So many people are led to believe that vaginal candida is exacerbated by progesterone. This is simply not true! Candida is actually exacerbated by estrogen. Studies have been done on both progesterone and estrogen which show clearly that progesterone does not cause an overgrowth, it actually protects against it.
Estrogen reduces the ability of vaginal epithelial cells to prevent the growth of candida. It has been found to induce the conversion of candida from it's yeast form to it's mycelial form - the more infectious of the two. Progesterone and estrogen work to balance each other. If there is a high level of estrogen, either endogenous, or from external sources, there is nothing to prevent the candida.
In women a high level of endogenous estrogen can be caused by a low level of progesterone. In the case of both men and women, a high level of estrogen can also be caused by estrogen mimics found in the air, in our food and water and in the skin care products that we use. Our planet is so polluted, over 100 synthetic estrogens have been found that mimic our own. Every living thing is affected, particularly fishes and reptiles living in the water.
Our skin care products are a great concern, most are made with petrochemicals, antioxidants that mimic estrogen like BHA and BHT and other toxic substances such as preservatives. BHA and BHT are also found in baked products containing oil - biscuits, crisps, breakfast cereals etc.
Approximately 1.5 kilos of bacteria live in the gut, most are the friendly probiotics, but some not. A diet high in sugar, refined grains, processed food and fruit causes the unfriendly bacteria and fungi to grow rapidly.
A number of supplements will help the body to rid itself of pathogens. Candida is difficult to test for, it is best to go by symptoms and try taking supplements. Diet is also extremely important.
Abdominal bloating after eating grains or sugar
Lactobacilus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum/lactis - to replace beneficial bacteria, this must be in an active, alive form. If thrush is present use the probiotics vaginally or rectally. Directions: A minimum of 10 billion bacteria per dose
Caprylic Acid - an extract from coconuts which suppresses and kills some pathogenic fungi. Comes in tablets or an oil (MCT). The oil can also be used externally, rub it over the affected area. Directions: Tablets: 300-400mg, Oil: 5ml
Fructo-oligo-saccarides (FOS) or inulin - non nutritive sugars which the friendly bacteria live off. Directions: 3 - 5g
Progesterone - has anti-fungal properties by suppressing estrogen, which is known to exacerbate candida at in vivo levels. Directions: 100 - 200mg
L-arginine - this amino acid is the precursor to NO (nitric oxide). NO is the intra-cellular defence against pathogens. Directions: 3000mg
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) - a sulphur amino acid, the precursor to glutathione, the most powerful anti-oxidant found in all cells. Directions: 1000mg
B3 (nicotinamide) - nicotinamide treatment results in a loss of cell viability associated with abnormal filamentous growth. Directions: 100mg
L-methionine - is a sulphur amino acid which aids the digestive system and detoxifies the build up of heavy metals. It promotes the excretion of estrogen, which has been found to induce the conversion of candida from it's yeast form to it's mycelial form, the more virulent of the two. Estrogen also reduces the ability of vaginal epithelial cells to inhibit the growth of candida. Directions: 500mg
L-taurine - is another sulphur amino acid. Excessive losses can occur through an overgrowth of candida. Directions: 500mg
Biotin - this, together with oleic acid - found in olive oil - prevents the candida from converting into it's mycelial form. Directions: 3000mcg with food
L-glutamine - candida can cause leaky gut, which allows undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream causing allergic reactions. L-glutamine is an amino acid and the only substance the body can use for healing the lining of the gut. Directions: 1000 - 8000mg
A good Parasite Cleanse - parasites can cause similar symptoms. Directions: as instructed on container
Purified phyllosilicate - causes mycotoxins to be absorbed onto the surface of the clay, which are then excreted. Directions: 400mg
Yoghurt - to replace beneficial bacteria, this must be live, unsweetened and unflavoured.
Flax seed - grind it first. Is anti-fungal, bacterial and viral. Directions: 15ml 3 x per day
Betaine hydrochloride - if the stomach has a low acid content this can cause an increase in the pathogens living there. Directions: 300 - 500mg at meal time.
Digestive enzymes - many people are deficient in these. Directions: as instructed on the container.
Vitamin C - anti-viral and bacterial. Directions: 1 - 20gm
Soluble fibre - such as xanthan, guar, apple pectin and psyllium. Directions: 15 - 60ml
Omega 3 flax oil - increases oxygen and metabolism. Directions: 15 - 60ml
Olive oil - this contains oleic acid which is anti-fungal. Directions: 10ml
Aloe vera juice - is anti-fungal. Directions: 15 - 60ml
Butyric acid - found in butter, serves as food for probiotics
Garlic - contains sulphur and is a natural anti-bacterial
All food should be as organic as possible. Include the following in your diet:
Fungi
Bacteria
Die-off of candida can occur rapidly after treatment or it can take up to 10 days. Toxins are released into the bloodstream faster that the body can remove them, this temporarily worsens symptoms causing new ones. Some of the symptoms appear to be due to an immune response, releasing histamine, causing pain and swelling.
Die off can cause:
Do not discontinue the treatment, as this is a critical stage to control. The feeling can persist for days, weeks if the infestation is severe.
The Herxheimer reaction is often mistaken for an allergic reaction. The main difference is that the allergic reaction will last for hours, the Herxheimer reaction can last for weeks. These adverse symptoms eventually pass and health is restored.
Some information on MCT Oil - caprylic/capric triglycerides. Not only is it good for anti-fungal problems, but it also helps with anti-bacterial problems. It stops craving, is good for helping bugs, cancer and weight loss.
Parasites are often overlooked, they are aggressive organisms which need to be eliminated before health can be achieved. They can weaken the immune system allowing other pathogens to take hold. Plant extracts of black walnut, wormwood and cloves are potent anti-parasitic agents. It is worth taking a tincture made of these if an overgrowth is suspected. These 3 herbs have no side effects - follow the dosage instructions.
Mycoplasmas are also often overlooked. They are bacteria that lack a cell wall and several species of pathogens in humans. Causing atypical pneumonia, respiratory disorders and possibly pelvic inflammatory disease. As they lack a cell wall, they are unaffected by some antibiotic. Cholesterol is needed for their growth.
Mycotoxins are produced by fungi. Some can be helpful such as penicillin, provided one is not allergic to it. However, most are harmful. A few well known ones are Aflatoxin from Aspergillus spp, wild mushroom mycotoxins which have mild to lethal effects. Fusarium graminearum which produces zearalenone, an estrogen mimic.
Nystatin an anti fungal medicine made from soil bacteria Streptomyces noursel, it kills candida by rupturing the cell membrane. Nystatin is not absorbed from intact skin or mucous membranes, including the gut lining, it therefore has no side effects as it remains within the gut. If candida is severe it would be advisable to take this. Please be aware that Herxheimer reaction could occur rapidly.
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Disclaimer: Although this web site is not intended to be prescriptive, it is intended, and hoped, that it will induce in you a sufficient level of scepticism about some health care practices to impel you to seek out medical advice that is not captive to purely commercial interests, or blinded by academic and institutional hubris. You are encouraged to refer any health problem to a health care practitioner and, in reference to any information contained in this web site, preferably one with specific knowledge of progesterone therapy.
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