Probiotics Attack Fungus
Jonathan N. Group, R.D., D.C
Fungus Research


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.



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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. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com