Candidiasis is a common problem known as thrush, yeast infection, or leaky gut syndrome and is caused by overgrowth of a naturally occurring fungus. The fungus, Candida Albicans, is one of the many organisms that live in the human mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Under normal circumstances Candida causes no harmful effects.

Candidiasis occurs when our natural intestional flora becomes unbalanced by overuse of sugar, artificial sweeteners, steroids, tobacco, anitbiotics, clorine, and pesticides. Sometimes a weakened immune system is to blame. Tight jeans, the use of nylon underwear over a very long period of time, and sudden changes in hormonal levels can increase the risk of yeast production.

Problems occur when Candida switches from a non-invasive, sugar fermenting yeast to an invasive fungus with long, root-like structures. In time, these rhizoids can penetrate intestinal walls, leaving tiny holes that allow undigested food particles and bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Candidiasis include fatigue, depression, digestive problems, abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, sore throat, white coating on the tongue, cough, sinus problems, bad breath, itching, headaches, skin rashes, milky discharge, and re-occurring vaginal yeast infections.

If Candidiasis is suspected, a cleansing diet is recommended. Avoid all sugar, dairy products (except yogurt), vinegar, coffee, black tea, caffiene, colas, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Avoid nuts (except almonds) and mushrooms. Carbohydrates, preservitives, precessed foods, smoked meats, dried fruits, pickles, cured meats, and breads should be limited to extremely small portions.

Yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus should be eaten daily. Raw garlic is also extrememly beneficial. Fresh vegetables including onions, ginger root, cabbage, broccoli, and sea veggies should be consumed by the plate full. Diet should also include poultry, sea food, olive oil, eggs, brown rice, buckwheat, barley, millet, soy, tofu, rice cakes, and green drinks.

Oregano, thyme, peppermint, goldenseal, barberry, chamomile, or rosemary tea should be taken throughout the recovery period of four to six weeks. Black walnut extract is recommended and shows excellent results. Evening primrose oil, licorice elixer, echinacea extract, grapefruit seed extract, bromelain, red marine algae, zinc, aloe vera juice, and milk thistle extract may also bring relief. Everyone is different so experiment to see what works best.

Rotate herbal remedies to keep from building up resistance. Get lots of sleep and laugh every day to reduce stress. Foot massage can help. Concentrate on the instep area to stimulate colon, liver, and adrenal health.

An effective vaginal treatment is a douche of diluted tea tree oil and calendula infusion in warm water. Wash rectal area with a solution of garlic, echinacea, and myrrh after every bowel movement. Make suppositories by combining 20 drops of tea tree essential oil, 10 drops of thyme essential oil, and a fouth cup of cocoa butter. Divide into 12 portions and keep in refrigerator until needed. Use one every eight to twelve hours.

If thrush is a problem, disinfect toothbrush frequently. Gargle with diluted tea tree oil or black walnut extract.

*Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.