The Top 4 Foods for Combating Fungi

The Top 4 Foods for Combating Fungi and Parasites

It’s a disturbing fact of life. Our body is constantly under attack from parasites and fungi. Most of the time, our immune system is strong enough to keep them at bay, but there are things you can do to keep your immune system in tip-top shape at all times. In fact, you probably already have the solution for fighting fungal and parasitic infections in your refrigerator and kitchen cabinets. Foods that you are already eating have anti-parasitic and anti-fungal effects. Some will get your immune system in fighting shape while others will directly attack the fungus or parasite.

Please note, if you already have an infection, you will want to call your physician, as diet may not be enough to treat it.

#1 Cruciferous Vegetables
These vegetables include onions, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and many others. They contain a chemical called thiols that wipes out fungi. For example, a recent study discovered that fermented cabbage can kill candida, a common fungus.

These vegetables are not just good for fighting fungus, though. They also offer a number of other health benefits. They can lower cholesterol and prevent the blood clotting that leads to stroke and heart disease. To get the most out of them, you’ll want to eat them fresh, as chewing is part of what releases the positive effects these vegetables have to offer.

#2 Garlic

Fresh garlic is one of the best foods to combat fungus and parasites. Garlic has a compound called organosulphur that fights parasites, fungi, and other bacteria. In fact, studies show that garlic is better at fighting the fungus candida alibicans than a drug called nystatin. However, please note that dried garlic does not contain the antimicrobial part of fresh garlic called allicin. Allicin is an important chemical in the fight against fungi and parasites.

#3 Spices

Not only do spices improve the taste of your food; they can also improve the dietary quality. Rhubarb, cloves, figs, and cinnamon are all good ways to fight parasites. Rhubarb can work as a laxative that will help remove parasites.

Olive leaf and ginger are also good for combatting parasites. The chemical zingibain is contained in ginger. That chemical has been shown to kill parasites and their eggs. This is why sushi is always served with ginger. There is a compound known as pseudopelletierine found in pomegranates that also provides protection against parasites.

#4 Pumpkin Seeds

The single best food for combatting parasites is pumpkin seeds. They have been proven to kill pinworms and tapeworms. A good cleansing diet is to fast for 12 hours and then to eat 12 ounces of pumpkin seeds. After you eat the seeds, take a laxative and drink warm liquids to eliminate the waste.

This is much safer than many de-worming treatments, and it’s safe for pregnant women and children. Please consult a doctor before attempting this cleanse.

Final Word of Advice

If you think you already have a fungal or parasitic infection, it is imperative that you call your doctor. If these infections are not treated right away, they could lead to more serious illnesses. Also, the longer an infection goes untreated, the harder it will be to cure it.

Why Heels Crack

Dry, callused skin is one of the main culprits behind the skin on our heels cracking. If the problem becomes exceptionally severe, cracks, also called fissures, can cause extreme pain and make your feet bleed. Things to look out for is skin that is peeling and cracked, growing hard, flaky, calloused, or dark and yellowing. It is important to take heel fissures seriously as they may open up ways for fungi and bacteria to get under your skin, which can lead to more severe problems like athlete’s foot or even a nasty bacterial infection.We all know how uncomfortable dry and cracked skin can be. Now let’s look at the reasons behind this issue.

If you often wear shoes that do not cover your heel or are thin-soled, you may be increasing the chances that your heels will crack. These open-heeled shoes, like flip flops, make the feet swell. This puts more pressure on the heels and makes it easier for the skin to crack. Thus, thin-soled, open-heeled shoes should be worn sparingly.

Another culprit behind cracked heels are shoes that do not fit properly. If your shoes are too tight, they might be rubbing up against your skin, which will often cause blisters. Blisters can very quickly transform into sore, bleeding, cracked heels. Thus, you always want to get shoes that fit your foot properly so air can circulate your feet and so the shoes do not rub against your skin. Good shoes will also keep your feet dry, which will help to prevent athlete’s foot.

If you often spend long periods standing on hard floors, you are more likely to get cracked feet. Prolonged standing creates pressure and friction on your feet, and this pressure can lead to fissures or sores that may bleed and feel painful. If your job requires you to stand for long time periods, wear appropriate shoes with enough cushioning and support.

For people who are obese, merely standing will cause pressure that can lead to fissures on your feet. The increased pressure will make the pad on your heel expand. Skin needs to be flexible and supple, but if it’s not, the increased pressure will make the heels crack. Thus, those who are overweight need to buy good shoes to alleviate some of the pressure on their feet. Heel cups or pads can also stop heels from expanding.

Those who suffer from thyroid conditions or diabetes are at an increased risk for foot fissures. First, poor circulation to the lower extremities will increase the likelihood of all sorts of feet issues. Mainly, these illnesses can make sweat glands inactive, which will make the skin dry. If you have dry skin, you will obviously have a higher incident of fissures appearing on your heels.

Athlete’s foot, heel spurs, and flat feet may also lead to foot fissures. Also, conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also crack the feet or heels. Again, moisturizing your feet can help to alleviate foot dryness.

If you do have a serious medical condition and often suffer from dry feet, it is imperative that you contact your podiatrist.

Home Remedies for Itching Feet

While chronic diseases and other factors can make feet itch, the most common reasons for itchy feet are that they are too moist, or, conversely, too dry. These issues are easy to solve with home remedies.

However, you should note that there are times when you will need to call your general care physician or podiatrist. Painful blisters or skin that is smelly, scaly, red, or severely cracked should be cause for concern. Additionally, if you are showing symptoms of a fungal infection, like athlete’s foot, you will also want to visit your physician as these sorts of infections can turn into more serious bacterial infections.

Usually, though, itchy feet can be cured at home with a few simple ingredients.

There are many walnut hull recipes that can help you put together a moisturizer to alleviate the itching associated with dry feet. One such recipe is to mix together a cup of water and a teaspoon of ground walnut hulls. Simmer in a saucepan at medium heat for half an hour. After that, pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to strain it. While it’s still warm, pour half of a cup on your feet. Then, dry them with a towel, preferably an old one as the mixture may stain. Add eucalyptus oil (5 drops), tea tree oil (10 drops), and calendula oil (3 tablespoons) to the remaining liquid. You should then massage your feet with the mixture.

Please note, walnut hulls have not been approved by the FDA to treat athlete’s foot.

A saltwater soak can sometimes alleviate irritation and stop itching. You should mix salt (2 teaspoons) with warm water (2 cups). Pour the liquid into a tub and soak your feet for five to ten minutes. You can soak feet once an hour until the itching eases. Again, please note that the FDA has not approved saltwater as a treatment option for fungal infections.

A baking soda paste has also been known to help stop the discomfort and burning associated with itchy feet. To make the paste, add one tablespoon of baking soda to two to three teaspoons of water. Stir the mixture until it turns into a paste.Wipe the paste over the feet and make sure you saturate each part of your foot, especially the skin in between your toes. Let the paste dry for five to ten minutes. Then, put your feet under cool water to rinse off the paste. Dry your feet with a towel. Then, dust your feet with cornstarch to remove any lingering moisture. Fungi love damp feet, so you want to make sure that you’re keeping yours cool and dry to avoid further fungal infections.

As with all of the remedies discussed here, the FDA has not approved baking soda as a treatment for fungal foot infections. However, it will give you temporary relief from itching.

If the itching continues, or if the problem worsens, it is important to see your doctor right away as the condition may transform into something more serious, like a bacterial infection.

When You Need to Talk to a Doctor About Cracked Feet

Everyone wants to have healthy and smooth feet, because they feel good and look fantastic. However, many have to deal with dry, cracked skin that at best, doesn’t look very good. It can be itchy or painful. The heels are particularly prone to this issue.

When this is a problem, you may not wear those cute sandals that you bought for the summer. Most of the time you can treat dry, cracked heels from the comfort of your own home, using supplies that you already have. However, there are times when you may need to see a podiatrist.

While our toes and heels crack most often, irritating cracks can occur anywhere on the feet. Sometimes, the cracks can be so painful that it is difficult to walk. Often, calluses may lead to these cracks because they have made the skin hard and thick. Once the skin is tough, then simply walking can split the area of the skin around the calluses.

One cause of calluses are shoes that are too tight. If the shoes don’t fit properly, your foot may become irritated where the shoe is rubbing against the skin. Calluses may also form if you often walk barefoot outside. If the calluses get thick enough, the skin is likely to crack. Being overweight, wearing shoes like flip flops, or standing for a long time can also make heels crack.

Those with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thyroid problems, or diabetes are also at a higher risk for cracked heels due to poor circulation in the lower extremities. If you suffer from one of these conditions, it is important to speak with your doctor if you are having issues with your feet.

Usually, you can treat cracked skin at home and you’ll be healed quickly. A simple treatment is to put a thick coat of lotion on the surface of your feet. Make sure you really moisturize your toes and heels. Put on socks in a natural fiber like cotton or wool, so the lotion can stay on your skin instead of the bedsheets.

When you take a bath or shower the next morning, gently rub off the dead skin with a file or pumice stone. Before you know it, your feet will already start to look and feel better. If your feet are not improving, or if they are getting worse, it is time to call your doctor.

There are a few times when you may need to call a podiatrist. Older people who get severe cracks should call a doctor immediately as these cracks may quickly transform into bedsores or ulcers. If you have an autoimmune disorder like HIV or diabetes, you will also want to contact a physician right away. Finally, if you are a healthy person, but the cracks don’t go away after an attempt at a home treatment, it is time to see a podiatrist.

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Infections

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Skin Infections

Those who have suffered from jock itch or athlete’s foot know all too well that curing these infections can seem to take forever. Both are caused by fungi. Another illness caused by a fungus is yeast infections. A yeast infection crops up due to the fungus candida albicans. It will usually appear in the mucous membranes of the vagina or mouth. However, candida albicans can also lie in skin creases, especially if a person has diabetes, is taking antibiotics, or is overweight. The usual treatment for fungal skin infections is external creams and powders, many of which can be purchased over-the-counter. This treatment does not work for all types of fungi, though. For these, oral anti fungal medication will be necessary.

Another way to speed up healing is by taking herbs known to treat fungal skin infections. It is very important to first discuss these with your physician, especially if you are on any other medications.

Chamomile is an annual flower that is often found in gardens because of its sweet smell and appearance. They look like daisies. Chamomile has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. As soon as the plant blooms, the flower is picked to make creams, teas, capsules, and tinctures.

While chamomile is generally used as a sleep aid, it also has some properties that can wipe out fungi. To treat infections, consider drinking chamomile tea throughout the day. Also, you can place your teabag or any leftover tea on the infected areas.

As with all herbal remedies, it is important to discuss chamomile with your physician, and you should not use it if you take blood thinners, other sedatives or if you are pregnant.

Aloe vera has also been used for thousands of years. As anyone who has had a sunburn knows, aloe vera is a gel that is inside the leaves of succulents. It is excellent for getting rid of fungal skin infections. The juice has also been put in drinks to help get rid of candida albicans infections. Aloe vera works by getting your white blood cells to attack the infection. As with chamomile, it is important to take aloe vera only after discussing it with your doctor. Those who have kidney or liver diseases and women who are nursing or pregnant should not take aloe vera.

A member of the mint family, thyme has an instantly recognizable scent. It has long been used in herbal treatments and as a culinary spice. It is the leaves that are used as medicine. Thyme treats athlete’s foot and other fungal skin infections. It is generally administered in a tea, tincture, or capsule.

Thyme contains a chemical that strengthens skin proteins that will create a stronger barrier against fungi. As with other herbal supplements, be sure to contact your doctor to make sure you are using it properly. Also, thyme should not be used by those who suffer from duodenal ulcers or women who are pregnant.

One of the best foods for treating and preventing fungal skin infections is garlic. It adds a pungent taste to food and has also been used as a medicine since ancient times. Fresh garlic contains a chemical called allicin that can wipe out fungi. Taking a 4,000 mcg or 5,000 mcg of a garlic supplement can completely eliminate a skin infection caused by the candida albicans fungus. Before taking a garlic supplement, you will want to consult your physician, especially if you are on blood thinners or pregnant.

Treating Fungus with Over-the-Counter Medications

Athlete’s foot is a common way to describe a fungal infection. What causes it? Generally, you catch athlete’s foot by coming into contact with it at a public swimming pool or communal showers. You see, fungi love moist, warm areas, so they will hang out on a shower floor, just waiting to hop a ride home with you. The fungus that infects your toes is called dermatophytes (commonly known as athlete’s foot), and it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to get rid of it. Onycomycosis, on the other hand, usually infects your toenails, and it can take as long as a year and a half to cure it.

Below is a list of several over-the-counter medications used to treat athlete’s foot and onycomycosis. It is important for you to check with your doctor before you use one of these if you have a serious illness like diabetes.

The only herbal medication on the list, tea tree oil can be used to treat either onychomycosis or athlete’s foot. As an herbal remedy, it has not yet received FDA approval regarding its effectiveness or safety. As it may interact with other medicines or have side effects, you should consult a physician before trying tea tree oil.

To apply the cream, make sure you wear gloves and put it on the infected area twice every day. Make sure you are only using it externally. Side effects are usually minimal but can include itching or burning.

It’s important to note that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant and children younger than 2 should not use miconazole.

Otherwise, miconazole is similar to clotrimazole in that it is used to treat infections on your toes. Remember to wear gloves when you are applying it, which you need to do twice a day. Much like clotrimazole, make sure you are only using this externally. As with many creams, side effects can include a rash or itch.

Terbinafine needs to be used under the supervision of a physician because of its strength, and since it can negatively interact with other prescription medications. It should not be given to kids under 12. Like the other two creams, you put it on two times each day and need to wear gloves when applying it. Terbinafine is generally considered the best way to treat fungal infection that are in between the toes. However, it does not treat onychomycosis.

Tolnaftate comes in powder, spray, gel, or cream form. As with the other medications mentioned, you put it on twice a day, externally only. Itching and skin irritation are common side effects.

Undecylenic Acid treats athlete’s foot by stopping fungi from growing. As with all of the other medications, you need to wear gloves when applying it two times each day. As with miconazole, diabetics and women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication. Itching and stinging are common side effects and are no cause for alarm. If you experience swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth or if you experience shortness of breath, you need to contact a doctor immediately.

Avoiding Athlete’s Foot

Avoiding Athlete’s Foot at the Salon

Most people think of athlete’s foot as something that only affects athletic people. However, anyone can get it. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus or bacteria that attacks the skin between our toes and the soles of our feet. Commons signs are sensitive, dry, or red skin. Warm, moist environments are perfect for these fungi to grow.

How can I get it at a salon?

The last thing most of us are thinking about when we’re having a relaxing day at the spa is contracting athlete’s foot, but it’s a more common place to get it than you may think. In fact, it’s the only disease you’re likely to pick up at a nail salon. People catch this nasty bacteria when the spa does not properly sanitize tools or whirlpools.

When you’re at a nail salon, it’s possible that the person before you was infected. Workers have to make sure that they thoroughly clean the equipment and foot tubs so that athlete’s foot does not jump from one customer to the next. However, it is tough to get rid of the fungus, so salons need to properly train their workers in appropriate disinfecting practices. When you’re at a salon, don’t be shy about asking how they clean the equipment.

How do I prevent it?

While it’s unlikely that you’ll catch athlete’s foot at home, there are still some precautions you should take. Make sure you wear dry-wick socks because they are less likely to make your feet sweat. Disinfect your shoes with a spray or anti-fungal foot powder. Also, keep your feet as dry as possible by taking off your shoes as often as you can.

On the other hand, avoid walking around barefoot in public places, especially swimming pools, saunas, and public showers.

If you’re going to a new salon, and you’re not sure how they disinfect their equipment, consider bringing your own tools.

Symptoms

If you did not take the above precautions, and you’re worried thatbyou may have aAthlete’s foot, look for these symptoms:

Blisters
Itching and burning feet
Extremely dry soles
Redness or calluses
Skin peeling from your foot

How do I get rid of it?

There are medicated powders that can help cure the infection. Usually, you will be prescribed either Miconazole or Tolnaftate.

Some also treat themselves by concocting a remedy made of 20% white vinegar and 80% water. If you soak your feet in this for 10 minutes every day, you can kill the bacteria.

Another important part of treatment is anti-fungal creams. There are a lot of options, so you will want to ask your doctor which one she recommends. Some of the options are terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole nitrate, and shampoos with ketoconazole. There are side effects, so you will want to discuss your medical history with your doctor.

One last thing

Don’t forget about your toenails. A lot of people get infected or reinfected because they ignore their nails. Infections can get under your nails just as easily as they can get on your foot. Know in advance that it’s tougher to get rid of nail fungus. It can take up to three or four months.

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