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Probiotics Attack Fungus

by: Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C.

Beginning as a light colored spot under the tip of the toenail, toenail fungus can continue to spread until the entire toenail becomes thick and yellow with crumbling edges. If no treatment is given to destroy the fungus, the fungus will continue to grow and eventually the toenail will have a distorted shape, the color may become green, brown, or black. If allowed to grow unchecked the fungus will deteriorate the condition of the toenail and a foul odor will be present. At this point the nail may become completely detached from the toe and there may be some significant pain in the toe itself.

Also referred to as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is an extremely common condition that, if left untreated, can become quite unsightly and painful. Fortunately, toenail fungus does not have to be accepted as a distasteful part of life. There are many treatments available to eradicate the fungus that causes this unpleasant condition. One of the most effective steps that can be taken to alleviate toenail fungus as well as ensure it does not return is to incorporate probiotics into your daily health regimen.

Probiotics are the beneficial organisms that naturally occur in your body, maintaining a healthy balance in the digestive tract and contributing to the health and strength of the immune system and the body as a whole. When the delicate balance of organisms in the body is upset, any number of health problems may surface. The necessary "good" bacteria in your system must remain at high enough levels to counter the growth of other potentially dangerous bacteria, yeast and fungus.

Due to both internal and environmental factors, such as stress, disease and the use of antibiotics, the healthy bacteria population can decrease, causing an imbalance. This imbalance can result in a multitude of health issues. These difficulties include gas, bloating and other intestinal problems. One such problem that can be caused by a lack of good bacteria is a fungal infection of the toenail.

Also referred to as onychomycosis, toenail fungus is responsible for nearly half of all toenail disorders. The condition begins as a light colored spot under the tip of the toenail, but if left untreated this fungus will continue to spread until the entire toenail becomes thick and yellow. Often the edges of the toenail will become brittle and crumble.

If the fungus is not destroyed, the condition will worsen and eventually the toenail will have a distorted shape, the color may become green, brown, or black, and a foul odor may become evident. At this point the nail may fall off and there may be pain in the toe itself.

Although many people choose to accept the presence of this unnecessary condition, there are many treatments available to eradicate the fungus that causes it. It is important, however, to also treat the underlying imbalance that may have led to the infection. Probiotics offer an effective way to restore the subtle balance of bacteria in your body and lower your risk of contracting toenail fungus.

Although there are some foods that contain an amount of probiotics, such as yogurt, miso, tempeh and some cheeses, it is difficult to know just how much each of these items will contribute to the overall levels of healthy bacteria in the body. Therefore, in most cases, it is wisest to use a probiotic supplement, usually in a pill form, to see that ample amounts of the good bacteria reach the digestive system. However, when purchasing a probiotic supplement, it is important to make an educated decision regarding which is best suited to your needs.

There are both dairy and non-dairy versions of this probiotic and both types should be refrigerated. Some types are made with an exceptionally tough coating to ensure that the probiotics make it past the powerful stomach acids to the intestines. There are also many strains of microbes called probiotics; however, studies have shown that the most beneficial type to return the amount of bacteria in the system to a healthy level is Lactobacillus Acidophilus. This microbe prevents supports the digestion of proteins, lowers blood cholesterol, aids in digestion, and most importantly, reduces fungal infections. This supplement should not be taken with antibiotics; however, it is suggested that after a regimen of antibiotics L. Acidophilus should be used to return the healthy bacteria to the system.

Additional factors that put you at risk for a fungal infection are cigarette smoking, diabetes, and working in an environment that causes continual sweating. In addition to these precautions, maintaining a healthy diet and limiting the use of antibiotics will encourage a balanced level of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the body and control the occurrence and severity of toenail fungus. Because fungus is only able to grow if your immune system is not strong enough to fight it, take steps to see that your immune system is healthy by eating well, getting enough rest, and exercising.

About the author:
Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, alternative medicine, chiropractic, fitness, health and wellness. Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungus Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and anti-microbial products.

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