The yeast Candida albicans is a common cause of intestinal fungus. Most people have Candida in their intestines. However, if the fungus does not spread too far, it usually does not cause any symptoms. The immune system and intestinal flora usually keep the fungus in check and prevent excessive proliferation.
If the immune system is weakened, Candida can easily take over. Candida infection can cause various symptoms: bloating, stomach pain and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. The fungus is also suspected of promoting cravings for sweets.
Candida is traditionally treated with antifungal drugs (antimycotics). However, these can cause many side effects.
Avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates is also advisable if you have Candida infection, as these foods can promote the growth of the fungus.
Nutrients and secondary plant substances can also support Candida therapy:
Probiotics
Probiotics are “beneficial” bacteria that help build healthy intestinal flora. Probiotics can counteract the growth of fungi in the intestines in various ways.
Some probiotic bacteria produce substances that inhibit the growth of Candida and other fungi. They also produce acid, which lowers the pH level, making it harder for Candida to spread. Probiotic bacteria can also crowd out fungi and other pathogens. They compete for nutrients and space in the intestine. [1]
Taking probiotics seems to be particularly useful in cases of Candida infection after antibiotic therapy. [2] This is because antibiotics not only act against harmful bacteria, but also against beneficial bacteria in the intestine, which severely weakens the intestinal flora.
Reishi
The medicinal mushroom Reishi appears to have an antifungal effect and can therefore probably inhibit the growth of Candida in the intestine. [3]
Reishi is also said to be able to strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system is the most effective weapon against Candida and other pathogens.
Reishi is also rich in polysaccharides, which serve as food for beneficial intestinal bacteria. They are therefore prebiotics.
B vitamins
Candida patients are often not well supplied with B vitamins . However, a good supply of B vitamins is particularly important for them, as B vitamins have important functions in cell division. B vitamins are therefore important for the maintenance and regeneration of the intestinal mucosa. [4]
Grapefruit seed extract
Studies have shown that grapefruit seed extract has an antifungal effect. Grapefruit seed extract also appears to be able to inhibit the growth of yeasts such as Candida. [5]
Grapefruit seed extract also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and could therefore probably counteract inflammation in the intestines.
Vitamin D
Candida patients often suffer from vitamin D deficiency . This is a major problem, especially in winter: in the cold, dark season, people with Candida infections are particularly prone to viral and other infections. [6]
It is important to avoid a vitamin D deficiency and to compensate for it if necessary. Vitamin D has important functions in the immune system and is not only important for Candida patients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also important for the immune system. Vitamin C is also an effective antioxidant and could therefore probably protect the intestinal mucosa from oxidative stress and support its healing. Vitamin C also seems to have a positive effect on the intestinal flora. [7]
Conclusion: Dietary supplements can support Candida therapy
Plant substances can have an antimycotic effect and thus support Candida therapy. Candida patients should also ensure they have a good supply of nutrients that are important for the immune system. This is because our immune system is the most effective weapon against Candida and other pathogens.
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23361033/
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875957216301401
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29199568/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28157653/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6538181/
