Nail Fungus

Summer is a time when people love to wear opened-toed shoes, flip-flops, or go barefoot. About 10 percent of Americans are afflicted with nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis (ON-Ikomy-ko-sis), a common problem caused by dermatophytes (Tinea unguium, a living organism).

Fungus rarely invades an intact nail. Trauma begins the fungal invasion process. The toe becomes susceptible to fungus growth, which spreads to other nails. Who is at risk? People who work with detergents regularly, athletes, laborers, HIV-positive people, the elderly and diabetics are all highly vulnerable to nail fungus.

Some doctors prescribe Lamisil (terbinafine hydrochloride tablets). Toxicity is high, however, and side effects are not trivial, with the most harmful being liver damage, serious skin reactions, and some deaths attributed to use of the drug. Diflucan is another alternative but, again, beware of all of the side effects and make an informed choice. Only you and your doctor can decide for sure your best course of action.

ANTIFUNGAL POWER CLEANSE
No matter what approach you are using, paying attention to internal cleansing will help to ensure that your nails stay healthy and fungus-free. If you are susceptible to these types of conditions, strongly consider fungal- and mycotoxin-cleansing herbs and nutrients.

We went to health advisory board member Doug Kaufmann, host of Know the Cause and one of the nation's leading experts on fungal links to disease, for some of his recommended natural remedies.

Most organic fatty acids are fungicidal and have been used for centuries as antimicrobial agents. One of the best though, says Kaufmann, is naturally occurring undecylenic acid, which has been shown to be approximately six times more effective as an antifungal than caprylic acid and is effective in maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal and vaginal flora. It is a premiere natural ingredient for anybody who wishes to support their health while using topical medication.

Also important is grapefruit seed extract, discovered in 1980 by Jacob Harich, an American immunologist. According to research, grapefruit seed extract can "exert a potent antifungal activity against...yeast like fungi strains" related to candida. It is commonly used as a natural preservative by leading organic cosmetic companies.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. According to www.neemfoundation.org, "Neem has been highly successfully against harmful fungi, parasites, and viruses. Although it can destroy these, it does not kill off beneficial intestinal flora nor produce adverse side effects. Neem is toxic to several fungi that attack humans, including the causes of athlete's foot and ringworm, and candida, which cause yeast infections and thrush. In fact, neem extracts are some of the most powerful antifungal plant extracts found in the Indian pharmacopeia that are used for these conditions."

Kaufmann also recommends garlic, olive leaf extract, and apple cider vinegar as being safe and beneficial, with no known contraindications with any medications.

Using a quality multivitamin and mineral formula and getting adequate soluble and insoluble fiber (as found in flax and psyllium) to aid in the elimination of toxic cellular debris are important, as is including a quality probiotic formula. Says Kaufmann: "It is a good idea to take a lactobacillus probiotic blend to get your internal flora healthy and prepared to fight fungus. If you have taken antibiotics, it is especially important to reintroduce friendly bacteria. Getting sufficient amounts of good bacteria is nearly impossible with food alone."

"We have listened to our customers and tried to find the easiest and most affordable way to defeat fungus and get your body functioning properly," says Guy Evans, whose company BioActive Nutrients markets a popular antifungal kit. "The first commitment you need to make is to follow a diet that does not feed the fungus. The best one we have found is a two-step dietary plan high in protein, with little or no carbohydrates or sugar. Once you get your body back in control, you will be able to eat some of your favorites again."

If you want to keep your fingernails and toenails as healthy as possible, a natural cleanse aimed at maintaining the body's healthy defenses against fungi and other microorganisms is a great example of healthy living.

The Kit includes BioPLUS, Probiotic-CSP, Caprylic Acid, Olive Leaf Extract, UGN (Undecylenic Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Neem), Apple Cider Vinegar & Odorless Garlic, and Flaxium, Psyllium Powder capsules or Green Sweep.