Supplements and herbs
There are a number of supplements that can help Candidapatients in getting a more efficient digestion and bowel function. These include:
- Vitamines and minerales
- Psyllium powder
- Aloe Vera
- Herbs and extracts
Vitamines and minerales
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, among others, leads 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. We have a fine selection of B-vitamines in our netshop, made for hypersensitive patients. If you do not tolerate B-vitamin supplements its important that you get them from a natural source. Best sources are organmeat like liver from chicken or veal.
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.
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).
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.
Psyllium
One of the most important things you need to keep doing to fight Candida is to keep things moving! If fecal matter remains in the colon too long it becomes the perfect breeding ground for Candida.
Eating lots of fibers is important, but if constipation is still a problem then taking Psyllium Husk might be an option. Psyllium powder is a plantbased product and is safe and effective reduce the transit time in the gut. The Psyllium Husk is a good source of water-soluble fibers that expands to several times its original size when mixed with water. It quickly transforms from powder form into a gooey substance called mucilage. This moves through your colon, bulking up and softening your stool. The thick, toxic fecal matter that lines your colon is loosened and pulled out along with the Psyllium. In addition to flushing away those dead yeast cells, Psyllium is a great and healthy way to promote regular bowel movements, without the cramps that laxatives can cause. You can add Psylliumpowder to your food or take the powder with plenty of water. Stir it in a glass of water and drink quickly. Otherwise it will absorb the water and become a thick gel. Always take with plenty of water. Although the first few doses can cause some bloating (as the Psyllium expands inside you), after a while your body will adapt. You can try adding some antifungels to the mixture, like coconutoil or grapefruit extract, to create an effective weapon against the Candidafungus in the gut. Take it 2 hours after your evening dinner or the last dinner of the day. It will then work all night in the gut and thus have maximum effect.
Psyllium is considered to be a very safe supplement, however there are some patients who react allergenic to it. It is best to consult your doctor, especially if you have had any kind of intestinal or bowel surgery. You can buy HUSK Psyllium powder in our netshop.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Juice is an excellent health tonic that can and should be included in your healthy lifestyle. It’s a helpful addition to any Candida elimination diet treatment plan, and contains significant amounts of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Aloe is gentle on your body, yet has powerful properties to get your Candida under control and stimulate your immune system. It acts as an anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Aloe is great for general intestinal health. It contains enzymes that help break down fats, sugars, and starches and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestine.
The Candida yeast breeds in your intestine when transit time is too long, but Aloe can help by alleviating constipation. The colon is another point in your body where toxins collect, and Aloe's mild laxative effect loosens the toxin buildup and flushes it though your system. Moreover, Aloe Vera repairs and seals your intestinal wall, which stops Candida from actually penetrating through into your blood stream.
Aloe Vera is a great detoxifier for the entire body, but especially for the overburdened liver - the organ that cleans the Candida by-products from your blood. You can of course buy Aloe Vera in our netshop.
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.