I just googled natural antifungal and came up with a lot of interesting links: here is the first of many that you should look at:
http://www.drjenine.com/antifungal.html
The Anti-Fungal Program
FUNGUS: A simple plant that lacks chlorophyl. Fungi include yeasts, rust, molds, and mushrooms. They live as either saprophytes or parasites of plants and animals (man). Some species infect and cause disease in man. - The Bantam Medical Dictionary.
#1 Starve The Fungi
#2 Move Your Bowels
#3 Repair the Damage
#4 Kill the Fungus
#5 Replace the Good Bacteria
Exercise!
Herxheimer Reaction
#1 Starve The Fungi
Starve the fungi with Doug Kaufmann's Phase One Diet (Initial Phase).
Sugar fuels the growth pattern for fungi. The Phase One diet is a low carbohydrate diet that dramatically cuts back on sugar that feeds fungi. Although carbohydrates are known to be fuel for the body, this is true only in a non-toxic individual. In a fungally-toxic individual it actually supresses energy.
The Phase One diet is also very low in mold/fungi infected foods and high in foods, such as vegetables which are known to carry out mycotoxins and inhibit their toxicity.
The Phase One diet is found in its entirety in any of Doug Kaufmann's books.
#2 Move Your Bowels
As fungi is killed inside your body, it is imperative that you move it out, and quickly. Doug Kaufmann recommends psyllium hulls or slippery elm as a good source of fiber to carry out colon waste. Both are excellent choices. I recommend the same, or, a new oxygen colon cleanser called Oxy-Powder. Oxy-Powder has been shown to kill fungus in the colon.
Whichever method you choose, it is imperative that you replace the healthy bacteria found in the colon that is lost through the process of cleansing the colon. I recommend taking one of the following two probiotics: Dr. Ohirra's Essential Formulas or Natren's Healthy Trinity or Trenev Trio. Remember not to take Healthy Trinity within two hours of taking psyillium, slippery elm, Oxy-Powder, antifungals, garlic, Vitamin C, and some drugs.
It is not recommended that you take cascara sagrada for the purpose of this antifungal program.
If constipation is a chronic problem for you, consider that a magnesium deficiency can be a cause of this.
#3 Repair the Damage
Repairing the oxidative damage is critical. Using a powerful free radical scavenger such as Pycnogenol, grape seed extract (see Seagate for Grape Seed Extract), the whole grape extract (see North American Herb & Spice for Resvital), or Damage Control Master Formula (see Primal Nutrition), or a pure source Vitamin C (see North American Herb & Spice for Purely C) will assist in this repair process.
#4 Kill the Fungus
Fungi can be killed with pharmaceutical drugs or natural remedies. Both work very well. Drugs such as Nystatin, Lamisil, Nizoral, Diflucan, or Sporanax may work a little faster than natural choices, however, I recommend natural remedies. Your choice may depend on the severity of the fungal infection and whether or not your doctor will cooperate in prescribing one of these antifungals.
Natural Anti-Fungals:
Olive Leaf Extract (see Seagate for Olive Leaf Extract).
P-73 Oregano (see North American Herb & Spice for P-73 Oregano)
Capryillic Acid
Pau d'Arco (click here for Pau d'Arco)
Apple Cider Vinegar (Malic Acid) (see BioActive Nutrients Apple Cider Vinegar)
Garlic - neutralizes virus and bacteria. (see BioActive Nutrients Apple Cider Vinegar/Garlic)
Carrot juice - inhibits fungal proliferation (Fresh juicing is best, but for an alternative, see Seagate for Carrot powder)
Anti-Fungal Kits are also available - see Bioactive Nutrients
#5 Replace the Good Bacteria
It is imperative to replace the good bacteria in your intestines and then stay away from those things that disrupt the balance, such as antibiotics and other immune suppressants. (Work with your doctor here, there are times where an antibiotic is the best choice but this is most likely a rare event. I am in no way indicating that one should never take an antibiotic or that this program is a substitute for necessary medical care).
Using a probitoic such as OMX 12 by Essential Formulas, or Natren's Healthy Trinity is very effective.
Exercise!
Exercise is critical in the prevention and treatment of chronic fungal disease. Exercise has an overwhelming positive impact on our health. Your commitment includes exercise. Choose an exercise appropriate for you.
Walking should not be underestimated as an appropriate exercise for anyone. It gets you moving and pumps the lymph system, and gets you breathing!
Herxheimer Reaction
As yeast and fungi, etc. are starved, you may experience what is known as “Herxheimer’s reaction”. It was Dr. Carl Herxheimer, a German dermatologist, who first described the body’s reaction to the massive killing of microorganisms. This massive killing results in a sudden load of toxins that is released into the blood stream. It is also known as “die-off”. The characteristics of this reaction can be flu-like such as aches, pains, nausea, headache, chills, a low grade fever, drop in blood pressure, hives or rash. One may even experience a temporary worsening of current symptoms when starting the Phase One diet. This is good news! It means you are on the right track. It is an indication that the Phase One diet is starving the fungi. Remember, our bodies want to be well and will do all it can to get well. Give it the right opportunity and you will see how magnificent your body is!
This healing crisis is a natural reaction and is very individualistic. It can be mild to severe. If it is overwhelming, consider adding some foods that are on the Phase Two diet for a meal or two, such as brown rice, or sweet potatoes, and of course making sure you have plenty of pure water.
So, while I think most sites with information like this are a little over the top, I do believe there is some truth to this and making some easy changes to diet and routine could be helpful. You might see if other sites have better/more useful info. I'll leave you alone for a while!
Jen
