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Fungal infections and Candida albicans There are many varieties of fungal infections. The most common ones are athlete’s foot and ringworm, oral or vaginal thrush and Candia albicans, which is an overgrowth of a particular fungal organism in the gut. Our skin should be acidic All fungal infections are caused by the loss of the
normal acidity of the skin. Our outer skin as well as our inner skin surfaces of the
mouth, bowels and genital tract are meant to be slightly acidic. This acidity
prevents unfriendly organisms such as Candida and tinea (the organism that
causes ringworm) to take over in a major way. If our skin is alkaline If our skin takes on an alkaline character, fungal organisms
are given the chance to reproduce and take over. On the outer skin this may
produce redness, itching and/or blistery rashes. In the mouth white patches
may appear and in vaginal thrush there may be burning and a thick
white/yellowish discharge. Candida infection of the gut can produce a host of
symptoms such as constipation and diarrhoea, bloating, cramps and nausea. In
some severe cases the toxins released by the Candida organisms may escape
from the gut into the rest of the body and lead to a general picture of
fatigue, mood swings, sugar cravings, weight gain, sinus complaints,
headaches and a variety of allergic symptoms. Contributing factors The normal acidity of our skin surfaces – inside and outside –
is maintained by friendly bacterial organisms such as Lactobacilli which
release acid substances. This acidity is essential to keep unfriendly organisms
included fungal invaders in check. Acid-producing-bacteria are encouraged and maintained by
several factors such as a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, sunlight,
and ph-compatible cosmetics and soaps. Factors which encourage fungal overgrowth include antibiotics,
oral and topical steroid medication, hormonal contraceptives, stress, and a
diet rich in sugar and grains. Medical treatment Whilst in many cases fungal skin infections are treated easily
and effectively with anti-fungal creams, occasionally we may find constant
relapses of the problem. It is in these cases that natural methods may prove
effective. Candida albicans of the bowels is usually difficult to treat
with pharmaceutical medication. It may disappear for a while only to come
back with a vengeance a few weeks later. The reason for this is – as
explained above – the fungus-favouring alkaline environment that the commonly
prescribed antifungal pharmaceutical NYSTAN or NYSTATIN cannot address.
Whilst the medication kills off the fungal organisms, it does not change the
gut environment back to the essential acidity that is necessary for a
permanent recovery from Candida. Once the course of medication has been
finished, fungal organisms can just move back in and multiply comfortably in
the unchanged alkaline environment. Natural therapy for Candida and fungal infections Nutritional therapy and Homeopathy aim to restore the
essential acidity on the outer and inner skin. The therapy has five
components. 1) Fungal organisms need to be reduced in number and this may
be achieved with the help of powerful herbal extracts such as Cayenne, Red
Thyme Oil and Oregano. 2) Friendly bacteria need to be reintroduced in large numbers
so that acidity will once again be released into the gut and onto the skin
discouraging the overgrowth of fungal organisms. These friendly bacteria are
taken orally as "probiotics". 3) A diet low in sugar and grains helps to starve fungal
organisms. An increased intake of fresh vegetables gives friendly bacteria
plenty of material to feed on. 4) Any damage to the skin or inner surfaces needs to be
repaired so that normal function and appearance may be restored. This may be
achieved by homeopathic remedies which stimulate the body to concentrate it
healing activities towards the particular problem. 5) The basic tendency to being invaded by fungal organisms in
the first place needs to be addressed to prevent any relapses that may occur
during stressful periods in a person’s life. Homeopathy helps to reduce this
tendency by addressing inherited tendencies and strengthening the general
defences against infection. Conclusion If you suffer from recurrent fungal problems, my therapeutic
programme may be of interest to you. For further enquiries or to book an
appointment please contact me via email or telephone. |