Ayurvedic viewpoint - 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’.

Typical symptoms
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
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India. It uses natural remedies to give optimum health. The Ayurvedic perspective on Candida is that the digestive fire becomes weakened by poor diet or medication which 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.

Treatment
There are some very effective natural treatments for treating Candida. Here are some of the recommendations that Ayurveda makes:
Neem is a superb anti-yeast agent that can quickly help to bring the Candida in the digestive tract under control.
Asafoetida Plus is a wonderful blend of digestive herbs that help to reduce yeasts, bloating and optimise assimilation. It includes Cumin, Celery seed, Nigella seed, Long Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger, Asafoetida and Fenugreek which acts as a calming remedy to help nourish the whole digestive system.
Candida Programme: Use Organic Neem capsules with Asafoetida Plus. Take 2 capsules of Neem before food and 2 capsules of Asafoetida Plus after food 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Continue taking Asafoetida Plus before food for 2 more weeks or you can repeat the cycle as necessary.
Use Triphala Plus formula to help clear toxins from the digestive tract and enhance the speed and effectiveness of both the above remedies.
If there are any skin outbreaks try using Neem & Sesame Oil as an external application to reduce the yeast infection and remove the itching and skin discolouration.
Drink Organic Detox tea which is a blend of aromatic herbs including aniseed, fennel & licorice to help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating
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, dairy, wheat, 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
Testimonial
“I had a pernicious virus causing diarrhoea at worst, and at best quite a bit of unpleasant gastric upheaval. I am the traditional herbal cynic but was recommended Neem and found it very effective as far as the “gastritis” was concerned. I found I had candida without realising it and within two weeks the Neem was well on the way to its elimination.”
Nigel Maydew, Cirencester