By Andrew Gaeddert
Numerous species of fungi are found in nature with some capable of causing disease in humans. Most systemic mycotic diseases appear to have a similar pathogenesis. The initial infection is often mild and in many cases does not cause symptoms because the host’s immune system is able to fight off the microorganisms. But in some persons the infection continues to progress; usually such individuals have a lowered host resistance either through other disease or abnormality of the immune system. A few of the fungi are particularly adept at taking advantage of lowered host resistance, and can progress rapidly. These fungi are known as “opportunists” and include Candida albicans, Cryptococcosis neoformans, and the Aspergillus species. Because Candida albicans produces such a diverse number of diseases, we discuss candidiasis as an example of a mycotic infection.
Candida albicans is an indigenous microbe of humans. A large proportion of healthy persons harbor this organism in the gastrointestinal tract, the upper respiratory tract, and in the mouth. It is also found in the vaginal tract in a large proportion of healthy women. Under normal circumstances, the growth of this parasite is held in check by other microorganisms found in the aforementioned regions. But when the growth of the latter is suppressed, C. albicans may multiply quickly and cause disease. Therefore, candidiasis may affect individuals who are on antibiotics since these medications can potentially destroy too many of the naturally-occurring bacteria. Also, if the body’s resistance is lowered either through diseases that suppress the immune system, such as AIDS, or through immunosuppressant drugs, the fungus may proliferate. Other disorders, particularly diabetes mellitus, or hormonal changes such as those taking place during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills, or the use of steroids, may all encourage the growth of C. albicans. The organism may also be introduced through intravenous lines or urinary catheters, drug abuse, tube feeding, or surgery.
The characteristic symptoms of candidiasis are well known, hence we will not pursue them in detail in this article. As mentioned above, the range of clinical entities produced by C. albicans is exceedingly wide. In brief, the commonly affected sites include the skin, nails, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, and vagina. According to William Crook, M.D., candidal infection may lead to digestive problems, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, or gynecologic complaints.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Diagnosis of mycotic infections is primarily through finding the parasite in pathologic specimens; serologic tests may also be carried out. However, the drawbacks of such tests are that they are expensive and for some mycotic infections, the serologic tests are not always reliable. With the opportunistic infections, diagnosis is more difficult in terms of determining whether the microbe is actually the etiologic agent, since these fungi are frequently secondary invaders, particularly in diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, AIDS, among others.
When tests are inconclusive, diagnosis and treatment are more difficult, especially in individuals who exhibit few symptoms. According to Ralph Golan, MD: “If a laboratory test discloses no evidence of a yeast problem, I will proceed anyway with a trial yeast treatment program if the person’s history and symptoms lead me to suspect strongly that yeast is the [causative] factor” (Optimal Wellness, p. 220). Indeed, many wholistic health professionals believe that candidiasis and other systemic fungal infections are a much more involved problem than do most MDs. This is probably because patients who do not have the pronounced classical symptoms of yeast infection, particularly those of candidiasis (e.g., thrush and vaginitis), are often viewed to be suffering from some other problem.
For acute infections, medications are often helpful. Such drugs as Sporanox, Ancoban, Nystatin, Nizoral, among others are effective in rapidly reducing the fungal population but they frequently do not prevent recurrence. In addition most of these medications have side effects, particularly toxicity toward the liver. But more importantly, with opportunistic infections like candidiasis, the aim of treatment is to improve or eliminate the underlying condition, such as discontinuing antibiotics or catheterization, or controlling diabetes.
For chronic infections, a more rigorous approach is needed to achieve control and eventual elimination of the organism. In such cases, diet plays a major role, specifically, what is known as an anti-yeast diet. Foods that must be eliminated include those that contain sugar and yeast. Examples of foods that contain sugar are sweets and fruits, both fresh and juices; foods that contain yeast include bread. It is advisable to also eliminate fermented foods such as various dairy products, as well as alcohol. Clearly, once the above foods are taken out of the diet, other foods must be added to maintain nutritional needs. The anti-yeast diet therefore emphasizes vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, such as those found in fish. Staple foods that may be substituted for bread include rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth. After this cleansing phase, the eliminated foods can be slowly reintroduced provided, of course, that the candidal infection is cured.
Alternative treatment includes caprylic acids; but these are too warming in property. Acidophilus and bifidis supplements can be helpful adjuncts to the herbal protocols listed below.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE TREATMENT
The syndrome pattern of candidiasis corresponds to one of Damp-Heat. Often there are outright signs of Dampness and/or Heat although not always. Therefore, a history of medications, smoking, an environment and/or residence that is damp, or is infested with mold and mildew, or a diet containing a preponderance of coffee, alcohol, dairy products, sweets, or greasy foods can lead practitioners to infer that the pattern originally involved Dampness. Long-term Dampness leads to stagnation, which eventually transforms into Heat. Therefore, the traditional Chinese strategy of treating this pattern is to resolve the Damp-Heat in addition to correcting the underlying deficiency.
The following Health Concerns formulas are effective in resolving Dampness and in reducing the fungal population. It is advisable to start at a low dosage and gradually increase the dosage over 2-3 weeks. In addition, patients should be encouraged to stay with the herbal protocol and/or dietary program, since patterns that involve Dampness frequently take longer to treat.
Phellostatin is a formula that I developed with a biochemist. It is one of the only products on the market that renders a permanent cure. Phellostatin may not be as effective as the pharmaceuticals in rapidly reducing C. albicans, but is certainly less toxic. Dosage: 1-3 capsules, 3 times per day.
Biocidin (also known as Gentiana formula) is a complex herbal formula that has proven anti-fungal effect. It is often used in conjunction with Phellostatin. Dosage: 1-6 drops with meals.
Colostroplex (bovine colostrum) is rich in immune factors. The formula specifically treats diarrhea, and helps to bind toxins and facilitates their elimination. The dosage is usually 4-6 capsules per day, with the dosage being reduced as the stools return to normal. In cases of alternating diarrhea and constipation, the starting dosage is 2 capsules per day, with the dosage reduced to 1 capsule per day when the constipation sets in. This formula should be used for 3-6 months in order to control food intolerance and gastrointestinal inflammation. The maintenance dosage is ½ to 1 capsule per day. Colostroplex is not recommended for persons who have constipation only.
Aloe 22 is an anti-candida and anti-parasitic formula that treats constipation. It contains Qi-regulating and Qi tonic herbs, and can be used for several months as needed. This formula can be used as an adjunct for constipation unrelated to mycotic infections as well. Dosage: 1-2 capsules, 3 times per day.
The following formulas are aimed at correcting the underlying deficiency of fungal infections and may be used as adjuncts to the above remedies.
Astra Essence tonifies the Kidney and is beneficial to the immune system. Dosage: 2-3 capsules, 3 times per day.
Power Mushrooms is also an immune enhancing formula. Since there is a general notion that mushrooms in general should not be eaten when one has a fungal infection, no evidence exists that the medicinal mushrooms in this formula cannot be taken when infected with a fungus. Dosage: 1-2 capsules, 3 times per day.
Quiet Digestion is used for resolving Dampness and eliminating food stagnation. Many of the herbs contained in this formula promote enzymatic activity, thus it is beneficial for digestion and assimilation. Dosage: 2 capsules, 3 times per day, or 1capsule before and 1 capsule after meals.
Six Gentlemen is a particularly effective formula for tonifying the Spleen and resolving Dampness. Some of the symptoms of candidiasis include fatigue, bloating, sluggish digestion, and gastrointestinal discomfort—all indications for this formula. Six Gentlemen can be combined with Quiet Digestion. Dosage: 2-3 capsules, 3 times per day.
Woman’s Balance is used especially for gynecologic conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is common in women with C. albicans. Dosage: 2-3 capsules, 3 times per day.
CASE HISTORY
Eleanor is a graphic designer in her early 40s. Her chief complaints were severe PMS, weight gain, chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and depression. A battery of tests at Stanford University Medical Center were inconclusive. She visited an MD specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome, who placed her on a trial therapy of the anti-fungal medication, Diflucan, which appeared to improve her symptoms by 50%. She sought additional relief at our clinic.
Eleanor’s initial syndrome pattern was one of Damp-Heat, primarily of Dampness, which was manifested by symptoms of overweight, and worsening of joint and muscle pain in rainy weather or in damp environments. Her pulse was slippery and her tongue had a grayish yellow coating. Based on her pattern presentation and the fact that she was benefiting from the Diflucan, and that she had been on several courses of antibiotics each year during the past decade to treat cystitis and bronchial infections—additional indicators of Damp-Heat, we decided to start her on an anti- candida diet that eliminated alcohol, sweets, and yeast-containing foods. We also suggested two herbal formulas, Phellostatin (1 capsule TID the first week, 2 capsules TID thereafter), and Woman’s Balance (2 capsules TID), as well as Astra Diet Tea, to be consumed several times throughout the day as a sweet substitute, and to promote energy and reduce Phlegm.
Eleanor had great trouble adhering to the recommended diet, so it was not surprising that after three weeks she had noticed very little change in her symptoms. We encouraged her to do her best, stressing that if she stopped her nightly wine drinking she would in all likelihood feel better and even lose weight. She did, however, notice less fluid retention during her first premenstrual phase since coming to the clinic, but the mood swings and irritability remained. Six weeks after starting the herbal formulas and following the diet as best as she could, she finally reduced her wine intake to Saturday nights only. She had also lost five pounds and felt clearer mentally. During her second premenstrual phase, she noticed significantly fewer mood swings, less irritability, and less fluid retention. By her third period, nearly all PMS symptoms were resolved. At this time, we recommended that she stay on the Woman’s Balance premenstrually, and take Phellostatin and Aspiration. The latter was used to relieve depression as it contains specific herbs such as Vervain, Polygala (Yuan Zhi), and Albizzia (He Huan Hua) for that purpose.
DISCUSSION
Eleanor has responded well to the herbal therapies, mainly because she was evaluated regularly and stayed with the anti-yeast diet. Furthermore, as her condition changed, her herbal protocol was changed accordingly. It should be noted that many individuals who have chronic health problems are often looking for a “quick cure,” and should be encouraged in every way to adhere to the dietary program and herbal protocol.
REV 2022