What is Thrush?
Thrush is the common name for the overgrowth of the fungi Candida Albicans. It is also known as Yeast infection or Candidiasis. This yeast is normally present in the body and is usually kept in check by other surrounding bacteria. Thrush can flourish in moist areas of the body such as the mouth, groin, vagina, nappy areas in babies, and nipples during breast feeding. Thrush is a common infection in babies, more so if the mother has an active vaginal yeast infection.

In older children and adults it is mostly triggered by diseases or drugs that affect the immune system such as chemotherapy, steroid therapy, and antibiotics. These drugs usually kill the mouth’s normal bacteria population. With nothing to fight them, Candida thrives without competition. A dry mouth can also cause thrush. Though it is not a serious disease it can cause a lot of discomfort.

What Are the Symptoms? Thrush causes curd-like white patches inside the mouth, especially on the roof or floor of the mouth. If you try to scrape it, you may find a red inflamed area, which may bleed slightly and can be painful. You may also get a bad taste in the mouth and feel a decreased sensitivity to taste.

What Are the Remedies? Candida yeast feeds mostly on carbohydrates in many forms, be it a piece of bread, fruit juice, a candy, or rice. The best thing to do is to increase your intake of green leafy vegetables. Try to avoid refined sugars, deep fried foods, and other starchy carbohydrate foods. A nourishing diet will help you avoid thrush and also relieve you of the symptoms. Try to take yogurt regularly as it will clear your system and clear thrush. You can crush a little ginger or one teaspoon ginger paste and boil in water till it splutters. Strain the mixture leaving the whitish layer at the bottom of the vessel. Add honey to it and drink it twice or thrice a week. You will see the difference. Keep the carbohydrate level low in your diet. Keep fresh fruit to a minimum. Try lemon or kiwi fruit which are rich in vitamin-C. Coconut oil is a naturally anti fungal will reduce thrush. Apply it in affected areas or include it in your cooking.

For babies, apply virgin coconut oil. While breast feeding, apply tea tree oil on nipples and wash nipples with warm water before and after feeding. Adults can take small quantities of tea tree oil. Application of oregano or clove oil, works just as well, when mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil.

Make sure that your diet is rich in natural wholesome foods and avoid sugars. Take plenty of anti-candida foods like raw and fermented foods: raw sauerkraut, raw pickles and kimchi, raw milk and yogurt. Above all eat well, rest well, relax, and do not get over stressed and stay healthy.