SUFFERING FROM ANY OF THESE?
- Recurrent itchiness around the vaginal area
- Recurrent urinary bladder infection
- Abdominal bloating and/or flatulence
- Food craving, particularly for sugar and bread
- White plagues in the mouth and throat
- Rectal / anus itching
- Fungal infections of the skin or nails
- Athlete's foot
- Unexplained fatigue
If you have answered “Yes” to more than three of the above, welcome to one of the most common health struggles: Candidiasis (also widely known as thrush or simply fungal/yeast infection). The culprit behind this annoying complaint is a fungus known as Candida albicans that lives on the skin and mucous membrane (eg mouth, intestines and vagina). Candida belongs to the yeast family from the kingdom of fungi. Under normal circumstances, this yeast-like fungus is kept to its small, harmless colonies by the body’s immune system and by friendly bacteria in your gut. These friendly bacteria and Candida live in a harmonious, delicate balance in different parts of your body. However, when something throws this ecosystem out of balance, Candida can run unchecked and become an irritating new affliction.
The most common factors that can upset this delicate ecosystem include weakened immune system, overuse of antibiotics, diabetes, stress and wearing tight underwear. Women are prone to Candidiasis during pregnanancy, before menses and during menopause. You may think that candidiasis or thrush affects only women. The truth is, everybody, regardless of sex or age, can be affected by Candidiasis. So, where does Candidiasis strike?
• The mouth
Thrush infection of the mouth is also called oral thrush or oral Candidiasis. Babies are prone to oral thrush, usually manifested as white patches on the inside cheeks, palate, tongue and back of the throat. These look rather like milk curds but they don't dislodge easily. The affected areas would look reddened and inflamed. Sometimes the infection can be so severe that ulcers may form. Senior people, smokers, denture wearers and users of steroid inhalers (asthmatics) are also susceptible to oral thrush.
• The skin and nails
Candida loves warm, moist places such as skin folds under the breasts, armpit, groin, cleft of the buttock and the genital area. Symptoms of skin thrush include itchy and bright red rash with a clear edge followed by pain and bleed when it splits. Babies are prone to Candidiasis in the groin area (nappy rash). It can even infect the nail causing flaky and brittle nails, especially towards the tip, with a rough texture and patchy white discoloration.
• The vagina
Politely called "feminine itching" or vaginal thrush, it is a frustrating vaginal itch often accompanied by thick, creamy unpleasant discharge, which resemble cottage cheese. Women with chronic antibiotic usage or who constantly douche are especially prone to vaginal Candidiasis. Seventy five percent of women will suffer from Candidiasis at some point during their child-bearing years.
What Not To Eat
Say No to Sugar! Candida is a fungus with a real sweet tooth as it feeds on sugar. Cutting out all forms of sweets (including honey, molasses, concentrated fruit juices) and refined carbohydrates (cakes, biscuits and other white flour products) help to destroy the perfect breeding ground for Candida. Consider cutting out milk and cheese too as many people have an intolerance towards this food group due to the high lactose (milk sugar) content. Also, skip your 'yeasty' food for a while - avoiding fermented and aged foods such as bread, alcoholic beverages (beer and wine), cheese and smoked meats may prove a worthwhile endeavor.
Restoring Balance
Restoring the population of natural friendly bacteria in the gut will help to prevent Candida infestation. Take a cup of natural yoghurt everyday. The yoghurt purchased must contain live active friendly bacteria cultures. Or if you prefer, supplement with friendly bacteria capsules available in pharmacies. There is also some evidence that Candida simply hates garlic! So, two cloves of raw garlic taken daily may actually help keep this menace away.
Beneficial Herbs
Barberry – An invaluable plant against a wide range of organisms, including Candida albicans. Its effectiveness also appears to be due to Barberry’s ability to stimulate the immune system, encouraging the body to rid itself of any microbial overgrowth.
Pau D’ Arco – This South American tree has a long traditional usage for treating infections and cancer. Herbalists consider Pau D’Arco to be specific for Candidiasis and is one of the most effective herbs for this problem.
Chamomile – A wonderful healing and calming herb that contains active compounds which kill candida. It is especially useful for candida sufferers who have complaints of indigestion, flatulence, constipation and other digestive woes.
Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal centre in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.
THE SUN : INSERTION DATE 1ST JULY 2003
