Sometimes dietary changes may not be enough to reduce the yeast overgrowth to resolve your symptoms. Then you may need to proceed to the next steps with medication or non-prescription treatments. They’re often needed to treat more resistant cases of yeast for either the short or long term — and in some cases can be miraculous in their results.
4. Take antifungal medications and herbs when indicated. Diet and probiotics alone could take up to three to six months before the candida is under control. Sometimes, anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan or Nystatin, is introduced.
Nystatin is the most common antifungal drug and is often used to treat thrush in babies. It is not absorbed by the intestinal tract and has no systemic effects. Unfortunately, many fungal organisms are resistant to nystatin and you may need stronger medications. I say “unfortunately” because these drugs are generally processed by the liver and occasionally can cause reversible elevation of liver function tests. They also may have serious interactions with other medications.
People with liver or heart diseases often cannot take these drugs. If you do take Diflucan, Sporonox or Lamasil, you have to have your liver function checked every six weeks. For all of these reasons, you should only take prescription antifungals under the supervision of an experienced and qualified practitioner.
Using herbal antifungal therapies such as herbs and other naturally occurring compounds can be very helpful in controlling yeast. The dose for all of the following herbal remedies is generally two pills with meals, three times a day for two to three months. You might need less or more based on your response and symptoms. Sometimes these remedies can be combined for better effect. Below is a list of some common antifungal herbs.
• Oregano — Oil of oregano has many antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Garlic — Fresh, crushed garlic is a potent antimicrobial and immune booster.
• Citrus seed extract — The phytochemicals in citrus seeds have been found to have potent antimicrobial properties.
• Berberine — This potent yellow plant extract comes from goldenseal and barberry
• Tannins — These are the astringent compounds found in tea and the bark of trees.
• Undecylenate — This chemical compound is a potent antifungal.
• Isatis tinctoria — This Chinese herb can be a useful adjunct to treating intestinal imbalances.
• Caprylic acid — comes from coconut oil. It is a powerful anti-fungal, which literally “pokes holes” in the yeast cell wall, and kill it.
5. Identify and remove potential environmental toxic fungi and molds in your home or workplace.
6. Reduce stress by practicing yoga and meditation, being mindful and daily physical activities. Don’t sweat about small stuff.
7. Try Dr. Tobias’ CandidaFX – Extra Strength Candida Cleanse. It’s a blend of herbs and enzymes that helps to eliminate unpleasant yeast and supports detox to reduce unpleasant side effects of candida die off. Also with probiotics to start rebuilding your gut flora right away.