Candida Treatments for Babies & Children
Table of Contents
How Babies Acquire Candida
Babies inherit both of their
parents' "nutritional status" upon conception, as Dr. Price points
out in Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, Chapter 21: "Of the many problems on which the experience
of the primitive races can throw light, probably none is more pressing than
practical procedures for improving child life.
Since this has been shown to be
largely dependent upon the architectural design, as determined by the health of
the parental germ cells and by the prenatal environment of the child, the
program that is to be successful must begin early enough to obviate [to
anticipate and prevent or eliminate] by effective measures these various
disturbing forces.
The normal determining factors that are of hereditary origin
may be interrupted in a given generation but need not become fixed
characteristics in the future generations. This question of parental nutrition,
accordingly, constitutes a fundamental determining factor in the health and
physical perfection of the offspring."
This means that if either
parent has candida overgrowth the baby will also have it because their immune
system will be just as depressed as the parents. The cause of candida overgrowth is a
depressed or malfunctioning immune system which causes candida to change within
the body itself from a normal friendly organism into a monster that grows feet
(hypae).
Candida is not infectious or
contagious therefore it is not possible for babies to acquire or "catch it"
from the birth canal during birth.
Candida albicans lives in all
our mucus membranes, i.e. eyes, ears, mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, bladder, genitals, etc. In
its normal state it is one of the billions of other friendly organisms that
serve a useful purpose in the body.
One
of candida albicans' important functions is to recognize and destroy harmful
bacteria and toxins. Its normal shape or structure is round to oval.
Candida can only change from its
normal state (round, oval and friendly) to an unfriendly overgrowing monster within each
person's body because of a malfunctioning or depressed immune system, independent
of anything or anyone else.
One can no
more "catch" candida overgrowth from someone else than you can "catch" their
broken finger, their imbalance of nutrients, or their cancer cells. When
the immune system is unable to keep candida "in check" (keep candida balanced
with other microorganisms and in its normal state) candida starts to change and
overgrow into an unfriendly monster.
When candida becomes
unfriendly it changes its structure and activities by growing feet or
tentacles, called hyphae. It doesn't
stop there.
Candida keeps overgrowing,
raising large families called colonies.
The more colonies there are the more toxins will be produced.
It is the toxins that candida puts out that
causes symptoms, diseases, and malfunctions within the body. Candida puts out over 79 toxins, most of
which turn into alcohol within the body.
These toxins are capable of breaking down any part of the body.
However, candida is not
intended to overgrow while the body is still living. That change is only intended to happen when
the body dies, when candida's function and structure changes in order to break
the body down.
That is the reason why
candida toxins are so lethal and why it affects so many functions and parts of the body at
the same time.
Candida/Yeast Questionnaire for Children
To evaluate your child's candida do this Yeast Questionnaire for Children's Candida.
Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is by far superior to bottle feeding as noted by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig: "Breastfeeding is best. Breast milk is nature's perfect food for babies. Breast milk contains special substances that give the growing baby immunity to infection and disease.
Breastfeeding bonds a mother to her baby, stimulates important hormonal activities in her body, helps
her lose weight after pregnancy and protects her against future breast cancer and osteoporosis."
The nutrients and other substances in mother's milk can greatly affect the baby's health, particularly
the composition of good fats required by the baby during development as Sally Fallon and Mary Enig point out:
"Mother's milk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP)
that the baby needs for the development of its nervous system. These special
fats accumulate in the brain and retina. If they are absent in the infant diet,
the child is likely to suffer from learning disabilities and reduced visual
acuity.10 The most important LCP's are arachidonic acid (AA) of the omega-6 family,
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of the omega-3 family and eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), also of the omega-3 family.
Ideal breast milk contains
high levels of both saturated fats and LCPs. This can be accomplished by
consuming high levels of animal fats plus eggs, cod liver oil and oily fish
throughout the lactation period. Saturated fats in mother's milk stimulate the
immune system and work synergistically with LCPs to maintain them in the
tissues where they belong."
Since there is plenty of
omega-6 in the diet it is necessary to supplement with cod liver oil in the
Winter and fish oils plus vitamin A in the Summer if enough vitamin D is
obtained from the sun as outlined in the candida program under Essential
Supplements, and as detailed in Cod Liver Oil
Products with Nutrient Levels.
Milk supply is also dependent
upon the mother's diet: "Modern studies show that a mother's milk supply can
vary and that it is influenced by her diet. When a baby has candida overgrowth it is
important that breastfeeding mothers follow the candida program
(diet and supplements) otherwise their baby will be adversely affected by the lack of nutrients and by substances in the milk that feed the baby's candida.
Homemade Baby Formulas
However not all mothers can
breastfeed their babies and it may become necessary to provide formula instead,
as Sally Fallon writes:
"To pretend that all women can breastfeed without
difficulty, and that all breast-milk is completely nourishing, does women and
their children a great disservice." For good homemade baby formulas see FAQs on Homemade
Baby Formula. The best formula for
babies who have candida are those that do not include milk.
Diet & Supplements for Babies
It important not to introduce
solid foods to a baby too early, and to introduce the right kinds of
foods.
In an article at Weston A. Price
Jen Allbritton points out that: "a baby's earliest solid foods should be mostly
animal foods since his digestive system, although immature, is better equipped
to supply enzymes for digestion of fats and proteins rather than carbohydrates.
Jen also writes: "Egg yolks,
rich in choline, cholesterol and other brain-nourishing substances, can be
added to your baby's diet as early as four months, as long as baby takes it
easily. (If baby reacts poorly to egg yolk at that age, discontinue and try
again one month later.)
Cholesterol is vital for the insulation of the nerves
in the brain and the entire central nervous system. It helps with fat digestion
by increasing the formation of bile acids and is necessary for the production
of many hormones.
Since the brain is so dependent on cholesterol, it is
especially vital during this time when brain growth is in hyper-speed. Choline
is another critical nutrient for brain development. The traditional practice of
feeding egg yolks early is confirmed by current research."
The only food that contains a
more ideal mix of essential amino acids than an egg is mother's milk – see these articles about Eggs. Egg yolks retain all of their nutrients when
they are not cooked.
If your baby is more than
four months old see details on feeding at different months of age — Nourishing a Growing Baby.
However
babies who have candida should have foods that are also safe for candida sufferers,
the same as for adults as described in How to
Successfully Overcome Candida. Also
see this Candida Diet Food List.
Cod Liver Oil: Around four months is a good time to start offering cod liver oil, which is an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (also important for brain development) as well as vitamins A and D.
Start with a 1/4 teaspoon of high-vitamin cod liver oil or 1/2 teaspoon regular dose cod liver oil, doubling the amount at 8 months. Use an eye dropper at first; later on baby can take cod liver oil mixed with a little water..."
Also babies can be started on coconut oil and butter oil right from birth. It is important to start them on a low dose of coconut oil and butter oil and gradually increase them because they are antifungal so they will create die-off symptoms.
Coconut Oil: Newborns to 18 months old can be started on 1/8 teaspoon coconut oil twice a day for 5 days and gradually increase it by adding an additional dose of 1/8 teaspoon (1/8 teaspoon 3 times a day) for 5 days. Every 5 days increase the dose in that same manner up to a total of 1 tablespoon of coconut oil per day, always given in divided doses along with breastfeeding or foods.
Children over 18 months old can be given the same doses as listed for children below. Coconut oil can be applied to diaper and other rashes frequently.
If your baby appears to have too many uncomfortable die-off symptoms, either cut back on the amount, or take more time increasing the amounts. Babies may experience an increase in any rashes, thrush, and other candida-related symptoms, or have excess mucus, new rashes and other die-off symptoms.
Rash is evidence the body is working hard to get rid of toxins, and it is the body's way of externalizing healing to the skin to protect vital inner organs.
Babies can also experience overall aches and pains caused by candida being killed off. Epsom salt baths will help alleviate these symptoms and also help pull toxins out through the skin.
Butter Oil: Butter oil is available at Dr. Ron's Ultra Pure
and Green Pastures. Newborns to 8 months old can be started on 8
drops twice a day and gradually increase it to 20 drops twice a day (40 drops =
1/4 teaspoon). Children over 18 months
old can be given the same doses as listed for children below.
Diet & Supplements for Children (18 months to 12 years old)
Diet: Children
18 months and older can eat the same candida diet as outlined for adults in the
article How
to Successfully Overcome Candida.
Also see these Candida Diet lists. Children benefit a great deal
by switching over their main food energy source from carbohydrates to good natural fats like butter, coconut oil, lard, etc., but like adults they must start with low amounts that are gradually increased so their die-off symptoms do not become overwhelming.
Children love Bee's Egg Drink for breakfast and it's a great way to start them on butter and coconut oil because the amounts can be adjusted, i.e. 1 egg to 1/4 teaspoon
each of coconut oil and butter, plus cinnamon and nutmeg to taste, with enough hot water to make 1 cup.
Cod liver oil and butter oil are very important for children. Dr. Weston A. Price gave school age children 1/2 teaspoon of high vitamin cod liver oil and 1/2 teaspoon of butter oil mixed together per day, but the butter oil should be started at a lower dose and gradually increased due to its antifungal
activities.
Coconut Oil: Children can take coconut oil along with the diet just like adults do. Start children with 1/2 teaspoon each of coconut oil and butter 2 times a day, and gradually increase the amount every 5 days by 1/4 teaspoon per day up to 1 1/2 tablespoon per day of coconut oil, and as much butter as they want (each tablespoon contains 3 teaspoons). Coconut oil can be rubbed into the skin and applied frequently to any rashes and other skin problems.
Butter Oil: Butter oil is available at Dr. Ron's Ultra Pure
and Green Pastures. Children over 18 months old can start on 20 drops twice a day, gradually increased to 1/2 teaspoon per day.
Supplements: Since it is difficult for small children to swallow pills some supplements need to be liquid or powder, i.e. Vitamin B Complex, Calcium/Magnesium and Vitamin C. Children are also given smaller quantities, depending upon their size, as noted below.
Supplement Doses for Children:
-
18 months to 7 years old, 1/3rd of an adult dose
-
7 to 12 years old, 1/2 of an adult dose
-
over 12 years old, the same dose as adults take
For easy reference see adult doses listed on this Candida Supplements Chart.
Some supplements must indicate on the label that they are "free-of" yeast, soy, wheat, gluten,
dairy, sugar, coloring, preservatives or additives, such as Calcium/Magnesium,
Vitamin B Complex, and Vitamin E.
-
Electrolyte Drink – Children can have Bee's Electrolyte
Drink 6 times a day if they are able to tolerate lemons okay, but it isn't necessary, if they are getting 1/2 teaspoon of ocean sea salt per day sprinkled on foods.
-
Vitamin C –
Children can take ascorbic acid crystals mixed in water twice a day. It should always be taken with foods. It might taste better to them if it is mixed into Bee's Electrolyte Drink. However, always start with smaller amounts and gradually increase them so they do not get loose stools, which is called "bowel tolerance." If you increase the amounts slowly enough they will not loose stools. Also Vitamin C might not always cause loose stools, since it is also a very common die-off symptom which is a common way for the body to get rid of toxins.
-
Vitamin B Complex – the best source for children is Nutritional Yeast "Flakes" (make sure it is the flakes, and not just nutritional yeast) – Brands include Frontier and Red Star. They can be mixed into foods, added to Bee's Egg Drink, or mixed into soup, broths or water. Most children like the taste since it has a nutty flavor.
-
Calcium/Magnesium – Many calcium/magnesium supplements contain a ratio of 2:1 calcium to magnesium, in which case a separate supplement of magnesium citrate is necessary to equal out the amounts. There may be liquid products available, but most contain fruits, sugar, or other flavorings so they are very hard to find. Tablets can easily be dissolved in warm water, or dump out capsules to get the correct amount and dissolve it in water or add it to foods.
-
Vitamin E (natural
source only). Natural source
vitamin E is indicated by the small "d" in front of the
different types of vitamin E, such as d-alpha-tocopherol. The synthetic
version begins with "dl", i.e. dl-alpha-tocopherol. Most vitamin
E supplements are derived from soy, which must not be taken.
Clear Base or dry base formulas are soy-free. Children can take either 1/3rd or 1/2 of an adult dose, depending upon their age (above). If a child isn't able to swallow the gel cap you can prick it with a pin and squeeze out the oil into Bee's Egg Drink, soup or other foods. Some children don't mind chewing on softgel capsules.
References
- Weston A. Price, Nutrition and Physical
Degeneration, La Mesa, CA, The Price-Pottenger Nutritional Foundation,
Inc., 2004, Chapter 21
-
Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD, Successful
Breastfeeding ...And Successful Alternatives
-
Sally Fallon, A Breastfeeding Saga
-
Jen Allbritton, CN, Nourishing a Growing Baby
-
Weston A. Price, Nutrition
and Physical Degeneration, La Mesa, CA, The Price-Pottenger Nutritional
Foundation, Inc., 2004, Chapter 22, p. 428.
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