Natural Antifungal Information Guide

An antifungal is anything that eliminates or prohibits fungal growth in the human body. There are thousands of antifungal compounds found in nature; in fact, most vitamins, minerals, herbs, spices and amino acids exhibit some form of antifungal activity. Even many foods that you eat on a daily basis contain powerful, antifungal components. 

While there are all kinds of antifungals available, certain antifungals stand out as particularly effective in eliminating pathogenic yeasts and fungi. Many of these are either food, themselves, or are derived from food (i.e., particular vitamins, nutrients or other compounds). While it is certainly possible to consume these potent antifungals in your diet, there is remarkable benefit in consuming them in concentrated, supplemental form. In fact, this is encouraged while you are on the Kaufmann Diet in order to gain the maximum edge in your fight against pathogenic fungi in the body. 

A Brief Explanation of The Kaufmann Diet

The Kaufmann Diet serves two purposes. First, it seeks to limit your exposure to foods commonly contaminated with fungi and the poisons they emit, known as mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are among the most poisonous, naturally-occurring substances on earth; the frightening (and not particularly well-known) fact about mycotoxins is that they commonly contaminate many foods that the vast majority of people consume every day. For more information on the Kaufmann diet please visit our “Getting Started” section.

How To Introduce Anti-Fungals Into Your Regimen

The most important part of our antifungal program is making dietary changes. Without those dietary changes, relief from pathogenic fungi and reducing your risk of mycotoxin exposure are both unlikely. Taking antifungal supplements is no substitute for dietary changes and will likely result in no improvement of symptoms. However, supplementing with antifungal supplements may greatly increase the efficacy of the antifungal diet. This works both ways; dietary changes will greatly increase the efficacy of antifungal supplements. Simply put, an antifungal diet combined with antifungal supplements will work hand in hand with one another.

Once you have made changes to your diet, simply incorporate antifungal supplements by choosing one, and begin taking it as directed on the label, or as by your doctor or natural health care provider. It is important to remember that many antifungals may play other health roles, too; for instance, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) support heart health. Knowing these additional facts about certain antifungals may help you choose one that is appropriate for your health needs.

(Please keep in mind that certain foods and supplements can interact with medications. If you are on any sort of medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a supplement regimen or making dietary changes.)

List of Anti-Fungal Supplements  

The following list is by no means exhaustive, but listed below are some well-known, and widely available potent anti-fungal supplements.  

Garlic
		The active ingredient, allicin, in garlic exhibits strong, antifungal properties. Garlic also comes in aged varieties, supplementally, which purportedly enhance its health-promoting effects. Garlic has known benefits for heart health and cognitive function.
Clove
		Clove oil is the essential oil of the clove spice. In some studies, clove oil was as potent as prescription antifungal medication and, in some cases, more effective against resistant strains of yeast than prescription medication.
Cinnamon
		Of the two types of cinnamon, ceylon cinnamon is the best variety to use supplementally. Cinnamon has been shown to be more effective against certain yeasts than prescription antifungal medication. It can also reduce inflammation, promote heart health and help regulate blood sugar.
Oregano
		Oregano and oregano oil have been used for centuries as medicinal remedies. Its antifungal properties make it an important addition to your medicine cabinet as well as your spice rack. The concentrated oil is best for supplemental form.
Olive Leaf Extract
		The active component, oleuropein, is the component of olive leaf that gives olive leaf extract its potent, anti-fungal activity.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
		Omega 3s are known for their cardiovascular benefits. They are also thought to boost mood and provide benefits for the skin. In addition to their legion of other benefits Omega 3 Fatty Acids exhibit antifungal activity as well.
Caprylic Acid
		Caprylic acid is a fatty acid derived from coconut. It is thought to be an effective agent against yeast and other fungi.
Tea Tree Oil
		Tea tree oil should not be taken internally. It is, however, an excellent topical agent with potent, antifungal activity.
Psyllium Husk
		While not necessarily antifungal, psyllium husk are an insoluble form of fiber, meaning what comes in, comes out. Psyllium husk have a unique capability of binding to mycotoxins in the gut and “sweeping” them out, making psyllium husk an important addition to your supplement regimen.

The Herxheimer Reaction, or “Die-Off”

Once you have begun the diet and started your antifungal regimen, you may go through a brief period of feeling worse than you have before. This is a common reaction that many people experience called a Herxheimer reaction, or “die-off”. As fungi begin to starve, they release toxins into the body; many people report flu-like symptoms, fatigue or malaise. This period may last a week or more, but following the “die-off” phase, most people feel better than they ever have and/or finally experience relief from symptoms. 

Rotation

It is important to rotate your antifungal supplements. Rotating your antifungal supplements will give you the most broad-spectrum potency for eliminating pathogenic fungi inside the body. A good plan might be to take one antifungal supplement until it is finished, then switch to another. You may find your specific health problems respond to certain antifungal supplements better than others.  

Antifungal supplements are a key part of the Kaufmann Diet and antifungal program. By incorporating these supplements into your regimen, you are giving yourself the best shot at eliminating pathogenic fungi from your body. Subsequently, you may find the elusive relief from symptoms that have plagued you for years. 

What antifungal supplements have you had the best luck with? Join the conversation below. 

– An examination of antibacterial and antifungal properties of constituents described in traditional Ulster cures and remedies

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2629014/

– Antifungal activity of the clove essential oil from Syzgium aromaticum on Candia, Aspergillus, and dermatophyte species

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19589904

– Mechanisms, clinically curative effects, and antifungal activities of cinnamon oil and pogostemon oil complex against three species of candida

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22594097

– Anti-fungal activities of thyme, clove and oregano essential oils

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227713207_Antifungal_activities_of_thyme_clove_and_oregano_essential_oils

– Could yeast infections impair recovery from mental illness? A case study using micronutrients and olive leaf extract for the treatment of ADHD and depression.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23784606

– A novel bioactivity of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and their ester derivatives

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20331795

– Biological control of phytopathogenic fungi by fatty acids

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18443921