Fungal infections usually manifest themselves as athlete’s foot, nail fungus, skin fungus or genital fungus. But intestinal fungal and vaginal yeast infections are also widespread. In rare cases, fungi can also enter the bloodstream via the intestines and thus affect organs. We present ways in which you can fight fungal infections with naturopathic remedies.

A fungal infection is persistent

Fungal infections affect a large number of people. And although an externally occurring fungal infection is quickly detected, its treatment often proves to be particularly lengthy.

In many cases, drug therapy takes effect and the symptoms disappear, but unfortunately this success often does not last long. This is because the fungi often return.

Treating the cause of a fungal infection

The reason for a frequent return of the fungi after seemingly successful treatment is that anti-fungal therapies only fight the fungus itself. A nail fungus is treated exclusively on the nail, a skin fungus on the skin and a genital fungus in the genital area is treated with appropriate medication.

The actual cause of the fungal disease is not questioned at all. Instead, stronger and stronger drugs are being used.

The cause of a recurrent fungal infection is obvious: the human immune system is weakened and its natural gut, vaginal or skin flora is disturbed.

A strong immune system doesn’t give fungi a chance

Normally, the immune system ensures that fungi and other invaders are taken out of circulation before they can harm health. If the fungi have nevertheless managed to multiply excessively in the body, this also suggests a weakened immune system of the affected person.

An overall unfavorable diet, long-lasting stress or regular medication intake can be just as responsible for the weakening of the immune system as heavy metal contamination or a chronic disease.

For this reason, therapy can only be successful in the long term if all existing factors are addressed and remedied, whether it is hyperacidity, an immune deficiency, heavy metal contamination or something else.

Fungal infections love the small intestine

How dangerous a fungal infection can actually be becomes particularly apparent when the fungi multiply in the intestine. Since they do not need oxygen to survive, they prefer to find ideal living conditions in the small intestine.

All food enters the small intestine via the stomach. And even before the valuable nutritional components can be released into the blood, the fungi feast on them. Carbohydrates in abundance and valuable calcium – what more does a yeasty fungi need to be happy?

In this case, the person affected by the fungus is left behind, because – depending on the extent of the existing fungal population – there are not as many nutrients left for him as he actually needs.

In addition, the intestinal villi and the many small protrusions of the same offer optimal hiding places. Fungi can form wonderful nests here.

But fungi also live in the large intestine. However, the nutrient supply there is not nearly as good as in the small intestine.

Fungi attack the intestinal mucosa

In search of something usable, fungi also like to attack the sensitive intestinal mucous membranes. A damaged intestinal mucosa (leaky gut) finally opens up the possibility for the fungi to enter the bloodstream.

On the one hand, they can feed on the glucose contained in the blood and on the other hand, they can reach every weakened organ via this route, in which they can easily implant.

For this reason, the effects of a fungal infection can also be enormously diverse. And who thinks about a possible fungal infestation when it comes to heart, joint or respiratory problems?

If fungi spread through the bloodstream in the body, this is referred to as a so-called systemic fungal disease, as in this case the whole “system” (the whole body) is affected.

Which pathogenic fungi harm humans?

The pathogenic fungi can be divided into three large groups:

They include yeasts, molds and dermatophytes. The fungi of each individual group can cause very different symptoms in the body. However, they all have one thing in common:

The worse the health of their host (humans), the more acidic it is, the weaker its immune system, the more chronic diseases it already has, etc., the more comfortable the fungi feel there.

They multiply at lightning speed and can cause great damage to health in many areas – up to sepsis (blood poisoning) if the fungi and their toxins get into the bloodstream.

Fungal infections with Candida albicans (yeast fungi)

The fungus most commonly responsible for fungal infections is Candida. This yeast fungus is basically native everywhere and also naturally in our body. The matter only becomes unnatural when this fungus suddenly spreads uncontrollably. However, it only succeeds in doing so if the immune system weakens and the body’s flora is out of balance. Beneficial microorganisms suddenly perish – e.g. as a result of antibiotic therapy – and thus make room for fungi. The usual symptoms of infection with Candida albicans are chronic fatigue, digestive problems and Candida albicans.

The consequences of a yeast infection in the gastrointestinal tract are often not limited to the typical digestive problems such as flatulence, diarrhea or constipation. If they enter the bloodstream, they can lead to heart problems or cause chronic diseases in rarer cases.

One fungus that seems to be on the rise right now is Candida auris. You can do a candida cleanse for this.

Fungal infections caused by mold

The best-known mold from this group is Aspergillus niger. It prefers to grow on damp masonry, on which it leaves the characteristic black spots. For reproduction, this fungus forms an enormous number of spores that survive even under the most adverse conditions. Therefore, even after many years of inactivity, a new fungus can still emerge from them.

Mould spores can be found on damp apartment walls as well as in the soil, hay or livestock feed.

In this context, organic waste also represents a completely underestimated health hazard. Countless mold spores cavort on it. When the organic waste bin is opened, large quantities of these spores are stirred up and inhaled unnoticed. So it’s better to hold your breath!

Mould spores enter the lungs directly through inhalation and attach themselves to the fine alveoli of the lungs. Respiratory problems and lung diseases up to lung cancer can be the consequences of chronic (permanent) mould exposure – e.g. if mould coats the walls of the bedroom.

Fungal infections caused by dermatophytes

Dermatophytes are also called filamentous fungi. They feed mainly on the keratin (layer) of the skin and nails. Therefore, they are mainly found in these areas.

Dermatophytes, like most other fungi, love dark, warm and moist places. Therefore, they often affect the feet, especially the spaces between the toes, as well as the armpits or the skin folds below the breast. There they are protected and can develop undisturbed.

Some dermatophyte species live in the soil and get on the skin through gardening, for example.

Others, on the other hand, live in the fur of animals, from which they like to move onto human skin. Still others cavort in humid warm areas, such as in the sanitary facilities of the swimming pools, in the sauna, etc. That’s why you get the annoying and contagious athlete’s foot especially here.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is persistent, but only lasts until the environment is changed and the immune system regains the upper hand.

Especially the often successful treatment with alkaline foot baths or dusting with baking soda shows that athlete’s foot also avoids the alkaline environment. However, acidic natural remedies for athlete’s foot can also be helpful, because athlete’s foot consistently avoids pH values that are too low.

If athlete’s foot is not treated, it can not only become chronic, but can also affect the nail and thus become nail fungus, which should be prevented, as nail fungus is much more difficult to treat than athlete’s foot.

The nail fungus

Nail fungus is caused by the same type of fungus (dermatophyte) as athlete’s foot. The toenails are usually affected, only in 10 percent of all nail fungus cases are found on the fingernails.

Since the nail is generally very poorly supplied with blood, it is difficult for the organism to defend itself against the fungus, so that therapies are usually very lengthy and should consist of different components to fight the fungus on different fronts, e.g. by regular removal (as far as possible) of the nail, by applying antifungal products, by possible laser therapy, possibly by oral ingestion of antifungal substances and by the usual basic measures (strengthening the immune system, healthy diet, etc. – see below).

In general, however, it is not only the fungi themselves that are dangerous for humans. At least as dangerous to health are their metabolic products, the so-called mycotoxins.

Mycotoxin – The poison of fungi

Mycotoxins are produced during fungal growth and are used by fungi as a weapon against their competitors (bacteria, viruses). The toxins, which are mainly excreted by molds, kill possible competitors and thus secure the habitat for the molds.

The best-known mycotoxin is alcohol. It is formed by yeast fungi by fermenting carbohydrates. In the human organism, this toxin mainly burdens the liver and kidneys, which results in far-reaching health effects.

So you can suffer alcohol-related liver damage even if you never drink a drop of alcohol.

Aflatoxins are extremely hazardous to health

Aflatoxin is one of the particularly dangerous mycotoxins. It is formed by the molds and is contained in the fungus itself as well as in its spores. In contrast to mold, which sooner or later visibly infests food, the spores always remain invisible to the human eye.

Mold spores develop in secret and only when a male spore meets a female does the visible mold slowly develop. This means that even a food that is obviously not yet moldy can already contain the dangerous mold spores.

Cereals are particularly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. If it is not stored completely dry, it is highly susceptible to mold. However, nuts, dried fruit, sugar and spices are also exposed to the risk of aflatoxin contamination as soon as they still have residual moisture during storage.

Aflatoxins are resistant to both heat and cold. They can therefore not be killed by freezing or heating. So it must be assumed that many people have these enormously dangerous toxins in their bodies.

Even small amounts can put a lot of strain on the liver. Higher concentrations cause acute damage to them and can ultimately lead to the formation of liver carcinomas. Mineral earths, such as bentonite and zeolite, are considered natural agents that have been proven to be able to bind aflatoxins and excrete them through the intestine. Zeolite is – provided it is taken properly with plenty of water – an absolutely safe and effective means of binding any toxins. More on that below.

Holistic measures for fungal infections

In the case of an acute severe fungal infestation, drug treatment may be unavoidable, but it can be accompanied very well by holistic measures, as these contribute not only to the temporary, but to the permanent removal of the fungi.

As you already know, fungi need an overacidified body environment and a weakened immune system as the basis of life. And it is precisely in these areas that you can become active. The following recommendations show you which holistic measures can be used for fungal infections.

Anti-fungal diet – avoid sugar

Deacidify your body – among other things with the right alkaline diet (plant-based and rich in vital substances)! Changing your diet is the most important measure in the fight against fungal colonization. The diet mentioned strengthens the immune system and changes the environment in the body in such a way that the fungi no longer feel well – among other things, because an alkaline-surplus, wholesome diet is free of industrial sugar.

In the case of a fungal infection, you can often observe how the fungus blossoms again after sugar-rich foods. The corresponding symptoms get worse because fungi love sugar. With a high-sugar diet, it is therefore difficult to fight the fungus sustainably.

A diet free of industrial sugar is therefore the basis for suppressing the fungal infection in the first place.

Food against fungi

Certain foods have a fungus-hostile effect. They not only help in the prevention of fungal infections, but also in their therapy. If the worst comes to the worst, don’t just eat the foods mentioned occasionally. Consciously and regularly integrate them into your diet in precisely measured quantities. Let your food be your medicine!

1. Organic coconut oil

From now on, use organic coconut oil for frying and cooking. Coconut oil contains the antifungal fatty acid called caprylic acid. This directly prevents and combats the spread of Candida albicans – not only in the test tube, but also directly in the digestive system.

After a corresponding study, the participating researchers from Tufts University of Massachusetts recommended taking coconut oil in the future to prevent fungal infections. This would be able to dramatically reduce the massive use of fungal drugs that is common today and thus also the risk of resistance to Candida. Even doctors should administer coconut oil prophylactically to those people who are particularly susceptible to Candida infections (patients in hospital, the elderly, immunosuppressed people, etc.).

Coconut oil is heat-stable, which is why it is ideal for searing. During your anti-fungal treatment, take three tablespoons of high-quality organic coconut oil daily. You can also use coconut oil as a spread or – if you don’t have any use for it in the kitchen – take it pure.

2. Oregano

Oregano and especially the essential oregano oil has a very good anti-candida effect. The oil can be used internally and externally (diluted). However, you can of course also include the oregano herb, i.e. the leaves and stems of the oregano, in your diet. Simply blend oregano into your green smoothie, juice oregano together with vegetables or make an oregano pesto and season abundantly.

For skin fungi, a mixture of organic coconut oil and essential oregano oil has proven to be ideal for external use. To do this, add 3 to 5 drops of oregano oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and rub the affected areas of skin with this mixture several times a day.

Ideally, you should combine external application (for skin fungus species) with internal intake of oregano oil (add 4 to 6 drops to a glass of juice or water 2 times a day). We have described how you can use the combination of coconut oil/oregano oil internally here: Dosage of coconut oil

Note: Oregano is a mint and can also cause reactions in people who are allergic to these herbs.

3. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a bioactive substance that is effective against a variety of pathogens. In addition, allicin is an excellent fungal toxin and can push back Candida albicans. Eat two raw cloves daily or take allicin-containing garlic capsules accordingly.

4. Horseradish and cress

Horseradish and cress are known to help wonderfully with infections of the respiratory tract. They clear the airways, disinfect the organism and activate the immune system. The mustard oils found in them have such an excellent antibiotic effect that they can also destroy germs that have long been resistant to conventional antibiotics. By the way, horseradish and cress also delight us with an antifungal effect and therefore also curb Candida fungi. Horseradish is best eaten freshly grated or bought in an organic store without sulphurous preservatives. Cress (garden cress, watercress or nasturtium) can be enjoyed daily in the form of fresh salads.

5. Cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is another name for chili, so it has nothing to do with pepper. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a secondary plant substance with extremely strong antibacterial and fungicidal effects. Scientists from the Agricultural Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have found that chilies contain another antifungal substance. This belongs to the saponin family, is called CAY-1 and can kill harmful yeasts. Tests have already shown that CAY-1 can curb the growth of Candida albicans by 93 percent. Since chili is a real matter of taste, you should decide the daily dose yourself. Another option is to take it in capsule form.

Supplements that end fungal infections

Some natural substances have a strong antifungal effect in extract form, such as olive leaf extract. At intervals of 1 to 3 hours, you then take a mineral clay (e.g. zeolite) that absorbs the deceased fungi and their fungal toxins that are now released and drain them out with the stool.

Bentonite and zeolite bind fungal toxins

Mineral clays such as bentonite and zeolite change the environment in the digestive system in such a way that it no longer appeals to the fungi. At the same time, the good bacteria, whose task is to drive away fungi, among other things, multiply. However, bentonite and zeolite also bind the fungal toxins (mycotoxins), remove them from the body and thus prevent corresponding symptoms. Find out more about Zeolite here.

Strengthen your immune system

In fungal infections of any kind, there is always a weakened immune system. If the immune system were strong and healthy, the fungal infection would not occur in the first place. Therefore, strengthen your immune system!

One of the most effective measures for this is intestinal cleansing. The intensive cleansing of the intestines will remove a large part of the pollutants that overwhelm your immune system. At the same time, intestinal bacteria ( probiotics ) are supplied, which your body needs to restore a healthy intestinal flora.

Use antioxidants

Support your immune system by taking potent antioxidants, such as astaxanthin or capsaicin. Antioxidants intercept the dangerous free radicals that wreak havoc en masse in an overacidified and weakened organism – much to the detriment of your immune system. The fewer free radicals attack your body, the faster your immune system can regenerate and take care of the fungal invasion.

Protect your liver from a fungal infection

Be sure to protect your liver in the event of fungal infections! The liver, as the largest detoxification organ, suffers particularly from a fungal invasion. It is she who has to be at the forefront of the fight against mycotoxins and eliminate them.

Therefore, preparations should be used here that help the liver detoxify and at the same time promote the regeneration of liver cells.

Milk thistle preparations, capsaicin ( capsaicin contains the helpful saponin CAY-1 with a proven antifungal effect), turmeric extract (curcumin), a sulfur concentrate ( organic sulfur) or even a liver protection combination preparation made from various liver medicinal plants can do just that.

As you can see, it is not enough to treat a fungal infection exclusively with medication and symptoms, because fungi always burden the entire body.