Yeast Free Living

Archive for the ‘Candida Diet Supplements’ Category

I started colon cleansing yesterday because I wanted to speed up my candida recovery.  This comes after a weekend of cheating and now am consequently very symptomatic and hoping that colon cleansing will help me feel better faster than the candida diet will alone.  Colon cleansing has helped me significantly in the past and I am hoping that it will help me again in my time of need.  I thought this would be a good time to share with you how colon cleansing can help eliminate candida overgrowth.  Colon Cleansing has become a household name and the market is flooded with fibers and supplements to help accomplish this task.  So what is the colon, why does it need cleansing and how can cleansing it help eliminate candida overgrowth?

The Colon is part of the large intestine which is a a greater level part of the digestive system that helps eliminate waste and toxins by moving them from the small intestine to the rectum.  The colon’s function is to process waste and toxins leftover from food after the small intestine absorbs the nutrients from this food.  It is in the colon that, via absorbing excess water, stool is produced for the body to excrete waste.  I am sure you can gather by it’s important function the colon plays a major role in keeping us healthy by removing all the bad stuff from our bodies.  So what if your colon was not functioning properly and therefore not properly excreting wastes and toxins?  What if the colon was actually absorbing the waste and toxins and enabled them to enter other parts of the body instead of being excreted?  Does this sound familiar because it should.  When there is an overgrowth of candida in your gut (another name for the digestive system) this is exactly what happens.  The digestive system, specifically the colon becomes overburdened and the toxins produced by the candida are absorbed.  This is why the health of your colon is directly related to overcoming candida overgrowth.   I have to say that colon cleansing has helped alleviate many of my candida symptoms quickly. 

Colon Cleansing, according to Wikipedia encompasses a number of alternative medical therapies intended to remove fecal waste and unidentified toxins from the colon and intestinal tract. Colon cleansing may take the form of colon hydrotherapy (also called a colonic or colonic irrigation) or oral cleansing regimens such as dietary supplements.  Colon cleansing products assist you in eliminating fecal matter and toxins quickly and help you to remove buildup.  In doing this the colon is in much better shape to help the body carry the toxins produced by candida out of the body.  Many suggest that doing a colon or candida cleanse is the first step in the recovering from candida overgrowth.  I know from personal experience that it has always helped me feel better and seemed to work hand and hand with the dietary adjustments I was making. 

With all the products on the market it may be difficultto choose a colon cleansing product.  It took me months to decide which product to buy.   When it came down to deciding I chose one that my brother had used successfully and one that seemed had a good following.  Dr Natura’s  Colonix – Internal Cleansing Program (Liver, Kidney, Colon, And Parasite Cleanse)is one of the most popular on the market.  Colonix is a combination of fiber, supplements and tea that all work synergistically to give you a complete internal cleansing.  In addition to targeting the colon it helps cleanse the liver, kidneys and addresses parasites which if present are a barrier to the recovery of candida patients.  It is a bit pricey but I was willing to fork over the extra cash for a product that had such a good reputation.  As always I recommend doing your own thorough research, consult your doctor and then you will feel confident in whatever choice you make.

What is Oil of Oregano?
I am sure that you are familar with the herb oregano.  It is an ingredient included in many of the world’s most loved Italian, Greek and Spanish dishes.  Oregano enhances the flavor of many dishes and compliments other herbs such as that it is commonly combined with such as basil.  Although oregano is commonly known and readily available many people are unfamiliar with the existence of and therefore the health benefits of an extract of this very herb called Oil of Oregano.  Oil of Oregano is an essential oil derived from wild oregano plants (Origanum Vulgare).  It is part of the Labiatae or the minty family and is native to Mediterranean regions such as Greece.  It is through the process of steam distillation that the oil is extracted from the oregano plant.  Although there are numerous species of Oregano not all are created equal.  The Origanum Vulgare species is thought to have the right blend of active ingredients in order to produce the best quality oil.  Its health benefits have been established over many centuries having been used in both cooking and medicinally by many cultures.  Today its health benefits are further supported by ongoing clinical research. 

What are the Active Ingredients in Oil of Oregano?   
The active ingredients in oil of oregano are plentiful but the main active ingredient is carvacrol.  An adequate concentration of carvacrol is necessary to reap the medicinal benefits of oil of oregano.  Carvacrol a type of phenol, is an essential oil present in another well known herb, thyme, although not in as high an amount.  Carvacrol has been shown to inhibit the growth of several bacteria strains.  Due to its antimicrobial activity coupled with its low toxicity profile and pleasant taste it has also been researched as a potential food additive to preserve meat products.  The other ingredients found in oil of oregano are p-cymene, alpha-pinene, myrcene, thymol, flavonoids, caffeic derivatives.   Although carvacrol is the main active ingredient these other compounds in the right quantities enhance the antimicrobial, antifungal and antiparasitic effects of the carvacrol. 

What are the uses of Oil of Oregano?  
Oil of Oregano is used for many ailments.   It’s documented health benefits and medicinal use dates back to ancient times by the Greeks.   It has been used as a home remedy for centuries and it use is now being supported by clinical research.  Some possible uses for it include but are not limited to: 

Viral Infections
Bacterial Infections
Fungal Infections
Parasitic Infections
Skin Infections
Respiratory Infections
Gastrointestinal Problems
Antiseptic

What can it do to help Candida Overgrowth (Candidiasis)?
There is growing evidence that oil of oregano is a potent antifungal.  In several clinical studies it was shown to kill and inhibit the growth of Candida Albicans.  In has also been proven to be effective against parasites which need to be addressed to effectively treat candida overgrowth.  

What are the side effects of using Oil of Oregano?
It can cause skin irritation and burns if applied at full concentration.  Follow instruction on supplement on how to dilute for proper topical use. 

What are additional precautions of using Oil of Oregano?
Safety has not been established for use during preganancy.

Where and how do I buy Oil of Oregano? 
It is readily available in your local health food store, The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC or online.  It is available in liquid and capsule form.  The most important thing to be sure of when purchasing is that the carvacrol concentration is at least 70%.  This is very important in order to gain the full therapeutic benefits of the product.  Be sure to read labels carefully.  If this is not explicitly stated move on to another brand. 

There seems to be at least a million all natural products on the market claiming to be the cure for candidiasis (Candida albicans overgrowth).  Many of these products do have value but sorting through them and determining which one(s)  may be right for you is an extremely difficult task.  The thing to keep in mind when reviewing potential products is that there is no “magic pill” out there.  Without lifestyle changes such as the candida diet and excercise the majority of both non-prescription and prescription treatments will produce little if any relief in symptoms.  Successful treatment of Candidiasis is a multifaceted approach and part of this multifaceted approach can be non-prescription anti-fungal medications.  Many of them do become an integral part of the treatment regimen.  I found the following 10 non-prescription anti-fungals to be noteworthy.  After doing years of research I have discovered that these are products that have helped many people to recover from Candidiasis.

Probiotics
If someone would have told me 10 years ago that ingesting certain types of bacteria could be beneficial to your health I am not sure how I would have responded.  Today however the evidence is clear to me that probiotics, when containing  a sufficient number of live microorganisms have numerous health benefits.   Probiotics are filled with friendly bacteria such as L. Acidophilus, L. Casei, L. Rhamnosus, L. Salivarius, B. Bifidum, B. Lactis, B. Longum and S. thermophilus.  Although introducing these bacteria into the body does not kill yeast per se they can help restore balance in the digestive tract which in turn will keep the yeast from overgrowing again.  Probiotics are found in many foods, the most popular being yogurt.  You can also find them in capsule, tablet and powder forms and are usually used in combination with other supplements that directly attack and kill yeast. 

Olive Leaf Extract
Olive oil, a fruit oil obtained from the fruit of the olive tree, has long been touted for its numerous health benefits.  Research now shows that the fruit is not the only part of the tree that is beneficial.   The leaves of the tree hold great medicinal promise, as they have exhibited antifungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties.  Olive leaf is composed of powerful antioxidants one of which is a phenolic compound called oleuropein.  Oleuropein has been shown to be effective in limited the growth of viruses, bacteria fungi and yeast.  Additionally, olive leaf can help to improve functioning of the immune system. 

Kolorex
This may be the first time that you are coming across this product as it is not readily available in drug and health food stores.  My first encounter with it was just a few years ago after reading Dr. William G. Crook’s The Yeast Connection and Women’s Health.  Kolorex is made by Forest Herbs Research of New Zealand and is very unique in that it’s active ingredient is the horopito leaf (Pseudo-wintera colorata).  Horopito is composed of several antifungal compounds, the most potent of which is polygodial.  The other active ingredient in Kolorex is anise seed.  Anethol is the main active ingredient and enhances the antifungal effect of the polygodial many times over.   Additionally, the horopito leaf contains powerful antioxidant flavonoids, quercetin and taxifolin that support immune system health. 

 Caprylic Acid
This naturally occuring fatty acid also known as octanoic acid is well known for its antifungal properties.  Caprylic acid can be derived from plant fats such as coconut oil.  It is thought to interfere with the reproductive process in yeast organisms.  It has also been used to treat some bacterial infections. 

Garlic
I love garlic!  I usually buy the most garlicky hummus that I can find the store.  Partly because I don’t want to share it and I know that everyone does not feel the same way about it.  It just enhances the flavor of so many foods.  I truly believe that garlic makes everything better and scientific research proves that it can even contribute to better health.   I am sure that you have noticed the numerous garlic supplements in  drug stores.   They often boast headlines of promoting cardiovascular health.  Although garlic has been researched widely for cardiovascular health clinical research has also suggested that it has antifungal properties and helps boost the immune system which enables the body to fight off “bad” bacteria and out of control candida. 

 
Tanalbit
A proprietary blend of plant tannins that provide both antifungal and antibacterial activity.  Tanalbit helps to restore the correct balance to the intestinal tract.  It is indicated in the treatment of a variety of conditions including but not limited to: yeast overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth, gastrointestinal inflammation, food allergies/sensitivities, toxicity, bloating , gas and diarrhea.   Active ingredients in Tanalbit include Zinc tannates, Casein, L-Proline, lotus Rhizome extract and hydrolized chitin extract

 
Citrus/Grapefruit Seed Extract
Both citrus seed and grapefruit seed extract discourage the growth of Candida in the Intestinal Tract.  Some research has showed that it may also be effective against parasites.   You may find products labeled Citrus Seed Extract or Grapefruit Seed Extract but the ingredients are usually the same, grapefruit seeds. 

Oregano Oil
Also known as oil of oregano, it is an extract of the oregano plant (origanum vulgare).  The two active ingredients are carvacrol and thymol.  These ingredients help combat a wide array of bacterial and fungal infections.  Oregano oil is found in both liquid and capsule form. 

Pau d’arco
This South American herb is extracted from the Bark of the Taheebo tree native to Brazil and Paraguay.  Lapachol is the main active ingredient found in Pau d’Arco and has been shown to have both anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.  Although clinical research on Pau d’arco is limited many naturopathic healthcare practitioners recommend it to their candidiasis patients. 

Paracan
Did you ever wish that there was a supplement that combined the best of all natural ingredients to treat candidiasis.  If so than Paracan is the answer to your wish.  This unique blend of numerous all natural ingredients acts as an internal antiseptic.  It is used to cleanse the body of harmful organisms and in doing so seeks to promote a well functioning digestive systems.  Active Ingredientscommonly found in Paracan blends include but are not limited to: olive leaf, pumpkin seed, black walnut hulls, gentian, pau d’Arco, Milk Thistle fruit, Senna Leaf, Usnea, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Echinacea, Barberry, Garlic, Thyme, Cloves and Chamomile.  You will find varying combinations of natural ingredients per individual product.  Many of the ingredients included have been mentioned already for their antifungal and immune boosting properties.  This is a heavy hitter natural treatment. 

Performing your own  independent research regarding potential treatments is very important.  I hope that this post proves to be a good starting point to that research.  I believe that a careful review of all potential treatments is always warranted, as even all natural products can have side effects and can interfere with prescription medications.  In order to protect your health discuss the use of all supplements with your healthcare provider. 

Tennille

What is it?
Paracan is a blend of several natural ingredients known for their internal cleansing properties.  It is used to cleanse the body of harmful organisms and in doing so seeks to promote a well functioning digestive system.  Active ingredients commonly found in paracan blends include but are not limited to: olive leaf, senna leaf, pumpkin seed, black walnut hulls, usnea, grapefruit (citrus) seed extract, gentian, pau d’arco, milk thistle fruit, wormwood, echinacea, barberry, garlic, thyme, cloves and chamomile.  Varying combinations and amounts of ingredients will differ significantly from product to product.   

How can it Help Candidiasis?
Many of the active ingredients in paracan have antifungal properties and help to combat Candida albicans overgrowth.  The ingredients that I have come across that have anti-fungal properties include garlic, olive leaf, citrus seed extract and pau d’arco.  In addition to its’ antifungal properties paracan also helps to eliminate parasitic organisms within the body.  When parasites are present in the body they present a barrier to effectively treating candida albicans overgrowth. 

Are There any Additional Considerations?
Some individuals may experience nausea, weakness and fatigue during the cleansing process.  This process is also known as die-off or the Herxheimer reaction.  Symptoms may get worse before they get better.  This is a very common occurrence when detoxifying the body whether it be from an overgrowth of yeast, toxic metals or parasites.  Customer testimonials tend to lean in favor of the liquid form over the tablet form in terms of effectiveness. 

Where and how can it be Purchased?
As of November 7, 2009 I have never seen a paracan blend in any drugstore or natural health food store.  It is however readily available online in liquid and tablet forms. 

Have I used this supplement?
I have not used a paracan.  I am taking a wide variety of other herbal antifungal products with good results and have not felt the need to try paracan yet.  There are a lot of customer testimonials online that may offer you some insight.  Remember to discuss the use of paracan and any other herbal supplements that you are considering taking with your healthcare provider.