Managing Candidiasis with Herbs & Natural Remedies

In a healthy body, candida, which is a yeast-like fungus considered part of the body's normal �â'¬Å"flora�â'¬ï¿½, is perfectly harmless. But if candida grows out of control, it can quickly overwhelm the body's immune system. Doctors call this condition candidiasis or a yeast infection.

What Causes Candidiasis?

Candida is part of the �â'¬Å"flora�â'¬ï¿½ normally found in the body. It's only when candida populations grow too large that candida is considered an infection. So what exactly can cause your body's normal candida to build up to potentially harmful levels? Certain medications, especially antibiotics, can encourage an overgrowth of candida. Yeast infections are also common among people with immune disorders, diabetes and bacterial infections. But obesity and even pregnancy can also make a person more susceptible to this common infection.

Pitting "Bad" Germs Against "Good" Germs

One of the most common home remedies for yeast infections is yogurt. While the science supporting live-culture yogurt as a yeast infection preventative has been somewhat mixed, a growing library of evidence seems to at least support the idea behind it.

Even if probiotics can't actually prevent a yeast infection, the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and other probiotics may help bring the body's flora back into balance. One of the most recent studies to look at the benefits of probiotics was a 2007 study which focused on oral yeast infections in the elderly. This study found that probiotics intervention reduced the risk of high yeast counts by 75%.

Fighting Candidiasis By Strengthening The Immune System

A very important weapon in the fight against yeast infections is a strong, healthy immune system and herbal medicine has long prized garlic for just this purpose. While few human studies have looked at garlic specifically as a remedy for yeast infections, a 2006 Iranian study seems to support the use of garlic. In this study, garlic was found to be effective against 18 strains of Candida albicans.

Another popular herb for strengthening the immune system is echinacea. A 1993 animal study found compelling evidence to support the use of echinacea to fight a variety of opportunistic infections, including candida. Whether this research will translate into a usable herbal remedy for yeast infections in humans isn't yet understood.

Is Candidiasis Related to Vitamin Deficiencies?

The potential link between candida infections and vitamin deficiencies isn't a new idea. But the results of a 2004 French study seem to provide even more proof that yeast infections are directly related to certain nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin C. Other vitamins and minerals that may be linked to yeast infections are calcium, zinc and the B vitamins.

Talking To Your Doctor About Candida & Herbal Remedies

Are one of these herbal remedies for yeast infections right for you? Only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice but if you would like more information about candidiasis or how herbal remedies may lower your risk of a recurrence, talk to your primary health care provider.

REFERENCES:

Hatakka, K., et al. (2007). Probiotics reduce the prevalence of oral candida in the elderly--a randomized controlled trial.

Shams-Ghahfarokhi, M., et al. (2006). In vitro antifungal activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and ketoconazole against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes.

Paillaud, E., et al. (2004). Oral candidiasis and nutritional deficiencies in elderly hospitalised patients.

Steinmuller, C., et al. (1993). Polysaccharides isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea enhance the resistance of immunosuppressed mice against systemic infections with Candida albicans and Listeria monocytogenes.