Are there natural aids against candida?

 |  Women’s health (circulation, hormones, menopause)

Candidiasis is a rather widespread problem that affects women frequently; some experts estimate that 75% of women have had vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. Its onset is generally favoured by a weakening of the body's immune defences. But how is it possible to limit the occurrence of this nuisance and are there natural aids against candida?

The scientific name Candida albicans is used to identify a fungus frequently found in some districts of the human body, in particular in the gastrointestinal tract and in the oral cavity. Generally, this fungus "behaves" like a diner, i.e. it benefits from our body (feeding on organic matter and participating in the digestion of sugars), without "returning" particular advantages or disadvantages! Some special conditions may, however, lead to a weakening of the immune system of our body and promote its excessive proliferation. Candida albicans can thus transform from "harmless guest" into a real "parasite", starting to cause some trouble. As a matter of fact, the plants most used in herbal medicine as a natural remedy for candida are those who act positively on the immune system, promoting its proper functioning.

The main causes of candida

The symptoms of Candida can vary according to the "affected" areas: as a matter of fact, potentially affected areas are different: from the skin to the nail, from the digestive system to the urogenital system (more frequent in women, but also possible in men).

In the case of recurrent and high intensity nagging problems, it is always good to see your own doctor, in order to identify with certainty the exact causes and, accordingly, the most suitable solutions. In general, the excessive proliferation of Candida can occur after prolonged intake of drugs against a bacterial infection, since antibiotics can also eliminate those bacteria that normally prevent the proliferation of Candida.

Natural aids against candida: plants that support the immune system

As the onset of this problem can be fostered by an impaired functioning of the immune system, you can also take benefit from specific supplements containing herbs such as Acerola, Astragalus, Echinacea, Skullcap and Camu-camu, which can promote natural defences.

Among the plants most used as natural remedies for candida, you can also benefit from Walnut and its own fruit, for some studies made with the extracts of Juglans regia "exhibited antifungal activity against a wide range of fungi" especially "the  walnut  varieties  exhibited antifungal activity  against Candida albicans" (N. A. Taha and M. A. Al-wadaan, Utility and importance of walnut, Juglans regia Linn: A review in "African Journal of Microbiology Research ', V / XXXII, 2011).

Of equal importance are those products composed not only of herbs, but also of nutrients and vitamins such as zinc, iron, selenium, copper, Vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D and folic acid, which support the normal function of the immune system. If you were faced with irritation in the private parts, you may still use specific detergents, preferably natural, with purifying and soothing function, containing detoxifying and calming herbal ingredients. The ideal formulations are enriched with essential oils, with refreshing, antibacterial and antifungal properties.

A 5-step program to beat Candida

You can limit the occurrence of candida also adopting a healthy lifestyle and following some hygienic and dietary rules.

1. First, it would be good to support your intestinal health and, in the case of habitual constipation, cleanse the bowel, perhaps with the help of some natural remedies; taking probiotics and prebiotics that promote the balance of intestinal flora may also be beneficial.
2. Further support may come from food. The most correct diet to combat candida and its reappearance must first subtract nourishment to the microorganism; this is why you should follow certain dietary rules. First of all, you must reduce sugars, especially complex ones, it is also necessary to decrease the consumption of alcohol, limit your intake of foods containing preservatives, smoked foods and hard cheeses; finally, it could beneficial to introduce some natural yoghurt into your daily diet, because of its high level of lactic acid bacteria, which provide health and nutritional benefits.
3. Since candida can spread more easily in moist environments, avoid clothes that are too tight or made from synthetic materials, which can trap heat and moisture, thus promoting the emergence of infection.
4. Fundamental is also a daily and scrupulous personal hygiene. For body cleaning, you should always use non-aggressive detergents, to prevent irritating the skin and mucous membranes. For intimate hygiene, in particular, it is advisable to choose a specific product, natural and free of preservatives, dyes or potentially allergenic fragrances of synthetic origin.
5. Since the onset of candida is favoured by a weakening of the immune system, it is recommended to limit as much as possible all the factors contributing to this deficit, such as prolonged conditions of excessive stress, sedentary lifestyle, overeating, irregular night's sleep etc.