The Kaufmann Anti-Fungal Diet

Doug Kaufmann, the author of “The Fungus Link,” created the anti-fungal diet to minimize what he calls “fungal foods”. These foods can throw off the delicate balance of good bacteria and promote the growth of bad bacteria and other pathogens, such as fungus. According to Kaufmann, his “fungal” theory is controversial and, as of 2014, there is no evidence to support the idea that diet leads to fungal overgrowth throughout the body.

He theorizes that a link exists between the epidemic of modern diseases, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates and processed foods. He postulates that a diet high in sugary foods promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. The solution, according to Kaufmann’s theory, is to adopt a diet low in added sugar and processed foods, which won’t promote fungal and bacterial overgrowth. The anti-fungal diet encompasses three phases, the first phase being the strictest. During the second phase, you reintroduce certain foods such as starchy vegetables and fruits. During the third phase, you stick to a diet low in sugar.

Kaufmann recommends sticking to fresh, whole foods as much as possible. Phase one includes eggs, fish, poultry, meat, non-starchy vegetables, most nuts and seeds, and healthy oils such as flaxseed, olive oil and walnut oil. This phase also includes yogurt, cream cheese and sour cream from grass-fed cows, as well as green apples, berries, grapefruit, lemon, avocado and limes, which are low-sugar fruits.

Kaufmann recommends choosing free-range poultry and wild-caught fish. The anti-fungal diet excludes foods with added sugar, potatoes, yams, peas and legumes because they’re starchy. It also excludes all grains, which includes wheat, rice, oats, quinoa, corn, buckwheat, barley, pasta and amaranth. “Yeast” foods, such as bread, mushrooms and alcoholic beverages are also excluded. Phase one also excludes peanuts, because they’re classified as legumes, pistachios because they’re commonly contaminated with fungus, pickles, refined oils, soda, and coffee. Kaufmann recommends following phase one of the anti-fungal diet for 30 days, then reintroducing otherwise nutritious foods such as legumes and mushrooms in phase two.

As a permanent lifestyle change, Kaufmann recommends eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other whole foods, while keeping processed foods and added sugar to a minimum. The recommendation to increase your fruit and vegetable consumption and cut back on processed foods and added sugar is echoed by mainstream nutrition experts. The average American consumes 23 teaspoons of added sugar, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. That amount is significantly higher than the six and nine teaspoon limits recommended by the American Heart Association for men and women, respectively.

Before starting the anti-fungal diet, it is highly recommended and advised that you consult your doctor, as there can be certain foods and substances that your body will require or might reject. So to be on the safe side, it is best to pay a visit to your doctor or nutritionist before trying and extreme diet. This diet is not suitable for those who are pregnant or nursing as well for those who have kidney problems.

Natural Remedies for a Fungal Skin Infection in a Child

Ringworm on the body begins as a ring-shaped, flat rash. Gradually the ring becomes larger and spreads, with the inside of the ring clearing. The outside of the ring can be either dry and scaly or wet and crusted. On the scalp, ringworm starts as a small pimple that grows larger and creates patches of dry, bald skin. The hair can become brittle and break off and sometimes yellowish, crusty areas develop. This form of ringworm is most common in children. If the finger nails become infected, thry can become thick, brittle and discoloured. On the skin including the groin, genitals, inner thighs and buttocks, ringworm causes a red, itchy rash in the moist skin folds. As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ring.

It is children who are prone to having fungal infections, especially if they are living in a hot and humid climate.  A fungal infection can also be caused by taking antibiotics. Ringworm is an infectious itchy skin disease that occurrs in small circular patches, caused by any number of fungi and mostly affects the scalp or the feet. The most common form is athlete’s foot. Although diet cannot cure ringworm or replace medical treatment, certain foods may help treat or prevent this condition. One should avoid giving children any sugary foods and instead should give them anti-fungal foods like garlic, cinnamon and yogurt. It is advisable to consult a doctor before giving supplements to children.

One should start with teaching children how to stay clean and maintain their personal hygiene. This can lessen the time of the fungal infection as well as prevent any further fungal infections. Children should be encouraged to take a bath every day and to dry themselves well, since moisture can lead to fungal infections. They should be taught to remove wet and damp shoes immediately and to dry themselves well.  One should wash all clothes and towels to prevent the infection from spreading, as well as to maintain hygiene.

Most cases of ringworm are mild and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines. The purpose of these ointments is to get rid of the infection and to prevent the ringworm from spreading to other parts of the body. Antifungal creams, such as terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, and miconazole, are specifically designed to clear skin fungal infections. While these pharmaceutical treatment options may prove to be effective, the side effects can often make sufferers feel even worse. Herbal remedies are the safest and the best option for treating children. It is possible to make an anti-fungal rinse at home and it is highly beneficial for children. One can use peppermint, lavender or chamomile to prepare this. Take two teaspoons of the herb and pour a cup of boiling water and steep it. Cool and strain the liquid. Apply the liquid on the affected area.

When it comes to essential oils, you should be careful while using them on children as they can cause certain reactions.  It is advisable to consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Anti Fungal Supplements

Fungal skin infections are caused by different types of fungi, including dermatophytes and yeast. Fungi invade and grow in dead keratin. Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair and nails. They are divided into different groups depending on which type of fungus is involved. Many fungal infections usually occur on either the skin’s surface or the lungs. It is advisable to always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Along with a low-sugar diet and probiotics, antifungals are one of the three crucial elements of any successful fungal infection treatment plan. There are a number of natural antifungals that you can take in supplement form or even add to your diet. These work by breaking down the cell walls of the fungi and are an important part of your diet. Some of the anti-fungal supplements that are prescribed most of the time are turmeric, myrhh, balck walnut, thyme, poke, paracress, pau d’arco and echinacea.

There are many different types of fungal infections. The most common types include the following:

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Tinea Capitis (fungal infection of the scalp)

Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails)

Jock Itch

These and other fungal infections are easy to treat and cure and it is a rare occurrence if they reach below the surface of the skin.

Apart from the above mentioned anti-fungal supplements there a few more supplements that are beneficial in treating the fungal infections like zinc, acidophilus, vitamins C and A and garlic. The featured supplement in this article is Pau d’arco. Pau d’Arco is an herb that has been used for centuries, with claims that it treats ailments of many varieties, as well as is helpful when it comes to promoting general health. Candida Albicans, a fungus which causes yeast infections, has also been treated by the Pau d’Arco herb. Aside from patients dealing with candida problems, those with other issues involving fungi or yeasts, such as aspergillus, may also be helped due to the antifungal nature of lapachol. One of the properties of the lapachol found in Pau d’Arco is that of an antifungal. Research has shown that the most effective way that this plant can be used against fungus overgrowth is in its usual state, rather than using an extract of lapachol by itself. This supplement helps strengthen one’s immune system in order to fight against the fungal infection. Malaria, ulcers, eczema and psoriasis are other infections that this supplement helps fight.

However one should keep in mind that in order to take the supplements to fight against fungal infections, one should use it in along with other methods rather than use it on its own. Consult a doctor before using any health supplements as you never know how a particular supplement might react with the body. A doctor can advise you on which anti-fungal supplements to take and which ones to avoid.

Bike Shorts and Jock Itch

Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a form of ringworm. It is a fungal infection on the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails. Ringworm of the skin appears as a rash with patches that may be red or peeling or that has bumps on the edges that look like blisters. The skin can often turn itchy, and the rash can spread quickly. You can have both jock itch and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) at the same time.

Jock itch is caused by a fungus. Fungi commonly grow on or in the top layer of skin. They may or may not cause an infection. Fungi grow best in warm, moist areas of the body such as the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. As the name suggests, jock itch mostly affects male athletes, but anyone can get it. Using public showers and locker rooms increases your chances of getting jock itch. The best environment for fungi to grow is in the steamy rooms among damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors. So it’s not surprising that jock itch and athlete’s foot often occur at the same time since both are caused by fungi.

Reduce your risk of jock itch by taking these steps:

Stay dry. Be sure to keep your groin area dry. Dry your genital area and inner thighs thoroughly with a clean towel after showering or exercising. Use powder around your groin area to prevent excess moisture. Wear clean clothes. Change your underwear at least once a day or more often if you sweat a lot. Wash workout clothes after each use. Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods of time in warm, humid weather.

Find the correct fit. Make sure your clothes fit correctly, especially underwear, athletic equipment and sports apparel. Avoid tight fitting clothes, which can rub and chafe your skin and make you more susceptible to jock itch. Try wearing boxer shorts rather than briefs.

Don’t share personal items. Don’t let others use your clothing, towels or other personal items. Refrain from borrowing these items from others as well.

Treat athlete’s foot. Control any athlete’s foot infection to prevent its spread to the groin.

Fortunately, most cases of jock itch can be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

After showering or bathing, dry the irritated groin area by gently patting it with a towel. Be sure to dry your skin thoroughly. Apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream and then zinc oxide ointment to prevent chafing and ease irritation.

Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to avoid chafing. If your symptoms don’t go away within a couple of days, try applying an antifungal lotion, spray, or gel. Prescription-strength antifungal medications have become available over the counter, making it easier to treat jock itch yourself. It’s important to give antifungal products time to work. Even if the rash and itching go away, continue applying the antifungal cream for four weeks, to keep the fungus from coming back.

If your symptoms don’t improve within a week or get worse, see your doctor immediately. You may have a bacterial infection that requires an antibiotic treatment.

The Causes and Prevention of Ringworm

Ringworm is most common among children, but it can affect people of all ages. Ringworm isn’t caused by worms. It is a skin infection, also known as tinea, and it is caused by fungi called dermatophytes. Fungi are microscopic organisms that can live off the dead tissues on your skin, hair, and nails, much like a mushroom can grow on the bark of a tree. Ringworm is caused by a fungus that grows on the skin. Once the fungus is established, it spreads out in rings. The center of the ring may clear up, while a new ring of infection develops at the edge of the old ring. Children are the most likely to get ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp can spread from child to child when children share hats, combs, or brushes. Ringworm of the body can be spread through towels, clothing, or sports equipment. Personal hygiene is important in preventing the spread of ringworm. Dogs and cats can also be infected with ringworm, and they can pass it to people through direct contact.

The following are some signs of having ringworm:

Ringworm of the scalp: Dry, brittle hair or hair loss in patches, severe itching and a red-ringed patch of small blisters or scaly skin.

Ringworm of the body: Red-ringed patchs of small blisters or scaly skin and severe itching is sometimes present.

Consult your doctor if you have a red-ringed skin infection, severe itching of the skin or scalp, a scaly rash or hair loss.

There are five types of ringworm infections:

• Tinea cruris or jock itch is often seen in males. More specifically located between intertriginous folds of adjacent skin, which can be present in the groin or scrotum, and be indistinguishable from fungal infections caused by tinea.
• Tinea manuum, or tinea manus is a fungal infection on the hands. It is typically more aggressive than tinea pedis but looks similar. Itching, burning, cracking, and scaling may be observed and can be transmitted sexually or otherwise, whether or not symptoms are present.
• Tinea barbæ, also known as barber’s itch, ringworm of the beard, and tinea sycosis is a fungal infection of the hair. Tinea barbae is caused by a dermatophytic infection around the beard. Generally, the infection occurs as a follicular inflammation.
• Tinea corporis is a superficial fungal infection (dermatophytosis) of the arms and legs, especially on smooth skin. However, it may appear on any part of the body.
• Tinea capitis, also known as ringworm of the hair is a cutaneous fungal infection of the scalp. The disease is primarily caused by dermatophytes in the trichophyton and microsporum genera that invade the hair shaft.

Often, the diagnosis of ringworm is obvious because of its location and appearance. Otherwise, skin scrapings for microscopic examination and a culture of the affected skin can establish the diagnosis of ringworm. Home remedies cannot cure ringworm. To cure ringworm, it is necessary to take antifungal medications. Ringworm can be treated topically with external applications or systemically. For example, with oral medications.

You can also take steps to prevent ringworm infections from spreading. Do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, combs, hair accessories, sports gear, or other personal-care items. Wearing sandals or shoes in gyms, locker rooms, and at pools can help reduce your chances of contracting athlete’s foot.

You should avoid touching pets that have signs of ringworm, which are typically bald spots. Always take care to wash your hands after touching pets.

Curing Ringworm Through Diet

People who are infected or are suffering from fungal foot problems know the inconvenience that one goes through while trying to lead a normal life.  The treatment takes a lot of time and most of the time the medicines that are used do not work the way that they claim to. However, once the fungal infection is treated, precautions should be taken to prevent the return of the infection. The following is the list of ten anti-fungal foods that can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of fungal infections.

Vegetables– Green vegetables like broccoli, or cabbage, tomatoes, turnips, onions and cucumbers are very good sources of anti-fungal properties.  One should avoid sweet potatoes, corn and carrots, as they increase the chances of a fungal infection.

Pumpkin Seeds– These seeds are anti-parasitic, antifungal and also have virus-fighting properties.

Cayenne pepper– This helps increase the metabolism and circulation which results in clearing up the fungal infection quickly.

Ginger– This aids in the proper functioning of the immune system as well as boosts digestion. Inflammation of the digestive tract is one of the reasons for the proliferation of fungal infections.

Coconut Oil– The caprylic acid and lauric acid which is present in the coconut help treat the overgrowth of fungus as well as strengthen the immune system. Olive oil contains Oleuropein, which is helpful in treating fungal infections.

Garlic– It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that help the body function properly.

Fruits– Bananas, brown pears, white peaches and dates are the best fruits to treat antifungal infections.

Yogurt– This is considered a good option to cure fungal infections and can either be ingested or applied externally on the affected area.

Apple cider vinegar– This is considered the best cure for acid reflux, indigestion and even fungal infections. One can take a couple of tablespoons of this vinegar before a meal and it will help remove fungal infections.

Gluten-Free Whole Grains– cereals, oats and brown rice are the sources of food which help fight fungal infections. One should avoid white bread, barley, wheat and rye.

Keep in mind that there are certain types of food that you should avoid eating while you are suffering from any sort of infection and these are-

Peanuts, coffee, tea, sugar, artificial sweeteners, butter, margarine and drinks and food that contain yeast.

The list of ten anti-fungal foods that have been mentioned above are also healthy food choices. They not only take care of the fungal infections, but people who are suffering from obesity and candida infections benefit if they consume these foods. You should keep in mind that apart from consuming these anti-fungal foods you should also take care of your hygiene. One should take care of the footwear, as the cause of foot fungal infections are mostly caused by improper foot hygiene.

Can Moose Saliva Really Cure Foot Fungus?

Moose is an interesting animal as its saliva is beneficial for the animal. The moose eats plants that use fungi as a protective agent and by consuming such plants, the moose reduces the level of fungi in the environment.  There are a few plants that a moose loves to eat and many of them use fungi as a means to protect themselves and even a moose cannot consume a large amount of fungus without falling ill.

Scientific research has found that there is a possibility that moose saliva can help treat foot fungal infections. It has been observed that grazing animals effect the plant life around them. Over time, these plants have also developed various methods of protecting themselves and one of them is fungus.

Mutualism is the term given to the relationship a plant shares with a fungus. A fungus is allowed to grow inside of the plant and in return when the plant is being eaten by an animal, the fungus living inside the plant comes into action to protect the plant. When an animal eats a plant which has fungus, ergovaline, a highly toxic substance is produced by the fungus that can lead to the loss of a limb if consumed.

Moose are not affected by the fungus thanks to the saliva that they produce. Scientists have noticed that when a moose’s’ saliva comes in contact with toxic laden grass, it can lead to there being less toxins.  This anti-fungal saliva works to suppress the toxic levels but it does not neutralize the effect when the animal is grazing this grass.  One is still not able to determine how the saliva of a moose does that.

Dutch scientists have discovered that human saliva heals wounds and has been tested on foot ulcers.

Histatin is a component present in human saliva that helps increase the rate at which a wound is healed.

It was observed that wounds that had been treated with saliva were completely healed within sixteen hours. This helps us understand why wounded animals lick their wounds.

Meanwhile, we are far from accepting this saliva treatment as a means to cure fungal infections since the idea of putting saliva on the infection seems disgusting. Nor will we put saliva in our socks or shoes. We are willing to experiment with creams and lotions that a podiatrist recommends, but the natural cure which is available freely is something people are not willing to use. Maybe in the years to come, using saliva to treat fungal infections will be accepted. In the meantime, it is still only a concept.

Fungal Infections on the Groin

Fungus causes infection in the groin area and an anti-fungal cream works best to cure these types of infection. The scientific name given to the fungal infection on the groin area is known as Tinea cruris. Usually, fungus is present on the skin and is not harmful. It can become harmful if they are provided with the right conditions for them to grow and attack. Such conditions that result in fungal infections are found in areas of the body that remain moist and warm and do not have much contact with fresh air, like the groin.

When a fungal infection occurs in the groin area it becomes itchy. This occurs in the crease in between the legs and the genital area. This infection occurs mostly in men and it is the scrotum area that gets affected the most. It usually appears as a red rash and in extensive cases, this rash can reach all the way down the inside of the thighs.

When it comes to treating this fungal infection, anti-fungal creams are a suitable option, and they are available over the counter at local pharmacies and drugstores. There are creams that are available like clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole and econazole. All of these are helpful in treating fungal infections.

One should use the cream topically around the area and make sure to carefully read the instructions before using these types of creams. If the case is more severe, a doctor will recommend taking a mild steroid along with using the fungal cream. This will reduce the redness as well as take care of the itchiness. Bear in mind that steroids alone cannot treat the fungus. Therefore, it should be accompanied with an anti-fungal cream.

Itraconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin are forms of medicine that will be recommended if the fungal infection has become severe or has spread to other parts of the body.

One needs to keep a few things in mind in order to prevent a fungal infection from returning. Here are a few tips that should help in keeping fungal infections at bay.

Take care to keep the area clean and dry. It is important to keep the area dry, as fungal infections tend to thrive in areas that are moist. One can use a hair dryer to dry the groin area if it’s hairy.

Fungi have a tendency to multiply in dirty areas. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you change your underwear daily.

Be aware of the signs of athlete’s foot which usually occur on the skin between the toes. The skin of the feet become flaky and itchy. This infection can also reach the groin area. There are treatments that are applicable for both the fungal infection in the groin area, as well as for athlete’s foot.

One should wash their towels frequently and not share them with others, since this infection is highly contagious. If you are suffering from a fungal infection, it is advisable to keep a separate towel for yourself, so that you do not infect others.