Complete Cure for Candida

Candida albicans and variations live naturally in the large intestines, but sometimes this yeast-like fungus over-proliferates and causing headaches, gastritis, aching, hives, vaginal yeast infections and even autoimmune diseases such as Crohn's disease and fibromyalgia. This overgrowth of candida can stem from the overuse of antibiotics, airborne contaminants, poor diet, food allergies and even corticosteroids. A complete cure for a candida problem includes a change of diet, taking supplements and doing colonics or colon cleanses. Medicine may also be prescribed.

Diet and Supplements

• If you are diagnosed with candida overgrowth, you will need to adopt a gluten-free diet. This can be difficult for many people because most pastas, breads, bakery items, soups, crackers and cookies have glutens. Beer even contains yeast, which has glutens. Fortunately, there are many gluten-free substitutes on the market. Brown rice is one of the most popular substitutes. There are plenty of breads, pastas and even snacks made from brown rice. Eat spelt bread instead of multigrain or wheat bread. use caution in restaurants; most chefs baste or marinade their meats in sauces that contain yeast or glutens.

  In addition to a gluten-free diet, supplements should be taken to rid the body of the yeast. Probiotics can help stabilize the natural bacteria in the digestive tract, which helps to fight the yeast. Digestive enzymes can help eliminate them as well. Other yeast killers include garlic, cat's claw, grapefruit seed extract and cayenne. It is best to start with a probiotic and garlic. Your body will adapt better to just a few supplements to begin with. However, you may still feel bad at times because your body is actually detoxing. As yeast dies, it emits toxins that your body then has to eliminate.

Medicine

• A physician will often prescribe nystatin for a candida overgrowth problem. Nystatin comes in pill or powder form. There are also nystatin creams for vaginal yeast infections. A yeast infection can reoccur if a complete approach is not employed. Therefore, it is best to change your diet and take supplements, too. Most natural medicine doctors will not prescribe nystatin. Some believe it can exacerbate an existing candida problem.

Colonics and Colon Cleanse

• Because the candida produces toxins, colonics are often recommended to flush the excess candida out of the large intestines. Colonics flush out the entire colon, unlike enemas. Colonics are performed by a licensed colon hydrotherapist, which can usually be found in the yellow pages. Colon-hydrotherapists often practice with other alternative medicine specialists such as reflexologists, acupuncturists and deep massage therapists. You may have to do at least six sessions. Most people feel better after their first treatment.

  For those that may not want to do colonics, colon cleanses can also be effective for eliminating residual yeast and toxins. These usually come in powder form and can be mixed with your favorite drink. Colon cleanses clean the colon of yeast, toxins and parasites. However, people often report feeling ill at times as their body detoxes. This is normal. However, colon cleanses can increase bowel movements and even diarrhea at inopportune moments. Some top brands include Dr. Natura Colonix and Oxy Powder. As of 2003, a month supply usually costs between $60 and $90, depending on the brand name.