Hello,

I am frantically researching natural antifungals - I cannot use the chemical ones because of liver problems.

The problem with natural antifungals it seems, is they are not strong enough (except for essential oils combinations) to wipe out candida.

I was reading on this site that cellulase shows some promising results. It has the advantage of not interfering with lactic bacteria, the good flora.

Did anyone use this before?

Would anyone know where I could buy it?

Am also wondering if anyone also as used undecelynic acid with some success? It's the ingredient in SF722, by Thorne.

And what about colloidal silver?

An Matt, since you suggested that combining antifungals is more efficient than rotating, could these three, in your opinion, be taken together without problems?<br /><br />Post edited by: Dechen, at: 2009/09/23 23:59

Hi,

Thorne is an excellent company who thoroughly research the ingredients they use in their formulas. I haven't used SF722 myself but the experiences of people who have shared online seem to be mostly positive.

I know from my own research that undecylenic acid is the most potent antifungal of the medium chain fatty acids - more so than caprylic acid. It was the \&quot;drug\&quot; of choice before the modern synthetic antifungals came along.

You certainly shouldn't have trouble using this along with cellulase. Cellulase is only toxic to fungal cells, not your own. The only one I'd be concerned about is colloidal silver. While silver is an effective antimicrobial that has been used for over 100 years in many applications (e.g. water filters), the use of colloidal silver internally is controversial. There may be potential toxicity issues so I'd try other options before going for that.

Thanks Maff,

Yes, I am weary too of colloidal silver, aware of the controversy. Some people swear by it though. It's advantage is that it would treat SIBO as well.

Could you tell me how you treated yours?

Also, you mention that candida infection is in the small bowel. According to what I read and an alternative doctor, candida proliferates in the colon only. But there may be new research am not aware of.

Another thing, leaky gut and the leaking of toxins, etc in the bloodstream is also thought to be from the small intestine. Leo Galland talks only about small intestines in relation to leaky gut.

In any case, I would value your opinion on that, since you seem to be quite knowledgeable.

But it is difficult, isn't it, since these are all new diseases, and we're out in the dark; doctors are out in the dark!

If you look at research on PubMed or Google Scholar there are studies showing that many other natural substances are both antifungal and antibacterial so colloidal silver is certainly not the only option in terms of treating both Candida and SIBO. Plant oils seem to be particularly effective (e.g. oregano, clove, cinnamon, olive leaf, grapeseed, garlic etc)

I won't lie to you, I have not successfully treated my Candida. I did all the wrong things in my teens after being diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and ended up getting myself into a catch-22 situation with Candida and SIBO. My nervous system has been so poisoned by Candida toxins that if I take antifungals I quickly develop unbearable symptoms (irritability, restlessness, aggression, despair....you get the picture). After 10 years of seeing doctor after doctor and my own research and experimentation I am only now beginning to find ways around this (mainly DHEA, liver support, and valium.....you have to do what it takes!). You're absolutely right about it being difficult and us all being in the dark....patients and doctors alike!

In health yes, Candida mainly resides in the colon. However my own experience and the research of a number of doctors suggests Candida becomes a major problem when it begins to gain a foothold in the small intestine. The small intestine is where we absorb nutrients from our food...and if we are unlucky toxins, allergens, and microbes and pieces of microbes. This is why increased permeability (leaky gut syndrome) is a small intestine problem. It is also why Candida becomes such a problem when there is overgrowth in the small intestine as we freely absorb its toxins such as ethanol and acetaldehyde. I'm afraid your alternative doctor is mistaken here. Have a look at the research at www.biolab.co.uk. Doctors there developed a test for Candida and bacterial dysbiosis based on blood alcohol levels following ingestion of a sugary drink. The timings between consuming the drink and alcohol showing up in the blood in those with gut dysbiosis can only mean the small intestine is where the \&quot;bad guys\&quot; are living.

Leo Galland is extremely knowledgeable on this subject and in my opinion he's spot on with most things.