Conquering Candida: Supplements for Flora Balance

In this Healing Gourmet article, you learned how to starve out Candida and cleanse your GI tract.

But the road to full recovery and balance can be long and arduous – taking from 6 to 18 months depending on severity.

The deeper the Candida issue, the more patient and persistent you will need to be with the program.If the fungi have rooted into the intestinal walls, they will continue to re-inoculate the fecal stream. But supporting the ecology long enough for the intestinal epithelial cells to desquamate (shed, slough off, turn over) will help to ensure the fungi buried within them will be expelled and your “reflorestation” efforts will be successful.

Along with following and Anti-Candida diet, there are many supplements you many want to consider on your Candida Cleanse. Here is a quick overview of the most popular and effective:

Probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifobacterium and Acidodophilus): The “good bugs” crowd out candida and promote “reflorestation” of your tract with beneficial bacteria.
Colostrum: A powerful immune-stimulating substance derived from cow’s first milk. Rich in lactoferrin and other immunoglobulins, colostrum supercharges immunity while promoting healthy flora balance. Buy fresh from your local Weston A. Price chapter or look for grass-fed, unpasteurized colostrum like Jarrow Colostrum Prime Life.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE): Potent antifungal, antimicrobial substance avialable in droplets or pill form. Try Nutribiotic.
Oregano oil: A potent anti-fungal agent available in tincture (like Oreganol) or pill form.
Bentonite Clay + Psyllium Husk: This combination speeds the transit of waste through the intestine while simultaneously absorbing the toxins from dying yeast. CAUTION: Psyllium can cause digestive problems. Always talk with your doctor and start out with a low dose.
Pau d’arco: Available in tea or pill form, pau d’ arco is derived from the purple bark of tree indigenous to South America. Pau d’arco is rich in several classes of compounds, including lapachol, xyloidone and various napthaquinones, all of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida.
Bitters: Encourage stomach acidity, promoting healthy and complete digestion.
Black Walnut: Black Walnut contains tow substances – tannins and juglone – that are toxic to Candida, as well as parasites.
Olive Leaf Extract: Contains oleuropein – a powerful anti-fungal anti-parasitic, antiviral and bactericidal agent.
Caprylic Acid: An anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. Look for it in pill form or use organic, virgin coconut oil.
Jerusalem Artichoke: Rich in fructooligosaccharides(FOS) that dramatically increase the growth of friendly Bifidus bacteria that crowd out candida.
Aloe Vera: Aloe has a mild laxative effect that loosens toxins and flushes them from the GI tract. Aloe also repairs and seals the intestinal wall, alkalizes the body and aids detoxification. Try Lakewood Organic Aloe Gel.
Goldenseal:This bright yellow root contains two active components- hydrastine and berberine – that are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents.
Cat’s Claw: A powerful fungicide and anti-inflammatory agent, cat’s claw also contains isopteropodin – a substance that increases the immune response in the body.
Pantetheine (Vitamin B5): Candida leave behind a toxic waste product called acetaldehyde which causes “brain fog” and other symptoms. Pantetheine helps to clear acetaldehyde from the body and promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and bifidobacterium.

With all supplements, it is important to talk with your doctor to create a personalized plan. Many supplements can interact with medications or are not suitable due to life stage, disease or other factors.