Definition:

Candida - a yeast-like fungus commonly found in the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina, which can become clinically infectious.

Helicobacter pylori - Bacteria found in the stomach that can damage the lining of the stomach and upper small intestine, leading to ulcer formation.

Mr Stefan Chmelik on Candida, yeast overgrowth, thrush, parasites, bacteria (helicobacter pylori) and other pathogens

Unwanted visitors: My approach to illness caused by pathogens invading is three-fold: eliminate the pathogen; repair the damage caused; increase immunity. All three are needed in the right proportion for a proper recovery. I would typically help you eliminate the pathogen using a natural antifungal, antibacterial or antiparasitic ingredient (a special form of oregano is one example), then assist repair through dietary therapy and nutritional supplements. In my experience, nothing is more effective for the last phase of the process than acupuncture and herbal medicine, which has a very strong effect on strengthening the immune system to enable full recovery. The holistic viewpoint is always to consider both the pathogen and how strong your body is.

“I will never forget how you, with your Chinese medicine, were the only medical practitioner who was able to help me when you diagnosed ‘leaking gut syndrome’.”

Mariella Ricciardi, London

Dr Brian Kaplan on Thrush: (Candida infection): This is an extremely common infection of the vagina that is suffered by most women at some time in their lives.

Orthodox Medicine: Anti-fungal creams such as Canesten are very effective in most ‘one-off’ attacks of thrush. Sometimes an oral drug such a Diflucan is also very effective and I do use these approaches to treat acute thrush. The more challenging cases are those of chronic thrush where the thrush does not clear up on the above treatment or it does clear up but then recurs frequently needing many courses of treatment and still not resulting in resolution of the problem. Orthodox tests are sometimes necessary to confirm the diagnosis and to eliminate any underlying condition (e.g. diabetes) that may be predisposing any women to recurrent attacks of thrush.

Homeopathy: A constitutional approach aiming at optimising the body’s immune response often leads to improved overall health with much increased resistance to all fungal infections including thrush.

Autogenic Therapy: If stress is a factor in predisposing you to thrush (and it often is in my professional opinion) a course in this deep relaxation system can be most helpful.

Nutritional Approach: I will check that your diet is balanced as some unhealthy diets can be a factor in the causation of this condition. Overall thrush is a condition that responds well to complementary approaches in terms of prevention of attacks. In terms of treating acute attacks of thrush, I tend to favour orthodox treatment as it really is very effective in most cases.

Mr Leon Chaitow on Acne, Rosacea and hormonal acne: Acne, Rosacea and hormonal acne: Candida, yeast overgrowth, thrush, parasites, bacteria (helicobacter pylori)

My best-selling book on Candida Albicans has sold over one million copies, and is now in its updated 5th edition. Candida and other yeasts have been shown to sometimes be involved in such conditions as depression, anxiety, irritability, IBS, constipation, heartburn, allergies, muscular pain, diarrhoea, vaginitis, acne, cystitis, bloatedness, tiredness, migraine, hopelessness, thrush, PMT, and other menstrual problems.

Treatments that can hep include diet, clinical nutrition and supplementation, herbal medicines that can control yeasts naturally.