Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (103 page)

AVOID

Sugar.

Refined carbohydrates.

Soft drinks.

Alcohol.

Dairy products.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Drink three cups of pau d’arco tea daily—this has antifungal effects. You can also soak your feet in the tea for further effects.

Try grapefruit seed extract. If you can’t stand the taste, get the capsules.

Supplement with zinc, as zinc levels are often low in those with athlete’s foot.

Probiotics replenish the beneficial bacteria and help to crowd out the yeast.

EXTRA TIPS

Keep your feet dry and well aired—wear cotton socks and take your shoes off as much as possible.

After a shower, dry your feet thoroughly and then cover them in cornstarch, baking soda, or arrowroot powder. These powders will help to absorb the extra moisture on your feet so there will be no dampness between your toes.

Apply tea tree oil or thuja oil—try using it diluted first to check for reactions; it is quite powerful and can cause soreness on sensitive skin.