Top 10 Natural Antifungals

These are the go-to anti-fungals you should never be without.

One of the recommendations that accompanies The Kaufmann One and Two diets is that you begin taking natural anti-fungals to assist in killing any potential pathogenic yeast or fungal infections in the body. While you are on the diet, you are already starving fungi of their favorite food source (sugar) and limiting exposure to foods known to be contaminated with toxic mold byproducts, known as mycotoxins. Furthermore, many of the foods encouraged on the diets posses anti-fungal properties, adding to the fungicidal activity of the diet.

Adding anti-fungal supplements to your diet constitutes one more way for you to fight potentially dangerous yeasts and fungi in the body. While some people may require prescription anti-fungals, these must be acquired from a doctor. In certain instances, nutritional supplements can represent a safe and effective way to get the same anti-fungal benefits without the potential hazards of prescriptions, and they are widely available at health food stores. (Before begging any new dietary or supplement regimen, always consult your physician.)

While there are many anti-fungal supplements available in health food stores, there are some that are repeatedly and confidently recommended. The list of ten below constitutes some of the most popular and effective natural anti-fungal supplements. Many of these are foods that you can (and should) include in your diet, but the supplement form is often comprised of more potent extracts than the food, itself; this means supplements can be effective at compounding anti-fungal effects as opposed to the pure or raw food form. Remember to rotate these often as part of your regimen. 

Oil of Oregano

Oregano oil possesses potent anti-fungal properties. There are many forms of oregano, but oregano oil might posses some of the most potent effects. 

Garlic

Garlic is easy to include in your diet, but aged garlic and garlic extracts might be even more potent than the clove, itself. Garlic comes with a legion of benefits, but its anti-fungal properties make it particularly attractive as a supplement. Read more

Olive Leaf Extract

OLE is rich in a substance known as oleuropein which kills fungus rather than just inhibiting its growth. Read more

Caprylic Acid

Caprylic acid is a coconut oil-derived fatty acid that is extremely effective against yeast and fungi. Read more

Grapefruit Seed Extract

GSE is super potent, and in liquid form it should always be diluted before taking. GSE has numerous applications and is known to be anti-microbial in general. It is so potent that it is recommended to use probiotics in tandem with GSE so as not to disturb the internal gut flora. Read more

D-Limonene

D-Limonene is derived from the oil in the rinds of lemons, limes and other citrus. It has numerous health benefits and is potently anti-fungal. Read more

Pau d’arco

Pau d’Arco is derived from the bark of a tree that grows in humid climates where mold often flourishes; despite this, the Pau d’Arco tree does not grow mold, and this derivative from the tree bark is what is thought to give the tree its protection from fungi. 

Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic acid is a fatty acid derived from castor beans that is a potent anti-fungal.

Malic Acid

Malic acid is a component of apple cider vinegar that is potently anti-fungal. Taking apple cider vinegar is likely sufficient to glean the benefits of malic acid, although malic acid supplements are available as well. 

Clove Oil

Cloves have been shown to be as effective as some prescription medicines in killing fungus, which makes them a good addition to your supplement cabinet.  Again, always check with your own doctor before taking these products. Read More