Candida in the gut
Six years ago, I was diagnosed with Candida in the gut. I cut out wheat, dairy, alcohol and sugar which helped but still struggled with IBS and although I have stuck to this diet, the Candida has come back. What do I do now?
Candida is another of those common complaints for which I could probably recommend some 30 different herbal or nutritional supplements that might help clear a current infection which would be no help at all since what you really need is just one that works.
Recently, I have been recommending a little-known African plant called Warburgia salutaris, also known as pepperbark, which has a specific action against Candida and which has been used by traditional African healers for a range of bacterial, yeast and fungal infections for hundreds of years.
What has now brought this plant to more prominence in the West are the results of an investigation of some 21 African plants by botanical researchers in South Africa who highlighted Warburgia as being one of the most effective agents they studied.
You can now mail order Bioharmony’s Warburgia from Revital (0800 252875) a UK supplier of natural health remedies specialising in European and African plants. 60 capsules cost £19.99. To clear an existing infection, take two of the chewable tablets, every eight hours for a week with a little water. To prevent re-infection, cut this dosage back to two tablets daily and stick with your elimination diet.
You also need to take a good quality probiotic to help rebuild levels of the good gut bacteria, which can normally ward off any thrush infection.