The Health Diva

Antifungal remedies are designed to help eliminate any residual Candida left within your system after following the dietary program. We generally recommend the use of antifungal preparations six weeks after you have begun following your new dietary program, this allows time for you to get over any initial detox symptoms from the dietary changes, and allow your immune system to strengthen.

During the anti fungal phase many more Candida cells are destroyed, releasing a great many toxins into the bloodstream. Clients may experience flu like symptoms, aching muscles, nausea, headaches, or depression. Until these toxins have been eliminated from the body, it is not surprising if you don’t feel too well.

What they are experiencing is a syndrome called herxheimer’s reaction, and is more commonly known as ‘die off’. This does not mean the client is dying off, it means the Candida is already being starved by the diet and pushed back by an immune system, which is growing stronger.

When you take anti-fungal supplements, they can have the same effect, but you are able to control this by the size of dose you take. We recommend starting slowly with a low dosage and after five days gradually increasing the dosage. If at any stage you cannot cope with the detox symptoms, simply reduce the dosage, or leave off for a few days and try again in five days time. It is wise to follow an anti-fungal approach under the support of a qualified nutritional therapist.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its effect on the immune system and it has both antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Take garlic as a supplement when you are trying to eliminate an attack of thrush, and as prevention if you are prone to attacks. In clinical studies, garlic extracts have been to found to prevent the growth of candida. One of the active ingredients in garlic is called ‘allicin’, and it appears that this is the ingredient with the ability to prevent an overgrowth of yeast. When buying supplements, choose one with a high level of allicin.

Pau d’Arco

Pau d’Arco, is a powerful anti-fungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial remedy it’s used for conditions ranging from candidiasis (yeast infection of the vaginal or oral areas), herpes simplex virus, and influenza.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is a potent antibacterial and anti-fungal agaent, naturally contains two antimicrobial agents named Carvacrol and Thymol.

In a 2001 study, Oregano Oil was shown to inhibit the growth of the Staphylococcus bacteria just as effectively as 3 standard antibiotics. As a completely natural remedy, patients also do not suffer from the side effects associated with powerful prescription drugs.

Oregano supplements can be taken to treat yeast infections, we recommend taking over six weeks. If you have the oregano oil, add 1-4 drops in water or juice, once or twice daily.

Caprylic Acid

Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk.

Caprylic Acid is used in treatments for a variety of conditions, including fungal, yeast and Candida.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal was originally used by Native Americans for skin disorders, digestive complaints and even as a cancer remedy. In more modern times, Goldenseal has gained in popularity and has been used for wound healing and many types of infection, as well as a powerful anti-fungal agent.

Goldenseal contains two active ingredients – Hydrastine and Berberine – that are powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents. Both restrict the Candida’s growth and with time will kill it Berberine is truly a multi talented substance. It is an immune system stimulant.

Be careful not to dose yourself too much Goldenseal. Too much can irritate the liver, so its better to take one week on, one week off. As a dietary supplement, aim for 250mg, twice a day to start, then you can increase the dosage to 500mg.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract has been recognised for it’s broad applications against all kinds of infections. Grapefruit seed has a number of important chemicals – Vitamins C & E, and bioflavonoids – that can help repair cells in the body. It also has antifungal properties that effectively combat Candida. One particular bioflavanoid, Hesperedin, can give a natural boost to your immune system.

The great thing about taking Grapefruit seed extract for digestive complaints is that it leaves the beneficial bacteria in your system intact. Compare that to more traditional antibiotic treatments that can leave your intestine empty of these helpful organisms.