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Fungal infection in toe nails
I have been suffering from a fungal infection in my toe nails for fives years now. In the past, I have used Loceryl to clear the infection but it always comes back again. What should I be doing to prevent this recurrence?
Fungal infections are always a sign of an impaired immune system since the body’s natural defences are designed, when working optimally, to resist the organisms responsible for the infection.
The immune system is complex but clever. It can 'remember' past infections and can make the antibodies to fight off organisms it has encountered before but this is only part of the picture. With fungal infections, antibodies are irrelevant. What is more important is the production of T lymphocytes (T-cells); a type of white blood cell which is responsible for cell-mediated immunity - i.e. all those defence mechanisms not related to the production of antibodies.
To address this holistically, you have to take another step back and understand that the gland responsible for the production of fungal-fighting T-cells is the thymus and so recurring fungal infections are a likely sign of a thymus gland that is working under par.
You can buy thymus extract supplements in health stores but since the active agents have been sourced from sheep, I would recommend using the immune-boosting Asian mushrooms, maitake, reishi, cordyceps and shiitake that will do the same thymus-supporting job. One of the best mushroom combination supplements on sale is New Chapter’s Host Defence which costs £28.99 from Victoria Health (0800-413596).
Treat your fungal infection topically with Kolorex, a cream made from horopito, an anti-fungal New Zealand herb which is also effective against thrush. Mail order both these from the Nutri Centre (0800-587 2290).
The use of allicin, the primary active agent generated by garlic, for general well-being is on the increase and its role as an antioxidant has been widely investigated. Health Perception have a topical cream, Allimax, which helps support your skin's natural defences. Allimax Cream is now available in a 50ml tub. Phone 01252 861454 to order.