How to Stop Candida

Candida is a type of yeast, the most common being candida albicans, normally present in the digestive tract and vagina. During certain circumstances you can experience a yeast infection called candidiasis. Hot, humid weather, a depressed immune system and taking antibiotics are factors that contribute to candida overgrowth. In rare instances, candida can enter the bloodstream and tissues and become life threatening. Diet, supplements and anti-fungal drugs can usually keep candida under control.

Things You'll Need

• Yogurt
• Yeast-free food items
• Beneficial bifido or acidophilus bacteria
• Yeast-killing supplements
• Prescription for antifungal medications

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Instructions

Recognizing Candida

• 1

  Note whether you have any of the following symptoms of candida: persistent vaginal itching or burning, abdominal pain, constipation, bloating or diarrhea, fatigue or lethargy, muscle aches or pains, premenstrual tension, depression, frequent mood swings, postnasal drip, rash or blisters in mouth, belching and intestinal gas, inability to concentrate, or a feeling of being "drained."

• 2

  Think about whether you have recently taken a round of antibiotics or have been on them a long time. Note whether you have a condition such as diabetes, are pregnant or obese. Taking birth control pills or having food allergies are other risk factors. Ingesting large amounts of sugar can also set off a candida infection.

• 3

  Recall whether you have ever had oral thrush, athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, fungus under your fingernails or toenails or diaper rash. These can all develop as a result of food allergies and candida albicans. Food allergies and environmental sensitivities have similar symptoms to candida, and sometimes people with candida develop them as well.

Treating Candida

• 4

  Change your diet by eliminating foods that encourage candida. Leave out the following foods: sugar and sugar-containing foods, packaged and processed foods, breads and pastries, all cheeses and sour milk products, alcoholic beverages and fermented beverages such as cider and root beer, condiments, sauces and any foods containing vinegar, malt products, processed and smoked meats, all types of mushrooms and truffles, melons, fruit juices, coffee and tea, dried and candied fruits and leftover foods unless properly refrigerated.

• 5

  Take supplements that either kill yeast or increase the amount on healthy bacteria in the intestines after being on the diet a few weeks. Probiotic bacteria such as bifido and acidophilus have been shown to help yeast syndrome. Adding150 ml of yogurt with lactobacillus acidophilus helps increase colonizaton of "friendly" bacteria in the rectum and vagina, according to Life Extension. Garlic kills yeast in the intestines, and fiber in the diet can help get it out of the body. Tea tree oil has antifungal properties and can be used topically for candida on the skin. The herb goldenseal has antifungal qualities and can be taken as a tea or infusion.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor or health care provider if diet and natural supplements do not cure your infection. Your doctor can prescribe the antifungal drugs nystatin or diflucan. Nystatin works in the bowel and is usually mixed in water. Creams and lotions containing nystatin can be used on the skin. Vaginal and anal infections can b treated with suppositories. Diflucan is the most powerful antifungal drug available that is FDA-approved. In one month it can wipe out a systemic candida infection, leaving nutritional supplements to prevent a new infection.

• 7

  Wear only white cotton panties or panties with a cotton crotch if you have a vaginal yeast infection. Do not wear tight clothing, and change gym clothes or bathing suits after using to avoid creating a hospitable environment for yeast. If you are sexually active, your partner may need to be treated, as yeast infections can be passed back and forth between partners. Avoid douching and using feminine hygiene sprays.