Our immune systems face ubiquitous challenges - assaults that are met at every turn! Mold, fungi, mildew, and Candida/yeast are the culprits. When a human dies, these organisms perform the vital function of taking the body back to dust. But if they gain a foothold in the living body, they can kickstart a cycle of failing health. The problem may present itself as chronic headaches, gastrointestinal dysfunction, jock itch, athlete’s foot, fungal toenails, recurring yeast infections, and more. You may view the situation simply as a bother. But, at the cellular level, your organs are being compromised. In fact, you are being set up for heart disease, cancer, arthritis, asthma, depression, and other difficult-to-control health issues. The risk factors are even greater if you have had prolonged antibiotic therapy, more than one round of short-term antibiotics, high alcohol intake (especially beer), cancer, pregnancy, steroid therapy (prednisone, topical steroids for skin, etc.), oral birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, a diet high in refined sugar and/or flour, constipating medications, long-term emotional or physical stress, allergies, not being breastfed as an infant, skin rashes, oral thrush or diaper rash as an infant, and exposure to mold through flooding in the home or exposure to public showers.

It can take up to 18 months of consistent dietary and lifestyle changes to cure a fungal infection. Remember, if it is on your skin or nails, you can be sure it is also in your body.  What exactly can you do about troublesome fungal infections?

Begin with diet. No big surprises here; fungus lives on sugar. If you place a dairy product and sugar in a Petri dish, fungus grows! So these two foods must be the first to go if you are trying to get rid of a fungal infection (or any infection). Even artificial sugars must be removed.

Berries and an occasional Granny Smith apple are allowed. (Think “sugar” when you think of “fruit.”) Plain, full-fat organic yogurt, full-fat sour cream, and raw cheese are not harmful now and then.

Eat plenty of good fats, proteins, and non-starchy vegetables (especially salad greens). Because grains turn to sugar, breads, pastas, crackers, and baked goods must be avoided. To further expedite the process:

1. Take 2T Bragg's Fermented Apple Cider Vinegar each day.

2. Take 1T Psyllium daily in water.

3. Take 30-60 billion organisms of High Potency Probiotics daily, without food.

4. Take 10 drops of oil of oregano in water, daily.

5. Apply tea tree oil (Malaleuca) topically to nails and/or skin, daily.

6. Make sure to incorporate at least two servings of properly fermented vegetables daily. Sauerkraut and Kimchee top the list, but any fermented veg will do.

7. Eat as much garlic as possible (without offending those closest to you).

If you're dealing with a major candida/yeast/fungus issue, the very best diet and lifestyle to follow in our opinion is this amazing book by Donna Gates.

There are medications for these infections, but they are extremely hard on the liver and other organs. Note, too, that they may be effective for only a short time. Unless the root cause of the infection is addressed — which is nutrition — the infection will remain.