Candida and Candidiasis
Yeast
Candida Albicans and its overgrowth Candidiasis is quite a notorious
topic these days. On one side there are a few medical doctors and a slew
of alternative practitioners who blame Candida for everything from
migraines to cancer. On the other, the medical establishment, generally
refuses to recognize the seriousness of this condition, primarily
because it’s symptoms so closely mimic those of other conditions. As
with most controversies, the truth likely resides somewhere between the
two extreme points of view. My own experience has convinced me that, to
varying degrees, Candida is a problem for a large number of Americans.
If you’re wondering whether it’s a problem for you, read on.
The symptoms of Candida overgrowth
In
general, symptoms will include two or more of the following: fatigue,
depression, brain fog, insomnia, bloating, gas, intestinal cramps,
chronic diarrhea or constipation, sensitivity to chemicals, perfumes or
other odors, loss of sex drive, allergies and food sensitivities. And
that’s just for starters. If you are a woman, you might also experience
recurrent yeast infections, bladder infections, and have painful
menstruation or PMS. A man might suffer from persistent jock itch,
athlete’s foot, other fungal infections, or prostititis. Symptoms in
children can include recurring colds, sore throats, ear infections, and
digestive problems like gas, constipation or diarrhea.
The
most common sign of Candida is a craving for sugar and starches like
bread and pasta (which quickly convert to sugar in the body). This is
because Candida uses sugar as its primary fuel. Think about how many
people you know who crave sweets and/or bread and you’ll have some idea
of the extent of this problem. While Candida may not be responsible for
every illness that befalls mankind, letting it go unattended for years
can lead to a variety of chronic health problems. Candida produces a
potent toxin called canditoxin which suppresses the immune system at the
cellular level.
Once
in the blood, Candida can cause symptoms such as migraine headaches,
irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease, eczema, hyperactivity, weight gain,
chemical and inhalant allergies and rheumatoid arthritis. Candida
“short-circuits” the body’s defenses at its deepest levels. That’s why
attempts to rid the body of any of candida’s symptoms without addressing
the candida itself, usually prove futile, and why allopathic doctors
have a relatively poor track record treating many of these conditions.
Why has Candidiasis become nearly epidemic in America?
The
extensive use of broad spectrum antibiotics destroys much of the “good”
bacteria in our gut that would otherwise keep candida in its place.
Many women are aware that taking antibiotics for a bladder infection
virtually guarantees an onset of a vaginal yeast infection. Birth
control pills and estrogen replacement therapy are also thought to put
women at a greater risk for Candidiasis. Yeast, a natural inhabitant of
the vagina, proliferates in the presence of the estrogen in these drugs.
According to Candida expert Leon Chaitow, N.D., fully 35% of women
using birth control pills have associated cases of acute vaginal
candidiasis.
There
is no doubt that the main culprit responsible for opening the door to
candida overgrowth is a poor diet, high in sugar and white flour.
According to Newsweek Magazine, In Sugar We Trust (July 13, 1998), the
average American now consumes 150 lbs. of sugar per year, up 28 lbs.
since 1970. And we’re paying the price. Our bodies’ digestive and
eliminative systems have become sluggish under the strain of our
inadequate, sugar laden diet. When sugary foods remain in our intestines
for two to three days (the average transit time for Americans) we
become a veritable smorgasbord for all sorts of opportunistic organisms,
including Candida Albicans.
Getting Rid of Candida
To
win the battle with Candida you must avoid sugar. This is more
challenging than you might think. Sugar goes by many names and has a way
of sneaking into our diets wearing many disguises. Make sure nothing
you eat contains sucrose, dextrose, fructose, maltose, lactose,
glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, maple syrup, maple
sugar, molasses, brown sugar, raw sugar, date sugar, turbinado sugar,
nutra-sweet (contains lactose), aspartame, corn syrup, honey, and fruit
juice. They are all sugar, and fuel for yeast. If your cravings for
something sweet are strong, try Stevia, a sweet herb that is safe to use
on this program.
You’ll
want to avoid all refined, white flour products. This includes most
pastas, breads and other baked goods, which also contain yeast, another
no-no. My clients have had very good results when they remove wheat
altogether.
It
is also important to stay away from alcohol, and fruits - again,
because of their high sugar content. All dairy products are out. Also
eliminate mushrooms, sprouts, and most nuts (with the exception of
almonds), because of possible mold contamination. All vinegar, except
for raw apple cider vinegar, and other fermented foods, are verboten. At
this point you’re probably wondering what you can eat. One of the most
important foods is protein. Because it is acid forming, protein helps to
create an unfriendly environment for the alkaline dependant yeast. For
the first month or two of a Candida program, eat plenty of naturally
raised chicken, turkey, fish and eggs, free of hormones and antibiotics.
All kinds of fresh vegetables are also great, especially ocean
vegetables, because of their high mineral content. The grains quinoa and
buckwheat are made into pastas or noodles. Millet and amaranth can be
substituted for rice which, because of its high glycemic index (turns to
sugar quickly in the body) is also off limits for now. Beans (garbanzo,
kidney, pinto, black etc.) are fine as long as they don’t make you too
gassy, and other starches like corn and potatoes are allowed.
Use
your imagination, and this new way of eating can be a real adventure.
If you need some help, there are a number of good Candida cook books on
the market.
Supplementation
Supporting
your immune system during its fight with Candida is important. The
antioxidants A, C, E, zinc, selenium, Glutathione and NAC should be
included. Take the load off the liver with milk thistle and lecithin.
Garlic, goldenseal root, cinnamon bark, cloves, Pau d’arco, Caprylic
acid, and zinc tannates all have candicidal properties. Repopulating
Candida’s natural enemies, lactobacillus acidophilus, which inhabits the
small intestine, and bifido bacteria which lives in the oxygen-poor
environment of the colon, is very important. Look for non-dairy, high
potency products. There are potentially dozens of supplements that might
be of benefit. Have a qualified nutritionist design a supplemental
program that is right for you. But the fact is, regardless of which
supplements you use, the key to your success will be the adjustments you
make in your eating habits.
Candidiasis
is a problem that will not go away by itself. If it is left unnoticed
then it will become well-established and migrates from your intestines
to other organs of your body, deteriorate your immune system and
ultimately threaten your health.
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Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis are categorized together as IBD. But the
two diseases can have different symptoms. Learn the differences between
these two forms of IBD.
A
physician may use a complete medical history as well as several tests
to diagnose IBD. Tests can include both endoscopy (tests to look inside
the gastrointestinal tract), blood tests, and biopsies.
A variety of blood tests are commonly used in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
A
colonoscopy is commonly used to diagnose Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis. This test allows a physician to see inside the large intestine
to determine the source of gastrointestinal symptoms.