Ailments : A-Z

Candidiasis refers to an overgrowth of the fungus, candida albicans. The candida organism is a normal inhabitant of our intestinal tract. Under certain conditions, however, candida proliferates out of control, forcing itself into the intestinal lining, where it destroys cells in the microvilli, passes into the bloodstream and invades tissues where it does not belong (systemic candidiasis).

The symptoms of candidiasis are primarily allergic ones and include the following:

• cravings for sugars, bread or alcohol.
• indigestion/discomfort after eating fruits or sweets.
• severe reactions to perfumes, tobacco, chemicals.
• intolerance to alcohol.
• hypersensitivity to certain foods.
• diarrhea or constipation.
• rectal itching or bladder infections.
• coated or sore tongue.
• chronic sore or scratchy throat, oral thrush.
• feel bad all over, without apparent cause.
• feeling of being in a mental fog, "spaciness."
• hives, psoriasis or skin rash.
• anxiety or depression.
• tiredness, feelings of being "drained."
• athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus.
• allergy or sensitivity to airborne moulds.
• allergy or sensitivity to moldy or fermented foods.
• premenstrual tension, menstrual cramps.
• vaginal discharge, burning, itching.
• endometriosis, uterine fibroids.
• prostate problems, impotence.
• itching of penis or groin.

Most people with candidiasis have been heavy users of broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroid drugs, birth control pills or alcohol. These drugs destroy the beneficial microflora in the intestines that are the natural antagonists of Candida albicans. They need to be avoided, if at all possible.

Most candida programs are not very effective. That is because they do nothing for the cause of the problem. Because Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract, it cannot be starved out of the body. What allows candida to overpopulate is a weak immune system. The only way to reduce the candida population to normal levels is to restore that immunity.

Everyone with candidiasis has acquired an allergy to the candida organism. This allergy, in effect, paralyzes the immune processes that would normally keep the candida in check. This allergy can be reversed, however, simply by taking a homeopathic 30C dilution of candida albicans (11 drops under the tongue, three times daily, between meals). If the only thing one does for candidiasis is to take this homeopathic remedy every day for two months, the candida population will likely be back to normal levels within six months. This time frame can be shortened considerably by also taking garlic and grapefruit seed extract (anti-fungal agents) and lactobacillus acidophilus (displaces candida in the gut).

If the candidiasis is systemic (i.e., in the bloodstream), then oil of oregano will likely also be of benefit. Oil of oregano is very potent. It needs to be taken two to three drops under the tongue, twice daily, between meals and at least 30 minutes after taking the homeopathic remedy.

If the candida allergy is not corrected, then the strictest diet will not bring lasting results. If the allergy is corrected, then the candida control diet does not have to be harsh. The important things to eliminate are alcohol and concentrated sugars/sweets of all kinds, including fruit juices and dried fruits. (One piece of whole fruit per day is usually not a problem.) It is often helpful also to eliminate fermented foods (e.g., vinegar, pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, tofu). With the homeopathic control program, it is not necessary to eliminate foods containing yeasts (e.g., baker’s, brewer’s, torula) – unless the person also has allergies to those specific yeasts. [For a description of how homeopathic remedies work, consult my book; Nature’s Medicines.]

Although candida albicans is a natural inhabitant of the digestive tract, it does not belong in the bloodstream. It can arrive there only by passing through an intestinal wall that is more permeable that it ought to be. Therefore, wherever systemic candidiasis is found, a "leaky" gut will likely also require attention.