Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Cathy
Studies found there may be a connection between fungi and multiple sclerosis (MS) although more studies are needed. Candida is a fungus that lives in the body which some believe may cause multiple sclerosis (MS). Candida usually lives inside the intestinal tract without causing harm. However, when it grows out of control it enters the bloodstream spreading throughout the entire body.
Infections are one of the possible triggers to the onset of MS. There are four types of infections – bacterial, fungal, parasite, and viruses.
Triggers to MS:
- Diet (processed foods, refined sugar, refined carbs, food allergies, etc.)
- Infections (Candida, viruses, bacterial overgrowth, and parasites)
- Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, etc.)
- Chronic Stress
- Genetics
How I Created My Candida Overgrowth
I’ve read about Candida for years, so I started looking at my health history. I took antibiotics as a toddler and it continued many times throughout my life. Even before I was 20 years old, I couldn’t even begin to count how many times I’ve been on antibiotics!
Plus I was eating a poor diet of processed foods, refined sugar, and simple carbohydrates. I was sensitive to eggs but I continued to eat them not realizing what it was doing to my body.
Not to mention, stress off and on throughout my life. Stress creates cortisol which breaks down to sugar and feeds Candida. That’s when I realized I have systemic Candida. Looking back I can see why I ended up with MS, my body was under extreme distress.
If only I knew then what I know now!
Antibiotics
People have been taking antibiotics for everything, including viral infections like the flu, which don’t help. Antibiotics kill not only bad bacteria but also good bacteria. Candida isn’t affected by antibiotics which allow it to grow.
On top of that, you are eating an unhealthy diet of refined sugar and simple carbohydrates. Candida releases toxins into the bloodstream and different organs wreaking havoc throughout. It also causes sugar cravings and thus begins the vicious cycle. If left untreated over time it can lead to an autoimmune disease.
How To Tell If You Have Candida
- Have you ever suffered from oral thrush, athlete’s foot, yeast infection, jock itch, dandruff, or a nail fungus?
- Have you ever taken antibiotics on more than one occasion?
- Do you crave sugar or carbohydrates?
That’s a sure sign of Candida overgrowth. Getting rid of yeast overgrowth isn’t that easy. And pharmaceutical medications can be damaging to your liver. It’s best to go the natural route to get it under control.
How To Get Candida Under Control
First, you need to heal your gut! Even if you stop feeding Candida, if your gut isn’t healed you will continue to have problems. Start eating a highly nutritious diet to boost your immune system and heal your gut.
Avoid processed foods since they are full of hidden sugars. If needed start by taking baby steps and stop drinking all sodas this week. The next week remove gluten/grains, then dairy, and so forth.
So you’ve removed all processed foods and you’re following a healthy diet like the Paleo or GAPS diet. Now it’s time to include antifungals to get the overgrowth under control.
Candida loves sugar and that includes natural sugars. When you’re battling an aggressive form of yeast overgrowth, it’s going to get tough. Plus, your body is overloaded with toxins so it’s not at its top performance.
Diet
Choose a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods, vegetables are your main food. Eat lots of dark leafy greens, and colorful and sulfur vegetables at every meal. Eat organic as much as possible. You’ll avoid pesticides, GMOs, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Avoid any foods that cause allergies or sensitivities, you want to help your body heal. Drink lots of bone broth, it’s excellent at healing your gut.
Cut back most natural sugars. Berries, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are fine to continue to eat. But don’t overindulge, you’re trying to starve Candida. If you need to add a sweetener try Stevia.
Start introducing fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented vegetables, and kombucha. They help increase the good bacteria. You can even add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink it. Yes, I occasionally do that!
Start slowly if you don’t currently consume fermented foods. You need to give your body time to adjust. Plus, don’t go overboard with too many good bacteria, you want to have a good balance. To start off, try one tablespoon per day.
You may need to back off if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms:
- Bloating
- Diarrhea or Constipation
- Gas
- Headaches
- Skin Issues (acne, rash, etc.)
5 Awesome Natural Antifungals
A low sugar diet and probiotics, plus an anti-fungal will help get Candida under control. Herbs are excellent as a natural anti-fungal and safer than prescription forms. (If pregnant or on other medications – talk to your doctor first.)
1 – Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a powerful Candida killer. It contains Caprylic acid and Laurie acid, both prevent yeast overgrowth. They also help strengthen your immune system. Consume 3-4 tablespoons daily for best results.
2 – Garlic
Garlic is a powerful anti-fungal that preserves the good bacteria. Eat it raw or as a supplement.
3 – Turmeric
Turmeric is a potent anti-fungal. The active ingredient curcumin stops the spread of Candida. Research shows it works better than one of the prescription drugs.
4 – Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has many benefits including killing Candida. It fights parasites, it’s antibacterial and antiseptic. Use it on your nail fungus, athlete’s foot, or dandruff.
5 – Pau d’Arco Tea
Pau d’Arco tea is a fantastic anti-fungal for fighting Candida. It has many health benefits. It’s anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory, and fights various parasites like malaria. It comes as a supplement, tea, or as a tincture (liquid extract). I like Pau d’Arco Herbal Tea by Traditional Medicinals.
Supplements
There are many supplements on the market. You’ll want to work up slowly to avoid any die-off, that’s when the yeast and fungal cells kill off too quickly. Your body can’t keep up by releasing them and causing more stress to your body.
I was alternating between different antifungals. That is until I started seeing a functional medicine doctor. He told me to start taking Formula SF722 by Thorne Research. It’s not only an amazing yeast fighter, but it also supports healthy gut flora.
Start with one pill per day a few days later increase to two per day. Keep increasing until you’re taking the recommended dose. My doctor suggested three capsules three times per day on the back of the bottle. I have Amazon Prime so I buy it through them to save on shipping.
In Conclusion
Antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids (prednisone), and chemo, beat your immune system down. Fighting Candida overgrowth is hard and can take a long time but don’t give up.
Everyone is different, for some, it may only take a short time to get Candida under control. For others, like me, it can take a long time, even years. It also depends on how long you’ve had Candida or how severe your MS is.
Stay positive and know you will heal. – You can do it!
You may also enjoy reading: The Connection Between Multiple Sclerosis and Candida
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