The treatment of chronic "candidiasis" or dysbiosis requires a multifaceted approach. Ultimately the balance of bacteria and fungus in our bodies is dependent on the overall health of the digestive tract. Treatment of any bacterial imbalance regardless of the associated symptomology is aimed at this area. The specific symptoms you are experiencing will dictate the length of treatment, the intensity of the protocol, the inclusion or exclusion of foods and supplements and lifestyle recommendations.
I have found that the best way of treating candidiasis is by consulting a professional experienced in the condition. Following your practitioner’s advice into your healing will increase the possibility of a return to a good state of health.
Strategies you can implement to reduce your symptoms and aid the repair of your digestion include:
Stress and relaxation: our digestive systems and the ability to effectively assimilate and utilise foods is dependent on a relaxed and calm nervous system. In our current society we tend to go about life with a fast and relentless approach. We eat when working, worry about things we have no control over, forget the importance of breathing and approach tasks in a frenzied and anxious manner. Combine this with a body that has to deal with pollution, food chemicals and nutrient devoid nutrition and you have a body that is constantly under stress and trying to survive.
If you consume foods while "stressed" it is not uncommon to experience bloating, diarrhoea and constipation as the digestive system struggles to regulate its function and digest and assimilate foods without the circulation of blood in the digestive tract as it is diverted elsewhere to run our minds and limbs. This ultimately affects the bacterial balance of our digestive system and can predispose us to problems such as candida, poor immune function and fatigue. Try to relax when you eat, breathe deep when you can and learn to recognise your stress patterns.
Slippery elm and bowel fibres: Fibres like slippery elm and psyllium husks act as a prebiotic for the beneficial bacteria that keep our immune system in check. A prebiotic provides the vehicle and food for beneficial bacteria to thrive and populate the digestive tract. I generally recommend the use of slippery elm daily as a functional food to ensure effective bowel function. This fibre also soothes and coats the digestive tract and aids in both states of constipation and diarrhoea.
Probiotics: Introducing a beneficial bacteria in the larger doses found in supplements is a must for any candida treatment protocol. I generally utilise a multistarin probiotic in combination with non-colonising probiotic called Saccromyces boulardii (SB). The SB has been shown to increase Secretory IgA which is necessary for the adhesion and multiplication of bacterial colonies in the digestive tract.
Antifungal/antibacterial products: the treatment of Candida or dysbiosis will usually contain the inclusion of an "anti" supplement. These supplements contain herbs and nutrients which can aid in the elimination of the fungal or bacterial overgrowth, aiding in restoring normal bacterial balance within the body. Look for a supplement that contains herbs like Wormwood, Oregano oil, Pau D'arco and Cloves. This type of supplement is not suitable if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Glutamine: An essential amino acid for repair of the digestive tract. Taken as a powder this supplement can be added to smoothies or taken in juice daily.
Local treatments: if you suffer from chronic thrush as part of your candidiasis local treatment may also be necessary. This can include the use of herbal douches, the insertion of beneficial bacteria in the form of yoghurt or the use of antifungal creams like the Thursday Plantation Vaginal cream or Kolorex cream. Often these treatments will provide satisfactory results however teaming them with the above "anti" treatment and probiotcs will ensure a quick recovery.
Diet: Some people find that changing their diet and eliminating trigger foods can also improve their condition. You will fine some useful and not too limiting food lists at http://www.thecandidadiet.com/foodstoeat.htm. I have found the food lists on the above website to be sensible and maintainable. Other aspects of this website may seem too extreme or unsuitable for your condition. Any concerns you may have can be discussed with a Naturopath.