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5 Natural Remedies That Can Fight Candida Albicans and Its Biofilms

Modified on Apr 11, 2024 | Written by Art Solbrig

NAC Colloidal Silver Xylitol GSE Probiotics Conclusion Warning Where to Buy

Natural Remedies to Fight Candida Biofilms

Can Colloidal Silver, Xylitol, NAC, Probiotics, and Grapefruit Seed Extract Fight Candida Albicans and Its Biofilms?

The fungus Candida Albicans (CA) exists in humans as part of the complete microbiome of the body. The health problems associated with this fungus occur if the CA becomes overgrown and can crowd out healthful bacteria causing gut dysbiosis, which leads to ill health and disease in a negative health cycle. Fighting CA overgrowth is often tricky because this fungus generates biofilms which help protect CA from attack by the body's natural defenses. These biofilms also help protect CA from attack by highly potent prescription antifungals.

Any plan of attack against CA should include biofilm-busting agents that have shown significant activity against CA biofilms and possibly CA itself.

Some agents that have demonstrated such antibiofilm activity are Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), Xylitol, N Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), and Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE).

Breaking down these biofilms will allow the body to use its defense mechanisms to place CA back in check, but these four have also shown the ability to attack the fungus itself. So I would like to discuss these four supplements as they pertain to CA and CA biofilms.

N Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)

I will start with NAC because it is well known and well used by many for its potent antioxidant effects. NAC is generally recognized as a potent antioxidant that helps reduce elevated and damaging Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels. Part of the damage caused by CA is the increased ROS generation, so NAC will help lessen this damaging aspect of CA. This very brief abstract discusses the fact the CA generates significant amounts of ROS.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10867815/

More recent studies of NAC have investigated the effects of NAC on CA biofilms. In this next study, they cover a lot of ground because they first discuss how CA can get to other parts of the body via gut permeability (Leaky Gut) due to gut dysbiosis. Once the CA fungus escapes the intestinal tract, it can freely interact with other bacteria that have also escaped the gut. In this case, they illustrate how CA can interact with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria (Germ), and together they can create an even stronger biofilm than either one alone! NAC was shown to ameliorate this biofilm.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7732535/

In this subsequent study, they tested two different types of CA biofilms, one resistant to the antifungal, Fluconazole and one susceptible to Fluconazole. This study showed that NAC had fungistatic effects (inhibited the growth of the fungus) against both types of biofilms at high dose, but at a low dose, NAC actually had biofilm enhancing effects. So this suggests that taking lower dose NAC with CA is not a good idea, but taking a higher amount is an excellent idea. This study went a step further and showed that NAC had synergy with some antifungals!

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7409114/

In this last study on NAC and CA, they determine that NAC inhibits and eradicates CA biofilms, which is very useful in getting the underlying fungus back to normal levels in the body.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269109392_N-acetylcysteine_Inhibits_and_Eradicates_Candida_albicans_Biofilms

Colloidal Siler Nanoparticles (AgNPs)

Silver has a long history of acting as an antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral. With the advent of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), these activities of silver have been improved, as has the safety of this type of silver over other forms of silver used in the past.

In the case of CA, AgNPs have shown the ability to break down CA biofilms and mixed biofilms of CA and bacteria, which are even tougher and sometimes thicker biofilms. In this next study, they discuss how effective AgNPs are at inhibiting these biofilms :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7600790/

Here are some important quotes from the study :

>>> ' The opportunistic microbial pathogens Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are among the most frequent causative agents of healthcare-acquired infections and are often co-isolated forming mixed biofilms, especially from contaminated catheters. These mixed-species biofilms display a high level of antibiotic resistance; thus, these infections are challenging to treat, resulting in excess morbidity and mortality. ' <<<

>>> ' Our group has previously reported on the activity of pure positively charged silver nanoparticles synthesized by a novel microwave technique against single-species biofilms of C. Albicans and S. aureus. Here, we have expanded our observations to demonstrate that silver nanoparticles display dose-dependent activity against dual-species C. albicans/S. Aureus biofilms. Moreover, the same nanoparticles were used to functionalize catheter materials, effectively inhibiting the mixed fungal/bacterial biofilms. Overall, our results indicate the potent activity of silver nanoparticles against these cross-kingdom biofilms. ' <<<

In this next study, they conclude that AgNPs are potent CA biofilm busters by disrupting biofilms' cell membrane/wall.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4678641/

This next study seems very interesting because it not only shows that AgNPs are effective against CA itself as well as many other pathogens, but it also shows that the addition of N Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) increases the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against CA, so they are synergistic for this purpose.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28543603/

Here are some very important quotes from this study:

>>> ' Antimicrobial activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were tested against standard ATCC strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 9144), Escherichia coli (O157:H7), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) in addition to 60 clinical isolates collected from cancer patients. "<<<

>>> ' AgNPs showed robust antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens, and NAC substantially enhanced the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs against all tested pathogens. Synergism between AgNPs and NAC has been confirmed by checkerboard assay. The effect of AgNPs on tested pathogens was further scrutinized by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), which showed disruption of the cell wall in both bacteria and fungi. ' <<<

>>> ' Taken together, AgNPs have robust antimicrobial activity, and NAC substantially enhances their antimicrobial activities against MDR (Multi-Drug Resistant) pathogens which would provide a novel, safe, effective, and inexpensive therapeutic approach to control the prevalence of MDR pathogens. ' <<<

Xylitol

The next study below shows that Xylitol is a very potent inhibitor of CA in a dose-dependent manner. This is important because sugar is considered something that CA thrives on. Xylitol is one of the best-tasting sugar substitutes, yet it can be lethal to CA, and Xylitol also acts as a healthful prebiotic. Having a viable alternative for sugar is of significant importance in fighting CA:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29422459/

Here is a useful quote from the study :

>>> ' By knowing the MIC and MFC of Xylitol, this substance can be effectively used in products aimed to cure this fungal infection. ' <<<

This next very brief abstract shows that Xylitol is also a very potent inhibitor of CA biofilms and is worth the quick read :

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26456320/

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

GSE is noted for its potent antifungal effects, but studies of GSE and CA are very limited. Here is one article that clearly states the effectiveness of GSE as a potent CA fighter and suggests its use as part of an anti-candida regimen. This is not a long article and is definitely worth the read because it also mentions a few other health benefits of GSE.

https://www.thecandidadiet.com/grapefruit-seed/

The Role Of The Gut Biome

Lastly, if you feel that your CA is systemic, then it will be very useful to use Coconut Oil and probiotics that have antifungal and anti-candida activity to help improve the gut microbiome and inhibit fungal growth. Here is a list of some probiotic bacterial strains that have shown activity against CA and other fungi and may potentially help improve the gut biome, so it is a very hostile place for CA to flourish in.

1. Saccharomyces Boulardii - Top species for CA Available in Florastor

2. Lactobacillus Acidophilus NCFM - Renew Life / Ultimate Flora / Extra Care Probiotic

3. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus - Renew Life / Ultimate Flora / Extra Care Probiotic

4. Cold-Pressed Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Viva Naturals Organic Coconut

Conclusion

Candida Albicans can be very challenging to reduce back to levels seen in healthy people, but the combination of all of the above should be a highly potent combination that should be able to achieve that goal along with a shift to a healthier diet incorporating fiber, fermentable fiber and much less sugar intake in its many forms. These are potent CA and CA Biofilm fighters that should also allow your body's natural defense system to work in unison with these supplements once the biofilms are broken down and if I have a serious CA overgrowth that I have not been able to get rid of, I need to use these remedies under my doctor's supervision and guidance.

The following is how I would use this regimen for myself, but you should consult your doctor to make sure that all of this will be safe for you and compatible with what you are currently taking.

It is advisable to start low and slow because if I use all of the above all at once, the die-off will cause serious reactions as my body tries to deal with the dead and toxic debris. This can result in headaches, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, joint aches, and other problems, so I want to start very slowly with one item at a time, such as one probiotic first.

Warning:

The symptoms of die-off can be very similar to Covid-19 and this is another good reason to include my doctor's supervision because he can have me tested quickly to make sure it is not Covid-19 a life-threatening disease.

Preferably the Florastor first. Once I find I am tolerating the package dosing schedule, then I can try adding the other probiotic to recommended label dosing. Next, I can add VCO slowly such as 1 teaspoon a day. When I can tolerate that then I can try slowly increasing the VCO up towards 2 tablespoons per day. VCO contains Caprylic Acid which can destroy the cell membrane walls of CA.

Next, I can try adding the Xylitol at 4 grams a day and then slowly work up to 10 to 12 grams per day using it as a sweetener for tea, coffee, lemonade, oatmeal, etc. Once I am up to 10 to 12 grams a day, I can consider adding the GSE at the minimum label dosing and then work my way up to the higher label dosing.

Although the NAC and AgNPs have shown synergy against CA and CA biofilms, I feel they are too strong to be taken together initially. So I would start at the label recommended dose of NAC and work my way up to dose levels I have tested on myself in the past that I was able to tolerate. Although I have tolerated up to 1800 mg a day in divided doses, I would go no higher than 1200 mg per day in divided doses for CA. NAC can be a little rough on the stomach and is noted for causing stomach issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Lastly, I would start the colloidal silver at low dosing as it may be the most potent of the bunch at fighting CA and its biofilms, and only if it is needed if the CA is not fully reduced back to healthy levels. In the studies above and elsewhere, it was clear that AgNPs are a very potent inhibitor of CA and CA biofilms and that is one of the reasons I would save it for last to be used only if there is still CA overgrowth issues, But I would think in most cases there wouldn't be by this point in the regimen. Remember, CA is a natural part of our microbiome, so I am not trying to eradicate it, but rather bring it back to normal levels to help maintain broad gut microbiome diversity as seen in healthy people!