Are you aware that your body has a balance of good bacteria and bad bacteria? And did you know that major health issues may arise if this equilibrium is disturbed?

Many things can cause an imbalance and allow the bad microbes to multiply out of control and make you ill. However, there are several natural alternatives & lifestyle measures can be made to manage and prevent Candida infections. With the use of some home remedies, one can rid the body of Candida, eliminate the fungus, and regain balance to the internal ecosystem.

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How to Get Rid of Candida
Use home remedies to get rid of Candida and eliminate the fungus

In a perfectly healthy immune system, Candida albicans exists harmlessly in your skin & mucous membranes of the genitals, throat, mouth, and intestinal tract. However problems arise when certain lifestyle choices, environmental, or health conditions, such as weakened immune system or a poor diet, cause an imbalance of microflora in the body. Thus, leading to a proliferation of fungus or yeast causing a Candida infection.

When overgrowth occurs, Candida has the ability to dominate certain regions of the body, causing  fungal infections like oral thrush, candidiasis, and can even burrow holes in the gastrointestinal tract entering into the blood stream causing a serious infection called Candidemia. (1)

Body Parts Affected by Candida Infection

Several areas may be affected by different types of Candida infections throughout the body. (2)

  • Mouth & Throat
    • Thrush (i.e. oral Candidiasis)
    • Perileche (i.e. angular Cheilitis)
  • Nasal Cavity
    • Fungal Sinusitis (i.e. fungal rhinosinusitis)
  • Skin (i.e. Cutaneous candidiasis)
    • Nail Fungus
    • Diaper Rash
    • Jock Itch
    • Athlete’s Foot
  • GI Tract
    • Intestinal Candidiasis
  • Systemic (i.e. Candidemia)
  • Urogenital Tract
    • Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC)

Causes of Candida Infection

  • Poorly Controlled Diabetes
  • Antibiotic use (during & after therapy)
    • Antibiotic medicines kill both the good and bad bacteria, which causes an imbalance.
  • A weak immune system from:
    • Disease (i.e., hypothyroidism, HIV/AIDs, Cancer)
    • Various health conditions (i.e., pregnancy, using dentures, transplantation of organs, kidney failure)
    • Drugs (i.e., corticosteroids, chemotherapy)
  • Diet high in sugar & refined carbohydrates can lead to an imbalance of Candida fungi.
  • Overconsumption of alcohol leads to the growth of Candida.
  • Chronic stress may cause a candida infection.
    • Under stress, body releases cortisol, a hormone that weakens your immune system.
  • Wearing wet or sweaty cloths for too long is also a key factor.
  • Use of Oral Contraceptive or Estrogen therapy
    • Due to the high Level of Estrogen
  • Use of Contraceptive devices (i.e., IUDs, diaphragms)

Symptoms of Candida Infection

  • Feeling exhausted all the time, low energy, or chronic fatigue.
  • Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or a hormonal imbalance.
  • Frequently occurring urinary tract or vaginal infections, and/or rectal & vaginal itching.
  • Seasonal allergies and/or sinus infections like a persistent cough, & an increase in nasal congestion.
  • Digestive issues like continuous bloating, burping, flatulence, diarrhea or stomach cramps.
  • Persistent skin and nail fungal infections.
  • Itchy skin & ears or chronic skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes or hives.
  • Concentration difficulty, poor attention span, brain fog, or poor memory.

Prevention of Candida Infection

  • Avoid long-term consumption of antibiotics, birth control pills, and steroid pills.
  • Stay away from sugary food and eat a balanced diet.
  • Try meditating to eliminate stress.
  • Change wet or sweaty clothes immediately.
  • Wear loose and breathable clothes.
  • Do not use fragrant feminine hygiene products.
  • If you have diabetes, manage your diet accordingly.
  • Maintain a hygienic lifestyle.

Home Remedies for Candida Infection

Here are some effective home remedies you can use to get relief from candida and eliminate the fungus  naturally.

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Method 1: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties, due to the presence of acetic acid in it. This inhibits the growth of fungi and eliminates it completely. Including apple cider vinegar in your daily diet will balance the pH level of your body, riding you of any bacterial and fungal infections. (3) (4)

Single-Step Treatment: Dilute apple cider vinegar in a glass of water & drink

drink apple cider vinegar
Consume a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water
  • Pour 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water and mix it well.
  • Drink this solution on an empty stomach.

Drink this solution 2 or 3 times a day to treat the infection.

Method 2: Garlic

Garlic is a natural antifungal and antibiotic ingredient that kills fungi effectively without killing the good bacteria in your body. (6) If you like the taste of garlic, then include it in your daily diet. (5)

Single-Step Treatment: Eat garlic cloves every day

eat garlic cloves
Garlic helps to kill the infection internally
  • Peel and crush 2 - 3 garlic cloves and consume it with water every day.
  • Alternatively, crush 2 - 3 garlic cloves and mix it with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Consume this once every day.
Caution: Do not consume garlic on an empty stomach, as it can cause stomach burn.

Method 3: Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial “good” bacteria that protect and strengthen your immune system. They have also shown to be beneficial at suppressing yeast growth & blocks yeast adherence to cell surfaces. (7)

There are various naturally occurring probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut one can incorporate into their diet that will help prevent and treat fungal or bacterial infections. (8)

Single-Step Treatment: Consume yogurt every day or take probiotic supplements

yogurt for candida infection
Add probiotics to your diet  to get relief from Candida infection
  • Probiotics are useful to rebalance the gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics.
  • If you’re planning on taking probiotic supplements, consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage.
    • Be sure it includes the Lactobacillus Rhamnosus&Reuteri, shown to reduce yeast growth & decrease the rate of yeast infections.
    • Fermented foods are naturally probiotic. Include 1 cup of yogurt in your diet every day.

Method 4: Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has various health benefits, due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Include coconut oil in your diet to keep infections at bay. Use extra-virgin coconut oil for this remedy to work. (9)

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Single-Step Treatment: Add coconut oil to your food and smoothies

coconut oil for candida
Consume coconut oil for eliminating the Candida fungus
  • Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil directly every day.
  • You can also add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the oil to your smoothies and beverages.
  • Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for salad dressings.

Method 5: Oregano Oil or Leaf Extract

Oregano is not just aromatic; its oil is a powerful natural antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial agent. It is one of the most popular treatments for Candida infections. The Candida yeast is less likely to develop a resistance to oregano oil, which makes all the more effective any time you need it. (10)

Things you’ll need:

things need
Things you'll need to use oregano oil for Candida
  • Oregano oil - 1 drop
  • Extra-virgin olive oil - ½ tablespoon
  • Water – 3 tablespoons

Single-Step Treatment: Combine the three ingredients & drink it

add oregano oil and water
Drink this mix to clear up Candida infection
  • Mix 1 drop of oregano oil and ½ tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil into 3 tablespoons of water.
  • Drink the mixture 3 times throughout the day, before or after each meal.
  • Begin with 1 drop on the first day, 2 drops on the second day and 3 drops on the third day. Continue with 3 drops per day for 2 to 4 months.

Use this remedy every day until the symptoms of the infection clear up completely.

Method 6: Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid, a natural ingredient found in coconut oil, is well known for its antibacterial &anti fungal properties. Available as a nonprescription agent, OTC (over the counter), in tablet or capsule form. (11)

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Single-Step Treatment: Consume 1 capsule every day

caprylic acid
Take a caprylic acid supplement to get rid of Candida infection
  • The recommended dosage for an adult is 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg per day. Take the capsule 3 times a day, 30 minutes before each meal.
  • Start with a smaller dosage if you’re a first-time user. Take a 500-mg capsule once or twice a day for a few days, then increase the dosage.

Do this for 2 to 3 months to stop the overgrowth of Candida.

Caution: This remedy is not recommended for children under 18 years old.

Method 7: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that breaks into oxygen and water when it comes in contact with the yeast. (12)

Caution: This remedy is only for topical application and not for internal consumption.

Single-Step Treatment: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide to treat Candida

hydrogen peroxide for candida
Kill the Candida fungus with hydrogen peroxide
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1 cup of water, and dip a cotton ball in it to apply it on the infected area.
  • You can also mix 1 pint of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a bathtub full of water and soak yourself in it.
  • If you’re suffering from a vaginal yeast infection, mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 quart of distilled water and douche your vagina.

Use these remedies once a day to treat a Candida infection.

Method 8: Cinnamon

Cinnamon does more than just make your dessert tasty. It has antibacterial, antiparasitic and antifungal properties. Including cinnamon in your diet can help you greatly by getting rid of any fungal or bacterial infection in your body. (13) Just add it to your French toast, sprinkle it on your coffee or have a cup of cinnamon tea.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume cinnamon powder by dissolving it in water

Consume cinnamon powder
Consume dry cinnamon powder or add it to water
  • You can consume 1 to 4 grams of ground cinnamon bark mixed in warm water per day. One gram of cinnamon powder is equal to a ¼ teaspoon.

Do this daily for 1 to 2 months.

Method 9: Baking Soda

Baking soda is alkaline in nature and has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. When it comes in contact with bacteria or yeast, it alkalizes the infected area, which makes it difficult for the yeast to survive. It balances the pH levels of the body and draws water content from the fungi, eventually killing it from dehydration. (14)

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Single-Step Treatment: Dissolve baking soda in water & drink it

baking soda for candida
Drink baking soda in water to cure Candida
  • Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda into 1 cup of warm water.
  • Drink this water on an empty stomach.

Do this twice a day until the symptoms fade away.

Method 10: Tea Tree Oil

The Australian aborigines used tea tree oil to treat sore throats, skin infections, common colds and insect bites. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that will soothe the inflamed or swollen area of your body. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties that help get rid of yeast and bacterial infections. (15) (16)

Single-Step Treatment: Apply diluted tea tree oil on the infected area

tea tree oil for candida
Gently apply diluted tea tree oil on the affected skin
  • Mix 5 or 6 drops of tea tree oil into a ¼ cup of water.
  • Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it on the affected area.

Do this 1 to 3 times a day until the infection clears up.

Method 11: Diet

What you eat plays a very important role in healing a Candida infection. A few dietary pointers you should follow to get rid of Candida and eliminate the fungus are: (17)

diet for candida
Keep a healthy diet to keep Candida in check
  • First and foremost, avoid consuming sugary food and drinks.
  • Eat food that is rich in vitamin B12, such as animal protein and organ meats.
  • Consume naturally fermented probiotics like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut. These probiotics will rectify the imbalance in your intestinal flora.
  • Do not eat refined carbohydrates like bread, cookies or cakes for about 1 year. (18)
  • Adds spices that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties into your food.
  • Eat gluten-free food like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat if you have cravings for bread or cookies.
  • Eat good quality saturated fats like coconut oil, oregano oil, and butter.
  • It is important to chew your food properly. Not chewing your food properly puts a lot of pressure on your stomach, which contributes to infections.

Tips to manage Candida at home

  • Grapefruit seed extract is also antibacterial. Mix about 4 drops of this extract into 200 ml of water. Drink it 3 times a day.
  • Drink unsweetened cranberry juice every day to cure a yeast infection.
  • Consume black walnut extract or capsules as per the directions on the label. It has antifungal, antibacterial and astringent properties.

Resources:

  1. Candida Albicans. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/candida-albicans. Published 2013.
  2. Kabir MA, Ahmad Z. Candida Infections and Their Prevention. International Scholarly Research Notices. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/763628/. Published November 4, 2012.
  3. Manohar J, P. G. Antifungal activity of apple cider vinegar against clinical isolates of Candida species. International Journal of Current Research. http://www.journalcra.com/article/antifungal-activity-apple-cider-vinegar-against-clinical-isolates-candida-species. Published April 2017.
  4. Mota AC, de RDC, de JAO. Antifungal Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar on Candida Species Involved in Denture Stomatitis. Journal of Prosthodontics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25219289. Published June 2015.
  5. Karpagam P. An in-vitro study on synergetic antifungal activity of garlic extract with honey and lemon juice against Candida sp. Journal of Bacteriology and Parasitology. https://www.omicsonline.org/proceedings/an-invitro-study-on-synergetic-antifungal-activity-of-garlic-extract-with-honey-and-lemon-juice-against-candida-sp-73361.html. Published October 17, 2017.
  6. Chung I, Kwon SH, Shim ST, Kyung KH. Synergistic anti yeast activity of garlic oil and allyl alcohol derived from alliin in garlic. Journal of Food Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18034739. Published November 2007.
  7. Matsubara VH, Bandara HMHN, Mayer MPA. Probiotics as Antifungals in Mucosal Candidiasis. Clinical Infectious Diseases. https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/62/9/1143/1745140. Published January 29, 2016.
  8. Jørgensen MR, Kragelund C, Jensen PØ. Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri has antifungal effects on oral Candida species in vitro. Journal of Oral Microbiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5328390/. Published January 18, 2017.
  9. Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR. Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, and Ketoconazole on Candida albicans Isolated in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study. Scientifica. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/scientifica/2016/7061587/. Published March 14, 2016.
  10. Sakkas H, Papadopoulou C. Antimicrobial Activity of Basil, Oregano, and Thyme Essential Oils. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27994215. Published March 28, 2017.
  11. Omura Y, O'Young B, Jones M, Pallos A, Duvvi H, Shimotsuura Y. Caprylic acid in the effective treatment of intractable medical problems of frequent urination, incontinence, chronic upper respiratory infection, root canalled tooth infection, ALS, etc., caused by asbestos & mixed infections of Candida albicans, Helicobacter pylori & cytomegalovirus with or without other microorganisms & mercury. Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21830350. Published 2011.
  12. Huahua T, Rudy J, Kunin CM. Effect of hydrogen peroxide on the growth of Candida, Cryptococcus, and other yeasts in simulated blood culture bottles. Journal of Clinical Microbiology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2007641. Published February 1991.
  13. Goel N, Rohilla H, Singh G. Antifungal Activity of Cinnamon Oil and Olive Oil against Candida Spp. Isolated from Blood Stream Infections. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5028442/. Published August 1, 2016.
  14. Letscher-Bru V, Obszynski CM, Samsoen M, Sabou M, Waller J, Candolfi E. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections. Mycopathologia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22991095. Published February 2013.
  15. Bona E, Cantamessa S, Pavan M. Sensitivity of Candida albicans to essential oils: are they an alternative to antifungal agents? Journal of Applied Microbiology. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307444069. Published August 2016.
  16. Vito MD, Mattarelli P, Modesto M, et al. In Vitro Activity of Tea Tree Oil Vaginal Suppositories against Candida spp. and Probiotic Vaginal Microbiota. Phytotherapy Research. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.5422. Published August 3, 2015.
  17. Gunsalus KTW, Belanger SNT-, Matthan NR. Manipulation of Host Diet To Reduce Gastrointestinal Colonization by the Opportunistic Pathogen Candida albicans. mSphere. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863630/. Published November 18, 2015.
  18. Man A, Ciurea CN, Pasaroiu D. New perspectives on the nutritional factors influencing the growth rate of Candida albicans in diabetics. An in vitro study. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572443/. Published September 2017.

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