Getting on Top of Fungal Issues

Along with a low-sugar diet and probiotic supplements or foods, antifungals are a crucial part of any successful Candida treatment plan.   

You may be suffering with Candida of the skin which comes in various forms and is also known as foot fungus, tinea (athlete's foot), oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection, nail fungus, jock itch, diaper rash; or you may have ringworm.  Ringworm and candidiasis are both fungal infections, but they are caused by different types of fungi. The conditions also affect different areas of the body.

There are only a handful of prescription anti-fungals that can help with a Candida overgrowth, and they tend to come with some nasty side effects. Yeast and fungal cells are quite similar to human cells, which makes it difficult to kill off the ‘bad guys’ and not the ‘good guys’. Prescription anti-fungals kill off the good and bad guys leaving your body more vunerable to attack.  For this reason, natural antifungals are often the best option for Candida sufferers.

In our anti-fungal ointment we use oil of oregano and cinnamon bark which are potent anti-fungal herbs.  Also contained in the ointment is coconut oil which is high in caprylic acid. This ointment, used regularly and repeatedly will help to alleviate fungal infections.  However, due to its potent nature, it is suitable for areas of the body where the skin is tougher such as feet and hands, toe nails and finger nails.  For more tender areas of the skin such as face, neck, vagina, buttocks etc. calendula ointment is very gentle on the skin.  Excellent for nappy rash etc.  Calendula has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. 

Natural antifungals work by breaking down the cell walls of the Candida yeast, and they are an important part of your recovery.  However, just as important is taking care of yourself internally.  Grapefruit seed extract, and oregano oil can be taken internally to help with Candida and you can add antifungal foods into your diet too.  Following are some examples of food which you may use to help control your candida.

Coconut oil is a potent Candida killer, and one of the most useful antifungals there is. It contains Lauric acid and Caprylic acid, which both help prevent Candida overgrowth and strengthen your immune system.

Garlic has powerful antifungal properties which not only attack Candida but also help to maintain healthy microbiome in the digestive system. This amazing herb destroys harmful bacteria while leaving healthy bacteria in place.

Onions are known for their strong anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties. They also help the kidneys to flush excess fluids out the body: highly beneficial for Candida sufferers who may experience water retention. 

Seaweed is a rich source of iodine, which helps to balance thyroid hormones and their impact on your metabolism. Many Candida sufferers have issues with sluggish or underactive thyroid, which can slow their recovery.  Seaweed is a 'superfood' which can help boost your general health and immunity. 

Rutabaga is one of the most potent antifungal vegetables on earth. It’s technically a starch, but its ability to kill off fungal overgrowth is exceptional. Rutabaga is a root vegetable, and a member of the mustard family. It’s also known as ‘swede’ or ‘Swedish turnip.

Pau d’arco is a proven anti-fungal and is the best tea you can have while on the Candida diet. Pau d’arco is packed with naphthoquinones that can kill a variety of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. It has a powerful yeast-fighting active ingredient named lapachol. Studies suggest that this special compound is as effective against both Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis as pharmaceutical drugs. This is possibly due to its effect on the cellular membrane of the yeast. 

Other foods which are effective in a candida diet include ginger, tumeric, olive oil, papaya seeds, pumpkins seeds, cayenne pepper and fermented foods.