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Fact File
Thrush... not just secret women's business

A staggering one in three adults suffer from Candida overgrowth, or thrush as it's more commonly termed. And what's more surprising is the fact that many men get it too!

Not simply an annoying condition suffered by women, thrush can afflict everyone from babies to the elderly. However, it is important to distinguish infection due to the fungus from the healthy presence of the fungus. In a recent study of 1009 women in New Zealand , Candida albicans was isolated from the vaginas of 19 per cent of apparently healthy women, who experienced little or no symptoms of thrush.

Soon after birth, the fungus Candida albicans develops in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals in its yeast-like ‘friendly' form. Under certain conditions, however, Candida organisms can convert to a more menacing form, with root-like growths penetrating into the intestine wall. When this happens, toxins can be absorbed from the bowel into the bloodstream, with debilitating consequences.

Common symptoms

These include recurrent or persistent thrush and fungal infections of the skin and nails, chronic fatigue, constant tiredness and loss of energy, decreased libido, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, menstrual problems, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, sugar cravings, frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract that result in coughs, colds and sinusitis, depression, mood swings, anxiety, headaches and general irritability.

Diagnosing thrush

Laboratory tests can be somewhat unreliable, so the best option is to consult a natural healthcare professional who will take a blood sample from your fingertip and analyse it. Alternatively, if you suspect you have thrush because you're experiencing the symptoms mentioned earlier, follow a yeast-free diet (see Foods to avoid and eat panel) for a week and see if your symptoms improve.

Why do infections occur?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection by any Candida species, and may result from exposure to steroid or chemotherapeutic drugs, prolonged illness, stress, alcohol abuse, smoking, lack of rest, poor nutrition and chemical preservatives in food. Also, antibiotics destroy the healthy bacteria that control the Candida population. The female hormone progesterone found synthetically in the oral contraceptive pill stimulates Candida growth, which is why thrush is often experienced by women.

Treating thrush

Unfortunately, there is no simple treatment for yeast infections. Stopping the growth of the fungus and eliminating it from the body requires a multi-level treatment. Start by:

• Not taking antibiotics, birth control pills and other hormone-altering substances. Make sure you check with your health care professional before ceasing any medication.
• Adopting a diet designed to stop feeding the yeast. Avoid all sources of yeast and fungus and all sugars and sweets, including lactose-containing dairy products, except for butter. Also, reduce or eliminate junk food, alcohol, heavily processed cooked foods to allow the gut wall to regenerate and halt the growth of Candida.
• Strengthening the immune system through supplementation with the herb Pau D'Arco.

Herbal help

Pau D'Arco is a rainforest remedy made from the inner bark of the large native South American tree. Indigenous South American tribes have traditionally drunk tea made from the shredded inner bark to boost their immunity. In 1882, one of Pau D'Arco's constituents was isolated and identified as lapachol, an antimicrobial and potentially tumour-fighting chemical. Besides lapachol, Pau D'Arco contains at least 20 other active ingredients. Modern scientific evidence shows that extracts of Pau D'Arco can protect against a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms, including Candida albicans. The herb is also useful for treating athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Pau D'Arco is not recommended during pregnancy.

Case Study

Susan had been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.

Susan decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A finger prick blood test confirmed the presence of Candida. Her natural health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D'Arco at 3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the micro-organisms in her gut.

As the candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with herbs such as Garlic and Golden Seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in the first place.

Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier. Best of all she has not experienced any thrush or
sinusitis since.