The ayurvedic protocols for Candida call for simple changes in diet and hygiene to return balance to the body's systems and naturally stamp out Candida overgrowth. Candida, a yeast found in the human digestive system, sometimes grows too vigorously or in places it's not meant to be. Signs of systemic Candida overgrowth include overall fatigue, poor digestion and assimilation. The Western diet, chock full of sugars, white flour and fats, encourages Candida overgrowth. Stress also suppresses the immune system. The combination of poor diet and hectic lifestyle create a ripe environment for Candida overgrowth.
Candida Is Naturally Found in the Body
Candida refers to a genus of yeasts. Candida resides naturally in the human body. The immune system maintains the balance between Candida and other organisms naturally present throughout the body. Immunosuppressed patients, such as people with AIDS, multiple sclerosis, or other diseases may find that their immune systems cannot keep the growth of Candida in check. Blame Candida for a constellation of symptoms including poor digestion, insomnia, rashes and tiredness.
Healing Candida Overgrowth Naturally Through Ayurveda
What should you do if you have an overgrowth of Candida? First, see your doctor for a diagnosis. Proper diagnosis is essential for the right treatment, and Candida infections may easily mask other, more serious diseases, such as mononucleosis, chronic fatigue syndrome or other viral or bacterial illnesses. After ruling out bacterial and viral causes, traditional physicians may not have much to offer to cure Candida overgrowth. You may wish to consult a holistic medical practitioner, ayurvedic physician, or naturopathic physician for proper treatment after making sure the symptoms aren't being caused by another organism or disease process.
Ayurveda Supports Balance and Well Being
Ayurveda originated in India. Practiced for over a thousand years, this medical system uses a combination of mind, body and spiritual medicine for enhanced health and well-being. Herbal medicine, dietary changes, and spiritual changes form the basis for healing and bringing the body back into balance.
Ayurvedic medicine doesn't identify Candida as the single causative agent of illness. Rather, ayurvedic practitioners classify the symptoms of Candida overgrowth under the heading of "agnimandaya." Agnimandya means "deficient digestion." The overgrowth of Candida leads to poor digestion and assimilation. Ama production increases, flooding the body with ama, or undigested food. It is believed that ama is either absorbed by the bloodstream or lymphatic system, which creates a toxic environment in the body.
The Ayurvedic Protocols for Candida
When embarking on this or any herbal medical treatment, please consult a qualified practitioner or a physician before beginning your treatment plan. Ayurvedic diet changes to treat systemic Candida overgrowth include:
- Sip hot water with lemon juice, or drink water laced with lemon juice throughout the day.
- Eat foods such as garlic, ginger, and vegetables.
- Avoid fruits and foods high in sugar, which may feed Candida and support overgrowth.
Consult an ayurvedic physician for the exact doses and treatment protocol for the following herbals remedies. A Doctor of Naturopathy may also have the credentials and training to prescribe ayurvedic medical treatments, but check the doctor's credentials first. Not all are familiar with Indian medicine. LifeSpa includes the following list of commonly prescribed protocols:
- Drink brahmi and bala teas. These Indian herbs are commonly boiled into a tea and sipped several times a day.
- Include oleation and purgation in the treatment program.
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- Oleation literally means "love" or "tenderness." The process includes use of simple fats, like ghee (clarified butter.).
- Purgation, or controlled purging, follows oleation. Castor oil is traditionally used to purge the body.
- Start each meal with equal parts of ginger juice and honey, and a pinch of lemon juice, salt, and cumin powder.
- Include Ayurvedic herbs such as trifala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica), bala (Sida cordifolia), brahmi (Centella asiatica), vidanga (Embelia ribes), and vacha (Acorus calamus) in amounts prescribed by a physician familiar with ayurvedic practices.
Ayurveda promises to bring relief to Candida sufferers. Enjoy better health through ayurvedic protocols for Candida.
More Information on Ayurveda
The National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health offers a thorough definition of ayurvedic practices on its website including a downloadable brochure and fact sheet.
Consult an Ayurvedic Physician About Candida
If you're ready to try a more natural way of treating Candida overgrowth, consult an ayurvedic physician. This professional can prescribe the right combination nutrients to help bring you body back into proper balance and help you feel better in a number of ways.
