Showing posts with label candida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label candida. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
10 Foods to Fight Candida
10 Foods to Fight Candida
10 Foods to Fight Candida
September 19th, 2013
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Do you suffer from mood swings, seasonal allergies, digestive issues, or frequent yeast infections? If so, you may have Candida overgrowth.
Candida is one of the scientific names for yeast, which is a form of fungus. A very small amount naturally resides in your mouth and intestines to aid digestion, but your medications, diet, and environment can all change your normal balance of Candida. When it’s overproduced, it breaks down the wall of the intestines and enters directly into the bloodstream, where it releases toxic byproducts that can cause a leaky gut. Symptoms of Candida overgrowth can range from digestive issues to depression.
How Can I Treat it?
When it comes to treating Candida overgrowth, there are few key points to remember.
- Starve the yeast
- Overpower the yeast
- Build up good bacteria
First, you want starve the yeast, which feeds off of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and yeast-containing foods. For this reason, you will want to remove all sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dried fruit, fruit juices, fermented foods*, vinegars**, and mushrooms. You will want to limit legumes and grains to 1 cup a day.
Once the Candida is contained, we want to overpower it. You can do this with anti-fungal prescriptions, like Diflucan or Nystatin or anti-fungal supplements like candisol, caprylic acid, anti-fungal foods, or a combination of the three. Treating with Diflucan or Nystatin is certainly the fastest option, but not the only way to combat a Candida overgrowth. If you don’t want to take an anti-fungal medication, consider eating more of the foods that naturally fight Candida listed below.
Lastly, we want to reinforce our body’s defenses against future infections. You can do this by taking a high quality probiotic supplement.
10 Foods to Fight Candida
Coconut oil
Coconut oil naturally contains a fatty acid, called caprylic acid. This anti-fungal interferes with Candida growth and replication by poking holes in the walls of the yeast cells, causing them to die off.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, a sulphur-containing compound with natural antifungal properties, specific to Candida. When eaten raw, this little food is one of the best antifungals around.
**Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the one type of vinegar allowed on a Candida diet. Research on apple cider vinegar is limited, but it appears to contain enzymes that help break down Candida.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, arugula, cabbage, and radishes, contain isothiocyanates, the sulphur- and nitrogen-containing compounds that attack Candida.
Ginger
Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal components of the ginger root. While ginger is not the most powerful antifungal of the group, it does provide significant liver support while your body is detoxifying the Candida overgrowth.
Olive Oil
Olive, flax, avocado, and primrose oils contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can help your body fight Candida.
Cloves
Cloves naturally contain eugenol, a powerful essential oil and extremely effective antifungal when taken internally. Clove oil can also be effective as a topical aid for fungal infections of the toe and fingernails.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an anti-inflammatory spice with added anti-fungal properties. Similar to caprylic acid, it appears to damage yeast cells, causing them to denature and eventually die off. Cinnamon appears to be beneficial in the treatment of Candida, H. pylori, and even head lice, but it should not be used while pregnant or in the presence of a stomach or intestinal ulcer.
Wild Salmon
Wild Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are also known to fight fungal infections.
Lemon Juice
The essential oil of lemons contains mild anti-fungal properties. Lemon’s main role in the diet is to help detoxify your liver as it tries to fight off the Candida.
*Fermented foods are considered ‘food’ for the good bacteria in your gut, however it can feed Candida as well. Therefore, I recommend eradicating the Candida overgrowth first and then adding in fermented foods to help build-up your army of beneficial bacteria.
If you would like to find out for sure if you have candida overgrowth, consider seeing a functional medicine doctor, who is trained in detecting and treating candida.
Are You Ready to Beat Your Candida in 30 Days?
If you’re tired of suffering from chronic symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, sugar cravings, fungal infections, anxiety, and mood swings, then check out The Myers Way® 30-Day Candida Control Program!
If you’re tired of suffering from chronic symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, sugar cravings, fungal infections, anxiety, and mood swings, then check out The Myers Way® 30-Day Candida Control Program!
This is the exact same program that I have used in my clinic to treat thousands of patients suffering from Candida overgrowth. It’s a complete 30-day program including a meal plan, supplement regimen, recipe book, shopping lists, and a guided email series!
Click here to learn more! Or, if you’re not quite ready for the full program yet…
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Candida Symptoms and 3 Steps to Them
Candida Symptoms and 3 Steps to Them
9 Candida Symptoms & 3 Steps to Treat Them
http://draxe.com/candida-symptoms/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Do you ever experience any of these health issues?
- Exhaustion
- Cravings for sweets
- Bad breath
- White coat on tongue
- Brain fog
- Hormone imbalance
- Joint pain
- Loss of sex drive
- Chronic sinus and allergy issues
- Digestive problems (gas and bloating)
- Weak immune system
- UTI
If so, these are just some of the signs that you may have candida and in this article you will learn other candida symptoms along with what causes candida and the diet to naturally treat candida.
What Is Candida?
Candida Albicans is the most common type of yeast infection found in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina, and it may affect skin and other mucous membranes. If the immune system is functioning optimally, this type of yeast infection is rarely serious. However, if the immune system is not functioning properly, the candida infection can migrate to other areas of the body, including the blood and membranes around the heart or brain. (1)
Candida is a fungus that aids with nutrient absorption and digestion, when in proper levels in the body. When it overproduces, the typical candida symptoms may appear. In the digestive tract, left unchecked, it breaks down the walls of the intestinal lining and penetrates into the bloodstream. This releases by-product toxins and other toxins from your system, causing leaky gut syndrome.
When you body’s natural pH balance is upset, the candida can grow out of control, creating a systemic problem. Good healthy bacteria and a properly functioning immune system are essential when fighting this stubborn infection.
Candida Overgrowth Syndrome, or COS, is the term used when candida has grown out of control in your body. Make no mistake: This is a chronic health condition. Individuals that have never experienced a serious yeast infection can find they have developed new sensitivities, allergies or intolerances to a variety of foods. These foods include dairy, eggs, corn and gluten.
What Causes Candida Infections?
There are many possible causes of candida including a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol that help yeast to grow. To add to that, I’ve described six other potential causes below.
1. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Sometimes, antibiotics are needed to fight a stubborn infection to kill the offending bacteria in your system. The problem with antibiotics and with overusing them (often creating antibiotic resistance) is that they don’t just kill the bad bacteria; they kill the good ones, too.
The good bacteria in your system are responsible for digestion and keeping candida under control. After a long course (or multiple courses over a short period), antibiotics can make your body a literal breeding ground for candida.
2. Birth Control Pills
Unlike antibiotics, birth control pills in and of themselves do not directly cause a yeast infection or candida overgrowth syndrome. However, when a woman consumes a diet high in refined sugars and has had a course of antibiotics, birth control pills can adversely affect her body, leading to a candida infection.
Some women find that birth control pills seam to instigate yeast infections — and even long after the initial infection is gone, once they start taking the birth control pills again, candida can take root.
3. Oral Corticosteroids
Individuals that treat their asthma with corticosteroid inhalants are at an increased risk of developing candida in the mouth, leading to systemic candida overgrowth. (2) It is imperative that individuals using corticosteroid inhalers for asthma follow the directions for swishing the mouth out after each use. If oral candidiasis is detected, can be treated with the gargling of coconut oil and a drop or two of essential clove oil.
4. Cancer Treatments
According to the Department of Clinical Research at Merck Research Laboratories, candidiasis can become invasive in cancer patients and prevent a serious complication. (3) In this study, one-third of patients being treated for cancer had “invasive” candidiasis. Chemotherapy and radiation can both work to kill cancerous cells and tumors; however, they also kill off the healthy bacteria that naturally fight candida.
5. Diabetes
In a Type 1 or a Type 2 diabetic, sugar levels in the mouth and other mucous membranes are traditionally higher than in an individual without diabetes. Since candida is a type of yeast and sugar feeds yeast, it is understandable that those with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing candida overgrowth syndrome.
6. Weakened Immune System
Any individual with a weakened immune system is more likely to develop candida. This population includes infants, small children, the elderly, those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS (4), and other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
9 Candida Symptoms
Candida overgrowth can be difficult for a physician to diagnosis. This type of system yeast infection presents different ways, in different people. Below are nine of the candida symptoms to watch for if you are concerned you have candida, or candida overgrowth syndrome.
1. Chronic Fatigue
If you have fatigue or exhaustion that you simply cannot shake, regardless of the number of hours you sleep, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome. The disease is characterized by fatigue that lasts a minimum of six months and is often accompanied by other symptoms, including headaches, joint pain, difficulties with memory and concentration, and sore throat. (5)
Often one of the candida symptoms is chronic fatigue. While a candida infection is not the only cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, many physicians believe it heightens the risk of CFS.
2. Mood Disorders
One of the reasons it can be difficult to diagnosis candida is that so many of the candida symptoms are common to other conditions, including mood disorders. Individuals with candida overgrowth may experience dramatic mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression and even panic attacks.
3. Recurring Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections
When an individual experiences recurring infections in the urinary tract or vagina, candida may be at the root of the problem. It is important to realize that candida can be sexually transmitted, and partners can spread it back and forth. For women, reduce the risk by avoiding tight-fitting underwear or pantyhose and avoid hot baths during an active infection. (6)
4. Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is actually a yeast infection, caused by the same strain of candida that affects other mucous membranes, including the vagina. Most often caused by the use of prednisone or other oral corticosteroids as mentioned above. Left untreated, it may spread through the body including the digestive tract, lungs, liver and heart valves.
Oral candida is communicable; newborns can get thrush during birth, children can get it from sharing toys with other children, and adults can pass it back and forth through the saliva. (7)
5. Sinus Infections
As with many of these other candida symptoms, sinus infections are common today, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the root of the cause. Candida does affect the sinuses and can result in a persistent cough, post-nasal drip, an increase in congestion, seasonal allergies, and general flu-like symptoms. If you experience consistent problems with your sinuses, it’s time to check for a candida infection!
6. Intestinal Distress
Ongoing intestinal distress is a sign you have a candida infection. Persistent flatulence, burping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and stomach cramps may be caused by a lack of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.
When yeast overtakes the intestines, healthy bacteria are undermanned, and cannot fight off the infection alone. Many individuals experience dramatic relief of chronic intestinal distress when effectively treating a candida infection.
7. Brain Fog
Along with mood changes and chronic fatigue, brain fog is often overlooked as a sign of candida. However, candida overgrowth can cause a lack of focus, poor physical coordination, difficulty in concentrating on tasks and poor memory.
8. Skin and Nail Fungal Infections
Athlete’s foot and fungus in the toenail are common yeast infections, which stem from the same breed of candida. Continued infections may be a sign that you have a systemic candida infection.
9. Hormonal Imbalance
A hormonal imbalance is one of the signs of candida that presents in many other health conditions. However, it is important to recognize how an infection can cause early menopause, PMS, a low sex drive, migraines, endometriosis, water retention, mood swings and an inability to lose unwanted pounds.
Whilst in the midst of candida overgrowth, your body becomes inflamed, causing the yeast to grow and spread beyond the digestive tract. One of the byproducts of candida actually can mimic estrogen, leading to a serious hormonal imbalance. (8)
Treatment 1: The Candida Cleanse
The candida cleanse helps to rid the body of excess candida through the flushing of the digestive tract, and the introduction of healthy candida fighters found in fermented vegetables and kefir.
You really have two options for a cleanse: a liquids-only cleanse or a more gentle cleanse with food. You may also opt the most thorough gut reboot, starting with the step one cleanse and then move to the step two cleanse. The whole process will set the stage for starting the candida diet as well!
Step One: Liquids-Only Candida Cleanse (Duration 1–2 Days)
Start by making a vegetable broth from organic onions, garlic, celery, kale, sea salt and pure water. Let simmer and strain. Discard the vegetables and refrigerate the broth.
Throughout the day, sip on warm broth; it’s imperative that you drink lots of water to help your body expel all the toxins in your system. While this is not a long-term cleanse, it can be repeated as needed every few weeks. It can also be used as a jumpstart to the food cleanse below.
Step Two: Steamed Vegetables (Duration 3–5 Days)
By eliminating grains, sugars, fruits, starches and alcohol from your diet for three to five days, you can make great headway in your fight against candida overgrowth.
Mostly, eat fresh, organic vegetables that have been steamed. For this cleanse stage, keep away from any starchy vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, sweet potatoes and white potatoes, which may contribute to sugar levels and feed the candida. Continue to drink plenty of pure water, a minimum of 72 ounces per day, to help flush the candida and by-products from your system.
During this time, no more than once a day, you can eat salads made from leafy greens (like romaine) or bitter greens (like chard) and topped with just a bit of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice).
During either of the candida cleanses above, you can use bentonite clay to help surround the toxins and efficiently remove them from your system.
Treatment 2: The Candida Diet
This is a diet to not just discourage candida; it’s the diet to help you rid your body of candida! This is also a great next step if you have already started with the candida cleanse.
1. The first step of the diet is to boost your immune system through the elimination of sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates. These items are contributing to the growth of the candida in your system.
2. Step two is to replace these foods with organic vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and asparagus.
According to ancient Chinese medicine, warm starchy vegetables support the spleen in clearing candida from the body. While I don’t recommend these vegetables during the “cleanse” stage, the regular candida diet includes warming fall vegetables that nourish the spleen, such as sweet potatoes, yams, peas, mung beans, lentils, kidney beans, adzuki beans, carrots, beets, corn, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, zucchini, yellow squash, rutabaga and pumpkin. These should be the main sources of carbs that satisfy your cravings for sweets as well.
What about grains? Some grains like quinoa, barley, teff, sorghum and amaranth and a starch like corn can help to dry the overly damp gut, so one serving a day (no more!) of those grains can work for most people with candida.
The same story follows for cold foods, which shouldn’t be consumed more than once per day. Therefore, don’t have a gut-friendly smoothie on the same day you have a salad. Your candida gut will heal most from warm nourishing foods.
As with any food, however, it’s always important to monitor how you feel after consuming a meal when you have candida. Some people who suffer stomach distress after eating any kind of starch, for instance, should avoid starchy vegetables like corn, peas, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, zucchini and yams. Instead, they should eat non-starchy vegetables — typically the flowering parts of the plant — like lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers and tomatoes.
Also, keep fruit intake low as well as natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
3. Add cultured dairy, preferably goat milk kefir, for healthy probiotic foods can effectively kill the candida in your system. Kimchi and sauerkraut are good additions to your diet as well as unsweetened cranberry juice, as it creates an acidic environment that makes it difficult for candida to thrive.
Fermented vegetables contain microflora that helps to protect the intestines. Regular consumption can help improve the immune system, making the body less hospitable for candida. Begin with a half cup per day of sauerkraut, kimchi or other fermented vegetables as part of a new eating plan dedicated to bringing your body back into a healthy balance.
The candida diet helps to provide beneficial bacteria, regulate appetite, and reduce your cravings for refined carbohydrates and sugars.
Treatment 3: Supplements, Essential Oils & Coconut Oil
Research shows that candida albicans, the strain of candida that leads to systemic candida overgrowth is often resistant to both fluconazole and itraconazole, the drugs most often prescribed for candida.
1. Coconut oil can effectively fight candida due to its antimicrobial properties. (9) The combination of lauric acid and caprylic acid found in coconut oil, kills off harmful candida through both ingestion and topical application.
2. Milk thistle supplements help to cleanse your liver from prescription medications (steroids, birth control, antibiotics, as well as others), environmental pollution, heavy metals, and the remnants from both chemotherapy and radiation.
As mentioned above, some prescription medications, and cancer treatments can lead to candida overgrowth. Milk thistle, along with the candida diet, can help your body recover and create an environment where candida ceases to thrive.
3. Vitamin C helps to boost adrenal glands, and helps to restore your immune system. I recommend 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C twice per day.
4. Clove oil, oregano oil and myrrh oil help to kill a variety of parasites and fungi, including candida, in the body. Lavender oil also inhibits the growth of candida and is effective at preventing the spread of the infection. (10)
For example, by adding a couple of drops of clove oil or lavender oil, mixed with coconut oil during your cleanse, you can help to kill off the offending candida. Because these essential oils are powerful, they should only be taken internally for 10 days or less.
Also, for oral thrush, use three drops of clove oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in the mouth for 20 minutes.
Candida Die-Off Symptoms You May Experience
Rapidly killing off candida in your body creates a metabolic reaction that releases over 70 different toxins into your body. Symptoms that show the candida cleanse and the candida diet are working include:
- Impaired brain function
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Intestinal distress including bloating, gas, constipation and nausea
- Sweating and fever
- Sinus infection
- Skin breakouts (not limited to face)
- Typical flu-like symptoms
When you start experiencing the candida die-off symptoms, rejoice! These symptoms usually clear up in seven to 10 days. The candida is leaving your body, and within just a few weeks, you will notice an increase in energy and focus, as well as relief from other symptoms you have experienced.
After your symptoms have subsided and you have completed the cleanse and the diet, you should continue eating a diet that is high in protein and high-fiber vegetables, and limit grains, fruits, sugar and high-starch vegetables like white potatoes. Continue to consume fermented vegetables and kefir to help your body stay in balance and keep the candida at bay.
Read Next: Caprylic Acid — The Saturated Fat that Fights Candida, Infections & Acne
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Sunday, August 28, 2016
Pau D’arco Tea — Fights Candida Cancer Inflammation
Pau D’arco Tea — Fights Candida Cancer Inflammation
Pau D’arco Tea — Fights Candida, Cancer & Inflammation
Pau d’arco is native to South America, where it has been used to treat a wide range of conditions. There are reports of medicinal uses of pau d’arco tea dating back to 1873. Pau d’arco, also called tabebuia avellanedae, is a tree from the Bignoniaceae family with extremely hard wood; its name is the Portuguese word for “bow stick,” which is an appropriate term because the tree was actually used by native South American Indians for making hunting bows.
The bark and wood of the tree are used externally and internally to treat arthritis, pain, inflammation of the prostate gland, fever, dysentery, boils and ulcers, and various cancers. One of the easiest ways to use pau d’arco is by consuming a tea made from the inner bark of pau d’arco or applying the tea water to the skin.
Pau d’arco is an evergreen tree that has rose-colored flowers. There are nearly 100 species of pau d’arco, but only a few yield high-quality material; plus, it takes extremely skilled gatherers to know what species are the most effective. The medicinal part of the tree is the bark, specifically the inner lining of the bark, called the phloem (pronounced floam). Unfortunately, many companies use the whole bark, containing the dead wood too, and this naturally dilutes the activity of the material.
Scientists have identified two active chemicals in pau d’arco called naphthoquinones; they are lapachol and beta-lapachone. These chemicals have the power to kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They have also shown anti-inflammatory properties, which are important in treating health conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Pau D’arco Tea Nutrition Facts
Pau d’arco tea contains several compounds, including quinoids, benzenoids and flavonoids. These compounds have shown biological activity against harmful organisms. Pau d’arco also has a significant amount of lapachol, which comes from the stem of the tree. According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, lapachol is known be toxic and resistant to nearly all types of harmful organisms.
A 2005 study published in Oncology Reports found that lapachol has great potential as an application in fighting metastasis, which is the spread of a cancer or other disease from one organ of the body to another. Metastasis is the major process responsible for the death in cancer patients, and the recent research involving lapachol is promising.
Lapachol is also used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, but some research suggests that high doses of this compound can lead to dangerous side effects, like reproductive toxicity. Pau d’arco also contains another chemical called beta-lapachone, which has also demonstrated toxicity to harmful organisms, similar to lapachol.
Another powerful element of pau d’arco is selenium, an antioxidant that removes free radicals that damage cells and trigger disease. Selenium is an extremely vital mineral for the human body; some selenium benefits include its ability to increase immunity, take part in antioxidant activity that defends the body against free radical damage and inflammation, and play a key role in booting your metabolism.
According to a study conducted by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey, consuming plenty of naturally occurring selenium has positive antiviral effects, is essential for successful male and female fertility and reproduction, plus reduces the risk of cancer, autoimmune and thyroid diseases. Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of mortality, poor immune function and cognitive decline.
7 Pau D’arco Tea Benefits
1. Reduces Pain
Research shows that pau d’arco tea has the power to naturally reduce pain in patients suffering from cancer and other serious health conditions. It has the ability to lessen the pain associated with several kinds of cancer, especially cancer of the prostate, liver or breast. Arthritic pain is also been relieved after consuming pau d’arco tea.
A 2001 study published in BMC Pharmacology examined the antinociceptive (pain-reducing) and antiedematogenic (to reduce swelling) effects of pau d’arco inner bark that were measured by experimental models in mice that underwent pain stimulated by nerve cells. The inner bark aqueous extract, administered orally in three different concentrations, reduced the sensory process that provides the signals that lead to pain.
2. Fights Candida
Pau d’arco helps the body fight candida the natural way. Candida, also known as candidiasis, is a common yeast infection that can lead to many health problems, from a sore throat to serious stomach problems. The body normally produces yeast in the mouth, vagina, rectum and digestive tracts, and in normal amounts it remains harmless; however, if the body’s natural pH balance is upset, candida symptoms can quickly grow out of control.
If you are suffering from headaches, an inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, sugar addiction and stomach problems, you may be suffering from an overproduction of yeast and candida. A common symptom is thrush, which is an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth or vagina. If left untreated, candida weakens the immune system — allowing more serious diseases to take hold.
3. Reduces Inflammation
An overactive immune system results in the body being flooded with defense cells and hormones that damage tissues. Dietary and environmental toxins build up in the body, and this turns the immune system on — keeping it highly reactive; this is what lead to inflammation, which is at the root of most diseases. By reducing inflammation in the body, you avoid serious health conditions like asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and Parkinson’s disease.
A 2014 study published in The Journal of Toxicological Sciences found that pau d’arco increased the expression of Nrf2-target genes in the intestine. Nrf2 is a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. The results of this study shows that the activation of Nrf2 could mediate the beneficial effects of pau d’arco, particularly in the intestine, which can be severely affected by inflammation.
4. Heals Ulcers
Ulcers are burns that form in the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. When they occur in the stomach, they’re called gastric ulcers. If they form in the first part of your small intestine, the duodenum, they’re referred to as duodenal ulcers.
Peptic ulcer disease begins when a weakness in your stomach or intestinal lining allows acid to create an erosion or sore in the lining. It’s the most common type of stomach disease, according to the American Gastroenterology Association. Ulcers are caused by an increase in stomach acid caused by stress, medications, diet, smoking, alcohol or H. pylori, a type of bad bacteria. The most common ulcer symptom is a burning pain aggravated by stomach acid that comes in contact with the ulcerated area.
A 2013 study published in Phytotherapy Research found that pau d’arco extract significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid induced gastric ulcers in rats by increasing mucus content and cell proliferation. This suggests that pau d’arco could be a treatment for peptic ulcer diseases in humans. Peptic ulcers refer to painful sores or ulcers that are in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. This is typically a result of an imbalance of digestive fluids in the stomach and intestine. An infection occurs, and too much bad bacteria leads to symptoms, including burning pain, nausea, internal bleeding, heartburn and bloating.
5. Fights Cancer
One of the most well-known benefits of pau d’arco tea is its ability to fight cancer and relieve pain associated with cancer. A study conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston found that beta-Lapachone, a major compound in pau d’arco tea, is a potential compound to be added to cancer chemotherapy, particularly for prostate cancer.
Another 2002 study concluded that beta-lapachone is one of a few novel anticancer drugs currently under active investigation, and it shows promise for chemotherapy alone and especially in combinations. This powerful compound caused cancer cell death in mice, and the mice did not appear to be adversely affected by the treatment.
6. Provides Antiviral & Antifungal Properties
For thousands of years, pau d’arco has been used as an antiviral herb. The range of viruses stunted by pau d’arco tea extends from those that cause the common cold to those that are responsible for the life-threatening AIDS virus. It has been shown to actively inhibit, kill or stunt the growth of several dangerous viruses, including herpes, polio, vesicular stomatitis, avian myeloblastosis, leukemia and rous sarcoma virus.
The beta-lapochone present in pau d’arco actually inhibits the enzymes in virus cells, which directly affects the synthesis of DNA and RNA. The virus is then no longer able to take control over the reproductive processes of the cell, so it can neither replicate itself nor infect other cells.
Pau d’arco tea has the power to aid in the healing of skin wounds and infections. It’s commonly used to reduce redness and swelling due to skin infections and irritations. This is because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
7. Detoxifies the Body
Pau d’arco tea detoxifies the body by removing harmful toxic substances; these toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, preservatives and even residue from chemotherapy.
Pau d’arco works as a detoxifier by having a laxative effect. It’s known to loosen bowels, which aids digestion and regularity. By stimulating the digestive system, pau d’arco tea helps the body rid itself of excess fats and toxins. It’s important to keep foods moving through your body, especially the colon. The colon is the body’s sewage system, but like all healthy and properly functioning sewage systems, it needs to be cleaned, emptied and maintained to function properly.
When we eat highly processed, refined or “fake” foods, our colons become laden with the unhealthy debris from these foods. For this reason, it’s vital to consume detoxifying foods and drinks, like pau d’arco tea, in order to maintain a clean and healthy body. Pau d’arco tea consumption is one of the best ways to detox; blood vessels, the lymph system, cells, tissue and organs are all detoxified, which allows the body’s systems to function properly and efficiently.
How to Use Pau D’arco Tea
When purchasing pau d’arco products, make sure to read the ingredients carefully. Sometimes it’s hard to know what is in pau d’arco products because they’re labeled as pau d’arco or lapacho — but do not always contain pau d’arco (which belongs to the Tabebuia species). In some cases, they contain the related species, Tecoma curialis.
Some product labels state that the product contains the inner bark of pau d’arco, which is thought by some people to be more effective, when in fact the product contains only the outer bark. For this reason, purchase pau d’arco from reputable companies that have clear ingredient labels. The most potent part of the tree is the inner bark, and it must be aged after harvesting to maximize its effectiveness; however, many companies try to sell the outer bark or harvest it from immature trees.
Consuming high doses of pau d’arco can lead to nausea, diarrhea and dizziness, so it’s important to start with a very small dose and see how your body reacts. If your body is too sensitive to drinking pau d’arco tea or taking supplements, then you can still use the product externally to treat infections.
Some pau d’arco tea uses include:
- fighting candida or an internal thrush infection by flushing out the area (create a douche with tea)
- treat skin infections by soaking a cloth in pau d’arco tea and applying it to effected areas
How to Make Pau D’arco Tea
- Put 2 cups of bark into 4 cups of boiling water.
- Let the bark sit in the boiling water for 20 minutes.
- Remove heat and let the dark cool for at least 1 hour.
- Strain the water.
- Drink tea in small portions throughout the day, or use tea water for external use and vaginal flush.
Otherwise, pau d’arco tea can be purchased online or at your local health food store (ask a manager to special order it if it’s not in stock).
Possible Side Effects & Interactions of Pau D’arco Tea
When consumed in high doses, pau d’arco is possibly unsafe and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and internal bleeding. If you are using pau d’arco, make sure to keep track of your doses and speak to your health care provider if you notice any of these side effects.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use pau d’arco because there is not enough information about the safety of these products.
Pau d’arco can delay clotting and might interfere with treatment in people with bleeding disorders; it may increase the chances of bruising as well. This can also increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Make sure to stop using pau d’arco at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery; also, avoid using blood-clotting medications such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
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