outh,
throat, intestines and genitourinary tract of humans and is usually
considered to be a normal part of the bowel flora. According to a recent
article published in
Scientific American (Your Inner Ecosystem, June 2012), the human body is a “
complex
ecosystem” that contains “trillions of bacteria and other
microorganisms that inhabit our skin, genital areas, mouth and
especially intestines”. In fact, researchers now say bacterial cells in the human body outnumber human cells 10 to one!
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While
some bacteria found in the intestines are good for us (they support the
digestive process and function as our first line defense against
invading pathogens), there are others microbes within us that are
harmful – especially in large numbers. Candida, for example, when
allowed to grow out of control may present itself as
Oral Thrush,
causing creamy white lesions in the mouth, usually on the tongue or
inner cheeks, that can be painful. Together, these microorganisms make
up our intestinal flora – or microbiom. Candida is a normal resident in
this microbiom, coexisting in our bodies with many species of bacteria
in a competitive balance. Other bacteria act in part to keep candida
growth in check in our body ecology – unless that balance is upset. When
our immune system is weakened, candida growth can proceed unhindered.
It is an “opportunistic organism,” one which, when given the
opportunity, will attempt to colonize all bodily tissues. The
uncontrolled growth of candida is known as candida overgrowth.
Candida Overgrowth Symptoms
Does Your Child Suffer From Candida?
Candida symptoms vary by individual, making it difficult to diagnose, According to the
National Candida Center,
“There are several health challenges that children may experience that
are related to Candida Overgrowth. Such things as hyperactivity,
occasional violent behavior, lack of self-control (consider the age of
the child), chronic congestion, allergies, asthma, dark circles under
the eyes, overweight, and learning difficulties may correlate to yeast
overgrowth. Allowing a yeast overgrowth to take hold in a child’s body
will bring years of unnecessary health and emotional problems.”
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Some
children just seem to have a constitution that is susceptible to
Candida yeast overgrowth and infections. This may point to an improperly
working digestive system, or an improper diet. These are the children
who have a history with baby thrush, yeasty diaper rash and cradle cap
as babies, and then continue to have skin rashes, weight issues,
attention and concentration challenges, and other yeast problems as they
grow older.
Candida Overgrowth Causes
The chief culprit responsible for the bloating of our children may
not be their lifestyle or food habits – although exercise and eating
right is critically important to their health. A primary cause of excess
weight might be linked to the over-prescription of
antibiotics which kill all bacteria without distinguishing good bacteria from bad.
Antibiotics kill the “good” flora which normally keeps the candida
under control. This allows for the unchecked growth of candida in the
intestinal tract, leading to a wide variety of health issues from
fatigue and lethargy, weight gain and bloating, skin rashes and hives,
and much more! Meanwhile, with candida being a known pathogen, a child’s
immune system becomes overwhelmed trying to keep the overgrowth from
consuming the body and eventually weakens to a point where it can’t
fight even the smallest infection, virus or cold! The child returns to
the doctor, where more antibiotics may be prescribed, and it becomes a
vicious cycle.
The Over-prescription of Antibiotics
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In
almost all cases, the use of antibiotics should be followed by a
diligent process of restoring the proper intestinal flora to your
child’s body, thus minimizing the potential for a candida overgrowth.
Probiotics, such as
ProBio5
manufactured by Plexus Worldwide, can provide relief from candida
overgrowth symptoms and help restore balance to the intestinal flora.
ProBio5 has five extra strength probiotics, added enzymes, intestinal
flora, B6 and Grape Seed extract – all in one effective delivery system
specially formulated to fight candida yeast overgrowth conditions.
Enzymes are essential to the body in its need for support in
synthesizing (breaking down) hostile organisms. Probiotics are used to
restore balance in the intestinal tract thus enabling good bacteria to
flourish and go on to function as our first-line defense against
disease.
[Click here to view a self-test questionnaire...]
If you think your child might be suffering from a candida overgrowth,
talk to your pediatrician and consider probiotics to help restore
intestinal health. For more information about candida,
ProBio5, or other Plexus health products, contact us at
info@BeSmartGetHealthy.com.
NOTE: The information presented here is in no way
intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or as a substitute for medical
counseling. The information should be used in conjunction with the
guidance and care of your physician. Your physician should be aware of
all medical conditions that you may have, as well as the medications or
supplements you may be taking. This information is intended to raise
awareness of the threat of candida, and educate consumers in an effort
to improve health.
Thanks for pointing out that our children need our help – as
adults – to ensure they reach healthy weights before going into young
adulthood. Childhood obesity may not just be about poor diets and
sedentary lifestyles. The cause may be related to the over-prescription
of antibiotics and the impact these have on our children’s intestinal
flora! Probiotics are so very important to our children after they
complete a dose of antibiotics! My family and I have used the Plexus
ProBio5 supplements for over 6 months – and LOVE them! The ProBio5
REALLY helps with digestion. Thanks for pointing this out! We can’t help
our children achieve healthy weight levels without clearing up candida
overgrowth first!