Getting rid of fungal infection
Question : I WOULD like to know more about the chronic fungal
infection of my toenails. I've been plagued with the problem for
more than 15 years and the doctor I consulted had noted that
it's a very tedious and persistent disease. I was given oral and
topical medication. Although improvements were observed, the
problem recurred once I got off the medication.
Answer : SUCH an infection is caused by a type of fungus called
candida and tinea that infects the top layer of the skin, hair
or nails. It grows under the nails, between the toes, or on the
internal surfaces of the colon and other organs.
Actually, we all have candida living inside us. However, under
certain circumstances the number increases to such an extent
that it threatens our health.
This includes hormone replacement therapy, excessive use of
antibiotics and weakened immunity, high refined carbohydrates,
sugar diet and prolonged stress.
The symptoms of infection are unexplained fatigue, abdominal
bloating and/or flatulence, food cravings, particularly for
sugar and bread, food and chemical sensitivities, recurrent
thrush and/or cystitis, rectal itching, appearance of itchy red,
ring-like rashes around the infected area, yellowish and
thickened nail and even painful blisters.
Supplementing your diet with allicin, an active ingredient found
in garlic, may be beneficial. It has remarkable antibiotic
properties and helps the immune system to kill pathogens.
Allicin is able to penetrate the cell walls of microorganisms,
upset their biochemical balance and impede their activity.
Other effective ways to deal with nail fungus include good foot
hygiene and fighting the fungus with tea tree oil.
You can add five drops of tea tree oil and two tablespoons of
white vinegar into a tub of water. Submerge your feet for 10
minutes and towel dry.
Light is also an enemy of fungi. People with athlete's foot and
nail fungus should change socks daily to decrease contact with
the fungus and should wear sandals occasionally to get sunlight
exposure. You should cut out sugar, refined carbohydrates and
yeast products.