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Contraceptive hormones and candidiasis:

This is a real problem for women with candidiasis who are on the pill. It is estimated that acute vaginal candidiasis (thrush) is caused by the contraceptive pill in up to 35 per cent of women, with many other women being affected to lesser degrees. Chronic yeast vaginitis is worse during pregnancy and at certain times of the month when progesterone hormone levels are high. Therefore it is thought that the progesterone component of oral contraceptives is the cause of further aggravation of vaginal candidiasis.

A yeast infection, anywhere in the body, provides a 'reservoir' for Candida albicans, from which a systemic form of the infection can develop. The resultant breakdown in health, combined with the further development of food and chemical allergies, can be catastrophic. It is vital, therefore, to eliminate anything, be it foods or drugs, which will encounrge the growth of yeast in the body. This may well mean a year or two off the pill to enable the immune system to overcome the yeast build-up and restore good health.

Avoid mouldy environments:

Because candidiasis is a yeast infection, it thrives on moulds. Not only must sufferers avoid foods containing moulds, induding those which are invisible to the naked eye, such as yeast in bread, mushrooms, dried fruit and cheeses, they must also avoid situations where mould spores are endemic in the atmosphere. Candidiasis sufferers will notice that when in supermarkets, they feel tired, headachy, fuzzy in the head, and can even develop breathing problems. This is partly due to the yeast spores floating around in the atmosphere from countless yeast-containing products stacked on the shelves.

Symptoms will also be aggravated where there is dampness, such as in a basement, or near poorly drained areas and bodies of water. Sneezing, running nose and aching are other immediate reactions likely in such situations. Humidity levels are another vital factor. Candidiasis sufferers will invariably feel worse when humidity is higher than usual. For this reason, avoid water-evaporative air cooling in home and office environments.

Anti-Fungal Drugs:

There are several drugs that kill or suppress the growth of Candida albicans in the body. One of these is ketaconazole, which is a powerful drug for getting at deep-seated Candida, but should not be used long-term. Others are flagyl, nystatin and mycostatin, which are all effective antifungals capable of being used with safety for up to a year. Obviously drugs are to be avoided whenever possible. In the case of candidiasis, it has been found that long-term treatment, with an antifungal drug, is of great benefit in reducing the level of yeast in the body back to manageable proportions, which the immune system can then take over and again effectively control. However, because of the individual's previous susceptibility to Candida, continuous avoidance of all yeast-containing and yeastencouraging foods must be maintained in order to remain permanently free of the problem. Otherwise, a recurrence is most likely.

The drug nystatin is particularly safe to the body, in general, as it is poorly absorbed through the intestinal tract. It is considered effective only for yeast infections of mucosal and skin surfaces where it is brought into contact with Candida, such as in the intestinal tract. It may also be taken in liquid form to attack Candida flourishing in the oesophagus and the mouth. In women, the tendency for Candida to occur in the vagina can be effectively dealt with by the use of vaginal suppositories.

The usual starting dosage of nystatin is one tablet, four times daily, taken in conjunction with the liquid form and suppositories. The dosage is increased to eight tablets daily, after three to six weeks. It can be increased up to a maximum of sixteen tablets daily, after a further three, to six weeks, if required. If no additional benefit is derived at this level the dosage should be reduced to that at which maximum relief from symptoms is achieved.

Initial side effects can sometimes occur when nystatin therapy is commenced. These can be in the form of an exacerbation of symptoms because the body can, initially, be overloaded by the toxic effects of dead Candida cells until they are eliminated. This lasts a few days only and is known as a Herxheimer Reaction. Within two or three weeks a great improvement is felt and chronic symptoms that have existed for years begin to disappear. Food and chemical intolerances become a thing of the past and sense of good health and well-being returns.