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Candida

Candida is the term for a species of yeasts that live naturally in the digestive tract and the vagina. The species Candida albicans is the specific strain responsible for the uncomfortable symptoms of candidiasis. Due to the use of oral antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives causing high progesterone levels, steroids or in people who have a compromised immune system Candida can proliferate causing small red lesions on the skin, white creamy patches in the tongue and on the mouth, vaginal discharge as well as digestive upset. Candida has also become a generic term for various symptoms technically known as ‘intestinal dysbiosis’. This alteration in the balance of digestive flora may result in certain symptoms such as: - Digestive bloating, digestive cramps - Poor absorption of nutrients, leaky gut syndrome - Malodorous stools, itchy anus - Food intolerances - Foggy brain - ‘Thrush’ and vaginal itching - Menstrual irregularities - Skin lesions, nail infections - Weight imbalances - Muscle aches and chronic tiredness - Immune depletion resulting in hayfever, asthma, sinusitis, cystitis Ayurvedic viewpoint The Ayurvedic perspective on Candida is that the digestive fire becomes weakened by poor diet or medication that depletes the digestive balance and creates a favourable climate for the Candida to proliferate. If the digestive fire becomes weak and is not cared for in an appropriate manner that allows its inherent vitality to be replenished then digestive toxins are created. These can seep out of the digestive system into the skin, reproductive system and blood leading to the uncomfortable symptoms. If the digestive system can be normalised and the Candida brought back into balance then the natural status quo can return. Ayurveda strongly recommends boosting the body’s innate digestive strength as well as focusing on neutralising any excessive Candida. Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions The diet will depend on the constitutional factors causing aggravation. Some general advice is: - Avoid yeasted breads, sugar, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol, fermented foods, dried fruits, pickles; these all aggravate Candida - Increase warm and easy to digest foods (such as kicharee) - Eat only when hungry - Follow the body and not the mind - listen to your body and what it needs - Treat your digestion like a fire; stoke it with easy to assimilate light meals - Eat to less than full capacity. It is recommended to eat until the stomach is half full with food, quarter full with liquid and to leave quarter empty for the digestive process to have some space - Eat simple meals - Eat in a peaceful environment; not driving, hurrying or standing - Eat warm and cooked food as this is easier to digest. Cold food, raw food, ice, cold water can weaken the digestive process - Leave 4 hours between breakfast and lunch and 6 hours between lunch and supper. Eating in between meals slows down digestion and must be avoided in intestinal imbalance - Eat the last meal of the day early in the evening. Late eating can cause constipation and indigestion Candida recommended treatments » Asafoetida Plus Capsules » Detox tea » Neem & Sesame oil Blend » Neem Capsules » Triphala Plus Capsules