Candida Overgrowth (Thrush)

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus, which normally resides in the body without any problem. However, diet or overuse of antibiotics and the contraceptive pill can cause this yeast to grow out of control and cause many health problems. The overgrowth is found mainly in the digestive tract. It is sometimes found in the vagina, causing thrush.

Candida albicans can be quite prolific in its growth, given the right environment. Its roots can pass through the gut wall and it can thereby enter the bloodstream and when this happens, the overgrowth become systemic. At this point, the patient may experience lots of unpleasant symptoms including feeling very unwell, having allergic reactions to certain foods, having a foggy brain and severe tiredness. There can also be skin problems.

Symptoms of Candida overgrowth may include:

• Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn or pain in the abdomen
• Bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhoea or perhaps alternating between the two
• Food cravings especially for carbohydrates or sweets
• Mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies
• Headaches or migraines
• Dry, itchy skin or hives
• Finger or toe nail fungus
• Joint or muscle pain
• Allergies
• Malabsorption
• Itchy anus or vulva
• Acne on face, back or body
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Poor memory
• Dry or burning eyes
• Urinary tract problems
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Thrush

Herbal Treatment – Gastro Clinic

It is important to be tested to ascertain the extent of the overgrowth so that treatment can be tailored to meet your unique needs. It is also important that patients are retested to monitor treatment and ensure that the yeast population is back within healthy limits.

Testing (non-invasive) is particularly important if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If this is the case, you should be clinically monitored and the prescription will take into account your circumstances. It is very important to note that some anti-fungal products that can be bought over the counter or online, are dangerous when taken during pregnancy or while trying to conceive. A baby inherits it’s mother’s gut flora - initially when going through the birth canal and then it is topped up through breastfeeding. So it is extremely important to give a baby the best start in life by passing on a healthy gut flora. This can be achieved through testing and treatment at The Hale Clinic’s Gastro Clinic.

A strict anti-Candida diet must accompany the herbal treatment. A very high rate of clinical success is achieved by The Gastro Clinic.

Colonic Hydrotherapy

Vaginal thrush may be a symptom of candida overgrowth in the bowel.  Colonic Hydrotherapy can help cleanout the colon where the candida organism can live. Colonic Hydrotherapy is a very gentle treatment that encourages the bowel to contract and flush out the waste matter accumulated there.

Recurrent cystitis may also be linked to an overgrowth of candida and can be helped by Colonic Hydrotherapy.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are very effective for the treatment of both the immediate acute symptoms of cystitis and the underlying problems that cause recurring attacks. It is important to treat the fundamental cause of the problem; reliance on antibiotics can create a vicious circle when the object is to reduce and prevent further repeated attacks. Antibiotics used regularly to control outbreaks of cystitis, for instance, can result in an overgrowth of candida in the system, since the antibiotic kills the “good” bacteria in the gut as well as the infection.

Acute attacks can be treated with Staphysagria, Cantharis or Causticum.

Homeopathic treatment starts with a general assessment of the individual’s health and includes advice on what food and drink to avoid. The homeopath will try and find out why you are suffering recurring attacks – whether the problem is anatomical (a short urethra), hormonal or psychological, and will prescribe an appropriate constitutional remedy to build up your body’s resistance in the future.

Acupuncture

In Chinese medicine both cystitis and thrush are commonly diagnosed as a damp heat syndrome. All the lower abdominal organs are prone to damp heat – the heat is the painful, burning urine that is a feature of cystitis and in the inflammation of the genital area that often accompanies thrush. Acupuncture treatment concentrates on the urine and spleen channels and herbal medicine may also be given. Acute symptoms of cystitis and thrush may subside after one treatment, although more will probably be needed, particularly if the condition has been recurring over a long period.

Nutrition

According to nutritionists, diet plays an important part in eradicating the root cause of thrush and recurrent cystitis that is linked to candida overgrowth in the bowel.  If Candida albicans has become established it can grow roots (mycelia) that penetrate the intestinal wall and cause a condition known as “leaky gut”. Partly digested food can then pass through the gut wall and produce an allergic reaction.

Treatment is dependent on the type of candida present, where in the body it is located and the severity of the case. A combination of acidophilus, bifidus, laprylic acid, and plant oil complexes may be used. This process may take from three to six months, depending on the case.