Column #13

Over 10% of all adults develop Toenail Fungus at some time in their lives. The fungus thrives beneath the toenails because that location is usually dark, moist, and warm. It begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of a toenail. As the fungal infestation grows deeper, the nails become brittle, discolored, inflamed, and may crumble at the edge. It may affect more than one nail but usually not all of them.

The treatments for toenail fungus include prescription pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, home remedies, and an approach that is nearly always ignored: diet.

Some prescriptions such as efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin), fluconazole (Diflucan) are topical and some are oral such as itraconazole (Sporonox), griseofulvin (Fulvicin), and terfinabine (Lamisil). Unfortunately some oral medications have been shown to sometimes have side effects such as upset stomach, headaches, and liver damage. And reportedly achieving healthy nails may take up to one year and, even if the treatment is successful, the fungus often returns.

There are also some over-the-counter antifungal creams but the reviews for them are not promising either. In other words they are not very effective.

Surprisingly, quite a few home remedies earn praise from medical practitioners. The list of well-known natural antifungals includes tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, Vicks VapoRub, vinegar, and thyme oil. Still, all too often it takes months for these treatments to be effective and the “cures” are not permanent.

Most medical practitioners fail to ask the fundamental questions about what causes fungi to thrive in a dark, moist, and warm environment. What do fungi eat? What causes the discomfort?

The discomfort is caused by mycotoxins. When fungi have a good food source they put out mycotoxins (toxic chemicals) to drive invaders away. These toxins can be very destructive to all body tissues. They can be responsible for clogged arteries, abnormal brain function, violent emotional disturbances, suppressed immune systems, intestinal issues, nerve disorders, rashes, dandruff, hemorrhoids, etc.

Once established, fungi put out mycotoxins when they are “fed” their favorite foods. At the top of their list are sugars (high glycemic foods) and carbohydrates. So, if one has toenail fungus, trying to eradicate it while eating high glycemic foods and carbohydrates is self-defeating.

To stop fungi from producing mycotoxins and reduce inflammation, avoid high glycemic foods. This includes sugar, syrups, honey, grains, seeds, potatoes, and many fruits. Keep in mind that nearly all foods are natural fungal hosts with potentially some mycotoxins in them. Mycotoxins are the most prevalent contaminant in our foods and they are 100% organic. So discard foods that have mold on them because they will contribute to your mycotoxin load.

The best treatment for toenail fungus is to wash your feet with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Trim your toenails straight across, keeping them shorter than the end of your toe. And be careful about what you put in your mouth. Feed your body not your fungus!

To your health.

Ted Slanker

Ted Slanker has been reporting on the fundamentals of nutritional research in publications, television and radio appearances, and at conferences since 1999. He condenses complex studies into the basics required for health and well-being. His eBook, The Real Diet of Man, is available online.

For additional reading:

Fungus and mycotoxin resources in Science.