Natural treatments for candida hypersensitivity syndrome

• DEFINITION: Treatment of yeast infections of moist areas of the body.
• PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
• OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Barberry, betaine hydrochloride, caprylic acid, essential oils such as lavender oil, oregano oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil, garlic, grapefruit seed extract, lapacho, probiotics, red thyme, antifungal herbs, herbs that support immune function, diet, lifestyle changes

Introduction

Candida albicans is a naturally occurring yeast that flourishes in moist areas such as the digestive tract, the vagina, and skin folds. Ordinarily, its population is kept in check by bacteria that live in the same areas. However, when normal bacteria are disturbed by antibiotics, yeast populations can grow at abnormally high levels.

For women, the most common form of excess Candida is a vaginal yeast infection, as marked by itchiness, redness, burning on urination, and a yeasty odor. Candida can also overpopulate in the mouth (as thrush), in the warm, moist environment under a diaper (as diaper rash), and in other areas.

Candida usually confines itself to the surface of mucous membranes and does not penetrate deeply into the body. However, in people whose immune systems are severely compromised, such as those persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or leukemia, Candida can become a dangerous, invasive organism. The medical name for this rare and dire condition is systemic candidiasis.

Besides this official meaning, “systemic candidiasis” has another meaning coined in the world of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). “Systemic candidiasis,” among CAM practitioners, is a loose term connoting a whole syndrome of symptoms related to Candida overgrowth. Equivalent terms are “chronic candida,” “yeast syndrome,” “yeast hypersensitivity syndrome,” and simply “candida.” Conventional medicine does not recognize these alternative terms as valid.

Yeast syndrome came to public awareness in 1983 when Orion Truss published The Missing Diagnosis. This was followed by William Crook’s better-known The Yeast Connection. These books claim that a person who is chronically colonized by too much Candida may develop an allergy-like hypersensitivity to it. This allergy's symptoms are similar to those of other allergies, including sinus congestion, fatigue, intestinal gas, difficulty concentrating, depression, and muscle aches.

The regimen outlined by Crook consists of two parts: treatments toward diminishing the total body burden of Candida and less convincing recommendations that attempt to lessen allergic reactions toward yeast in general. Crook recommended avoiding certain substances, including antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, sugar, and most sweet foods to decrease the amount of yeast in the body. (He argued that dietary sugar “feeds yeast.”) He also recommended the use of various supplements and even potent prescription drugs to directly kill yeast or, at minimum, interfere with its growth.

Next, Crook recommended avoiding foods containing yeast of any type, for he believed that those who are allergic to Candida will also be allergic to other members of the fungus family. Thus, Crook recommended avoiding fermented foods, such as beer, cheese, breads containing baker’s yeast, tomato paste (which has a significant mold content), and even mushrooms.

Some evidence suggests that persons diagnosed with this condition do not have excessive growth of Candida in the digestive tract. Nonetheless, one study indicates that antifungal treatment might provide some benefits, perhaps through effects on other yeasts. This four-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 116 persons with symptoms believed to be characteristic of the yeast syndrome evaluated the effects of treatment with the antifungal drug nystatin. The results showed that treatment with nystatin modestly improved overall symptoms compared with placebo. In addition, some participants voluntarily undertook a sugar-free and yeast-free diet and reported even better results; how much of this latter effect was from the power of suggestion cannot be determined. A previous study of forty-two women failed to find benefits from nystatin, but the study design was somewhat convoluted.

Proposed Natural Treatments

Many treatments can reduce the amount of yeast in the body, but it is not possible to eliminate C. albicans permanently. No matter how successful a treatment may be, as soon as it is stopped, Candida will return, as it is a natural inhabitant of the body. However, it is known from other conditions, such as vaginal yeast infections, that sufficient intake of probiotics, or friendly bacteria, can help keep yeast regrowth within reasonable bounds. It is probably best to use a mixture of organisms, including acidophilus, bulgaricus, and bifidus.

Other agents that may reduce the amount of yeast in the body (especially the digestive tract) include caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, betaine hydrochloride, barberry, red thyme, pau d’arco (also called lapacho), and garlic. Various essential oils have also been proposed for this purpose, including peppermint, oregano, lavender, and tea tree oil. However, the scientific foundation for the use of these treatments in Candida infections is weak, and some may be toxic if taken to excess or for prolonged periods.

Several other natural treatment options exist for Candida infections. Lifestyle changes are an important step patients can take. Patients are advised to stop smoking, alleviate stress, and develop healthy sleep patterns. If possible, taking antibiotics should be avoided. Certain diets that restrict the growth of yeasts may be recommended. Diets should be low in sugar and protein and include antifungal foods such as garlic, coconut oil, ginger, and oregano. One study published in 2017 indicated Greek yogurt could effectively prevent yeast growth when added to a diet. Probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, and medium-chain triglycerides have also been shown to be effective in clinical studies. There are several natural treatments that are recommended but need further study. These include thyme, grapefruit seed extract, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar. Antifungal herbs, such as caprylic acid and berberine, and herbs that boost immunity, such as vitamin C, zinc, and selenium, are also recommended. 

Bibliography

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Redhead, Tahirah, and Annette McDermott. "11 Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infections." Healthline, 28 Mar. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/yeast-infection-home-remedy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Santelmann, H., et al. "Effectiveness of Nystatin in Polysymptomatic Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial with Nystatin Versus Placebo in General Practice." Family Practice, vol. 18, 2001, pp. 258-265.

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Weinberg, Jennifer L. "A Functional Medicine Candida Overgrowth Protocol: Testing, Nutrition, and Supplements." Rupa Health, 6 June 2023, www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-candida-overgrowth-protocol. Accessed 2 October 2024.

Xie, J., et al. "Vitamin D-Supplemented Yogurt Drink Reduces Candida Infections in a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial." Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 32, no. 4, 2019, pp. 512-517, doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12634.