Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects at least one in three people at some time during their life, making it one of the most common problems seen by gastroenterologists. Many people with IBS have also experienced recurrent Candida infections and symptoms may be linked with immune reactions against Candida proteins. The potential link between these two conditions means they are helped by many of the same herbal treatments, such as probiotics, peppermint oil and turmeric extracts.
Turmeric is best known as the yellow Indian curry spice, but these golden roots contain a high concentration of curcumin which is used to treat intestinal problems in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Recent research suggests that curcumin disrupts Candida cell walls to make them more leaky, while at the same time stabilising human cell membranes to improve their resistance against infection.
Studies have shown that curcumin extracts are effective against 38 different strains of Candida, including those that were resistant to the anti-fungal drug, fluconazole. Curcumin also appears to have a synergistic action with many anti-fungal drugs and supplements may help to increase yeast sensitivity to medical treatments.
Curcumin has also been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, with two thirds of those taking it reporting an improvement in symptoms after treatment. Some studies have not shown a benefit, however, so it’s a question of trying it to see whether or not it works for you.
Overcoming Candida by Dr Sarah Brewer is available as a Kindle eBook or paperback on Amazon and is packed with advice to reduce your Candida symptoms. She covers the nutritional approach to treatment and how to follow an elimination diet, alkaline diet and the more traditional anti-Candida diet.
About the Author / Sarah Brewer
Dr Sarah Brewer is a regular contributor to 50connect, she qualified from Cambridge University with degrees in Natural Sciences, Medicine and Surgery. After working in general practice, she went on to achieve her master’s degree in nutritional medicine from the University of Surrey. As well as being a licensed doctor, Sarah is now also a Registered Nutritionist, Registered Nutritional Therapist and an award winning health writer. Dr Brewer writes widely on all aspects of health and nutrition, including complementary medicine and the safe use of herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. She has written over 50 popular self-help books, is the Editor of YourWellness magazine, and a regular contributor to national newspapers and key women’s publications. Sarah is married with three children and lives in the Channel Islands.
