Poor dietary choices, the promiscuous use of antibiotics, and the unhealthy state of the intestinal tract that often results are likely the main factors behind the high rate of candida infections so commonly found today. The article below gives a comprehensive overview surrounding the issues involving candida, as well as some recommendations regarding the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.
Candida is truly a child of the Standard American Diet (SAD), as well as a result of the abuse of many common prescription drugs, largely the result of poor advice from physicians and the pushing of these profitable drugs by the pharmaceutical companies. The health of the intestinal tract is one of the major indicators of overall body wellness, and when intestinal bacteria becomes knocked out of balance, many health problems may occur.
Changing to a healthy diet, performing periodic digestive tract cleansing and eliminating foods that contribute to bacterial imbalance are the most important factors in fighting and avoiding candida. The use of a quality probiotic product that restores beneficial bacteria to the gut along with an effective anti-fungal such as Mediterranean oregano oil is also critical.
The Candida and Fungus Among Us
by Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D.
(NaturalNews) It is estimated that one in every two people will be affected by Candidiasis in their lifetime but many will not be aware of it or may even think that the symptoms are all in their head. The unfortunate reality is that many people who seek medical advice from their health care providers are told that there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. This is due to the fact that the mainstream medical establishment has been slow to recognize Candidiasis as a real issue; the Integrative Medicine community, however, has been treating the condition successfully for decades. If you feel that you're one of the many who have suffered without validation or relief from this life-altering illness, please read on.
Here are some common symptoms experienced by people with Candidiasis:
* Do you regularly experience any of the following symptoms - bloating, headaches, depression, fatigue, memory problems, impotence or loss of libido, unexplained muscle aches, brain "fogginess"?
* Do you crave sweets, products containing white flour, or alcoholic beverages?
* Do you have repeated vaginal infections?
* Do you repeatedly experience any of these health difficulties - inappropriate drowsiness, mood swings, rashes, bad breath, dry mouth, post-nasal drip or nasal congestion, heartburn, urinary frequency or urgency?
* Do you have repeated fungal infections ("jock itch," athlete's foot, ringworm)?* Have you recently taken repeated courses of antibiotics or steroids (e.g. cortisone)?* Have you used birth-control pills?
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions then you may be suffering from a common yet drastically under-diagnosed condition: Candidiasis.
Candidiasis is the medical term for yeast overgrowth. We all have bacteria living in our intestinal tract - some of which we consider to be "good", such as acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, and some of which we consider to be "bad", such as Candida albicans. Candida albicans is a form of yeast that can be dangerous to the body if it spreads. In order to prevent this from happening, the "good" bacteria produces antifungal substances that keep the "bad" bacteria in check. This "good" bacteria also ferments carbohydrates into lactic acid, which maintains an ideally balanced pH within the intestines to keep Candida albicans at bay. As long as the "good" bacteria co-exist with the "bad" bacteria in healthy ratios and the intestinal pH is correctly balanced, the GI tract can live in peace. Havoc occurs, however, when the pH balance shifts and the "good" bacteria come under attack.
Proper pH balance is vital for so many reasons. If the body becomes too acidic (a condition known as acidosis), it adversely affects the functioning of all its parts: heart cells, blood cells, brain cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, bone cells, skin cells, hair cells and hormonal levels. It also creates a hostile environment with less available oxygen – a condition key to the growth of microorganisms such as Candida albicans. As the bacteria fueled by these new, toxic conditions die off, the toxic waste produced by their decomposition further contributes to the already acidic environment. This cycle continues on and on into a situation with potentially grave consequences. Researchers suspect that most degenerative diseases including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, acid reflux and heartburn can be contributed to chronic acidosis.
While an imbalanced pH creates the perfect battleground for the "bad" bacteria to spread, a number of other enemies are waiting in the wings to take aim at the "good" bacteria.
The single largest enemy of "good" bacteria is sugar, which can single-handedly weaken the immune system, thereby weakening the "good" bacteria. But the sugar doesn't stop there! This sweet invader packs a dangerous one-two punch and feeds the "bad" bacteria, encouraging it to proliferate throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Since a weakened immune system generally goes hand-in-hand with illness, antibiotics or steroids may be administered, which further takes its toll on the "good" bacteria, killing the illness-causing bacteria along with the vital "good" bacteria. Once the "good" bacteria are out of the picture, the "bad" bacteria are able to take over and sink its teeth into the intestinal walls, eventually breaking down the barrier that exists between the bowel and rest of the body. This intestinal breach then opens up the flood gates for toxic debris, yeast waste products, and partially digested proteins to enter the bloodstream, resulting in allergic and toxic reactions all over the body – the symptoms of which could manifest themselves differently for every person.
Dietary factors play a key role in the survival of Candida albicans. These "bad" bacteria thrive on sugar and as a result, intense sugar cravings may ensue. Likewise, dairy foods can be excellent supporters for Candida albicans for two reasons: (1) Non-organic dairy products contain traces of antibiotics, which can kill the "good" bacteria that have managed to survive and (2) dairy products contain the sugar lactose, which is one of Candida albicans' preferred meals, feeding the bacteria and further encouraging it to grow and spread. Other products that cause Candida albicans to grow are yeast and glutens that also convert into sugar.
Environmental factors can also be big supporters of Candida albicans' proliferation. Exposure to pollutants such as pesticide residues, car exhaust, industrial chemicals and heavy metals (particularly those found in mercury amalgam dental fillings) may encourage the growth of these "bad" bacteria.
Because Candidiasis suppresses the immune system, symptoms of the illness span a broad range and include chronic fatigue; weight gain; mental issues such as depression, anxiety, irritability, confusion, loss of memory, and severe mood swings; digestive problems including gas, bloating, cramps, chronic diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn; respiratory issues including food and airborne allergies, asthma, nasal or lung congestion, sinus pressure, hay fever, coughing; recurrent fungal infections ("jock itch", athlete's foot, ringworm, fingernail or toenail fungus) or vaginal/urinary infections; skin problems including rashes, hives, acne and scaly skin; migraines, headaches and sleep disturbances.
Everyone is at risk of developing Candidiasis; however, people with weakened immune systems (whether from severe illness or chronic stress), those with diets high in sugars and carbohydrates, anyone who has taken repeated courses of antibiotics or steroids, women currently taking oral birth-control medications or who have taken them in the past, and women of child-bearing age are most at risk.
Diagnosing Candidiasis can be tricky as the symptoms of this condition mimic the symptoms of many other illnesses. I generally consider several factors before pronouncing a diagnosis of Candidiasis: medical history, a physical examination, lab test results and failure to respond to previous treatments. If I am then able to come to an adequate conclusion, I immediately begin my patients on a treatment protocol. Catching the condition in its early stages and commencing treatments immediately can be vital to heading off the more serious diseases that yeast overgrowth can lead to (diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, acid reflux, heartburn and even cancer).
My Healthy Recommendations:
Treating Candidiasis requires a degree of commitment but with dedication it is completely possible to reverse the condition.
The first step in any treatment plan begins with some key dietary changes. Sugar is the main fuel for Candida albicans, therefore it must be removed out of the diet completely. A "Candida Diet" requires that sugar; alcohol; milk and dairy products; and foods containing mold and yeast must all be avoided. These foods actively encourage the growth of Candida albicans and the condition cannot be properly resolved as long as the "fuel" remains in place.
When you suspect that you may be living with a Candida problem, don't put off speaking with your physician. While this condition is entirely treatable, the consequences of delaying treatment are too high to ignore. See your doctor and begin the process of restoring balance in your intestines, your body and your life!
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