What is Candida?
Candida is a genus of yeasts, with Candida albicans being the most common species in humans. This yeast is part of the normal flora in the mouth, gut, and vagina, but under certain conditions like a weakened immune system, hormonal changes, or antibiotic use, it can overgrow, leading to infections known as candidiasis.
These infections can manifest in various forms, including oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and invasive candidiasis which can affect the bloodstream or internal organs. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the infection but often include itching, redness, and discomfort.
Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, either topical or systemic, depending on the severity and location of the infection. Preventive measures include maintaining good hygiene, managing blood sugar levels if diabetic, and supporting a balanced immune system.
Common Symptoms:
- Excessive sweating
- Nail infections
- Cramps
- Constipation & Intermittent Diarrhea
- Bloating (Gas)
- Food allergies
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Drowsiness
- Hives
- Itching around anus
- Genital rashes
Common Causes:
- Use of antibiotic medicines
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system
- Unhealthy eating habits
- Sugar & Sweet consumption
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
10 Best Natural Home Remedies for Candida:
Using natural remedies to combat Candida overgrowth offers several benefits, primarily because they can help restore the body’s natural balance without the potential side effects of conventional antifungal medications. Ingredients like garlic, known for its antifungal properties, can directly target Candida.
Probiotics can introduce beneficial bacteria and could help rebalance the gut flora, creating an environment less conducive to Candida proliferation. Studies have shown that Coconut oil have been good to fight fungal infections.
Dietary changes like reducing sugar intake and incorporating anti-fungal foods like turmeric or oregano oil can not only treat but also prevent Candida overgrowth by altering the internal environment where Candida thrives. These natural approaches often promote overall health, supporting the immune system and digestive health.
While natural remedies can be effective for mild to moderate cases, severe or systemic infections may still require medical treatment to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
- Eat unsweetened plain yogurt
- Eat raw vegetable salads
- Juice fasting with ingredients such as sour fruits, vegetables, ginger, cinnamon and rosemary
- Drink vegetable soup
- Include garlic in cooking or use garlic pills
- Consume raw apple cider vinegar with mother (unpasteurised). Always dilute the vinegar (a teaspoon) with filtered water (1 glass) before consumption.
- Avoid food with Sugar & Sweeteners including honey
- Avoid Candy, dried fruit, cakes etc
- Avoid sweet fruits such as bananas, apples
- Avoid processed food diet (canned, processed cheese etc)
Natural food Supplements:
- Vitamin B Complex
- Grapefruit seed extract (use as directed in the bottle)
- Omega 3
- Acidophilus
- Vitamin C
Vitamin B Complex rich food:
- Potato, with skin, cooked
- Carrot juice
- Balsam-pear/bitter gourd, bitter melon, cooked
- Durian
- Prune juice
- Avocado
- Cereal
- Legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils)
- Chickpeas/garbanzo beans, cooked
- Soybeans, mature, cooked
- Beans, pinto, cooked
- Lentils, cooked
- Sunflower seeds, without shell
Omega 3 rich food:
- Flax seed and its oil
Vitamin C rich food:
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Bok Choy
- Asparagus
- Turnip greens
- Tomato
- Guava
- Kiwifruit
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Cantaloupe
- Avocado
Natural remedies provide a holistic approach to managing and potentially eliminating Candida overgrowth. By utilizing the antifungal properties of ingredients like garlic, coconut oil, and oregano, alongside the gut-balancing benefits of probiotics, these remedies work synergistically to restore the body’s natural microbial balance.
Dietary adjustments for reducing sugar and incorporating anti-fungal foods, further support this process by creating an inhospitable environment for Candida. These methods not only address the symptoms but also aim at prevention by enhancing overall immune and digestive health.
While natural remedies can be highly beneficial for mild to moderate Candida infections, it’s crucial to approach severe or persistent cases with caution, possibly combining these treatments with medical advice to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence.
NOTE: Natural Remedies are NOT a substitute for proper doctor’s diagnosis or medication. It may or may not have medicinal properties that treat or cure the disease or ailment in question.