Question: I wonder if TEFF is alkaline or acidic and also does it contain agglutinins, from the video on H-Pylori suggested alkaline grains…..so I’m wondering if TEFF would comply with that. Thanks much for your help.

Some suggested foods to consume for a high alkaline diet include veggies, some whole grains, low-sugar fruits and nuts and seeds. Some of the grains that fall on the alkaline foods list include Teff, Kamut, Amaranth, Quinoa, Rye, Spelt, Fonio and Wild Rice. Even though Teff is considered a grain it’s actually a seed which is gluten free, easy to digest and has not been tampered in the way of genetic modification. Teff is the smallest “grain” in the world, indigenous to Ethiopia and is high in protein, calcium and iron. According to Teff-International, it has been around since 4000 BC and seeds were found in Egyptian pyramids.

The grain is most comfortably grown in the highlands of Ethiopia which is East Africa and in warm temperatures. Teff seed comes in colors ranging from ivory to red to brown. In Ethiopia Teff is used to make a fermented bread called “Injera”, this bread is a staple in Ethiopian food and it takes the place of utensils because it is used to pick up the stews, vegetables and meats served on top of the bread. The grain is revered so much that Ethiopia has a ban against exporting Teff to other countries. The Teff grown in America is normally grown in small places like Idaho where the land is similar to East Africa. Teff is very versatile. You can use Ivory Teff as a great subsitute for making grits since it has a consistency similar to cornmeal. Brown Teff flour can also be used to make brownies, waffles and cookies. The nuttiness of Teff pairs well with anything like cacao or nut butters. When baking with Teff it does give a grainy taste like if you’re using cornmeal so if you’re staying away from corn this is a great alternative.

Question: My question pertains to alcohol-based herbal medicine (tinctures). Should herbal tinctures also be avoided? Or was Eric only commenting on things like beer, wine & cocktails?As I’m dealing with some liver issues I take herbal bitters for liver support.

Ethanol is a type of alcohol found in many supplement products. When it comes to treating Candida, you might have already heard that alcohol is on the avoid list. Alcohol worsens Candida symptoms and overgrowth. Regular alcohol consumption weakens the immune system, hinders digestion, upsets your blood sugar levels and increases the toxic load on your liver. Drinking alcohol produces excess amounts of acetaldehyde,the same neurotoxin that Candida produces in your gut. Herbalists use alcohol to extract the powerful medicinal properties of plants. Alcohol is a solvent, which allows manufacturers to create healing tinctures from herbs.

Alcohol is usually prefered because it is safe and effective solvent, it is easy to absorb, it is a preservative which can keep yeast away, and it maximes the therapeutic properties of the herbal extract. Considering that the amount of tincture taken in each dose is very small, the amount of alcohol you will actually consume is negligible to have a significant impact in your Candida. Remember that the beneficial effect of the herbs in the supplement or tincture will outweigh the small amount of alcohol affecting your body. You should’t feel any ill effects after taking an alcohol-based herbal supplement, nor will it hinder your ability to recover from Candida. The type of alcohol that you should be avoiding is in recreational alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, spirits. These not only contain far larger amounts of alcohol but often lots of sugars as well.

Question: What can be used topically to ease pain, itch etc to help heal until yeast is brought under control ?

Candida is a type of yeast that can be found naturally on your skin. It’s especially active where there are warm, dark, and moist skin folds. There are some simple steps you can take to manage and prevent skin yeast infections. These include drying your skin completely after a bath or shower, avoid wearing tight clothing including bras and underwear. Instead, opt for looser-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton that won’t trap moisture next to your skin. Creams or ointments with zinc oxide and/or petrolatum can help reduce friction between your affected skin by creating a barrier. To ease the symptoms, tea tree oil or coconut oil have natural antifungal properties that help manage local Candida infections and decrease inflammation. Try diluting 1 third Tea Tree oil diluted with 2 thirds fractionated coconut oil for the rash.

You can also try adding a natural antifungal like CanXida Remove with 12 powerful antifungals including berberine, caprylic acid, black walnut and garlic. Finally increasing your intake of probiotics which has been shown to prevent yeast infections from reocurring. A strong immune system is your first line of defense against a yeast overgrowth. In addition to your probiotics and antifungals, a multivitmin that contains immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C, D, zinc and magnesium like CanXida Rebuild can also give you better chance at fighting infections.

Disclaimer: This article intends to provide general insights and may not apply to individual cases. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that any vitamin supplementation.