Candida Albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of Candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called "Acidophillus and Bifidus" can use it as food. When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria the Candida cells begin to multiply out of control. Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints. Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses. The true causes of Candida are not a mystery. They are also not the same for each individual person. Some people have Candida due to a combination of causes. To begin with lets look at the true causes and discuss each.
1. ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics are a common cause of Candida. Antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the Candida a chance to begin to multiply. Anyone who has been treated with antibiotics for acne, major dental work or any condition where antibiotic use has been frequent, more than 1 course of 7-10 days, is a prime candidate for Candida.
2. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS OR DEVICE
Oral birth control pills are mostly the hormone estrogen. Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Several years ago the Great Smokies Medical lab published studies showing that hormones could effect intestinal bacteria. A common compliant of women on birth control pills is yeast infection. The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter. It has been observed by David Watts, Ph.D., that copper promotes the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
3. EXCESSIVE STRESS AND ELEVATED CORTISOL
Stress can cause yeast growth for several reasons. Stress causes the release of certain hormone called CORTISOL . Cortisol can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast. These two reaction tend to happen together as cortisol goes up. This is the exact reason why stress causes Candida. Cortisol can be addicting to the body. It raises sugar and relieves inflammation. There have been a few studies that show the body can become addicted to it and try to keep it elevated. There are several simple nutrients that help lower cortisol levels back to normal by telling the nervous system to relax. Testing for cortisol can be done with the Adrenocortex Stress Test.
4. TAP WATER CONSUMPTION
Common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This will allow Candida to grow as covered earlier.
5. PARASITES AND INTESTINAL WORMS
Parasites and intestinal worms are more common then anyone would think. Some researchers have estimated that over 85% of all people living in North America and Canada have parasites. Parasites can be large worm-like creatures or small microscopic organisms. Either type destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible. Parasites can be detected in the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis.
6. CONSTIPATION
Constipation can be caused by Candida. However constipation can also lead to Candida. If one does not have Candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, Candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what Candida does best in. The more alkaline the digestive tract the happier the Candida becomes. It does not matter what causes the constipation. Constipation for any reason can easily cause Candida.
7. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Beer can be a particular problem not because of the yeast but because of its maltose content. Maltose is a sugar that is derived from malt. Malt sugar is very potent and can feed yeast cells very quickly. People with Candida also tend to develop allergies to all yeast products whether the yeast is healthy or not. This does not mean that hard spirits or wine in excess are any safer. Alcohol should always be used in moderation. Drugs can also cause yeast overgrowth particularly if they disturb the digestive system. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
8. HYPOTHYROID
Low thyroid is very common in cases of Candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. As pointed out earlier, lack of proper digestive secretions can cause reduction of friendly bacteria. Constipation is also common with low thyroid. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in body temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop Candida overgrowth.
9. IMMUNE DEFICIENCY
Any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about Candida. Most notable are AIDS and CANCER. Candida can be considered a side effect of these more threatening illnesses.
10. HORMONAL IMBALANCE
It has been long recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth. In order to support friendly intestinal flora, adequate amounts of both hormones are needed. Great Smokies Medical Lab published a paper several years ago which explained how these hormones are essential to the health of friendly bacteria.
Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth. The hormonal imbalance must be corrected after the yeast has been reduced or relapse is sure to occur.
Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth. The hormonal imbalance must be corrected after the yeast has been reduced or relapse is sure to occur.
11. DIABETES
This is the most difficult case to deal with. It is essential that the diabetes be addressed first and the blood sugar be gotten under control. It is impossible to eliminate Candida while the blood sugar is high. There are specific herbs that are anti-fungal and have traditionally been used to lower blood sugar. I developed this protocol 2 years ago and have used it with good results, but I feel that most people should go right on a diabetic protocol to lower their sugar before attempting any Candida elimination. So here you have the 12 true causes of Candida.
Candida is becoming a very well known and recognized problem in this country. It has been estimated at 30% of all Americans have Candida. Now that we've addressed the causes, let's discuss why it is serious.
Candida is becoming a very well known and recognized problem in this country. It has been estimated at 30% of all Americans have Candida. Now that we've addressed the causes, let's discuss why it is serious.
The major waste product of yeast cell activity is acetaldehyde and the by-product ethanol. Many people have a low iron content because this mineral is hard to absorb when Candida is present, and therefore have little oxygen in the tissues. Ethanol can cause excessive fatigue and reduces the strength and stamina which takes away ambition. It destroys enzymes needed for cell energy and causes the release of free radicals that encourages the aging process. Candida Albicans in an incredible destroyer of health and is the main missing link in many of our modern day diseases and sub-health conditions. The fact that Candida can rob the body of its nutrition and poison the tissues with it toxins is a major contribution, directly or indirectly to the following list of serious conditions:
| 1. Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke 2. Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy or moldy places 3. Athletes' foot, jock itch, fungal infections on the skin or nails 4. Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol 5. Prostitis or vaginitis 6. Diarrhea 7. Constipation 8. Abdominal distention, bloating or pain 9. Gas or flatulence 10. Rectal itching or rash 11. Colic 12. Diaper rash 13. Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections 14. Kidney, bladder infections 15. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection) 16. Sinus infections 17. Joint pain or swelling 18. Acne 19. Hives 20. Rashes 21. Itching skin 22. Eczema 23. Psoriasis 24. Loss of sex drive 25. Impotence 26. Fatigue 27. Feeling drained 28. Memory loss 29. Feeling spaced out 30. Numbness, burning or tingling 31. Muscle aches 32. Muscle pains 33. Flu-like symptoms 34. Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation) 35. Cramps or menstrual irregularities 36. P.M.S 37. Spots in front of eyes 38. Erratic vision | 39. Drowsiness 40. Irritability or jitteriness 41. Mood swings 42. Depression 43. Suicidal feelings 44. Headaches 45. Hypoglycemia 46. Feeling of swelling and tingling in the head 47. Heartburn 48. Indigestion 49. Belching 50. Intestinal gas 51. Mucus in the stools 52. Hemorrhoids 53. Dry mouth 54. Sores or blisters in the mouth 55. Bad breath 56. Nasal congestion 57. Nasal discharge 58. Nasal itching 59. Post nasal drip 60. Sore or dry mouth 61. Sore or dry throat 62. Cough 63. Pain or tightness in the chest 64. Wheezing or shortness of breath 65. Asthmatic symptoms 66. Burning or itching eyes 67. Burning on urination 68. Ear pain 69. Ear aches 70. Ear discharges 71. Painful intercourse 72. Food allergies or food reactions 73. Hayfever 74. General allergies 75. Thrush 76. Hair loss |
The majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until become seriously ill. The symptoms are so numerous and seemingly unrelated that it is very perplexing to both doctor and patient. Candida itself is totally preventable and if you have this condition, there is a special way in which it can be completely and permanently eliminated. This is a remarkable anti-fungal program that overcomes Candida in a more reliable and permanent manner. If you can remove this parasite from your body using a natural approach, you will also remove all the negative effects and symptoms along with it. This program will significantly improve your digestion and all associated weaknesses including bloating, constipation, ulcers, colitis, colon problems, gas, chronic fatigue, aches and pains and many kinds of subtle and nagging health problems. Even acute infections such as the common cold, Epstein Bar Virus, bladder infections, skin eruptions, etc. can be prevented or significantly improved. It will especially take the stress off of the immune system, the glands and the nervous system. Reproductive organ problems which can have their roots in a Candida Yeast infection may eventually disappear. Many negative conditions may slowly go way with this incredible technique and it can help increase food assimilation by as much as 50%.
As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated. One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another--a grand tour of the hospital--only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.
Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one's diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over- tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow. If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast.
As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated. One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another--a grand tour of the hospital--only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.
Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one's diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over- tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow. If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast.
Facts About Candida
- Yeast secrete an enzyme that digests the lining of the intestines.
- Yeast shifts the immune system from Th1 to Th2. This sets the stage for allergies and viral infections.
- Yeast enzymes break down IgA. IgA is the most predominant type of antibody that is found covering the gut mucosa. IgA keeps toxins and bacteria from binding to the cells that line the intestines. Without enough IgA, the intestines become inflamed, and the lymphoid tissue in the gut swells.
- The byproducts of certain yeasts or fungus are able to alter the bacterial content of the intestines. (The fact that fungal metabolites can do this should come as little surprise. Many of our antibiotics are made from molds.)
- Candida secretes an enzyme that reduces the body's ability to kill Staphyloccocus aureus, a common pathogen in human intestines.
- Yeast creates toxins like tartaric acid, acetylaldehyde and arabinol that interfere with the body's ability to produce energy.
- Drs. Truss, Galland and Ionescu have all measured reduced levels of amino acids, imbalances of fatty acids and deficiencies of various vitamin and minerals in their yeast syndrome patients. In particular, yeast reduce the body's coenzyme Q10, coenzyme B6, alpha ketoglutaric acid, taurine, and asparagine. Some types of yeast promote the formation of pentosines. These create a functional deficiency of B6, lipoic acid and folic acid.
- The most dramatic proof of harmful yeast toxins comes from the Great Plains Laboratory. Tartaric acid from yeast causes muscle weakness. Dr. Shaw discovered very high levels of tartaric acid in the urine of two autistic brothers. Both had such severe muscle weakness that neither could stand up. When treated with an antifungal called Nystatin, the tartaric acid measurements declined, and the children improved. When the Nystatin was discontinued, the tartaric acid levels rose, and the children got worse. Often, Dr. Shaw also finds tartaric acid in the urine of those with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by muscle pain, poor sleep and tender points.
- Yeast can be present in the intestines even if they don't show up in a stool culture. Dr. Leo Galland has shown that the yeast can be damaged and not grow in a culture, even though the yeast were present in a stool sample.
- The most harmful place for yeast seems to be in the small intestine. This was shown in a study of children with failure to thrive. Biopsies of the upper small intestine were taken and were examined with an electron microscope. The yeast were embedded in the intestinal lining in their invasive fungal or mycelial form. Some of these children had no yeast showing up in their stool. Yet the yeast in this first part of their intestinal tract was interfering with their nutrition.
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