How I’m Curing My Toenail Fungus Without Antibiotics
Understanding the Root Cause:
Toenail Fungus is a Systemic Issue
Toenail fungus isn't just a superficial problem—it’s a reflection of what’s happening inside the body. I learned this the hard way after dealing with recurring infections despite multiple treatments. Addressing the root cause is key to long-term healing, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Started With a Vulnerable Toe
My journey with toenail fungus began after I developed a black toe from intense running. Eventually, my toenail fell off, leaving the nail bed exposed and vulnerable. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the necessary preventive steps to protect my new nail as it grew back, and it became infected with fungus. I successfully treated it a couple of times—once with Dr. Scholl’s Fungal Nail Revitalizer and later with iodine—but the problem always returned. This time around, neither treatment was working, which makes me believe that the fungus has grown protective measured against those treatments. This persistent cycle made me realize that the fungus was more than just a surface-level issue; it was systemic.
Why I Chose a Natural Approach Over Pharmaceuticals
I made a conscious decision to avoid pharmaceutical antifungal treatments and antibiotics. My past experience with antibiotics for a separate health issue had destroyed my gut microbiome, wiping out both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This left me more susceptible to infections reoccurring after the initial treatment. Since then, I’ve restored my gut health, which took me years. I knew that taking antibiotics again would only perpetuate this vicious cycle. I wanted a solution that addressed the underlying cause rather than exacerbating the problem in the long-run.
My Current Natural Treatment Plan
Recognizing that toenail fungus stems from internal imbalances, I am taking a comprehensive, inside-out approach to healing.
1. Dietary Changes: A Three-Month Cleanse
To starve the fungus, I’m eliminating sugar and alcohol from my diet. Both of these feed harmful bacteria and fungi, allowing infections to persist. Alcohol, in particular, weakens the immune system, making it harder for my body to fight off infections naturally. To support my immune system to specifically fight out toe fungus, I’m increasing my intake of vitamin D3 through seafood and dairy (thankfully, I’m not lactose intolerant).
2. Herbal Medicine: Fighting Fungus from Within
Every morning, I drink hot tea infused with honeysuckle and forsythia. These herbs have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to combat fungal infections by cleansing the body and balancing internal health. Incorporating natural remedies like these helps treat the infection at its root rather than just masking the symptoms.
3. Topical Treatment: Natural Oils for Healing
In addition to my internal approach, I’m applying tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil to the affected toenail twice a day. Both oils have powerful antifungal properties and are known to promote nail health. Since beginning this regimen, I’ve noticed some progress—my nail has grown out slightly, the black areas have reduced, and the thickness has started to decrease. Although the improvement is slow, I’m optimistic that consistent treatment will lead to full recovery.
3 Month Update!
Healing toenail fungus naturally is a slow process, but I’m encouraged by the small changes I’ve observed so far. My nail is headed in the right direction, and I believe that by staying consistent with my treatment, I will eliminate the fungus for good, as I’ve done before with my previous gut infection.
Update: My 3 month cleanse concluded at the end of March and I am happy to report that my toenail fungus is gone! I changed my approach slightly the last four weeks. I still kept a healthy diet full of fresh veggies and fruits and continued to stay away from processed sugars. On top of that foundation, I mechanically removed the overgrown thick layer of keratin on the nail with a nail bit. I happened to have a cheap one from wal-mart that still got the job done. Now that the root of the infection was no longer covered by the nail and accessible (the black area, which was trapped blood from intense running), any superficial treatment would now work.
I treated the exposed fungus with Dr. Scholl’s Fungal Nail Revitalizer twice a day—once in the morning and again after my shower. And after 4 weeks, continuing filing as needed, all the fungus and overgrown keratin is gone and the nail bed is growing in smoothly! Treating the superficial infection alongside the systemic issue leaves me confident that recurring infections will no longer happen.
Conclusion
Dealing with toenail fungus has been a long and frustrating journey, but I’ve learned that treating both internal system issues with food as medicine and superficial growth and infection with topical pharmaceuticals works wonderfully to wholly cure toenail fungus. Clearing the systemic issue takes time and dedication, however it is worth the sacrifice for just three months so that long-term the issue will not return. If you’re struggling with recurring or even resistant toenail fungus, consider healing your internal chemistry, your microbiome and inflammation.
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About the Author: Coach Dee
Deborah Park, known as Coach Dee, is the owner of Drip Training LLC and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach. With a background in architecture and kinesiology from the University of Virginia, she has extensive experience in personal training and athletic coaching in a clinical (physical therapy) setting. Coach Dee combines her scientific knowledge with years of hands-on experience and generational knowledge of food as medicine to create programs that empower clients to regain control over their bodies and minds.
Her journey into personal training was deeply influenced by her personal struggles, including recovering from a life-changing car accident that led to PTSD and pain from scoliosis. This experience gave her a unique understanding of the connection between mental health and physical well-being. Coach Dee is committed to helping clients develop resilience, build strength, and rediscover their confidence—no matter the challenges they face.
