Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast (fungus) Candida albicans or other species. This particular organism is normally present on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people, but only becomes a problem when conditions are conducive to its growth, the immune system is weakened or the integrity of the mucous membranes is compromised.

Candida resides on the mucous membranes of the mouth, gut, respiratory system, urinary tract and vagina mostly as a unicellular yeast, where a certain threshold of colonisation is tolerated by immune defences and other commensal micro-organisms. It is capable of converting to the filamentous form (hyphae) in order to spread, a form of growth we recognise as the fur on decaying food. It is this filamentous form that is capable of breaking down barrier defences and invading the deeper tissues of the digestive system to cause systemic disease via the circulation.

The transition from yeast cell to hyphae involves changes in the structure of the cell walls which subsequently alerts the host’s immune system and causes it to mount a response as the fungus passes through the mucous membrane (epithelial cells). During this transition the fungus responds to host conditions which are more favourable to proliferation. This alteration in the normal relationship between host and pathogen can be triggered by a number of important environmental signals: excess nutrients such as glucose, changes in ambient pH, and certain toxins. Other factors are pharmaceutical medications (antibiotics, steroids, hormone treatment, the OCP), nutrient deficiencies (zinc, omega-3, vitamins), oestrogen imbalance, hypothyroidism, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, heavy metal toxicity (mercury), dysbiosis, and stress.

In its turn, the growing organism excretes substances that contributes to inflammation and further weakens immune defences (mycotoxins, acetaldehyde). When the fungus dies off or is killed by treatment we get what is called a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (die-off). This makes the patient feel sicker as metabolites, endotoxins and wastes of the dead fungus enter the system.

Symptoms of systemic candidiasis are often general in nature and may include fatigue, weakness, aches and pains, food sensitivities, chemical sensitivity, head ache, altered bowel habit, nausea, bloating, anxiety, depression, poor mental function, acne and other skin complaints. An infection in the mouth or vagina is known as thrush. The tongue may be coated with a thick white fur and the mouth may be sensitive or burn. Vaginal thrush may present with itching, burning, a thick white discharge, recurrent cystitis, bloating, or irritability.

Treatment

General

While the conventional approach is to use anti-fungal medicines (Nystatin, Fluconazole, Canesten), with the attendant problem of microbial resistance after repeated treatments, the naturopath treats the fungus infection as well as the ‘host condition’. The host condition may result from poor diet, reduced digestive system secretions, dysbiosis (reduced amount of competing healthy bacteria), a sluggish liver, pharmaceutical drugs, or a compromised immune system, so treatment must take all things into consideration in order to prevent relapse. The general approach is with the use of a low-carb diet, antifungal herbs, antifungal nutrients, and a probiotic supplement. Avoid moulds in food and the environment.

A stool test will identify Candida accurately as well as other markers of poor digestive function such as pancreatic insufficiency, parasites, and digestive system inflammation (faecal calprotectin). A breath test can be used to identify SIBO. The contribution of food intolerances or allergies to poor immunity may be identified using a blood test (IgE, IgG), or can be determined with an old-fashioned elimination and challenge diet. A Hair Mineral Analysis can identify any relevant mineral deficiencies (copper, iron, zinc), as well as toxic heavy metal exposure. Persistent infection may be a sign of diabetes.

Diet

Changing the diet to eliminate refined carbs is crucial because they nourish Candida. Adopting a Mediterranean-style wholefood diet or just removing refined white flour products can tip the balance after active treatment. Ultra-processed foods, additives, pesticide residues (wash fruit properly) and other synthetic substances should be eliminated, while coffee, tea and alcohol must be heavily reduced. A wholefood diet with plenty of salads and sprouts supplemented with vegetable juices and broths will alkalise the body and discourage fungal infections generally.

If you are blood type O, as with around 53% of the population, then you are generally intolerant of carbohydrates and do much better on a Paleo diet. A carb-free diet can be applied with increasing levels of strictness until results are achieved: begin by reading labels and avoiding refined sugars, syrups, molasses, chutney, pickles, peanut butter, alcohol, bananas, melons, apples, pears, dried fruits and bottled juices. Use wholemeal pasta.

If results are not achieved, the next stage increases restrictions: starch, pasta, potato, corn, eat wholegrains sparsely, avoid all yeasts and use yeast-free bread. Avoid cheese and mushrooms. Use fermented vegetables and natural yoghurt.

Certain nutrients and foods have antifungal activity: caprylic acid (coconut oil), turmeric, pomegranate, ginger, coconut oil, cabbage juice, garlic, onions, leeks, radish, cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and papaya seed. Grape fruit seed extract and Propolis are also antifungal agents.

Probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium)will help treat dysbiosis along with omega-3 oil, zinc and other nutrients; however, without changing the diet, doing exercise, drinking clean water and reducing stress the gut will revert back to conditions favouring colonisation by Candida. Damp and mould should also be identified in the environment and dealt with.

Herbs

General immunity is bolstered with vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea, Andrographis or Astragalus. Liver detoxification can be done with milk thistle, Bupleurum, dandelion, yellow dock, artichoke or chelidonium.

Garlic is one of the most potent herbs available to support the immune system and regulate bowel bacteria. Garlic is useful against a wide range of infectious conditions including Helicobacteria pylori, Giardia lamblia and Candida albicans. Other antifungal herbs are thuja tincture given in drop doses (15-30 drops three times a day), marigold, and golden seal. Research also supports rosemary, peppermint, and pau d’arco. Drink pau d’arco tea, three cups per day. Enteric coated oregano or thyme oil will support treatment.

A gargle can be made for thrush with t-tree oil (1:10 dilution), thyme, or sage. T-tree oil can be used in lozenges or pessaries. Myrrh can also be used topically.

Balance hormones with Vitex.

Cell Salts

Calc sulph is for infections with yellow discharge, while Nat phos balances acidity to discourage colonisation.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for the purpose of general education only, and is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment advice, or a prescription that is given in a consultation with a qualified physician.