Proper dietary measures can overcome benign oral candidiasis

Benign oral candidiasis normally results from an overgrowth of yeast or Candida albicans in the mouth that damages the oral mucosa lining. This micro-organism is normally found at the lining of the mucus membranes in the body. Candida albicans normally serve to detect and destroy a foreign, harmful bacterium in the body.In a normal human being, this micro-organism is not supposed to overgrow as it turns harmful. For dead bodies, it normally multiplies to break down the organic components of the body.Benign oral candidiasis is sometimes called oral thrush. These are mouth ulcers that come on and off without notable complications. This type of candidiasis is different from the fungal infection which is systemic or caused by an underlying pathology as seen in people with advanced HIV/AIDS and those undertaking cancer therapy whose immunity has been compromised.To individuals whose oral candidiasis has no pathological cause, it is in most cases caused by poor oral hygiene or deficiency of some vitamins and minerals in the body system.Some individuals are naturally born with a weak immune system and in this case have to depend on a vitamin rich diet to strengthen their immune system.Feeding on a good balanced diet is one of the most important approaches to control candidiasis and strengthen the immune system as well.Diet should contain food staffs that are natural and fresh; should contain no artificial additives, no pesticide spray as food crops tend to absorb this chemical directly and should contain no heavy metals.Diet products such as meat, milk and cheese should be from free moving domestic animals that feed on natural grass. For proteins; fish and chicken of organic source is preferred. Fish should be checked from any pollutants as it is kept in contaminated water bodies like sea, oceans and big lakes with high level of pollutants.Fish provides an admirable quantity of proteins to our body system. However, should be taken in averagely low quantities as it slows the breakdown of carbohydrates that in turn could affect the body’s need for insulin production from the pancreas.Our body system also needs to absorb good fats and oils. They improve on body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the foods we eat and thus are a source of energy. They provide the body building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones. As essential body nutrients, they are carriers for vitamins A, D, E and K. Fats and Oils aid in the conversion of carotene to vitamin A. vitamin A is an essential body nutrient and central to proper function of our body system. Also the quality of fats consumed from our diet greatly influences the assimilation and utilization of vitamin D.Another important product found in fats is cholesterol that offers protection as it nourishes the nervous system and the brain.Besides, cholesterol is also a source of testosterone and estrogen hormones. The two hormones play an important role in the human reproductive system. It is a very strong antioxidant and also aids in production of bile salts an important component of digestion.Another useful food product to people with benign oral candidiasis is coconut oil. This oil has a variety of properties that aid anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities. In addition, c coconut oil supports the function of immune system as it supplies essential nutrients that strengthen defense elements in the body.Coconut oil has also been proved to improve digestion and nutrient absorption. The fat in coconut oil puts little strain on the digestive system and provides a quick source of energy necessary to promote healing properties in our body. This is largely because of its direct absorption from the intestines into the portal vein and sent straight to the liver for complete metabolism. This is a special property because other fats require pancreatic enzymes to break them into smaller units before absorption process takes place.Low carbohydrate diet is usually recommended as high carbohydrate content food tends to feed the Candida albicans. This is because some high starchy foods like Yams and Sweet potatoes tend to have high amounts of yeast, which favors Candida albicans outgrowth. If the required food nourishment is not attained or affordable, then it is advisable to take some mineral and vitamin supplements. Magnesium and calcium supplements in equal proportions are recommended. For Vitamins; Vitamins B complex, C, A and D supplements should be considered on a regular basis for at least 2 to 4 weeks.The writer is a resident Oncologist in Jerusalem.