CANDIDA: TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR INTESTINAL OVERGROWTH

Candida albicans is a strain of yeast commonly found in the intestinal tract. Its numbers are usually kept under control by the friendly bacteria cohabiting with the yeast and the body’s defense systems. These friendly bacteria, known as a group by the name Lactobacilli, compete with the candida yeast. Occasionally, however, the yeast will be allowed to overgrow and can then lead to significant states of disease. C. albicans overgrowth is believed to cause a wide variety of symptoms in virtually every system of the body with the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine, nervous and immune systems being the most susceptible. For simplicity, the following protocol chiefly addresses the gastrointestinal system.

C. albicans overgrowth or enteric candidiasis, is most often associated with chronic use of antibiotics. Other drugs such as corticosteroids (cortisone, prednisone, etc.), anti-ulcer drugs (Zantac, Tagamet, etc.) and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) can precipitate yeast imbalance, as does a lack of digestive secretions and having too much sugar in the diet. To know if you have enteric candidiasis, your clinician may elect to check the stool for C. albicans or test the blood for antibodies against the fungus.

Please be patient and persistent with treatment. C. albicans is a tenacious microbe. Successful treatment includes reducing the predisposing factors to overgrowth, strengthening the body’s ability to fight overgrowth and administering agents that directly arrest the overgrowth.

PLAN

Digestive Secretions

The body uses stomach acid and enzymes secreted from the stomach and pancreas to break down large molecules for proper absorption through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. Incomplete digestion of proteins and other food components leads to food sensitivities and the formation of toxic substances. These powerful enzymes also keep the intestines free from parasites, including yeast. To aid the body in this process, the following may be recommended:

• Hydrochloric acid
• Pancreatic enzymes
• Bile flow promoters such as plant bitters

Diet

A number of foods appear to promote candidal overgrowth and thus should be reduced or eliminated:

• Refined sugar, which includes table sugar, fruit sugar, fruit juices, honey and maple syrup
• Yeast or mold containing foods such as alcohol, cheeses, dried fruits, peanuts
• Milk and milk products due to their high levels of lactose (milk sugar) as well as trace levels of antibiotics
• All know allergens so as to decrease intestinal inflammation in general

Foods which can be eaten freely include all vegetables (except as specified), protein sources and whole grains. Two to three servings (one cup) of apples, pears and berries can be eaten daily.

Nutrients

Of particular importance in combating C. albicans are the following immune enhancers:

• Vitamin A
• Zinc
• Vitamin B6
• Selenium
• Folate
• Magnesium
• Essential fatty acids
• Iron

Liver Function

It is important to support the liver before, during and after treatment to protect it from candida-generated toxins, particularly during any “die-off” period. Liver protecting agents should be discussed with your Naturopathic doctor.

Anti-fungal Medication

These may be taken either separately, as a customized, mixed preparation or included in several commercial preparations available:

• Caprylic acid - a natural fatty acid anti-fungal. Timed release of special (enteric) coating to ensure a gradual release throughout the intestinal tract
• Undecylenic acid - from Castor beans. Quite effective against yeast.
• Allium sativa (garlic) - a proven anti-fungal. Very powerful. An encapsulated supplement is usually necessary to deliver high enough concentrations to the intestines and avoid irritating the stomach.
• Berberine containing plants - strongly anti-microbial. Found in Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape) Berberis Vulgaris (Barberry)
• Tabebuia avellanedae (Pau d’Arco/Taheebo) - has a long folk history of use in fighting fungal infections
• Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile) - contains several compounds that kill candida and relieves symptoms such as diarrhea, colic and indigestion.
• Common spices. Ginger, Cinnamon, thyme, balm and rosemary contain some of the most powerful candida-killing substances available. Use them liberally in cooking.
• Lactobacilli - probably the most important addition to the diet in combating a gastrointestinal yeast overgrowth. Both taken by mouth or as rectal implants, two strains are of significance, Lactobacillus acidophilus (especially for upper GI) and Bifidobacterium bifidus (especially for the colon or large bowel).
• Many plants contain anti-fungal elements and can be used as medicines. Additional information regarding nutritional and herbal medicines may be provided by your physician.