Supplements and herbs
In normally functioning people with a healthy and well-functioning intestinal system, supplements in the form of vitamin and mineral pills are not necessary. They get the amounts of vitamins and minerals they need from their diet. For patients with systemic Candida infections supplements of vitamins and minerals, is an important part of their treatmentplan. In patients with a systemic fungal infection, the fungi will cover large parts of the surface in the gastrointestinal tract. The result will be poor digestion of food in the intestine and thus a reduced absorption of nutrients from the gut. In addition, the immune weakness and the internal stress, that systemic Candida with its many complications (infections, viruses, allergies etc) causes, increases the body's need for extra antioxidants. Antioxidants combat the so-called free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are chemically unstable, and therefore want to connect to a substance and oxidize/destroy it. Free radicals are formed in large amounts in for example cigarette smoke, smog, ozone, radiation and polluted air. They are also affected by stress and fatty diet. The free radicals will constantly seek to start reactions with other substances to become stable again. In this way they can create havoc, which can cause cell changes in our body and for instance lead to cancer. Here it is that antioxidants can stop the ravages of free radicals, by acting as substitutes for other chemicals. Among others, substances such as vitamin A, B-vitamines, vitamins C, vitamin E and Selenium are antioxidants
Finally, the relatively one-sided Candidadiet also increases the risk of nutrient deficiencies compared to a normal diet. Therefore, it is crucial that you as Candidapatient is very aware of the risk of nutrient deficiency, because it will weaken your immune system and keep you stuck in your state or even worsen your state. Intake of large amounts of vitamins and minerals is therefore crucial for Candidapatients. Missing just one essential vitamin or mineral, could very well mean that you are permanently stuck in a disease weakened state. For Candidapatients its an obvious choice to take supplements of essential vitamins and minerals. Candidapatients are in high risk of missing one the following vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins
B-vitamins: In the case of nutrient deficiency B-vitamins are probably the biggest problem for Candidapatients. Typically, Candidapatients lack one or more of the B-vitamins. B-vitamins are a group of synergistic vitamins, meaning that they work together. B-vitamins are necessary for a number of processes in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. They play a vital role in energy metabolism and absorption of nutrients from food. Lack of B-vitamins can lead to reduced metabolism rate, weakened immune system, cracking of skin around mouth, irritation of eyes, dry skin and hair, indigestion etc. Candidapatients are highly in the risk of lacking B-vitamins, due to poor absorption of nutrients from the gut and due to poor liver function as a result of the overload from fungitoxins. Deficiency of B-vitamins belongs to the specific symptoms of a systemic Candida infection. As Candidapatient, there is a particular high risk of lacking B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B12 and biotin. In addition, bacteria in the gut produces the bodys own biotin, and therefore damaged intestinal flora, as seen by at a Candida infection, often manifest itself in biotin deficiency.
B5 (pantethine) plays an important role for Candidapatients. Its a building block in the substance Coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is part of the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat to energi and it also converts acetaldehyde in the body, one of the toxic byproducts of Candida and Candida die-off. The Candida yeast leaves as many as 79 different waste products which play havoc with your body. The worst of these is acetaldehyde, a nasty chemical that affects your metabolic, endocrine, neurological and immune systems, often resulting in that ‘brain fog’ characteristic of Candida. This is produced by the Candida yeast during your Candida infestation, and it is also released by yeast cells during the Die-off reactions. Pantethine addresses these symptoms of Candida overgrowth by removing the acetaldehyde. It does this by providing your body with the building blocks to synthesize co-enzyme A, an important substance that plays an important role in your metabolism. With respect to its use in the Candida diet, Pantethine performs a very similar role to molybdenum, another supplement that we recommend for general Candida symptoms and Candida Die-Off. Secondly, B5 boosts your adrenal glands, organs that play an important part in your immune system, but that are often weakened by Candida overgrowth. Pantethine supports the production of an adrenal steroid named cortisone, which reduces inflammation in your body. Without this you will be liable to suffer from IBS and other inflammatory conditions that are typically related with Candida.
B12 is important for the immune system and the lack of this vitamin will often weaken the immune system and aggravate your Candidainfection. Many Candidapatients will find that they start feeling much better when they have filled their needs for vitamin B12 and most other B-vitamins. Their energy level increases, the immune system is boosted and digestion improved, making the disease more affordable to live with. Especially meat products are good sources of B-vitamins. A super B-vitamin source is liver from chicken and veal. You can also get your B-vitamins as supplements, but unfortunately there are only very few B-vitamins, that are tolerated by Candidapatients, because of the synthetic B-vitamin formulations used and because of the other ingrediens in the pills, that cause allergenic reactions. Our B-vitamins are some of the most gentle and non-allergen on the market. Start with small doses, for instance 1 pill per week so your system can adapt and accept them. Then slowly increase the dosis. If supplements are not tolerated, it is very important that you get your B-vitamins through your diet, for example by eating chicken liver.
Vitamin D is important for your immune system and is necessary for the absorption and metabolism of calcium to the bones. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the skin when we are exposed to sunlight. In the summer, two hours of sunlight per week is sufficient to meet your demands. The body can store vitamin D produced by sunlight for several months. However, the amount of light in the winter in the northern parts is too small for the skin itself to produce sufficient quantities. Candidapatients are among the most vulnerable due to poor absorption from the gut and becuase vitamin D is mainly found in oily fish. Oily fish is well tolerated by Candidapatients, but are often problematic because of their high content of pollutants, such as mercury. Pollutants that can harm the body, weakening the immune system and thereby extend the Candidainfection. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency will often show in the winter period, for example from December to March. Symptoms such as an increased occurence of viruses and infections caused by the weak immune system is normal. Diseases that the immune system during the summer was able to control. Fortunately, we have in our netshop several excellent D-vitamin supplements, such as liquid vitamin D in coconut oil and olive oil. Some of these D-vitamin products are so concentrated that its enough with a few drops once a week, so even if there should be a slight negative reaction on them, it will only be once a week.
Vitamin C is likewise important for Candidapatients. Vitamin C helps with Candida overgrowth in three ways. First, it provides support to your adrenals, two small organs that are crucial for your metabolism and blood sugar regulation (as well as your body’s production of things like anti-inflammatories and antihistamines). Second, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system and gives your body the best chance possible to fight off the Candida yeast. Lastly, it helps boost your stomach acid, which slows the Candida overgrowth.
Vitamin C is an often recommended treatment for over stressed and fatigued adrenals. Some of the highest concentrations of vitamin C in your entire body are actually found in your adrenals. Vitamin C will help restore your adrenal glands to health, build up your immune system and allow your body to fight off the Candida. Healthier adrenal glands mean more energy and a higher metabolism too.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and therefore help protecting the body's cells against oxidation reactions. A diet rich in antioxidants eases the burden on the immune system so it instead can focus on fighting the Candidainfection. Fortunately, the Candidadiet with all its vegetables contains large amounts of vitamin C. So for most Candidapatiens addition of vitamin C is not necessary if they stick to the Candidadiet. As with the B-vitamins Candidapatients will respond allergenic to most supplements with vitamin C. We have very gentle kind of vitamin C with bioflavonoids (natural vitamin C) in our netshop, that is tolerated by most Candidapatients. Bioflavonoids enhance the absorption of the vitamin C, and prolong its effectiveness too.
Minerales
Iodine is an important part of the hormones thyroid and trijodtyrosin. The hormones regulate the body's metabolic rate, growth and development and are thus of great importance to the body's development and growth. Iodine deficiency occurs infrequently, but the condition is often seen in Candidapatients due to low absorption from the gut and is therefore one of the specific symptoms on systemic Candida. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism among other things, which decreases the production of thyroid hormones. Especially fish products are rich in iodine, but some fish products are banned from the Candidadiet because of their high levels of toxins. Fortunately, there are many other excellent alternatives. We have in our netshop some very gentle and non-allergen iodine supplements that are perfect for Candidapatients. They can help balancing your thyroid glands and many Candidapatients will experience that they get significantly more energy when their iodine needs are met.
Fe is in addition to being part of the hemoglobin, also important for the proper function of the immune system. Iron is one of the most common forms of nutrient deficiency in the world. Lack occurs especially in menstruating women, vegetarians / vegans, people on a one-sided diet or people with poor absorption from the gut. One of the symptoms is a weakened immune system. Especially meat and organ meat (liver, heart) are excellent sources of iron. Alternatively, you can buy iron as a supplement (netshop).
Zn is part of a wide range of processes in the body and it’s important for a variety of enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Zinc is also important for the proper function of the immune system. One of the symptoms of deficiency is a poorly functioning immune system and gut. Animal sources are the best, in particular meat products. Alternatively, you can buy zinc as a supplement (netshop).
Calcium: There is a risk of Calcium deficiency while being on the Candidadiet because most patients can not tolerate dairy products. Fortunately, there are plenty of calcium in vegetables and other foods in the Candidadiet. Especially parsley, chickpeas, lentils, kale, almonds and sesame seeds are good sources to calcium. In our netshop we have several Calcium supplements that you can use. In addition, try canned sardines in olive oil, it’s an excellent natural source of calcium (420 mg calcium/100 grams).
Magnesium is necessary for protein formation, formation of genetic material (DNA), hormone activity, impulses in nerves and muscles, bone development and the production of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat. Lack of magnesium typically occurs in connecting with diseases in the digestive system, and therefore are Candidapatients at risk. The symptoms will in particular be muscle weakness and fatigue. In particular, nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and almonds, have a high content of magnesium. We have in our netshop some very gentle kinds of magnesium tolerated by most Candidapatients. Magnesium work together with calcium and therefore we also offer supplements with both of them in.
Molybdenum is used in many different enzymes and is therefore important for metabolic regulation. It is also part of B12 vitamin and lack of molybdenum can cause B12 deficiency. Lack occur in patients with poorly functioning digestive tract, including Candidapatients.
Molybdenum is particularly useful during Candida Die-Off, where it helps your liver to expel the toxins that are produced when the Candida yeast is killed. The Candida yeast releases several byproducts, among these a rather nasty neurotoxin named acetaldehyde. This is just one of the toxins that Candida releases (there are a total of 79!), but it happens to be the most important. Acetaldehyde has a whole host of detrimental effects on your health and wellbeing. It can impair your brain function and lead to pool mental performance, especially in Die-Off periods. Your endocrine, immune and respiratory systems can all be affected, and it also damages the membranes of your red blood cells, reducing their ability to carry oxygen round the body. Again this directly affects your brain, so you can see how acetaldehyde is linked to Candida symptoms like brain fog and fatigue. Acetaldehyde is accumulated in your body - it does not get excreted as fast as other toxins. A build up or accumulation of acetaldehyde can lead to joint pain, a feeling of weakness and aches in muscles, in addition to those harmful effects on your brain. Molybdenum helps by converting the acetaldehyde into acetic acid. This can then be excreted from your body like any other toxin. Alternatively, the acetic acid can actually be converted into the enzyme acetyl coenzyme A, which is actually an important part of your metabolism. Acetaldehyde is also released during Candida Die-off, which is when molybdenum is especially useful. If you think you are experiencing Die-off with its usual fatigue and flu-like symptoms, Molybdenum may be able to help. Energi returns and the mental sluggishness disappears. Candidapatients have an increased need for molybdenum compared to healthy persons. We have in our netshop a Molybdenum supplements that is tolerated by most candidapatients. They are on the amino form, that is particularly suitable for patients with low absorption from the gut.
Besides these vitamines and minerales Candidapatients must also be aware that they get sufficient amounts of other vitamins and minerals, many of which cooperate with the ”risk” nutrients mentioned above. In addition, it will be a great help to Candidapatients to consume larger amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, D, E, C, selenium, Q-enzyme etc to boost the immune system, as a result of the stress it is exposed to, by the Candida infection and its many complications.
Supplements can worsen Candida
There may very well be ingredients in supplements that will make your Candida worse. Most of the ingredients in supplements will trigger an allergen reaction in Candidapatients because of the Leaky Gut Syndrom and weak immune system. Other ingredients will feed the Candida with easy digestible carbs. So be very critical when selecting a dietary supplement and check the ingredients carefully. Some of the ingrediens that you should avoid are maltodextrin, fructose, glucose, starch (potato, grain and corn), cellulase, citric acid, alcohol, yeast, dairy products, artificial colorings, preservatives, flavoring and many of the formulations of the vitamin and minerale molecules. Conventional medicines such as aspirin, stomach pain pills, vaccines etc will almost always trigger an allergenic reaction.
Supplements are not made for Candidapatients and other supersensitive patients. Our products in our netshop are the most most gentle and non-allergen that you will find on the market. They have been tested on Candidapatients with special focus on the vitamines and minerales they may be missing, such as iodine and B-vitamines. However, just because most Candidapatients tolerate them, this does not mean that every patient tolerates them. But during the development of these products, researchers have in every possible way, tried to develop a product that hypersensitive patients, like Candidapatients, can tolerate. Not many supplement manufactures have so strict requirements for allergenicity than our producers. The supplements contains an absolute minimum of tablet ingredients and only ingredients that are not allergenic or cause other inflammatory reactions. There is a very good chance that our products will help you meet your nutrient needs, boost your immune system and help fighting your Candidainfection.
In our nethsop, we also offer hair mineral analysis, where you from a sample of your hair, can get an analysis of your needs and deficiencies of minerals (netshop).
Generally, one must be very careful with the dosage of both vitamins and minerals and overdosing can create poisoning that will only weaken the immune system. Talk to your doctor if you notice any side effects or you are in doubt whether a product will benefit you.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have a well-documented effect on heart diseases, arthritis and the immune system. The fatty acids are part of the cell membranes in the body's cells, and lack of omega-3 fatty acids can weaken the immune system and cause deficiency diseases. They are essential (vital) fatty acids and must be supplied from the diet. They belong to the a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids and you get them by eating oily fish like salmon, eel and mackerel. The actual fish oils include (EPA eikosa-pentaen-acid) and DHA (dokosa-hexaene-acid). ALA (alpha linolenic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid in the plant world, that to a less extent is converted to EPA and DHA in our metabolism. Many Candidapatients react allergenic to supplements with cod liver oil and other fishproducts, that’s why we don’t have them in our netshop. Canned anchovies and sprats in olive oil is a very good source to omega-3-fattyacids. Anchovy and sprat also contributes with D and A vitamin. A variety of plant foods can contribute with omega-3 fatty acids, and here it is especially flaxseed oil that should be highlighted. Flaxseed oil has the absolute highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids among all foods. We have some fine supplements with omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed in our netshop.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the olive tree and contains the active ingredient oleuropein, showing positive results in numerous studies related to Candida.
This powerful herbal medicine is a natural and effective antifungal, in addition to having anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Research has shown that Olive Leaf Extract has a much more potent antioxidant capacity than vitamin C and green tea. This powerful antioxidant helps to protect your body against aging and disease.
Olive Leaf Extract stimulates your immune system's response to unwelcome invaders such as Candida. This immune response is strong enough to produce unpleasant Candida Die-Off symptoms quite quickly. This means that it is important to take a smaller dose at first, and make sure to drink plenty of water. It has also been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels, and this is important for Candida sufferers because if the blood sugar level gets too high it can feed your yeast overgrowth. As with many herbal products, Olive Leaf Extract also has other positive effects on your system, such as elevating your energylevels. In our netshop, we have of course Olive Leaf Extract with a high content of the active ingredient oleuropein (at least 20%). You can als take Oleve Leaf Extract as a tea (nethsop). Can be used once the Candida symptoms are under control as a preventative (maybe 1-3 cups a day)
Probiotics
Probiotics does not directly stimulate your immune system. Instead, it can help improving your digestion of food and stimulate the repopulation of the gut with "good bacteria". This will increase your nutrient uptake from the gut and boost your immune system. A well-functioning gut with more "good bacteria" is also a better protection against various pathogens such as viruses and infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, there are only very few probiotic supplements that are tolerated by Candida patients, because they contain sugar, starch or allergenic substances. Fortunately, we have found some of the probiotic supplements that fit to Candidapatients and you can buy them in our netshop. Our probiotic bacteria contain the naturally occurring, beneficial bacteriastrains in large quantities that will help repopulating your intestine. These products contain ingredients that most Candidapatients tolerate. The products are shelf-stable, so when it arrives at your doorstep, you can be confident that the probiotic bacteria are alive and well. The shell also secures that the bacteria survive all the way to your gut where they will help with the repopulation of your gut. Most Candida patients should be able to tolerante them. If you react allergenic to them just exclude them from your treatment. As an alternative you can try kefir or yogurt with probiotic bacteria.
Herbs and extracts
Candidapatients and many other patients may benefit from a wide range of herbs and herbal extracts (netshop). Some of them boost the immune system, others contribute with important nutrients while others stimulate the function of various organs. Some herbs Candidapatients may react allergic to, but most of them are tolerated without problems.
Dried, powdered herbs in the form of herbal teas, in very small amounts, can give everyday food an important energy boost. The powder is added in so small portions that it does not affect either the look or the taste of the food (¼ - ½ teaspoon per serving). All bittertasting herbs are good because of their liver stimulating properties. Herb powder can be added to many differens dishes - and is especially suitable for breakfast porridge. Partly because the digestion is most effective in the morning.
The dried herbs can be pulverized with a coffee grinder or mini chopper. You can als use a small food processor with small blades and possibly sieved afterwards. The rest is used for tea. See our netshop where we have a large selection of medicinal herbs that are freshly, dried in a high quality and without mold or additives. The herbs could for instance be:
Dandelion: Liver and digestive stimulating. Therefore good at bowel problems, skin diseases, arthritis, gall and kidney disorders.
Nettle: Because of the exceptionally high nutrient content (vitamins, minerals and plant hormones), this herb is effective against many disorders. It is bloodproducing and -cleaning. A very fine lime source, and it stimulates vomens milk secretion
Goldenroot: Kidney stimulant and sudorific. Good for arthritis, bladder stones and kidney gravel.
Rosehip: Diuretic, immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory. Good at metabolic disorders as well as stone formations.
Hawthorn: Heart tonic, tranquillizers and blood pressure-regulating
Linden: Effective in relation to digestion and throat, respiratory and lung disorders. Also sudorific and loosens cramps.
Lucerne: A good tonic for all that are in deficit with minerals and trace minerals. Increases womens milksecretion.
Horsetail: This herb has, due to a very high content of silica and other important minerals, a very good effect on all kinds of connective tissue (binds all tissues of the body together). Is good for your hair, skin and nails. Horsetail is a diuretic and has in general a beneficial effect on many disorders. For example, urine, abdomen and bladder disorders and excessive menstruation and anemia.
Fenugreek: Actually belongs to the legume family. Has a beneficial effect on intestinal function and the immune system because they contain high levels of the B vitamin biotin. Pour the whole seeds over with cold water and place them in the refrigerator in a closed glass or box. The next day they are ready to be eaten, take 1-2 teaspoons daily.
Seawead: Is extremely nutritious and provides the body with the same substances as found in fish. The high content of minerals is acid neutralizing in the blood. As seawead is from a lower part of the food chain, it is usually less contaminated than fish, but it is important to buy high-quality products. An important iodine source for Candidapatients. You can eat all types of seaweed, for example Chlorella and Spirulina. Seawead is also very rich in vitamins such as B-vitamins and can therefore be an important supplement to your diet. We have in our netshop a fine selection of seaweed products of high quality.
Cat’s Claw is also a good supplement for your immune system - it contains alkaloids that strengthen your white blood cells, allowing them to attack pathogens such as the Candida yeast, as well as other fungi, viruses and bacteria.
Ashwagandha: Otherwise known as Indian Ginseng, this is an adaptogenic herb that regulates energy levels and boosts the immune system.
Licorice root extract: This regulates hormone production in your adrenals and relieves adrenal exhaustion.
Echinacea will stimulate the production of white blood cells and boost your immune system (netshop).
As it is clear from the description above, many herbs have a medical effect, and therefore may have side effects when used one-sided or in excess amounts. It is therefore very important to rotate between herbs on a daily basis. The herbs can be stored in small, separate sealed boxes and labeled with the day of the week so that the variation does not require daily decision making. Ask your doctor for advice if there is doubts about side effekts.
Other additives that are beneficial to the immune system, include horseradish, all cress species (including nasturtium), thyme, oregano, all kinds of onion etc. But remember to switch between them. It is always wise to consult a doctor before starting with herbs or if you notice any side effects associated with taking them.