove oil has also been shown to reduce the fungal load, which would decrease the risk of candida infection in animal models of vaginal candida infection (Chami F et al 2004).
Garlic. Garlic has a number of antimicrobial properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida in the laboratory (Iwalokun BA et al 2004). Lab studies have revealed that candida is especially sensitive to a purified extract of garlic known as allyl alcohol, which produced oxidative stress inside the yeast organism and inhibited its growth (Lemar KM et al 2005). Other studies have demonstrated that garlic extracts begin exerting their anticandidal effect within one hour of ingestion.
Also read about Herbal Remedies for Menstruation
Remedies for Menopause goherbalsupplements.com
The most common organism implicated in fungal infections is the ubiquitous Candida, which is found in the human digestive tract, mouth, and genital region (Eggiman P et al 2003). Under normal circumstances, levels of Candida are controlled by beneficial bacteria. However, if the bacteria-fungus balance is upset, by the use of antibiotics for example, or if the immune system is compromised, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, resulting in infection (Braunwald DE 2001).
Fungal overgrowth is encouraged by certain pH levels and the availability of sugar (glucose) (McGinnis MR et al 1996; Buddington RK et al 1996; Howard MD et al 1995). People with the right conditions for fungal infection, such as a high sugar diet, are at higher risk. Also, candida infections can be spread to vulnerable people with depressed immune systems who are in the hospital, where the fungus is commonly found on the hands of caregivers and where indwelling catheters can allow an infection to take hold.
Candidiasis Yeast Infection Causes
In women, yeast infections are the second most common reason for vaginal burning, itching, and discharge. Yeasts are found in the vagina of 20% to 50% of healthy women and can overgrow if the environment in the vagina changes. Antibiotic and steroid use is the most common reason for yeast overgrowth. But pregnancy, menstruation, sperm, diabetes, and birth control pills also can contribute to getting a yeast infection. Yeast infections are more common after menopause
In people who have a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments, steroids, or diseases such as AIDS, candidal infections can occur throughout the entire body and can be life-threatening. The blood, brain, eye, kidney, and heart are most frequently affected, but Candida also can grow in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Candida is a leading cause of esophagitis (inflammation in the swallowing tube) in people with AIDS.
Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida. These infections enter into the bloodstream through breakdowns or cuts in the skin or mucous membranes. Candidal organisms may build up in an area because of frequent use of antibiotics, which kill the bacteria that normally keep them under control.
Use of devices implanted in the skin such as urinary catheters and IV ports also provide access for the yeast to enter the body. IV drug users utilizing dirty needles may inject the yeast directly into their bloodstream or deep tissues.
Other Nutrients that Fight Fungal Infection
Certain nutrients have been shown to reduce the risk of fungal infection by attacking the organisms directly or enhancing the immune response. These include the following:
Goldenseal. The active ingredient of the herbal root goldenseal is called berberine. One of its many pharmacologic actions is metabolic inhibition of certain organisms, including fungi. In animal studies, it has been shown to work synergistically with intravenous amphotericin B, allowing dramatic reductions in dosages (Han Y et al 2005). Berberine has also demonstrated direct antifungal activity in laboratory studies (Slobodnikova L et al 2004).
Additional antimicrobial compounds have been identified in goldenseal. Nine compounds have been isolated from a commercially available sample of goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis).
Lactoferrin. Several studies have found that lactoferrin, a subfraction of whey protein, inhibits a wide range of bacteria, yeasts, and even certain intestinal parasites. Lactoferrin taken orally appears to survive absorption in the stomach and can make its way into secretory tissue such as breast and salivary glands (Percival M 1997; Lupetti A et al 2002). It has been described as an important part of the primary host immune defense against microbes including Candida (Orsi N 2004). C. albicans, in particular, has been proven to be inhibited by lactoferrin (van der Kraan MI et al 2005). In lab studies, the majority of C. albicans isolates succumbed to lactoferrin (Samaranayake YH et al 2001).
Find powerful herbal remedies Yeast Infection Remedy
Lactoferrin worked well in combination with fluconazole, a prescription antifungal agent (Kuipers ME et al 1999), demonstrating that lactoferrin and antifungal medications work together to reduce oral yeast infections in HIV-infected individuals. In a different study human lactoferrin was effective against candida strains that had become resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, raising the possibility of a potent new therapy (Viejo-Diaz M et al 2005).
Tea tree oil. Studies have demonstrated the antifungal properties of the oil of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) against a wide range of fungal isolates, including Candida. Controlled doses of tea tree oil may be used as an effective topical treatment for dermatologic Candida infection and paronychia. The mechanism of action of tea tree oil against C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was studied by treating each strain of yeast with tea tree oil for up to six hours. Colonies were labeled with methylene blue to help researchers observe alterations in membrane permeability. Membrane fluidity was determined by fluorescence. The studies found that the antifungal properties of tea tree oil lie in its ability to disrupt the yeast cell wall (Hammer KA et al 1997, 1997; Rushton RT et al 1997).
Essential oils. Oils from various herbs, including clove, cayenne, and especially oregano, have been tested against Candida organisms (Hronek M et al 2005; Tampieri MP et al 2005). In a study on immunosuppressed animals, oregano and clove oil reduced the number of colony counts in samples of oral tissue (Chami N et al 2005). Oregano oil in combination with clove oil has also been shown to reduce the fungal load, which would decrease the risk of candida infection in animal models of vaginal candida infection (Chami F et al 2004).
Garlic. Garlic has a number of antimicrobial properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of candida in the laboratory (Iwalokun BA et al 2004). Lab studies have revealed that candida is especially sensitive to a purified extract of garlic known as allyl alcohol, which produced oxidative stress inside the yeast organism and inhibited its growth (Lemar KM et al 2005). Other studies have demonstrated that garlic extracts begin exerting their anticandidal effect within one hour of ingestion.
Also read about Herbal Remedies for Menstruation
Remedies for Menopause goherbalsupplements.com
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