-
-
If you’ve been dealing with white patches on your skin that you can’t get rid of, listen up.
If you’ve been battling with this issue for years and your rash looks similar to the above image, you may already know that it’s most probably a fungal or yeast issue. Unfortunately, some fungal rashes can be very stubborn, it may temporarily go away but then come back.
If you feel like you’ve tried putting every single thing on your skin and are still having trouble with rashes, it may be an inside job. In other words – it could be a candida / fungal issue that is residing in your intestines and affecting you systemically.
Signs you have a systemic candida infection
There are many symptoms that are associated with candida, it can be difficult to diagnose as they are also associated with other health issues. However if you also have a collection of the below issues chances are it’s not just a skin issue but a systemic issue.
- Bloating
- Constipation
- White coating on tongue
- Brain fog
- Acne
- Gas
- Joint pain
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Intense sugar cravings
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Dandruff
- Athletes foot
- Excessive burping
- Severe seasonal allergies
- Eczema
- Food sensitivities
Causes of yeast / fungus / candida overgrowth
Candida a yeast is a common affliction that can overgrow in the gut for a number of reasons including:
- A high sugar diet
- Antibiotic use
- Carbohydrate rich diet
- Constipation
- Low stomach acid
- Low beneficial gut bacteria
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Candida treatment
A multi-pronged approach to get rid of candida is usually required including attacking it from the gut and the skin at the same time. A number of dietary changes may be required to get your gut back into balance. Diet is usually not enough to get rid of a candida infection though, supplements are also a good idea to add in.
Topically
- Mix olive oil and tea tree essential oil rubbed all over the body, not just on the rash.
- Coconut oil has anti-fungal properties
Supplements that can help with candida
- Probiotics – ideally get your microbiome analysed to find out which probiotics you need
- Zinc – boosts the immune system to fight infections, repairs the skin
- Vitamin C
- HCL and pepsin supplements to boost stomach acid
- Liver support supplements such as milk thistle
Dietary changes to reduce yeast in the gut
- A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water daily
- Green tea daily – research shows the polyphenols inhibit bad bacteria whilst helping the good to flourish. Tea can be heavily sprayed with herbicides and insecticides so it is best to buy organic, wait until it’s on sale if you have a tight budget.
- Probiotic rich food such as sauerkraut, milk or water kefir, kimchi, miso paste
- Reduce refined sugar intake – try to limit your sugar intake to fruit only
- Reduce refined carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice
- Consume food high in polyphenols
Lifestyle changes
- Exercise – try to break a sweat from movement almost every single day
- Get enough sleep – this is crucial for optimal function and repair
- Spend time in nature – studies prove that spending time in nature improves the gut microbiome, thereby improving your immune function and making you healthier overall.
What next if the fungal rash still won’t go away?
If you have tried all of these things and it still won’t budge, I recommend investigating what the root cause is, it could be stubborn bacteria, parasites, vitamin or mineral deficiency or imbalance throwing off your homeostasis. I recommend gut microbiome testing and hair mineral analysis testing, you can find out more by clicking on the links.
What is gut microbiome testing?
What is hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA)?
-
By nutritionist Chrissy
Chrissy is a university qualified nutritionist who graduated with honours at La Trobe University in Melbourne. One of her favourite hobbies is to read the scientific literature on how to optimise health. When she’s not reading, writing or working she’s with her 3 children outdoors, practicing yoga, jogging or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Chrissy has overcome some debilitating chronic health issues (low mood, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, very bad acne to name a few) with the power of nutrients and correcting gut health, at 39 she now feels better than she did in her 20’s.