Beating Candidiasis safely while breastfeeding

Could it be Candida?

Candida albicans is a common fungus that typically resides in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Usually, it’s harmless and part of the body’s natural microbiome. Problems arise when an already weakened immune system allows this fungus to multiply uncontrollably, leading to an overgrowth known as candidiasis. This condition can range from mild, causing barely noticeable symptoms, to severe, manifesting as conditions like thrush in various parts of the body. As well, fungal infections can penetrate into the bloodstream, and surround organs like the kidneys and bladder, complicating our common urinary tract infections.

With treatment, the goal isn’t to eliminate candida entirely; it plays a role in our body’s microbial community. Using treatments like insertable creams can help manage an overgrowth, but the aim is balance, not eradication.

Why is balance so important? Our microbiome—made up of various bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites—has a significant impact on our overall health. Keeping candida in check allows the microbiome to stabilize and gives your immune system a chance to recover. Otherwise, you risk recurrent infections and further complications.

Nipple Thrush

Breastfeeding mothers can experience a painful fungal infection of the nipple called thrush. Again: it occurs when the microbiome is out of balance and unable to prevent fungal overgrowth.

When I lived in Switzerland, I learned that nipple thrush is practically unknown in that country. Why? For starters, Swiss doctors do not over-prescribe antibiotics, many of which degrade the microbiome. The Swiss also typically eat a whole-foods diet including fresh fruit and vegetables. The Swiss also value cleanliness, regularly changing sheets, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces, cleaning the fridge, etc. Importantly, the weather in Switzerland is rarely humid, and humidity increases the growth of fungus. Those of us who live in high-humid parts of the world need to take extra care to maintain the balance of the microbiome and to keep the home clean.

Leaky Gut

Candidiasis (and similar fungi) is a major contributing factor in a condition called leaky gut or permeable intestine. Here, the cells of the intestinal lining are not tightly bound together. Spaces open between them, microscopic “holes” through which tiny food molecules and toxins pass through. See my article on priming the baby during pregnancy for colic and food allergies. 

Candidiasis is opportunistic: it overgrows and invades the body if the immune system is unable to fight it off. People with a compromised immune system such as those with chronic fatigue, chronic inflammatory conditions, or brain fog, frequently also have a systemic candidiasis infection. (Systemic means that it is found in multiple parts, or systems, of the body.)

Resolving a fungal infection can be tricky – but absolutely worth the trouble as it is an essential step toward re-balancing and strengthening the immune system.

The short-term use of an anti-fungal medication called Nystatin is considered generally safe for a breastfeeding mother.

If you develop nipple thrush, first talk with your lactation expert to learn what you can do to resolve the infection. For a long term solution, take the steps listed below in the next sections.

Re-balance the microbiome and strengthen the immune system against candidiasis

A successful, long-term treatment approach has three parts:

1) eliminate mold from the home (also eliminate irritating and toxic chemicals);

2) eat a whole-foods diet including gut-healing vegetables and broths; remove all foods made with refined sugar (but some fruit and berries is okay);

3) rotate herbal supplements that have strong anti-fungal properties. We alternate these supplements to prevent the fungus from developing resistance to any one of them. In order to overwhelm the defenses of the fungal infection, hitting it from many sides repeatedly and frequently with different kinds of  anti-fungal herbal supplements is what works.

This long-term approach does not quickly eradicate the fungus, but it does slowly reduce the fungus while allowing your immune system to become stronger and more effective against the fungus, while also allowing your intestine and organs to heal.

Scroll down to the end of this article to read about “Die Off,” and learn about the ups and downs of a consistent healing protocol.

Avoid Oregano while breastfeeding

It’s important to choose the right antifungal supplements when breastfeeding. Oregano oil is a case in point. Although it is highly potent in combating fungal infections, oregano oil sometimes reduces milk supply. It’s better to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding before you start using oregano oil. A good brand for later could be the NOW oregano oil capsules, which also includes fennel and ginger oils. These oils contribute to intestinal healing, further boosting your post-breastfeeding health journey.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract is a strong antifungal that has a long history of use by breastfeeding mothers. With a liquid product such as this one by NutriBiotic, you can modulate your dosage from just 1 – 2 drops in a cup of water to 5 – 10 drops, taken 3 – 5 times a day.

The ability to experiment and find your best dosage gives you control. This may feel new and uncomfortable for many, as we are used to following dosage recommendations. In the case of clearing infection, and using natural products, it is useful to start with. alow dosage and build up, watching your body’s reaction. You can scale back if you notice increased fatigue or any unwellness, and then gradually increase your dosage again at a later time.