Candida Detoxification
Candida Detoxification is important for individuals who have been diagnosed with Candida. Candida (usually the strain albicans) is a yeast that is normally found growing in the skin, mouth, intestinal tract, and vagina. Candida infections do not normally occur in people with healthy immune systems. When there is a disturbance to our gut flora, an overgrowth of Candida can occur, generally causing an infection called Candidasis.
A variety of things can lead to a compromised immune system and/or throw off the balance of our natural flora. The most common cause of disturbance is the intake of antibiotics, which suppresses the normal antagonistic flora and leads to an overgrowth of Candida. Other contributing factors can be steroid drugs and birth control pills. Nutrient deficiencies (especially iron, calcium, zinc, and selenium), stress, environmental toxins, and people with immunocompromised conditions such as AIDS can also lead to Candidiasis. Because people with HIV or AIDS often have very low immune systems, they can get systemic Candida where superficial infections enter into the bloodstream and spread to other organs. This can be a life-threatening disease and needs to be treated immediately. Candida releases toxins, including acetaldehyde, that adds to the depression of the immune system and makes blood vessels leakier (leading to allergic reactions such as eczema and rashes). To treat Candidiasis, a Candida detoxification, often called a Candida Detox should be done.
The general protocol for Candida Detoxification is to adjust ones diet. Certain foods need to be eliminated from the diet, including: refined sugars, white flour products, breads & pastries that include yeast, cheese (except ricotta, cottage cheese, and goat cheese), alcohol, coffee, tea, fungus foods (i.e. mushrooms, blue cheese), vinegar products, fruits and fruit juices. However green leafy vegetables should be eaten in abundance as well as protein-rich foods like legumes and meat. Whole grains are also acceptable such as barley, millet, oats, brown rice and wheat. Additionally herbs can be added to the diet to aid the detoxification process including garlic, onions, Pau d’arco, oregano oil, caprylic acid and probiotics.
There are a variety of possible symptoms that can occur during candida detoxification. As the Candida is eliminated, they can die-off in large numbers and a person’s system may become overloaded with excess toxins. This can produce an increase in detoxification symptoms, particularly in the second or third week. Detox symptoms can include headaches, nausea, gas and bloating, brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, sugar cravings, minor skin breakouts, cold hands and feet, and feeling as if coming down with a flu (sore throat, muscle pain, low grade fever). To decrease die-off reactions, try to increase eliminations by drinking more water throughout the day, taking more fiber and magnesium, or doing an enema. Using a sauna to sweat out toxins can be used as well. Additionally, Molybdenum and pantethine can also be taken to help neutralize the fungal toxins.
Candida detoxification can be a tiring process. It is prudent to seek the advice of a qualified medical person for your individual situation. Many individuals take a retreat from their daily routines and visit a retreat center supervised by a naturopathic doctor to oversee their candida detoxification.
