Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Candida and childhood obesity

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!
Baby TongueWhile 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.”
Unhealthy ChildSome 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

Childhood ObesityIn 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.
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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.

1 Visitor Comment

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!

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