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Candida

What is Candida? How do I treat candida?

Candida albicans is a single-celled yeast (a form of fungus) inhabiting the digestive tracts of all humans. Like most single-celled organisms, candida multiply very quickly. Where a human generation (birth to reproductive maturity) lasts 25 years, a yeast generation may be anywhere from 8 hours to three days. By the time we are toddlers, we carry a strain of candida completely unique to our own bodies.

These yeast cells coexist peacefully with their hosts unless the host’s immune system is compromised or other conditions in the host’s body lead to uninhibited proliferation of the organisms. Other conditions appearing to allow an overgrowth of candida include hormonal imbalances (including the use of birth control pills and steroids), use of antibiotics and consumption of large quantities of foods that break down into simple sugars – simple carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, white potatoes corn chips and all sweets.

Assessment of candida overgrowth, or candidiasis, is usually based solely on symptoms, most of which can also have other causes. Usually only life-threateningly severe infection shows up in blood or fecal tests. The proof of the hypothesis is in the treatment. If you feel better, it is possible you had a high candida population. The Yeast Connection, by William Crook, includes a comprehensive self-test for candidiasis.

Symptoms of candida overgrowth may include:
  • Depression and/or anxiety and/or irritability
  • Mental fog and general fatigue
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Gas and bloating
  • Acne, eczema or other skin conditions
  • Headaches, including migraines
  • PMS and other menstrual problems
  • Intense or uncontrollable cravings for sweets or other high-carb foods
  • Thrush or vaginal yeast infections

There are five components believed to be needed to treat candida:
  • Elimination of the lifestuff of the candida. Put simply, starve them. For a limited time, the diet should include mostly vegetables and proteins, with small quantities of complex carbohydrates (whole grains such as brown rice, millet or quinoa), and minimal fruit. NO sweets, white potatoes, white rice, white flour, corn (including tortillas, chips, etc.) fermented products including wine, beer, spirits, vinegar and soy sauce, or packaged foods should be eaten.
  • An anti-fungal agent, herbal or pharmaceutical. There are many on the market. Muscle testing, Bio-Meridian testing by a doctor or your health practitioner, or trial and error can help you find the best one for your strain of candida. It is always recommended that you consult your doctor or health practitioner before starting any of these products.
  • Maintenance of regular, full bowel movement to eliminate the organisms’ waste products and the dying cells themselves. Colon hydrotherapy is recommended, as sometimes your body will have more waste than it can comfortably handle on its own.
  • Pro-biotic supplementation – bring in friendly bacteria to crowd out the “bad guys.” Be certain that the product you choose is refrigerated. Ideally it should include at least two strains each of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.
  • If you experience cravings for sweets or carbohydrates, experts often recommend three supplements: gymnema sylvetstre and chromium picolinate twice daily to regulate your blood sugar, and powdered l-glutamine under your tongue as needed.
Many of the people I have known who follow these steps report changes to their overall health. They report that symptoms clear up and energy increases. Keep in mind each individual presents similar, as well as, different symptoms and will experience relief after a different amount of time on the diet or using different anti-fungal products. Once symptoms have been minimized or eliminated, caution must be exercised in the re-introduction of carbohydrate-rich foods. If symptoms recur, certain foods may need to be eliminated permanently.

Sources:
Chaitow, Leon, D.O., N.D., Candida Albican
Crook, William, M.D. The Yeast Connection
Watson, Brenda, N.D. and Smith, Leonard, M.D. Gut Solutions
PubMed

This article is provided for informational purposes only

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