Is there a fungus among us? The answer is yes. All humans, within days after birth, develop a colony of single-celled fungus or yeast cells, called Candida albacans, in their intestinal tract and mucous membranes. In a healthy body, these fungus and yeast cells are kept in check by friendly bacteria living in our digestive system. However, when the immune system is compromised or when friendly bacteria in our gut are killed by antibiotics or prescription drug overuse, candida flares up.
Most cases of fungal infection are the result of a multitude of yeast strains from the Candida family. Historically it has been recognized in women in the form of vaginal yeast infections. Today it is commonly known to occur in both men and women, and have a widespread affect on the entire body, otherwise termed as systemic candida. Anyone who has taken antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids, or immunosuppressive drugs are at high risk for developing systemic candida. It’s symptoms range from fatigue, headaches, itching, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, ear infections, and recurring fungal skin infections (athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, persisting dry flaky skin, etc.). Even dandruff is caused, in part, by skin fungus.
Fortunately, nature has provided us with remedies to combat fungal infections. Four big ones are given here:
Coconut oil – Coconut oil’s main natural yeast-fighting component is its fatty acid component caprylic acid. In fact, caprylic acid is commonly sold in supplement form for fighting yeast infections. And as an extra bonus, it can be used topically or internally. If using coconut oil for its health benefits, be sure to use Virgin Coconut Oil, since it is unrefined.
Pau d’arco – Pau d’arco is a natural fungistatic from the bark of a rainforest tree. It’s anti-fungal properties are due primarily to its phytochemical beta-lapachone. Pau d’arco may be taken in the form of tea. For a more potent remedy, Core Pau d’Arco Blend is specifically designed for toxic fungal burden in the digestive and immune system. Interestingly enough, this blend also contains echinacea, which has been recently recognized by research for its anti-fungal properties.
Olive Leaf Extract – Olive leaf extract can kill invading fungus rather than just inhibiting its growth. It contains a phenolic compound called oleuropein, that with its naturally occurring synergist calcium elenolate, has more than just anti-fungal properties. Our spagyrically processed Core Olive Leaf Extract is an effective and natural way to consume this herb.
Probiotics – Last but not least, let’s not forget our friendly bacteria. Flora Synergy and Flora 12+ are two great products that everyone should have on hand to build your immunity and keep fungal infections at bay. These are a must if you have been taking a course of antibiotics, to replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Flora Synergy is a unique probiotic used to boost the body’s good immune bacteria. Flora 12+ is a probiotic supplement that contains 12 strains of microflora.
Which of these remedies have you tried and seen results? If you think that you may benefit from any of these products, feel free to contact me to set up a bioenergetic assessment.
Resources:
Fife, Bruce. “Nature’s Marvelous Germ Fighter.” The coconut oil miracle . 4th ed. New York:Avery, 2004. 74-77. Print.
http://www.goenergetix.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18443921
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17703901