Candidiasis

Although millions of Americans are infected, the symptoms of candida overgrowth (a yeast infection) are often misdiagnosed as...

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Depression
• Diet Disorder
• Old Age
• PMS
• Influenza
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• And a host of other maladies

Scientists estimate that 90% of Americans provide a warm home for this yeast-like parasite called Candida albicans. Over-utilization of antibiotics, the American diet and a weakened immune system allow these organisms to over-populate, invade various organs and tissues and wreak havoc on normal bodily functions. Early symptoms of “over-growth” include chronic aches and pains, digestive problems, lack of energy, memory loss, depression, foggy thinking and many other conditions wrongly associated with getting older. Scientific testing has shown that a widely prescribed anti-fungal/anti-yeast drug is barely better than a placebo. On the other hand, recent double blind clinical trials now show that a new, safe, over-the-counter herbal remedy cuts to the very heart of this parasite. The results of this study suggest that people no longer need to suffer with the menacing health problems caused by this yeast-like fungus.

What is Candida?

Candida is a yeast, similar to those that cause bread to rise. Candida albicans is the most common and well known yeast, and can become problematic in the body when it proliferates out of control. Candida albicans is one of over 80 species of Candida. It is technically a digestive mold or yeast. These yeasts are parasites, organisms that live off of us, taking in food from us and putting off toxic waste. Digestive yeasts have been found to produce over 70 known toxins. Yeast is normally present in our intestinal tract in small amounts. In low levels, it is not harmful to the body - It is a source of food for beneficial gut flora (friendly bacteria) that help the body fight infectious disease. As long as the amount of yeast in the body remains small, internal balance is maintained and all is well. The ideal ratio of Candida to bacteria in the body is 1:1 million; that is, 1 yeast to 1 million bacteria.

What causes Candida?

When the critical balance of Candida to bacteria in the body is disturbed, with Candida gaining the upper hand, we can develop symptoms anywhere in the body as a result of what progressive doctors call systemic candidiasis. This condition develops when the balance between yeast and bacteria is upset as a result of:
Immune dysfunction or disease
Upset in ratio of good to bad bacteria in the GI tract
Change in intestinal pH A number of factors can cause immune dysfunction:
Drugs, anti-inflammatories, cortisone, birth control pills, antibiotics, non- steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs

Toxic metals (like mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and aluminum)

Stress and over-consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugar All of these factors create an imbalance of beneficial gut flora (more bad bacteria than good) called dysbiosis, which can result in reduced immunity. In its fungal form, Candida produces waste products known as mycotoxins. Among the mycotoxins produced by Candida is acetaldehyde, a poison that is transformed into ethanol and converted by the liver into alcohol. As alcohol builds up in the system, symptoms associated with drunkenness develop. This is how Candida can produce “brain fog”. Candida secretes acid that can alter pH (acid/alkaline balance). It also grows very long roots called rhizoids, which actually puncture the mucosal lining of the intestine. When it becomes damaged, we develop a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome. This means that the mucosal lining of the digestive tract has holes in it, allowing Candida to pass through it into the bloodstream..

How does Candida create poor health?
What are some of the signs & symptoms?

When undigested food particles penetrate the bowel wall and enter the bloodstream, the body views them as foreign invaders and makes antibodies (chemical bullets) against them. This can result in the development of food allergies or sensitivities, and ultimately autoimmune disease. There are some 80 known autoimmune diseases. The cause for all of them is officially “unknown.”

Among these autoimmune diseases are:
Arthritis (Rheumatoid)
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn’s disease
Colitis
Skin disorders

The cause of these diseases may be unknown to mainstream medicine, but holistic practitioners are well aware of their connection to leaky gut syndrome. Since Candida is often the culprit behind the leak, we can view systemic candidiasis as an underlying condition, if not a cause, of allergies and other autoimmune disorders. Candida toxins are carried through the leaky gut (via the bloodstream) to the liver. From there, they proceed to other organs of the body — the brain, nervous system, joints, skin, etc. If the liver’s detoxification ability is impaired due to inadequate nutrition and toxic overload, these toxins will be stored and can initiate states of chronic disease. I


Healing Protocols

ELIMINATE or MINIMIZE the use of ANTIBIOTICS, steroids, immune-suppressing drugs and oral contraceptives (only after consulting your health care provider or physician).

CHANGE your DIET to one that will not encourage growth of Candida. Eliminate fruit and fruit juices, sugar and other sweeteners, cheese and commercial dairy products. Soy sauce, mushrooms, breads with yeast, baked goods and peanuts should also be eliminated, as should any refined foods and any foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Avoid coffee, soda, and alcoholic beverages, as well as any fermented foods or beverages.

EAT plenty of vegetables and lean protein. Soups and stews are excellent. Substitute yeast-free millet bread and gluten-free grains such as corn, millet, quinoa and teff. If a sweetener is desired, use the herbs stevia or lo-han. Snacks should include raw pumpkin seeds and oil-free corn chips. Use raw almond and raw cashew butter. Granny Smith apples are the only fruits permitted.

DRINK plenty of water: at least a half (1/2) ounce of water per pound of body weight. (For a 120-pound person, that would mean 60 ounces or about 7 tall glasses.)

ENHANCE digestion by eating more raw foods, chewing thoroughly and taking enzymes with every meal.

RE-ESTABLISH beneficial flora (good bacteria) in your intestinal tract with acidophilus and bifidus supplements.

IMPROVE immune function by stimulating lymph flow through exercise and deep breathing.

INCREASE fiber consumption. This will help absorb and sweep out the toxins that are being created as Candida dies off. We need 30-40 grams of fiber per day, most Americans only get 10-12 grams per day. Flax is an excellent source of fiber.

CLEANSE your system with herbs that help to reduce Candida.

STAY ON a probiotic and fiber supplement as a maintenance. Continue on a maintenance diet — i.e., add back fruits and grains slowly!!!

TRY colon hydrotherapy with your detox program.