TANALBIT
Several health professionals I've consulted rank Tanalbit high on the list of nonprescription substances they use in treating their patients.
When taken orally, this product is said to effectively destroy harmful bacteria and fungi in the digestive system without attacking friendly organisms. It also travels to the colon relatively intact to help address problems there. It seems to act as a sort of internal antiseptic. In addition to natural tannins, this product contains zinc.
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| Natural Candida Cures |
Tanalbit contains tannates that bind to the surface of the fungal membranes, causing the fungus to lose its ability to stick to intestinal walls, reproduce, and then it eventually kills the fungus. Tanalbit also contains chitin, which has been shown to stop candida colonization.
The recommended dosage is two-to-three capsules three times a with meals for three to six months for chronic candidiasis. My long-time friend, Dr. James Brodsky, said:
I still recommend Tanalbit for patients who are not doing well with nystatin and/or Diflucan. I do not usually recommend nonprescription antifungals during the first month or two of prescription therapy. For those patients who are not doing as well as expected by the end of the second month, I recommend the addition of Tanalbit, two-to-three tablets, three times daily with meals.
CITRUS SEED OR GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
Like nystatin and caprylic acid, this antifungal agent discourages the growth of Candida albicans in the intestinal tract.
Some of my colleagues also credit citrus seed extract with being as effective as nystatin in treating candida-related yeast problems. It is also effective against giardiasis and some of the other intestinal parasites.
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is truly a broad-spectrum natural antibiotic, capable of killing a wide variety of pathogens. It has the unique quality of being effective against yeast, bacteria, viruses and parasites. (Warning: Grapefruit seed extract can interfere with the effectiveness of some medications. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.)
GSE is sold both as "Grapefruit Seed Extract" and "Citrus Seed Extract." Unless otherwise indicated on the label, these products are usually made from grapefruit seeds only. The recommended dosage is 500 mg. three times a day.
A number of health professionals I've talked to recommend Tricycline, a product made by a company called Allergy Research, which combines grapefruit seed extract and the herbs artemisia and berberine to help achieve balance.
PARACAN
This natural product incorporates a blend of herbs that have been used for decades to eliminate microbes and worms. Its main active ingredients include black walnut hulls, wormwood, pumpkin seed, Pau d'Arco, echinacea, barberry, gentian, garlic, olive leaf, cloves, chamomile and thyme.
I've also received reports that several of the herbs contained in this product help control the overgrowth of Candida albicans and other yeasts in the digestive tract.
According to the web page, www.genhealth.com, "ParaCan ... is an effective and ... safe way to achieve optimal internal health.
"However on some occasions where parasitic activity is high, some individuals may experience nausea, weakness or fatigue during the cleansing process."
Adults and children over 12 years of age should take one capsule three times daily for one month. Thereafter repeat at least every three to four months.
Although this product is not readily available in the United States, it can be ordered from Genesis Health Marketing in Australia. Fax: (612) 9663-5310; e-mail sales@genhealth.com.
OREGANO OIL
I first heard about the antifungal powers of this perennial pungent herb of the mint family from Ann Fisk, R.N., and Jeffrey S. Bland, ph.D., who discussed oregano in Preventive Medicine Update. These researchers concluded that oregano is an effective anti-yeast agent and more potent than caprylic acid.
A 1998 Cornell study showed that oregano was extremely effective against bacteria and fungi of all types. I've also received favorable reports from several health professionals who are using oregano essential oil in treating patients with yeast-related disorders. Oregano oil is sold as a liquid or in capsules. The recommended dosage is 50 mg. four times a day.
COMMENTS BY OTHERS
Michael Murray, N.D., a nutritionist and author of Chronic Candidasis: The Yeast Syndrome, said he feels most comfortable in recommending caprylic acid, garlic, enteric-coated volatile oil preparations and berberine-containing plants. These plants include goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape and golden thread. He said that berberine has been extensively studied in both experimental and clinical settings for its antibiotic activity against bacteria, protozoa and fungi, inducting Candida albicans.
Jodi Smith, an Indiana diet and nutritional consultant, told me how she helps people with yeast problems who consult her.
She emphasized the importance of changing the diet and rebuilding the immune system. She said people with yeast problems need to understand the extreme importance of the total picture rather than just taking antifungal medications. In our continuing discussion she said:
I've heard that the yeast is able to mutate and may become resistant to antifungals. So I stay away from products that contain a large variety of antifungals. I try to use one thing at a time. I start my clients out on garlic to get them acclimated to the diet and to understand what die-off is like. Then I've used oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract very successfully in some people, and of course the prescription antifungals as well.
MY COMMENTS
It's important not to attempt to self-treat these problems, even with nonprescription medications. You've probably already been through a battery of tests to rule out the easier-to-diagnose conditions such as parasites, thyroid disease and lupus. If you haven't been through these tests, do so before starting any medications.
And remember that no antifungal agent will help you if you do not change your diet and take the other measures I've described in this blog.
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Herbal remedies sometimes take longer to become effective. A good rule of thumb is to take an herb for at least three months before you decide whether or not it is working for you.
If your yeast problems are not responding to nonprescription agents, I suggest that you seek help from a medical doctor who can prescribe Diflucan. To find out more, you can check out Natural Candida Cures.