Have you ever had a yeast infection? Yeast infections, caused by an excess of the Candida organism in the body, affect both women and men and can be very painful. Western medicine often addresses yeast infections without handling the underlying cause, which can lead to other health problems.
What causes Candida?
Candida albicans is a typically harmless form of yeast organism, usually found in the gut. Our immune system keeps the levels of candida in our bodies under control, but if the immune system is weakened or there is an environmental change that promotes the growth of candida, it can lead to candidiasis, a systemic Candida infection.
Symptoms of Candida infection include:
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Digestive issues
Frequent colds
Cravings for sweets and bread
Bloating
Itchy eyelids
Itchy anus
Bad breath
White coated tongue (thrush)
Recurring yeast infections
Other recurring fungal infections (athlete’s foot, vaginal yeast infections, fungal toenails, ringworm, jock itch, etc)
If you already have a Candida infection it can weaken your immune system, and a weakened immune system can lead to a Candida infection, causing a frustrating cycling of symptoms and illness. Antibiotics prescribed by Western medicine to fight off yeast infections kill both good and bad bacteria, keeping the balance of microorganisms in the body off-balance and allowing the Candida to return.
Fortunately, with acupuncture and Chinese medicine we can get rid of your Candida infection and prevent it from returning.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Candida
Acupuncture stimulates the immune system, increasing future resistance to fungal and bacterial infection as well as improving the immune system's ability to fight off the current infection. In a study conducted by the University of Norway, acupuncture alone treated infections in 75% of patients.
By improving circulation and blood flow in the body, acupuncture helps break up the yeast colonies, speeding up healing and decreasing inflammation and pain associated with infections.
Many Chinese herbs have antifungal properties to help the immune system fight off yeast infections, and others are used to strengthen digestive function to help keep candida growth under control and in the gut where it belongs. When properly prescribed and implemented by a licensed TCM practitioner, Chinese herbs and acupuncture can help fight off a Candida infection and keep it from coming back!
Diet and Candida
For the best results, dietary changes should be put into place along with acupuncture and herbs.
Foods to include in your diet are:
Leafy green vegetables
Cabbage
Garlic
Nuts and seeds (including oils and butters)
Olive and coconut oil
Chicken
Fish
Fruit, dairy products, sugary foods, foods containing gluten, and foods eaten cold or raw all promote the growth of candida and other yeast organisms in the body and should be avoided.
Your yeast-reducing diet doesn't have to be boring; our blog has several fun, paleo-friendly and gluten-free recipes you can try!
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can cure your Candida infection and keep it from coming back. Give us a call at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your initial consultation and start living symptom-free today!
Sources:
Acupuncture for Treating Yeast Infections. (December 17, 2014). Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/17/acupuncture-treating-yeast-infections
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for the Treatment of Yeast Infections. (October 28, 2016). https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2016/10/28/traditional-chinese-medicine-treatment-yeast-infections
Suttie, E. Candida--Causes and Food Therapy in Chinese Medicine. (October 7, 2013). https://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/eastern-philosophy/candida-causes-and-food-therapy-in-chinese-medicine/