Candidiasis is a fungal infection due to any type of Candida (a type of yeast). When it affects the mouth, in some countries it is commonly called thrush. Signs and symptoms include white patches on the tongue or other areas of the mouth and throat. Other symptoms may include soreness and problems swallowing. When it affects the vagina, it may be referred to as a yeast infection or thrush. Signs and symptoms include genital itching, burning, and sometimes a white 'cottage cheese-like' discharge from ...

candidiasis

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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About 50% of all reasons for visiting a doctor with a nail problem are due to fungus or onychomycosis. It's appearance can be a sign of lowered immune system functions, poor hygiene or inappropriate shoes.

What-To-Know-About-Nail-Fungus

What To Know About Nail Fungus

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The fungus that attacks the nail is called dermatophyte and initially enter through microscopic injuries and cracks on it, then spread its mycelium inside the nail and feed on the keratin from which the nails are built.

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In appearance, the nail changes color and turns yellow, then begins to break or peal, and at an advanced stage its appearance is so altered that it begins to resemble that of animal horns and hooves.

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Sometimes detachment of the nail due to uncomfortable shoes can be mistaken for fungi and incorrect treatment can be prescribed. Therefore, it is best to take a sample of the nail in a doctor's office, which can be examined for the presence of fungi under a microscope.

Is-Onychomycosis-Dangerous

Is Onychomycosis Dangerous

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Nail fungus is an infection that can develop in extremely unfavorable ways both locally and affecting the whole organism.

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Here are the dangers:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A highly amended nail can make shoes uncomfortable and lead to pain in the foot;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infection can cause the nail to fall or require its removal from a doctor. The procedure is painful, and in some cases it is necessary to remove the nail "from the root", in which it never grows again;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">The fungus can easily spread from the nail to the surrounding skin, causing <a href="/p/omraznitie_ghbichki_kakvo_mozhiem_da_napravim_v_domashni_usloviia_pri_vaghinalna_kandidoza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> itching, red, peeling skin, especially between the fingers. They can also spread to the genitals and in particular the lap, inner thighs and buttocks. This condition should not be confused with <a href="/p/omraznitie_ghbichki_kakvo_mozhiem_da_napravim_v_domashni_usloviia_pri_vaghinalna_kandidoza" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">vaginal candidiasis</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">In people with severely weakened immune system or suffering from diabetes, the infection can cause painful wounds to become infected with bacteria and lead to life-threatening conditions.</li>
</ul>

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What-Are-The-Usual-Treatment-Methods

What Are The Usual Treatment Methods

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As we said, the problem is not just cosmetic - it is an infection that we need to fight. For this purpose, it is good to visit a dermatologist, who can prescribe treatment with topical agents in mild cases or systemic therapy in advanced disease, ie. taking antifungal medications by mouth. Unfortunately, these drugs are not completely harmless and can seriously burden the liver.

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Among the most commonly prescribed drugs are Lamisil (terbinafine), Clotrimazole, Diflucan (fluconazole) and undecylenic acid, which is part of anti-fungal nail polishes.

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There are also some home remedies that can support the treatment in the initial stage of the disease, but if you are receiving medication or other local treatment, be sure to consult the attending physician whether home treatment is compatible with the appointed one.

How-To-Prevent-Fungal-Infection-Of-The-Nails

How To Prevent Fungal Infection Of The Nails

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Prevention is the best treatment, so if you can spare yourself the appearance of fungi through a few simple rules in your daily life, it is wiser to do so.

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One of these rules is to keep your toenails short when wearing closed shoes. This is especially true before a hike in the mountains or a sport in which nails push against the shoes and get injured, and this is a great prerequisite for the development of fungi that can occur normally on the skin of the fingers in small quantities and take advantage of the injured nail.

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The second rule is that shoes must be comfortable - any pressing and rubbing leads to microscopic injuries that are an open door for the fungus. This problem most often affects women due to wearing high heels and tight shoes.

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The third rule is that rough skin on the fingers should be delicately removed after each shower - this reduces the amount of fungi that normally feed on this skin, and accordingly reduces the risk of them being transferred to the nail and leading to its infection.

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Fourth rule - do not wear the shoes of other people, especially in sportshalls, where the same pair of shoes is worn by all visitors, and hygiene is at a dubious level.

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Fifth rule - avoid sweating of the feet. When the season is suitable, let's also wear the right shoes. Fungi love warm and moist environment.

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The sixth rule is to be especially careful when using swimming pools, saunas, gyms, communal showers, because these are places where there is an increased risk of infection with fungi due to the humidity and numerous visitors.

Mexican-Plant-Ageratina-pichinchensis-Gives-Promising-Results

Mexican Plant  Ageratina pichinchensis Gives Promising Results

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The Mexican plant Ageratina pichinchensis is also known as Snakeroot.

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A 2008 study [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Double_blind_clinical_trial_for_evaluating_the_effectiveness_and_tolerability_of_Ageratina_pichinchensis_extract_on_patients_with_mild_to_moderate_onychomycosis_A_comparative_study_with_ciclopirox_18671197" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] shows its effectiveness in the treatment of nail fungus, having been used as follows: extract of the plant was applied topically to the nail every third day in the first month, twice a week in the second month and once a week during the third month.

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The extract has shown the same effectiveness as the drug ciclopirox.

Tea-Tree-Oil

Tea Tree Oil

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There is evidence that tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is just as effective as clotrimazole.

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It can be smeared twice a day directly on the nail. It has a strong antibacterial and antifungal effect. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Comparison_of_two_topical_preparations_for_the_treatment_of_onychomycosis_Melaleuca_alternifolia_tea_tree_oil_and_clotrimazole_8195735" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Oregano-Essential-Oil

Oregano Essential Oil

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Like tea tree essential oil, oregano oil also has antifungal properties. In this case, they are due to the substance thymol.

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Its application is the same as the tea tree - smear the nails twice a day.

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Eucalyptus-Essential-Oil

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

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Good effectiveness of eucalyptus essential oil has been established in superficial infection with nail fungus (onychomycosis). According to the authors of a 2015 study, the effect is comparable to that of certain drugs for topical use. [<a href="https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-P1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Ozonized-Oils

Ozonized Oils

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One study shows that ozonized sunflower oil is just as effective with topical application on the nails as the drug ketoconazole. [<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1439-0507.2010.01898.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

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It has been established that ozonized sunflower oil and olive oil have a good antibacterial and antifungal effect.

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Ozonized oils contain small amounts of ozone in themselves, added additionally.

Q&amp;A

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Are baking soda and vinegar effective in onychomycosis?

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Baking soda and vinegar are known folk remedies for the treatment of nail fungus. They have antibacterial and antifungal potential, but have not yet been proven by science means for the treatment of onychomycosis and nail fungus.

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What is laser therapy for the treatment of nail fungus?

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The laser beam enters through the nail plate and reaches the fungus, heating them and suppressing the development of the fungus, but for successful treatment, nail care, as well as additional methods of treatment, which are used simultaneously with this therapy, are also important.

Toenail Fungus Is Not Harmless. Here Are 5 Home Remedies To Help You Get Rid Of It

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 Toenail Fungus Is Not Harmless. Here Are 5 Home Remedies To Help You

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

There is probably no woman who has not encountered the annoying, painful problem of vaginal candidiasis or in other words - yeast infection. The reason for its appearance is an imbalance in the microflora, in which the beneficial lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) are few in number, and the natural inhabitant of the vagina - fungi of the genus Candida, have multiplied too much and begin to cause damage.

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The most common cause of vaginal candidiasis is the well-known Candida albicans. The symptoms are itching, burning and an unusual discharge with the appearance of lumpy white yogurt.

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In the article, we will offer several methods for home treatment of candidiasis, which can successfully supplement and accelerate the treatment of yeast infection appointed by a doctor.

How-To-Prevent-Yeast-Infection

How To Prevent Yeast Infection

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The best treatment is prevention, so here we will pay attention to a few things to do or not to do if you are prone to vaginal candidiasis and want to prevent it:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wear loose cotton underwear, avoid uncomfortable panties and those made of artificial fabric;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not stay for a long time in a wet swimsuit, replace it with dry and clean underwear once you get out of the water;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid excessive consumption of sugar and sweet products;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid unnecessary intake of antibiotics - they are a frequent cause of yeast infection, since they kill the useful bacterial microflora that controls the growth of yeast. Read more in the article <a href="/p/povishavat_li_antibiotitsitie_riska_ot_kandidoza_73e28433_876c_4afd_818c_67caf99c32af" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Do Antibiotics Increase The Risk of Candidiasis</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not use vaginal douche, unless prescribed by a doctor for a specific treatment;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Avoid scented personal care products - sanitary pads, toilet paper, soaps, gels, etc. Fragrances disturb the balance of microflora.</li>
</ul>

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Sugar-Free-Yogurt

Sugar-Free Yogurt

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Yoghurt contains beneficial lactobacilli and its regular consumption can help restore the balance of microflora. Some doctors recommend yogurt when taking antibiotics for the same purpose.

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It is important that the yogurt is not sweetened, because sugar can enhance the growth and development of unwanted fungi.

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According to one study, the daily intake of 150 ml of yogurt containing live bacteria of the species Lactobacillus acidophilus, has a beneficial effect in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Ingestion_of_yogurt_containing_Lactobacillus_acidophilus_compared_with_pasteurized_yogurt_as_prophylaxis_for_recurrent_candidal_vaginitis_and_bacterial_vaginosis_8930233" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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Fermented Foods - Natural Probiotics for Good Health

Vaginal-Probiotics-(Ovules,-Globules)

Vaginal Probiotics (Ovules, Globules)

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Vaginal probiotics play the role of yogurt, but topically. These are preparations containing lactobacilli, which are placed in the vagina and aim to restore the population of lactobacilli, which in turn suppress the development of yeast.

Coconut-Oil

Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil has been found to inhibit the development of the fungus Candida albicans. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Comparison_of_Antimicrobial_Activity_of_Chlorhexidine_Coconut_Oil_Probiotics_and_Ketoconazole_on_Candida_albicans_Isolated_in_Children_with_Early_Childhood_Caries_An_In_Vitro_Study_27051559" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>] It can be used by rubbing it directly on the area affected by the fungus, but it is important that the oil comes from a verified source and has no impurities.

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Tea-Tree-Essential-Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil

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Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Antifungal_effects_of_Melaleuca_alternifolia_tea_tree_oil_and_its_components_on_Candida_albicans_Candida_glabrata_and_Saccharomyces_cerevisiae_15140856" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>] It can be used in vaginal candidiasis after dilution in a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil) and dripping a few drops on a sanitary pad.

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Tea tree essential oil is very concentrated and should not be used without being diluted as it can cause serious irritation.

Vinegar-or-Hydrogen-Peroxide-Rinsing

Vinegar or Hydrogen Peroxide Rinsing

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These methods are exclusively for external use and after vinegar OR hydrogen peroxide is diluted with clean water. They can help neutralize the yeast located on the outside and their long-term use is not recommended.

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In case of significant discomfort, it is important to consult a gynecologist who will appoint the appropriate treatment. You can also ask which home methods would be suitable as complementary therapy for a faster and more sustainable result, as well as for prevention.

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We hope that these ideas will help to restore your comfort and peaceful daily life faster - if you suffer from vaginal candidiasis - a problem we are ashamed to talk about, even though every woman encounters it at some point in her life.

Home remedies for vaginal candidiasis

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 Home remedies for vaginal candidiasis

Do you shudder at the thought of bacteria and fungi? What if someone offers you to eat them? These little creatures are sometimes enemies, but other times - friends. Now remember the bread yeast, beer, wine, all sorts of cheese, yoghurt, sauerkraut, kefir. If at least one of these words has caused a desire in you, then we are starting to speak the same language.

All these delicacies are a product of fermentation, and while the sour soup of the other day provokes disgust, even just the thought of one of these fermented foods fills the mouth with water.

Fermentation is a process which is carried out by bacteria and fungi and has been used for thousands of years for the preservation of food and even to improve their taste qualities. There is evidence that fermented foods have been consumed since Neolithic times (10,000 BC). This process, of course, should not be confused with canning pickles in vinegar, although the vinegar itself is also a product of fermentation.

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In the video below you will see how to ferment almost every possible vegetable - all you need is water and salt:

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The usefulness of fermented products is due to two main components in them: the microorganisms involved in their fermentation and the substances that these microorganisms produce in the process.

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Products such as yogurt, raw sauerkraut and kefir can be considered as probiotics, since microorganisms (mainly lactobacilli) in them are alive and can affect positively the intestinal microflora.

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What is the importance of the intestinal microbiome to you and your baby

Read more about the intestinal microbiome in the articles "" and "".

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And below we will focus on the specific health benefits that the consumption of fermented products, and in particular those containing live bacteria, has.

Healthy-substances-in-fermented-food

Healthy substances in fermented food

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The compounds known as biologically active peptides, which are produced by the bacteria responsible for fermentation, are well known for their health benefits. Among these peptides are conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), which have a blood pressure lowering effect.

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Exopolysaccharides exhibit prebiotic properties - prebiotics are necessary for the development of beneficial microorganisms.

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Bacteriocins are extremely interesting. They serve beneficial bacteria as a weapon against invaders and therefore have antimicrobial effects.

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Sphingolipids have anticancer and antimicrobial properties, and bioactive peptides exhibit antioxidant, antibacterial, antiallergic and blood pressure-lowering effects.

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As a result, fermented foods provide many health benefits such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic (against plaque accumulation in blood vessels) activity. [<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408398.2017.1383355?journalCode=bfsn20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Do-fermented-foods-have-anticancer-properties

Do fermented foods have anticancer properties

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Bacteria that carry out fermentation, synthesize vitamins, produce enzymes that break down proteins, bioactive peptides and remove some antinutrients. In addition, some acids formed during fermentation show anticancer effects.

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Many laboratory studies have been conducted on the anticancer effects of a variety of fermented products. The most significant activity has been established in the following types of cancer:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Colon cancer;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach cancer;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Breast cancer.</li>
</ul>

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Here are the foods studied and tested positive against the cancers concerned, as well as the microbiological species that participated in their fermentation [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620305053" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]:

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In colorectal cancer:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kimchi (Lactobacillus plantarum DGK-17),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kefir,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kumis (Lactobacillus helveticus NS8),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented barley (Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented wheat (Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 and LB1, Lactobacillus rossiae LB5),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented cucumbers (Pediococcus pentosaceus CRAG3),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented soy milk (Streptococcus thermophilus 14085, Bifidobacterium infantis 14603),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented olives (Lactobacillus pentosus B281, Lactobacillus plantarum B282).</li>
</ul>

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In stomach cancer:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Milk fermented with the bacterium Propionibacterium freudenreichii, which is mainly present in Swiss cheeses and especially emmental,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lactobacillus in kefir,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented soybeans - Cheonggukjang, containing Bacillus cereus, Bacillus amiloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis.</li>
</ul>

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In breast cancer:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Kefir,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yogurt with Lactobacillus casei CRL 431,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fermented mung beans,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A mix of fermented black and green soybeans.</li>
</ul>

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It is believed that fermented brown rice (with the help of Aspergillus oryzae) has the potential to prevent chemical carcinogenesis of the colon, liver, esophagus, stomach and lungs in rodents.

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These properties of fermented foods appear to be due to modulation of the immune response, <a href="/p/kakvo_priedstavliavat_svobodnitie_radikali_i_antioksidantitie_6be12349_ec85_47d4_bcb8_0c265fb59dd4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">a decrease in oxidative stress </a> and the specific beneficial substances that bacteria produce.

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  are the health benefits of antioxidants and which foods are richest

candidiasis

Home remedies for vaginal candidiasis

Health benefits of fermented foods - the natural probiotics

Antibiotics and the risk of candidiasis