Thrush – Candida Albicans

Thrush is a very common fungal infection, typically on the skin or mucous membranes caused by Candida albicans, but other types of yeasts can be involved.

Causes

Caused by an overgrowth of yeasts which live normally in the bowel and gastrointestinal system. Candida albicans may also be present in other parts of the body, commonly found in areas where there are mucous membranes such as the vaginal tract, rectum and throat. Other causes that may trigger an overgrowth of Candida are:

1. Exposure of the child (including the baby in the womb) to many antibiotics or cortisones can produce an overgrowth of the Candida Albicans organism. In babies and children, this can cause a sensitivity and reaction to certain foods that they will have to avoid: – This can cause an allergic reaction to yeast, marmite, yeast-based Vitamin B’s, wheat and sugars, especially refined carbohydrates such as cakes, biscuits and sweets. This is another important reason to follow a healthy natural diet and participate in natural fertility management and consider a Preconception Program.
2. Prolonged use of antibiotics and cortisone
3. The Birth Control Pill (BCP)
4. Eating refined sugar and processed foods
5. Suppressed immune system

Symptoms

A Candida infection is of concern because it can also become a systemic issue and lead to a variety of symptoms such as:

• Itching (skin, ears, vagina, rectum)
• Skin problems (acne, eczema, pruritus – severe itching of the skin)
• Digestive symptoms (pain, gas, flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, intestinal cramping)
• Mood changes (fatigue, anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty in thinking clearly, poor memory)
• Reproductive health (PMS, painful menstruation, infertility, low sex drive)

Most commom types:

Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal Thrush (Candidiasis)

– A yeast infection of the vagina and tissues at the opening of the vagina (vulva).

Hygiene is very important. Change underwear frequently and use choose natural fibres (cotton, bamboo, hemp). One of my favourite preventative remedies is coconut oil, both soothing, naturally antibacterial, antimicrobial and with a bonus nice smell – combined with Natural Greek Yoghurt (make sure it has no sugar) and or Kefir. Natural yoghurt and Kefir contains live good bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Probiotics, especially L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14, may be considered as potential empirical preventive agents in women who suffer from frequent episodes of VVC (more than three episodes per year), since adverse effects from their use are scarce, especially when the use of antifungal agents is contraindicated or is associated with adverse effects. [1]

These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment and balance in your gut and promote a healthy balance. The healthy bacteria found in natural yogurt, kefir and probiotic supplements, treat and prevent overgrowth caused by an imbalance.

Kefir is a fermented drink that is one of nature's finest probiotics. You should consider making it a part of your anti-Candida treatment, along with a course of good commercial probiotics. … If you want to beat your Candida overgrowth for good, kefir is a great way to keep your gut flora in balance for years to come.

I recommend making your own kefir (coconut, organic milk, almond or other nut or seed options) in your daily diet – eg. breakfast chia puddings and/or smoothies. They also make great healthy icy poles for children!

Take high dose Practitioner only probiotics internally but also can the capsule can be broken and mixed into coconut oil and applied externally.

Cutaneous – Skin Thrush (Candidiasis)
– An infection of the skin and nails caused by the candida fungus.

Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
-An infection in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates in the mouth. In the mouth of thrush in babies look like mild curds but these will not brush off and may bleed when rubbed. These patches may also appear on the tongue, gums and throat.

Avoid sugar and yeast products in your diet.

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.

The aim of treatment:

To reduce levels of the infecting organism.
To boost immunity.
To reduce symptoms caused by the infection.
To strengthen the affected tissue.

SUMMARISED TREATMENT STRATEGY

A. INTEGRATED DETOXIFICATION
B. REDUCE CARBOHYDRATE EXPOSURE: INSULIN ZONE / KETOGENIC DIET
C. ANTIFUNGAL SUPPORT
D. IMMUNE STIMULATION
E. IMPROVE BOWEL FLORA BALANCE

Two of my favourite preventative products are:

Detox Kit (HEEL) – where a practitioner assessment determines toxicity may be a causative factor in overgrowth.

and Mucosa compositum – to help maintain healthy mucous membranes function.

Externally
To rinse mouth or affected vaginal area; apply a mix of hypercal Hypericum [St. John's Wort] lotion. Mix 5 drops to 1 cup of water.

External application cream: A traditional herbal medicine for the family First Aid kit to soothe and help heal painful cuts, abrasions and wounds. 100% natural Weleda Hypercal Healing Cream (containing Hypericum [St. John's Wort] and Calendula), with its anti-inflammatory, natural pain relief and wound healing properties, supports the formation of healthy skin tissue and promotes skin repair. Especially effective for painful cuts.[1]