Can omega 3, 6 and 9 help against recurring yeast infections? We been getting this question for a while now and we decided to write a comprehensive article to answer the question and cover few important things regarding fish oil and candida yeast eradication.

There are several ways to treat a yeast infections naturally and painlessly, the following goals are to be followed in order to achieve success:

• Boost the immune system

We have talked about immune system and how it can hold you back from getting rid of the infection. We did a comprehensive video as well on our youtube channel 12 ways to boost your immune system.

• Reduce inflammation from the infection,
• Control the yeast infection with an anti-fungal and anti-microbial

We have talked about the important role of antifungals in your diet and how it can help against candida.

• Make dietary changes.

Diet plays an important role in getting rid of candida yeast and if you want to get rid of recurring yeast then you have to make those dietary changes. We did a video answering similar question.

This article will focus on one supplement that is readily available and that targets all three pillars in combating yeast infections – FISH OIL: an essential fatty acid rich in Omega 3, in particular EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosaexaenoic acid).

Fish oil has numerous benefits and one of these is benefits includes the treatment of yeast infections. This benefit was confirmed in a research study conducted in February 2010. The results were published in “Molecular Oral Microbiology”. The study found that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the growth of yeast infections. In particular it was noted that oil has strong antimicrobial activities and anti-inflammatory effects.

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In further studies conducted by The University of Maryland Medical, it was confirmed that foods rich in Omega3s can help those with recurring yeast cases. In order for the treatment by Omega 3 to be effective, the dose that has been shown to be effective is as follows: a dose ranging from 0.4 g to 2 g per day – this is considered to be within safe limits. Higher doses of between 2g to 20g per day are considered safe, however, should be used under medical supervision. Always consult your healthcare professional before you take any medication.

So how do you get the recommended dose per day? Either by eating fish high in Omega 3s namely, mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout, and menhaden, or by supplementing with Omega 3 capsules. To gain the maximum benefit from eating fish and absorbing the Omega 3s, the preparation of the fish needs to be considered. Broiled or baked fish is considered the best preparation of fish to gain maximum benefit. Supplementing is recommended as it is a safer alternative. This ensures that the amount of mercury ingested is kept to a minimum or none at all! It is vitally important that your Omega 3 supplements are purchased from a reputable company that tests for levels of mercury within their product and that this is confirmed by third party testing. The company should be certified that their products are free of heavy metals.

Here is a video showing 10 tips on avoiding chemicals in food.

In summary…

1) Inflammation:

Yeast infections can damage the tissue cells. This damage causes inflammation, resulting in pain and swelling. To help restore balance and healing, Omega 3 fatty acids have been repeatedly shown, over many clinical trials, to effectively reduce inflammation. This effect is achieve by reducing the cause of inflammation, as well as reducing any inflammation that has already set in.

2) Anti-fungal properties:

It has been found through various research repeated by numerous researchers that fatty acids are inhibitors of fungal growth. These researchers include: Fencl & Leopol 1956, Philip et al1963, Ozaki & Baba 1943, Millis et al 1963, Romano & Kornberg 1969.

3) Boosting the immune system:

A weakened immune system provides the perfect environment for the overgrowth of yeast infections. This environment allows the yeast to thrive and release its own toxins as by products. This further weakens the immune system. It is therefore imperative that the immune system is strengthened and assisted in combating the yeast overgrowth.

There is evidence from research done and documented in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology in the April issue that demonstrates that fish oil rich in DHA enhances the immune system by stimulating an increase B cell activity as well as increasing the activation and number of T cells within the body. Both B cells and T cells are important white blood cells that form part of the immune system response in fighting bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Journal Reference: E. A. Gurzell, H. Teague, M. Harris, J. Clinthorne, S. R. Shaikh, J. I. Fenton. DHA-enriched fish oil targets B cell lipid microdomains and enhances ex vivo and in vivo B cell function. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2012; 93 (4): 463 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0812394.

Further research has been conducted at Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan as well as the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at East Carolina University. Both research teams have found and confirmed that DHA enriched oil stimulates and boosts the immune system through the increase in B and T cell activity.

In conclusion, it is a beneficial supplement to consider when looking at alternative and natural treatments for yeast infections. Always remember that the body needs to be treated holistically, thus diet changes would also be advised. There are also many other natural supplements that can used in conjunction with fish oil. A combination of supplements, including a change of diet will work naturally and effectively.

Related articles:

• Adrenal Fatigue, Cortisol, and Yeast Infections
• I Keep Farting All The Time Can It Be Candida?
• Are You Working Towards Improving Your Bowel Function?
• Always Disconnected & Dizzy: Is It Candida?
• Feeling Fatigue, Low Immune System And Mood Instability
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Side effects, drug interactions and considerations

Fish oil is a blood thinner, thus people using blood thinners such as warfarin should avoid supplementing with it. People using aspirin or Clopidogrel (Plavix), should consult their doctor first before supplementing.

Caution should be taken if supplementing while pregnant or breast feeding.

• Can lower blood pressure.
• Caution if you have any allergies or reactions to seafood or fish.
• Some documented side effects are: heartburn, nausea, loose stools, rash, and nosebleeds.
• It has been found that the side effects can be minimized by taking the fish oil supplements with meals or freezing them.

Before starting any supplementation, it is advised to consult with your health care provider first. Supplementation of any kind cannot be used to replace any prescribed drugs for fungal infections.

Further reading:

https://www.yeastinfection.org/frequently-asked-candida-diet-questions/ – FAQ
https://www.yeastinfection.org/functional-vs-conventional-laboratory-testing-for-candida/ – Lab Testing
https://www.yeastinfection.org/candida-case-studies-meet-jean/ – Case Study