Thrush (Candida Albicans)
What Is It?
Candida albicans is a single-celled fungus or yeast cell that generally lives in the intestinal tract, but can also inhabit the alimentary tract, the bowel and the vaginal passage. In extreme cases of immune deficiency (AIDS), candida albicans can invade all the mucus linings of the body and can become a serious threat.
As long as the 'friendly' bacteria outnumber the bad, candida albicans pose no threat. However, elimination of the 'friendly' bacteria can leave candida albicans with no natural competition or restriction, it is then free to proliferate and multiply to unpleasant and detrimental levels.
The organism can exist in two forms (dimorphic). The first yeast form is prone to flourishing in the digestive or urinary tract. The second more invasive form burrows deeply into the tissues. Some research has suggested that the toxins produced from this organism can penetrate the brain and neurotransmitters causing psychological disturbances, from mood swings to fuzzy thinking and even psychotic episodes.
It is certain that systemic effects can be felt from an overgrowth of candida albicans, so it is better to concentrate on making the body a less favourable environment for this unwelcome organism.
In the case of oral thrush candida is responsible for the whitish spotted or patchy eruptions on the tongue and throat. You may also feel a burning sensation inside the mouth, have an unpleasant taste and possibly cracks at the corner of the mouth.
In vaginal thrush you may suffer with itching, irritation and swelling of the vagina, and possibly a creamy white discharge. More often associated with women, it can affect men, usually on the head of the penis and may cause redness, irritation and soreness with a possible discharge.
Candida albicans can also affect the toes with nail fungus, this can affect all or part of the nail resulting in a foul smelling, discoloured and thicker nail.
Possible Causes
Prescribed antibiotics or prolonged steroid use can kill all the bacteria in a body, including those whose actions are protective and helpful, this leaves the body wide open for the proliferation of Candidas albicans.
Yeast requires sugar to thrive and multiply, so today’s standard diet of highly processed food is the perfect kind of fuel for Candida,
Highly Recommended
Eat lots of raw garlic and onion in salads and avoid meats which may contain antibiotics. Opt for organic meat wherever possible, if cost is an issue, less is better.
Thrush infections often thrive in post-antibiotic periods as the medication kills off the competitive bowel bacteria leaving the opportunistic yeast to flourish. A good quality probiotic will also augment the remedies.
When following an anti-candida diet or vegetable juice program, the resident candida organisms will starve and die off (die-back). This causes the contents of those dying yeast cells to rupture out into the host system. Large amounts of die-back will release large amounts of cellular toxins into the system which can cause intensification of the symptoms and unpleasant effects. This is similar to the healing crisis where in the short term you may feel worse but will result in long term improvement and eradication or reduction of the invading organism.
Lactobacillus and Acidophilus have both been found to be beneficial in the treatment of Candida.
Cut Back On
Candida albicans feed on sugars so it is best to eliminate foods with high levels of sugar and avoid fruit juices in the initial period.
Juicy Suggestions
Initially, carry out a full body cleanse using a well designed Juice Master programme of your choice.
Juice Master Recommends:
'Tomato Broccoli Twist' taken from The Funky Fresh Juice Book
3 Tomatoes (on the vine)
2cm Chunk of Broccoli
½ Medium Cucumber
1 Celery Stalk
⅓ Lemon
Pack the tomatoes (with the vines removed) tightly into the chute of juicer and juice on the slowest speed, to extract the most juice. Juice the remaining ingredients.
You can also make up juice blends using fruits and veggies with antimicrobial properties some of those include lettuce, cucumber, celery, lemon juice. Tart redcurrants if you can find them, red and black raspberries and tomato juice.
Also high in antimicrobial properties and may be helpful as herbal teas are:- Cinnamon, cloves, sage and oregano. You can also add coconut oil to either your juice or your tea for an added boost.
Research
The results of a study carried out on coconut oil indicated that the antimicrobial activity of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) could influence the microbial ecology in the oral cavity.
Researchers at the University of Turin in Italy set out to determine what effect thyme essential oil might have on candida albicans in the human body. The team reported in the journal Planta Medica that thyme essential oil significantly enhanced intracellular killing of candida albicans.
Clinical studies have shown that the following may also be helpful in the treatment of Candidiasis:
Berberine (found in goldenseal, barberry bark and organ grape root) Echinacea (used by native Americans for more ailments than any other plant) An essential oil preparation of oregano and peppermint has been found to be useful in the treatment of candida as they are capable of exerting significant anti fungal activity, also found to be effective is Tea Tree oil
Clinical studies have also shown that the sufferer may be deficient in any of the following nutrients: Folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin A, B6, Iron, magnesium, selenium, zinc, omega 3 & 6, and copper (which can impair the ability of neutrophils to kill candida albicans). (Res Vet ScI 41(3):417-19)
A study has shown that Candida albicans failed to grow in human saliva unless supplemented with glucose (J.Med Microbial 17(1):13-22 1984)
If we fail to exercise or eat oxygen-rich, organic fruits and veg, we are inviting the proliferation of parasites like Candida by providing them with an oxygen poor fermentation rich breeding ground in which to thrive. (Phillip Day - ABC of Disease)
One of the most potent non-drug or natural yeast fighting substances is Caprylic acid, a natural yeast fighter. Polynesian women who eat a traditional coconut based diet, rarely, if ever, get yeast infections. (Bruce Fife C.N N.D - The Coconut Oil Miracle)
The Juice Recipes
Shot: The Anti-Vampire Shot
1 Clove of Garlic
½ Lemon (unwaxed)
Juice together and drink down in one, and no garlic breath!
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.