Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast organisms. The condition is characterized by bad breath, altered taste, a burning sensation and white patches in the mouth and throat.
The Presence of Yeast is Normal
Candida is a fungus which is normally present in the gastrointestinal tract. Yeast only becomes a pathogen when there is a disturbance of the normal bacterial flora. Antibiotics, too much sugar, a compromised immune system, cancer treatments and some medications, including steroids, antihistamines and high-estrogen contraceptives may predispose the mouth to yeast infections. At risk populations include pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and those with diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Strategies to help prevent thrush include eating a high-fiber diet, and avoiding sweet and starchy foods and alcohol, which may feed yeast. Resistance to commonly used medications, such as clotrimazole, nystatin, fluconazole and ketoconazole is becoming a problem in the medical treatment of candida. Oral medications may have side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness and diarrhea. Serious risks to health affecting the liver or kidneys can be a result of drug interactions. Alternative therapies are being explored in scientific studies.
Probiotics Occur Naturally in Fermented Foods
Friendly bacteria colonies, known as probiotics, compete with yeast organisms for nutrients and space, naturally decreasing infection. Researchers in Finland implemented a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which elderly subjects were randomized into two groups. One group ate cheese with probiotics daily for 16 weeks while a control group was given plain cheese. In the probiotics group the presence of candida in the mouth was decreased by 32 percent. The control group saw and increase in yeast organisms.
The study was published in the February 2007 Journal of Dental Research. Probiotic supplements of acidophilus or bifidus contain a greater concentration of bacteria and are more likely to be effective than those occurring naturally in food sources.
Pomegranate Fights Yeast
In Brazil, 60 patients with thrush from wearing dentures underwent a comparison study. Half the subjects were treated with miconazole gel and half were treated with pomegranate gel. Both received applications three times a day for 15 days. At 48 hours after the end of the intervention participants’ response was evaluated and oral cultures taken. In the pomegranate group, 27 out of 30 patients had resolution of symptoms and were negative for Candida, while only 21 out of 30 achieved similar results with medication. The findings were published in the June 2003 issue of Mycoses.
Garlic Paste Works as Well as Clotrimazole
Researchers from Kasturba Medical College in India randomly treated 28 patients with clotrimazole and 28 with a topical application of garlic paste. Both treatments took two weeks and were found to be equally effective in eradicating the symptoms of oral thrush. The findings were published in the April 2005 issue of Tropical Doctor.
Tea Tree Oil Useful in Resistant Cases of Thrush
While tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, and may cause irritation or swelling in sensitive individuals, the National Institutes of Health report there is evidence that rinsing the mouth with tea tree oil solution for two to four weeks seems to improve symptoms in thrush which is not responsive to treatment with medications. A group of 27 HIV/AIDS patients at at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan were given this alternative therapy, which proved to be effective in 60 percent of cases.
Herbal Remedies Have Been Used for Generations
The University of Maryland Medical Center lists Pau d’arco bark at a dose of 3 to 6 cups per day among traditional remedies for yeast infections. Echinacea, 2 to 4 ml per day, may help prevent reccurrence.
Thrush is an oral candida infection. Many health problems can lower the body’s ability to keep yeast in check, and some organisms are drug-resistant. Fortunately, natural remedies have been shown to have promising anti-fungal properties.
References:
Journal of Dental Research, "Probiotics Reduce the Prevalence of Oral Candida in the Elderly – a Randomized Controlled Trial," Hatakka K., et. al., 86(2), 2007.
Mycoses, "Use of Punica granatum as an Antifungal Agent Against Candidosis Associated With Denture Stomatitis," Vasconcelos LC, et. al., 46(5-6), 2003.
Tropical Doctor, "Efficacy of Garlic Paste in Oral Candidiasis," Sabitha P., et. al., 35(2), 2005.
Medline Plus, “Tea Tree Oil” (accessed November 16, 2010).
HIV Clinical Trials, "Efficacy of Alcohol-Based and Alcohol-Free Melaleuca Oral Solution for the Treatment of Fluconazole-Refractory Oropharyngeal Candidiasis in Patients With AIDS," Vazquez J.A., et. al., 3(5), 2002.
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Candidiasis” (accessed November 16, 2010).
Mary Earhart - Mary Earhart, RN, BSN, is a Licensed Midwife. She has written articles for professional journals and grants for non-profit agencies as ...
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