A Candida infection is also commonly referred to as a yeast infection, or yeast infestation. Many species live in symbiosis with other organisms, as in the case of mammals, including humans, being referred to as endosymbiotes. These relationships are not mutual, which means that the host generally does not gain much in terms of benefit, while the “tenant” lives free. Many times however, these Candida species become opportunistic in nature, that is they lie dormant until a time that the body’s immune system is compromised, before launching an attack, manifested as external yeast infections (common in women), or more serious systemic infections (in blood), which entail relatively high mortality rates.
One of the most common causes of yeast infections is following antibiotic treatment. What prolonged antibiotic usage does is effectively reduce the population of bacterial organisms, both good and parasitic, causing an imbalance of fungi: bacteria ratio. Candida infections result in many health conditions, certain ones being more characteristic than others. Common clinical features demonstrated by Candida infections include spontaneous fatigue, loss of mental clarity, vaginal discharge or balanitis in men.
Treatment of Candida infections is generally multi-faceted, with medical backup a must. In recent years, the efficacy of grapefruit seed extract has been studied, with positive results. To begin, grapefruit seed extract was found to be equi-potent to many synthetic antibiotics available to man. The amazing this about this however, is the fact that it is virtually absent of the ill effects associated with today’s antibiotic usage. Added to the fact that it has an astounding safety margin, it follows that it should be employed whenever appropriate. Candida infections, are however fungal in origin, not bacterial, so you might be wondering how this comes into play. The beauty though, is the fact that grapefruit seed extract is also a fungicidal agent.
A necessary modification that must be made, is to the diet. If on average, you consume foods high in sugar, made from yeast or molds, or fermented in nature, many fruits and syrups including molasses and honey sources, they must be discontinued for the time being. The reason for this is that yeast and other fungi thrive on many sugar sources, and avoiding foods with inherent yeast content is obvious.
Ideally, a Candida extermination programme, including diet should be done for around four weeks. Grapefruit seed extract is usually introduced after the first successful week of dieting; this is to ensure all requirements are in place before employing the big gun. Avoiding alcoholic drinks and supplementing with an effective probiotic drug also bides well with this step. According to a study of 297 persons infected with Candida, only 2 failed to achieve satisfactory results after treatment with grapefruit seed extract, with the possibility remaining that maybe their diets were still not up to par.
The usual starting dose of grapefruit seed extract is around 10 drops taken twice daily in water or selected fruit juices, between meal times. This is done for the first three days, following which the dose is increased to 15 drops twice daily, for a further 7 days. Following this period, until completion the dose is increased to 15 drops three times daily, with a complete clearance of symptoms within the 28 day period. It is very scarce to see a patient requiring continued treatment, but owing to the safe nature of GSE, it may be used for up to 4 to 6 months to eradicate stubborn infections. Because of the bitter taste of GSE liquid extract, overdosing is a rare occurrence, and is one of the primary reasons persons switch to the capsule form instead. Conversion of liquid to capsules is roughly 10 drops to 1 capsule, so if a simple change of dosage from increases patient compliance, by all means try it.
There are several solutions on treating candida through GSE. Your choice will depend subsequently depend on the effectiveness and practicality of the mixture.
Nipple Yeast Infection
Instructions on the first day of use:
On an ounce of distilled water with 10 concentrated drops of GSE can effectively provide resistance to thrush involving the nipple and mouth. An ounce is equivalent to 30 ml. It is necessary that distilled water is used in the mixture to stabilize its effects and maintain the integrity of the concoction. Using tap water is for this process not advisable. Chemicals incorporated in your tap water have the capacity to influence the effectiveness by destroying the active ingredient present in grapefruit seed extract making it less likely to work.
Instructions on the second day of use:
The GSE mixture is expected to show marked relief on the first day of use. However, if positive changes are not seen on the second day, increasing the GSE drops by 15 to 20 in the mixture for an ounce of distilled water is advised. Hourly application is encouraged. For cases that do not show signs of improvement, Diflucan is considered but consulting with a health professional is necessary to make sure that dangerous drug interaction is prevented.
Rub the solution using a cotton swab on the infected part, usually around the nipples of the nursing mother and the mouth of the baby. Application should be done hourly until the mixture is completely consumed. There is a possibility that the infection may reach the diaper area. The same solution can be applied through a spray bottle during diaper changing.
The GSE mixture may cause dry nipples. For this reason, a subtle coating of the oil of Vitamin E is suggested after application of GSE. Make sure that the nipples are completely dried from the mixture before rubbing the oil. This may be done at least five to six times a day until the dryness is resolved. Since Vitamin E is properly absorbed by the body, administration prior to nursing is perfectly safe.
Thrush can be transferred from mother to baby through nursing. To avoid this, GSE can be administered on the infant’s mouth. Having 10 drops of GSE in a 30 ml filtered or distilled water will do. Coat the infected patches on the mouth of the infant hourly. Use a clean cotton swab. If improvements are not seen after the second day of use, increasing the drops from 10 to 15 or as much as 20 drops is allowed. Apply before breastfeeding.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
This treatment is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with vaginal yeast infection. A vaginal rinse is considered when treating vaginal candidiasis. Using 16 ounces of boiled, filtered or distilled water, incorporate 16 drops of GSE and mix well. This will serve as a douche mixture that can be used once a day and is sufficient for three days. This is prohibited to pregnant women or for those who have their monthly period. If one experiences vaginal irritation, cessation is a must.
Oral Yeast Infection
There are indications of GSE being taken orally in between meals. This is because GSE tends to irritate the gastric tract. Having it with meals will lessen the discomfort. The dosage given will consequently depend on a person’s weight.
On the first three days, 10 drops are required that can be diluted in a glass of water or flavored drink like juice. This should be done twice a day. This is equivalent to two capsules a day with a dose of 125 mg. On the fourth reaching the tenth day, increasing the drops from 10 to 15, twice a day, is advised which is equivalent to three capsules daily, preferably during meals. On the eleventh until the thirtieth day, 15 drops and is equivalent to 2 capsules, either should be taken thrice a day.
Note that the increase and frequency of dosage is intended for those who are not experiencing improvement after at lower prescriptions. This is due to the fact that there are those who are resistant to lower dosages and may require something higher. However, for those who are already showing signs of improvement after a week or two, the 30-day course is not necessary.
Controlling the Infection
Candida is a persistent infection. It can recur even after religious treatment of GSE. For this reason, you have to take measures in order to prevent the occurrence of another infection.
1. Get low on carbohydrates. Yeast infection thrives greatly on carbohydrates therefore reducing foods that are rich in sugar and starch is a must. This should be done from during the course of GSE treatment and until the infection has subsided completely.
2. Toxic anti-fungal medications should be avoided. GSE has a high detoxification property and using a toxic anti-fungal medication may void its effectiveness.
3. Detoxify from any negative factor which could lead to recurrence. Alcohol, junk foods and coffee should be strictly placed at a minimum.