Candida or Thrush
Candida albicans is the yeast that causes thrush. Normally, it is a harmless member of the microorganisms known as the gut flora, but it can become overgrown as a result of antibiotics, the Pill, pregnancy, illness or an unhealthy diet or lifestyle. It usually shows itself as vaginal or oral thrush. Some therapists believe Candida may be to blame for a number of conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, bloating, depression, irregular periods and urinary tract infections. Most doctors are skeptical due to lack of evidence. Here is a more detailed article on Candida and Yeast Infections.
Dietary Advice To Avoid Candida or Thrush
Candida feeds on sugar, so it is important to eliminate all sugars, including fruit juice, pastries and chocolate, from your diet for at least three months. You also need to stop eating and drinking fermented foods such as vinegar, wine and beer; and mouldy food such as blue cheese, mushrooms and yeast products.
Some therapists also recommend cutting out wheat, which is believed to make the problem worse, and switching from cow’s to goat’s or sheep’s milk until the condition clears. Such a strict diet needs to be monitored by a nutritionist, and may not be suitable for children.
Some therapists recommend probiotic supplements such as Lactobacillus acidophilus to help rebalance gut flora. An excellent example of probiotic is Bowtrol Probiotics.
You can also follow the Candida detox diet guide.
Complimentary Natural Remedies For Candida or Thrush
Add 8 drops tea tree oil to the bath, or make a sitz bath by adding 4 drops tea tree oil to a bowl of warm water, and sit in it for 10 minutes. Tea tree oil pessaries are also available from health shops and specialist aromatherapy suppliers.
For vaginal thrush you can use thyme or marigold tea as a douche. Use 1 tsp of the herb per cup, and allow to cool.
Tincture of myrrh makes a good mouthwash for oral thrush. Add 4 drops to a glass of warm water and swill round the mouth for one minute, before spitting out.
Homeopathic remedies include Calc carb 6c for thrush with an itchy milky discharge or Sulphur 6c for thrush with burning pain. Take either remedy six times a day, for up to five days.
Goldenseal tea can help when drunk 3 times a day (but avoid drinking this tea during pregnancy).
