Feminine Health Reviews Expert Reviews of Women's Products.
Although grapefruit seed extract (GSE) was not widely used until the 1970s, its use since then has rocketed as both doctors and patients have realized its broad applications against all kinds of infections, including Candida overgrowth.
In a 1990 study, grapefruit seed extract was found to perform as well or better than 30 antibiotics and 18 fungicides. However, as a non-toxic, natural remedy, it had none of the side effects of the other treatments!
Grapefruit seed extract has a great selection of vitamins that can both do wonders for your general health, and also help you through your treatment for Candida overgrowth. It boosts your immune system and helps to repair liver cells that may be damaged by the release of Candida toxins in a Die-Off reaction.
How does Grapefruit Seed Extract help with Candida overgrowth?
The 1990 study of grapefruit seed extract (published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine) found GSE to be “highly effective against different yeasts and molds (Candida, Geotrichum, Aspergillus and PeniciIlium sp.)”. GSE’s antifungal properties help it to combat Candida infestations by killing the yeast cells that have taken over your intestines.
Grapefruit seed also has a number of important chemicals – Vitamins C & E, bioflavonoids – that can help repair cells in the body. One particular bioflavanoid, named Hesperedin, can give a natural boost to your immune system. The natural acidity of the extract also helps your immune system by restoring your stomach to its natural pH (it can frequently become too alkaline during a Candida overgrowth).
The great thing about taking grapefruit seed extract for digestive complaints is that it leaves the beneficial bacteria in your system intact. Compare that to other antimicrobial treatments that can leave your intestine empty of these helpful organisms.
What is Grapefruit Seed Extract?
GSE is made by mixing grapefruit seeds and pulp into a thick, highly acidic liquid. After some further processing, you are left with a yellow, viscous liquid that has a strong bitter taste. It is usually mixed with vegetable glycerin to reduce the bitterness and acidity.
Grapefruit seed extract is sold either as a liquid concentrate or in tablets. Both contain the vegetable glycerin, but the tablets will also contain a small amount of filler, such as organic brown rice protein. This is OK in small amounts on a Candida diet.
If taking the liquid concentrate, 10 drops in a cup of water is a typical dose, to be taken 3 times a day. In tablet form, 100-200mg 1-3 times a day should be sufficient. Always read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Who should not take Grapefruit Seed Extract?
An independent laboratory found that you would need to take 4,000 times the recommended amount of grapefruit seed extract before the dosage became poisonous. It is non-toxic, but pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it as a precaution.
According to the 1990 study of GSE mentioned above, “No side-effects were registered during the whole study. Clinically, a definite improvement of constipation, flatulence, abdominal discomfort and night rest was noticed after 4 weeks”.
As always, users with serious health conditions should consult their doctor before taking it. Important: Grapefruit seed extract does interact with a number of common medicines, so do keep this in mind and inform your doctor of all medications that you are taking.
