Candida-children-behavioral and physical signs

by Holly Bortfeld
Click here for the 2013 Webinar presentation slides on Yeast Overgrowth and ASD by Holly Bortfeld
The healthy gut contains both yeast and good bacteria, in balance with each other. In many Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) kids, however, one or the other can be out of balance. Bacteria can overgrow, or there can be a complete lack of bacteria. Also, bad bacteria can develop and take over, rather than good bacteria, causing major problems for our children.
Bacteria live in the intestinal tract, sharing space with the yeast. Antibiotic use makes yeast worse, or can start off an unhealthy reaction causing yeast overgrowth. Antibiotics kill bacteria, both good and bad, but not yeast. When using antibiotics, the bad bacteria can take over the system and yeast can grow to fill in the space left by the removal of the bacteria.
There are many strains of yeast that live in the digestive tract including candida, which appears to be the most common. There are also several different types of “bad” bacteria, including clostridia and Citrabacter F.
Both good and bad bacteria exist in the gut. Common “good” bacteria, also called beneficial bacteria, are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium,  And don’t panic if you see it on your test but bacteria like e-coli exist in the normal gut.
Overgrowth is made possible by a dysfunctional immune system or gastrointestinal distress. A healthy immune system and regular, healthy bowel movements should keep the Candida in check. Occasionally, these complex systems “get out of check” and overgrowth of bad bugs becomes an issue.
Bacteria live in the intestinal tract, sharing space with the yeast. Antibiotic use makes yeast worse, or can start off an unhealthy reaction causing yeast overgrowth. Antibiotics kill bacteria, both good and bad, but not yeast. When using antibiotics, the bad bacteria can take over the system and yeast can grow to fill in the space left by the removal of the bacteria.
What is important to remember: Yeast live and feed on sugar. Limiting high sugar (or foods that turn into sugar in the gut) is the first and most important step. A diet high in carbs causes and feeds yeast.

What Does Yeast Overgrowth Look Like?

Yeast overgrowth manifests itself in two forms – behavior and physical.

Behavioral signs

• Headaches
• Inappropriate laughter
• Sleep disturbances
• Unexplained intermittent crying episodes
• Belly aches
• Constipation
• Bed wetting
• Gas pains
• Fatigue
• Depression
• “Foggyness”
• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Anger, aggression
• Increased self-stimulatory behavior
• High-pitched squealing
• Increased sensory defensiveness
• Climbing/jumping off things
• Sugar cravings
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Inability to potty train, or loss of this skill
• Self-limiting Foods
• Plateauing in skills

Physical Signs

• in the mouth, in the form of thrush
• on the skin such as diaper rash or eczema
• red ring around the anus
• rash or cracking between the toes or joints

What Yeast Overgrowth Looks Like

How Do You Test For Yeast?

According to best practices, yeast levels are best measured via a stool (poop) test.
Genova Diagnostics offers a stool test called the CDSA (Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis)
A test such as the CDSA tells you how much yeast, what types and amounts of yeast and (both good and bad) bacteria your child has and offers you information about which pharmaceutical and homeopathic treatments might be the most effective to treat your child’s issues.
Other labs that offer a stool analysis include Doctor’s Data and Metametrix.
Urinary Organic Acid Tests (OAT) may measure levels of “fungal metabolites” (yeast waste products) in the urine. Several labs offer this test including:

• Great Plains Laboratory
• Doctor’s Data
• Metametrix

Non-Specialty Lab OAT Testing

If you only have Medicaid or prefer to use the standard lab testing:

• OAT Test  With the exception of gut pathogen metabolites, a regular quantitative organic acid test will tell about most of the other markers on the OAT.
• For the gut pathogen metabolites, a stool culture, O&P x3, giardia, cryptosporidium will give the bacteria and parasite parts.
• The only bad part is that no commercial test measures beneficial flora levels. One could just use a broad spectrum probiotic, though it is better to focus more on which type of probiotic is low if there is an imbalance. The CDSA from Genova Diagnostics does all this and some insurance companies will cover it. Call your insurance company to see if they will cover the test. The Genova site offers CPT codes to use when calling about coverage.
• The equivalent of the specialty lab testing can be achieved with 2 pieces – a standard-lab OAT and stool testing.

How Do You Treat Yeast?

There are three main ways to treat yeast overgrowth – medications, homeopathic treatments and dietary changes.
Medications are only a stop-gap measure, to be used in acute cases.
DIETARY CHANGES, i.e. REMOVING CARBOHYDRATES is the true treatment.

As long as you feed your child too many carbs, the yeast will keep coming back. Over and over and over. You must cut off it’s food supply, boost the immune system and heal the gut to stop it.

Medications (prescribed) include:

• Nystatin
• Ketoconosal
• Sporonox
• Amphoterican B
• Flagyl (Metronidazole)
• Nystatin
• Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Bactrim
• Vancomycin
• Neomycin
• Lamisil
• Nizoral
• Vermox-generic is Mebendazole. (kills what feeds on sugar)

Homeopathic treatments include:

• Probiotics
• HBOT (anecdotally)
• Colostrum
• ThreeLac
• Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
• Olive leaf extract
• Oil of oregano
• Garlic extract
• Pau d’Arco
• Uva ursi
• Biotin
• Sugar-eating enzymes like CarbDigest or No-Fenol
• Caprylic acid
• Berberine
• MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil

Note: Dosing and frequency are recommended based on the individual’s age and weight. Your doctor will prescribe the treatment according to your child’s unique needs. Yeast treatments can require several treatments or reoccurring treatments to remedy the imbalance. Rarely is one yeast treatment the only requirement for keeping bacteria in balance. Dietary intervention controlling sugar and carb intake is also a crucial step in this process.

Dietary changes include:

• Gluten-, Casein- and Soy-free diet
• Low- to no-sugar diet
• Low- to no-carbohydrate diet
• SCD-CF (Specific Carbohydrate Diet plus Casein-Free)
• Regular use of carbohydrate-targeting enzymes

What Is a No/Low Yeast Diet?

Yeast lives and feeds on sugar so a low/no-yeast diet would be one that limited or removed sugars, and foods that break down into simple sugars such as corn, rice, fruit. Removing juices (which are high in sugars), removing candy and all sugars is the first step. Read here for a list of sugar and carbohydrate foods that feed yeast.
The SCD-CF diet is the single most effective, and highest-rated diet, used with ASD population, because it combats not only the issue of GFCFSF but also carbs, processed foods, preservatives, colors and other toxins.
For info and recipes, see www.pecanbread.com

What are Carbs

Carbohydrates are found in sugar, fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains. They both exist in either a natural or refined form. Most carbohydrates break down into glucose (a specific type of sugar). There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Both of these feed yeast.
A diet too high in carbohydrates can upset the delicate balance of your body’s blood sugar level, resulting in fluctuations in energy and mood that leave you feeling irritated and tired.

Simple vs Complex Carbs

Simple carbohydrates include sugar, juice or soda, candy and some fruits and have little to no nutritional value and therefore should be limited. Simple carbohydrates provide short bursts of energy and activity, followed by a crash of blood sugar and energy.
Simple carbohydrates are also known as sugars. Simple carbohydrates are considered “empty calories” since there are not any vitamins or minerals in sugar. Simple carbohydrates are monosaccharide (one) and disaccharide (two) carbohydrates.
Complex carbohydrates include corn, rice, potato, nuts and oats.  Complex carbohydrates provide a slower release of energy and don’t cause the same drastic blood sugar changes. Complex carbohydrates are often referred to as starch or starchy foods.

What Should I Expect To See When Treating Yeast?

Die-off (rapid dying of gut bugs, leading to excess release of toxins) of massive quantities of yeast and bacteria can be physically hard on the body. That much dead or dying stuff flying around can wreak havoc so it’s common that we see a negative reaction, before a good reaction when starting yeast treatment. This is also called a “Herkshimer” reaction, a massive die off of pathogens. There are ways to help combat this reaction and bring your child through the process with the least bad reaction.

Things that can help lessen the negative reaction:

• Activated Charcoal capsules
• Alka Seltzer Gold (not regular)
• Drinking lots of water (8 oz every 2 hours minimum)
• High doses of Vitamin C or magnesium to get them to stool the toxins out faster
• Gut cleanout to remove the buildup* (see below)

Typically, the die off following initial treatments can be disconcerting. Witnessing a die off reaction in the first week is typically a sign that the treatment is starting to work.  Stopping the treatment regimen prior to its completion is not recommended as it can aggravate and make the condition worse. Consult your doctor for details and to address any concerns. Not every individual on a yeast treatment protocol experience “die off” or a negative reaction.
After the typical “die off” is over, usually lasting 3-7 days, most parents report that treatment improves their children’s behavior and concentration –– kids seem more aware and less “foggy.” Anecdotal reports claim that the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior decreases. The child acts less silly and shows less inappropriate laughter, just to name a few.

Does Yeast Ever Stop Being a Problem?

Parents often have to fight yeast over and over. Here are some reasons that it returns in our children.

• Certain treatments that we use for other issues in autism, like chelation for removal of heavy metals, or anti-virals to reduce extremely high viral markers can also exacerbate yeast.
• A common mistake parents make when starting the GFCF diet is to substitute a lot of high-sugar, high carbohydrate foods for the gluten and casein thus causing more yeast.
• Weak immune system – since yeast overgrowth wouldn’t be possible with a healthy immune system, it’s very important to get the immune system stabilized. Leaving the immune system weak can bring back yeast in a hurry.
• Side effect of a prescribed supplement or a drug.
• Toxic metals, such as mercury and chemicals, such as aspartame, MSG and others can kill friendly intestinal flora, alter immune response and allow yeast to proliferate.
• Disorders like hormonal imbalance, celiac disease or hemochromatosis.
• Reports back from parents indicate that as the child’s overall health improves, yeast and other bacteria imbalances become less of an issue. This process takes time and a dedicated doctor to monitor and assist in this process.

Antibiotics and Other Meds

Antibiotics and other meds (oral chelation meds, for example) can cause yeast but may be needed to address other issues so probiotics and other gut/immune boosters must be given with them in order to stem the yeast flares.
You must not give antibiotics and probiotics together at the same time, you want to space them out, or the anti- will kill the pro-.
For example, if you give the antibiotic at 7am and 4pm, you want to give the probiotics at noon and bedtime (8/9 pm).
Other immune boosters should be given with antibiotics to help the body combat whatever bacteria is invading.

The Yeast Beast Reality Check – Only YOU can stop Yeas

re previous post re stress, trauma and toxins

http://theatlasoflife.com/2010/03/16/trauma-thoughts-and-toxins-vertebral-subluxations-part-2-emotional-stress/

Psychological stress, trauma and toxins = vertebral subluxations

Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins = Vertebral Subluxations Part 2: Emotional Stress

by The Atlas of Life on March 16, 2010

Last week, we covered the five components of a vertebral subluxation, as defined by B.J. Palmer in Volume XVIII published in 1934. They are:
1.) Malposition – This simply means misalignment of a vertebra
2.) Occlusion – This refers to the closing off of an opening that a nerve passes through. In our case, we are referring to the neural canal where the spinal cord travels down.
3.) Pressure – When C1 or C2 is misaligned, this can occlude the neural canal near the brain stem. This can cause pressure or tension on the cord at this level.
4.) Interference to flow of nervous system transmission – With a misalignment, an occlusion, and pressure, there is zero chance for the nervous system to properly communicate to the rest of the body.
5.) Three-directional torqued vertebra – To achieve these four components of vertebral subluxation, the C1 and C2 vertebrae has to shift up or down, left or right, and rotated front or back.
We also covered how physical stressors are one of three components that cause vertebral subluxations. Let’s move on to the second cause of a vertebral subluxation.
Thoughts aka Emotional Stress
Emotional stress is an unavoidable part of life. Loved ones will pass away. Downsizing at the workplace will continue to happen as companies merge, fail, and outsource. Family trouble, marital troubles, routine work deadlines, bills, student loan debt… the list goes on and on and on.
Learning how to deal with these day-to-day stressors is paramount. Here’s why.
Fight or Flight
Our bodies have something called the “fight or flight” mechanism. This is an automatic response by your body in cases of extreme stress.
Some examples would be coming across a bear in the middle of the woods, getting mugged in a dark alley, or nearly getting hit by an oncoming car.
Your body responds in such a way that you are literally, in a split second’s time, equipped to fight or flee your way out of a perceived deadly situation.
Your body responds by instantly releasing adrenaline and cortisol throughout your body. These hormones cause your heart to pump faster and your breathing to increase. This allows more oxygen and blood to the muscles used for fighting or fleeing. It keeps them ready to react at the blink of an eye. Your liver releases sugar into the blood so your muscles can have that instant energy. You begin to sweat more, cooling down your body. Your metabolism speeds up, your tolerance to pain increases, and your senses are keener.
While these responses are great in a deadly situation, they are not great over long periods of time. A day to day continual fight or flight response over days, months, or years will cause your nervous system to write checks the body eventually won’t be able to cash. This will open the door for any number of disease processes to begin.
This is what chiropractors mean when they speak of a body being in dis-ease before it develops into disease.
Wearing Down
These reactions are carried out through the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is one of two parts to your autonomic nervous system. The other is the parasympathetic nervous system, which carries out bodily functions while at rest. Ideally, we always want to be in a parasympathetic state. This allows our bodily functions like digestion and peristalsis to carry on without hindrance.
When we are always in a state of stress, our sympathetic nervous system runs the show. Constant secretion of adrenaline and cortisol, tension in the muscles, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and increased sugar release into the blood wears the body down over a long period of time. Because we are in this stressed state, we don’t sleep as well. With less sleep, out bodies can’t heal properly, and our immune system can’t bear the load. We then become more susceptible to lingering effects from bacteria and viruses.
With our body in a weakened state, our Innate Intelligence can only do so much. When the matter that is your body is limited to much less than its potential, true healing and health can never be experienced. Normal external forces that our body’s Innate Intelligence usually deals with (i.e. gravity, bumpy car rides, coughing, and sneezing) become too much for our bodies to handle.
The end result? A vertebral subluxation that interferes with the nervous system’s already depleted communication to the body.
As I said last week, we can’t afford to go through life without getting our nervous systems checked on a regular basis. That takes care of the physical part, but what about the emotional?
Coping With Stress
A positive mental attitude is a good place to start. Keeping yourself from getting down about your circumstances can be difficult at times, but it is necessary. We all go through rocky times, but life is sometimes about enduring through the hardships.
Exercise is one way to keep your spirits up. It is impossible for you to feel depressed once you start moving. The body releases endorphins (natural opiates) that naturally help you feel good. Yoga is another great way to release tension brought on by emotional stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and prayer are also other good ways to settle down mentally and allow your parasympathetic nervous system to take over.
Next week, we will cover the effects of chemical stress on the body and how that can result in a vertebral subluxation.

• Post to Facebook
  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40

  40
• Post to Twitter
• Add to LinkedIn
• Post to Digg
• Post to Delicious
• Post to StumbleUpon
• Add to Reddit
• Add to Tumblr

Recommended Reading

• Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins = Vertebral Subluxation Part 4: Managing Stress
• Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins = Vertebral Subluxations Part 3: Chemical Stress
• 5 Essential Functions of Your Autonomic Nervous System
• Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins = Vertebral Subluxations Part 1: Physical Stress
• If You Didn’t Get the Memo, Here It Is: Chiropractors are NOT Healers

Zemanta

Mail online - Are hormones making you ill

Are hormones making you ill?

It is an illness you may think is uncommon, but Candida affects one in three women at some point in their lives.
This hidden epidemic often manifests itself as vaginal or oral thrush, skin infections or cystitis. But for some people, the problem is far worse leading to fatigue, digestive problems and even chronic fatigue syndrome.
For years, the main cause was thought to be over-use of antibiotics, disrupting the balance of bacteria and leading to an overgrowth of Candida in the gut. But experts now believe Candida is a symptom of problems with the body's endocrine, or hormonal system.
There are two underlying causes of Candida. The first is an immune disorder like cancer or HIV while the second is an imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone. In some people, this will be enough to cause Candida overgrowth. In others, antibiotics may be a trigger.
It is now thought that Candida growth is stimulated by high levels of progesterone caused by hormone treatments like the contraceptive pill, HRT and other corticosteriod treatments including nasal sprays.
This leads to a variety of symptoms from headaches and asthma, to weight gain and digestive problems.
Although over 17 million people are thought to have Candida, many don't realise they suffer the condition, which means that thousands of women could go untreated for years, says Christine Tomlinson of the National Candida Society.
Although there is an established link between Candida and diseases like cancer, HIV and ageing that depress the immune system, the medical profession still doesn't fully recognise the disease in 'healthy' people, she says.
Candida, which is referred to by doctors as Candida Albicans, is a yeast which lives in our intestines and other parts of our body like the skin and mucous membranes. Most of the time, it is kept in check by natural 'friendly' bacteria which live alongside it in the gut and by our immune system.
{1}
If this balance between yeast and bacteria is affected, for instance by antibiotics which kill off the bacteria or in periods of low immunity following virus or stress, Candida can start to grow and spread out of control. Once there is overgrowth in the gut, candida leaks through the intestine walls and enters the bloodstream.
'Getting rid of the 'friendly' bacteria through taking antibiotics has a double effect', says Tomlinson, because not only do they keep Candida at bay, they also work to recycle oestrogen and boost the levels in the blood. So destroying them allows the Candida to spread even more.
Because the endocrine system works to balance the body, high progesterone can also arise from low oestrogen levels in the blood. This happens when the activity of oestrogen receptors is altered by mercury poisoning from fillings, environmental pollution and some pharmaceutical products.
'Everyone's threshold is different', says Christine Tomlinson, and even if Candida doesn't result from this directly, once these conditions are established in the body it only needs something small, like a course of antibiotics, to unbalance the body completely and trigger overgrowth.
If you think you might be affected, she says, the first thing to do is to get tested. The simplest way to do this is through a urine test at home or through a practitioner. Depending on your symptoms, your practitioner may also test for parasites, lead, mercury or cadmium (another heavy metal) poisoning and food allergies.
The next step is to try and get rid of the overgrowth. In 60 per cent of people, says Tomlinson, diet and supplements work, along with addressing the root cause like coming off the pill or stopping the use of nasal steriod sprays.
A diet to combat candida is based on reducing sugar which effectively starves it, halting growth. Dairy products and wheat, which can cause allergies, may be reduced or cut out completely.
In addition, anti-fungal drugs (or herbs) are taken to kill the overgrowth and acidophilus supplements given to re-populate the gut with 'friendly' bacteria. If the condition is longstanding, it might be necessary to take some multivitamin or mineral supplements to build up the body's immune system.
For more information on practitioners, treatments and tests contact the National Candida Society on www.candida-society.org.uk

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-75239/Are-hormones-making-ill.html#ixzz2mMOQJowM
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Candida and contraceptive pill

Causes Of Candida

Firstly, its important to realize that everyone has Candida already. It is a microorganism that is naturally present in your gut, part of the balanced system that helps you to digest food and stay fit and well.
When people talk about Candidiasis the illness, they are really talking about the excess growth of Candida. So if Candida is not something that you ‘catch’ like a virus, what are the causes of this excess growth of Candida?
Candida has only recently been recognized by the medical community, but there has been a surprising amount of research conducted into this illness. The consensus is leaning towards a handful of medical and lifestyle factors that seem to be triggers for a Candida overgrowth.

Candida and your diet

The modern diet is like a feast for Candida, since it is a yeast that needs sugar to thrive and multiply. That includes sugar itself, foods containing sugar and also anything that converts to sugar. Refined carbohydrates like processed food made with white flour, other refined grains and alcohol can all contribute to Candida growth.
A healthy immune system should be able to keep Candida at bay. However, a diet rich in sugar actually depresses your immune system, leaving it vulnerable and allowing the Candida yeast to proliferate. Moldy and yeast-containing foods must also be avoided, as they can aggravate symptoms of Candida too. This means some vegetables, condiments, sauces, coffee, tea, and packaged and processed foods.

Candida and antibiotics

The most common culprit in an outbreak of Candida is antibiotics. A full course of antibiotics kills the harmful bacteria for which it is prescribed, but it also destroys beneficial and friendly bacteria that live in your gut. This can leave your body defenseless to harmful bacteria and fungi, such as the fast-growing Candida yeast that quickly dominates the small intestine and causes problems.
Of course there are times when you do need that antibiotics prescription, but the truth is that doctors prescribe it for for many health issues unnecessarily, like the common cold or a sore throat. Make sure there is no alternative treatment to your condition and, if you must take them, be sure to take an good probiotic supplement during and after the treatment to replenish the healthy bacteria population.
Buying organic food can help to reduce your exposure to antibiotics. An astounding 55% of the antibiotics used in the US are in the livestock industry. Herds of cattle are fed antibiotics to keep mortality rates low and profit margins high. Some of these antibiotics make their way on to our plates in the form of beef and milk. This has become so widespread that the European Union has banned it completely, and won’t even import beef that has been raised in this way.

Candida and stress

Stress affects your body in two ways, both of which can lead to excess Candida. One of your body’s first reactions to a stressful situation is to release Cortisol, a hormone that depresses your immune system and raises your blood sugar level. The Candida yeast feeds on the extra sugar, while your weakened immune system is powerless to stop it. Quickly it overpowers the balanced mixture of microorganisms in your small intestine.
Prolonged stress can also weaken your adrenal glands, which are an important part of your immune system. These small organs release hormones that regulate several different systems within your body, and they are responsible for production of the ‘fight or flight’ hormone adrenaline. If your adrenals become drained you will feel constantly tired, and probably find yourself drinking cup after cup of coffee. Your immune system becomes similarly drained and unable to respond properly to pathogens like the Candida yeast.

Candida and the Pill

In other sufferers, an outbreak of Candida can be traced to the contraceptive pill. The stomach is a delicate organ, containing a precise mixture of microorganisms and yeasts that help process and digest food. They depend on the right balance of chemicals to support them, but this equilibrium can be thrown off by the hormonal imbalances caused by the Pill.
By disturbing this balance, the Pill opens the door for Candida to once again outgrow its competitors in the gut. Estrogen, the major ingredient in the Pill, is known to promote the growth of yeast. If you need evidence of how this can happen, see how many women get regular yeast infections while on the Pill, its exactly the same principle.
Another contraceptive device that may cause Candida is the copper IUD. It has been shown that copper can increase yeast growth in much the same way as Estrogen does. So be very aware of these problems when choosing your contraceptive technique!

Mercury in your Fillings

Silver amalgam fillings contain at least 50% mercury, and this is poisonous to the body. Mercury particles and vapor are continuously released in the body as you chew, grind and brush your teeth.
Mercury significantly weakens the immune system and can be the cause of many health problems. One of these is Candida. The mercury leaks from the dental fillings and kills the friendly bacteria in your gut, allowing Candida to take over.
There is no safe level of mercury to have in your system, so keeping it in your mouth is definitely a bad idea. If you can afford it, do take charge of your health and have them replaced.

Chlorine and Fluoride

Both chlorine and fluoride kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This weakens your immune system and allows the small number of Candida yeast cells in your gut to grow into a Candida infestation.
Chlorine in particular can be found almost everywhere you look. Most cities add chlorine to their drinking water. This mean that you are drinking chlorine every day, bathing in it, showering in it, and using it to wash the clothes that you and your family wear. As a powerful disinfectant, it ensures that the water supply stays free of pathogens. However the health benefits are outweighed by Chlorine’s effect on your gut flora and immune system. Luckily there are ways to reduce your chlorine exposure. One you add some filters in your house and switch to more natural laundry products, your body will take in much less of this poisonous chemical.

Candida - Postpartum, Bipolar Disorder and Depression and Celiac disease

Healing Body & Spirit

Friday, August 15, 2008

Bipolar Disorder and Depression, is there new hope?

A few days ago a young mother in our neighborhood, suffering from postpartum and Bipolar Depression committed suicide. In my early years as a counselor I came to believe that nutrition and diet has a major role in depression and mental illness. I counseled brothers who were Bipolar, yet I had known them when they were younger, and mentally healthy—normal , outstanding young men. Their diet was terrible—lots of sugar, meat, soft drinks and junk food. A very acidic diet. Now they are unable to function normally in the community. I watched with sadness the results of their medication. Constant drooling, slowness of speech, periods when they went off the medication and the ups and downs of their disorder. I wanted desperately to help them. It was then I decided that I would pursue a Ph.D.degree in Holistic Nutrition.
I have long believed that candida has a role in depression and Bipolar Disorder and I am not alone. Dr. William Crook, author of The Yeast Connection, and Dr.C .Orian Truss, author of The Missing Diagnosis and other physicians suggest this is the case, although more research needs to be done.
According to Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of Depression Cured at Last, says depression always involves a seriously malabsorptive state and gut that needs to be "cleaned out". or needs to be "fixed"as soon as possible.Celiac disease and candida contributes to malabsorption.
Yeast is a vegetable, not an animal and is a strong invasive parasite that attaches itself to the intestinal wall and becomes a permanent resident of your internal organs. It is an integral part of life. It is present in food, and is found on exposed surfaces and in the air we breathe. Candida yeast intake and exposure cannot be avoided. Only when yeast becomes dominant in various parts of the body does it begin to present a serious health problem, resulting in disease, pain, and discomfort.
Yeast can become a hardy fungus. It multiplies very rapidly, can assume long periods of dormancy and when necessary, becomes cannibalistic. Candida is very sensitive to sugars, foods and other specific substances as they pass along the digestive tract. Yeasts cells thrive on sugar and have an aggressive appetite.
Minor increases in intestinal yeast are usually not a problem, but if yeast overgrowth is left unchallenged it can change into a mycelial fungus with rhizoids (tentacle-like projections) that penetrate the lining of the intestinal tract. These projections can cause intestinal permeability and leak toxins across the cellular membranes. This can cause a disruption in the absorption of nutrients and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to reduced immunity and weaken the body’s defense systems.
Without proper nutrition, the body can’t heal or regenerate its tissues and if you
cannot digest and assimilate food, the tissues will eventually starve, states Dr. Robert Young, author of The pH Miracle.
Cleansing the body and taking probiotics, and other anti-candida measures is a step toward healing.


Cleansing the Body
You should have three bowel movements a day. To help this process, juice lots of raw vegetables—especially spinach and carrots, eat lots of fiber, take a good bowel cleanser such as Naturlax 2, drink ½ cup aloe vera juice both morning and night, and drink lots of water.
Milk thistle helps cleanse the liver and aids in enhancing bile output to soften stools. Enzymes help digest foods and speed up elimination. Alfalfa tablets aid in detoxifying the body. Magnesium and a high dose of vitamin C, (the two "bowel loosening" nutrients), help constipation.

Depression involves a state of fairly broad essential nutrient and amino acid deficiency almost 100% of the time. It is suggested that consuming carnitine and phospatidyl choline is helpful when taking a therapeutic dose of amino acids.

Thyroid Function & Bipolar Disorder
There is currently an investigation on low thyroid and candida relationships connecting bipolar disorder and celiac disease. There is a clear connection between the process of thyroid hormone regulation and bipolar disorder. The problem is, this connection is only just now beginning to become evident, and how the connection works is basically a mystery. Two studies recently showed a strikingly high rate of autoimmune-caused thyroid problems in people with bipolar disorder, far more than you would expect to find.Vonk, Kupka Thyroid problems are more common in the complex forms of bipolar disorder (mixed states and rapid cycling) than in classic bipolar manic patients.Chang Signs of thyroid auto-immunity are much more common in people with anxiety and depression, particularly the forms of anxiety which don’t easily fit into typical “anxiety disorder” labels.Carta
Poor intestinal flora can contribute to depression by altering the immune system. Let’s examine this relationship a bit closer. Cytokines are produced by our immune system. In depression, there is an increase in inflammatory cytokines called IL-1, IL-6, and TNF. These same cytokines can be increased by exposure to the LPS in the cell wall of gram-negative intestinal bacteria. By increasing these cytokines, intestinal bacteria have been shown to induce depression, anxiety and cognition impairment.
Can Virgin Coconut Oil Help the Thyroid
Celiac disease, triggered by gluten proteins from wheat in susceptible people, can damage the central nervous system. The cell walls of Candida, the yeast responsible for oral thrush, vaginal infections and intestinal Candidiasis, contain the same protein sequence as wheat gluten and may trigger or stimulate Celiac Disease.
For the last ten years we have known that celiac disease is associated with hypothyroid disease, specifically Hashimoto’s Disease. About 10- 14% of celiac patients are hypothyroid. Celiac patients are about ten times as likely to have thyroid nodules. [5,6,7] Is it the same genetic predisposition making people overly prone to develop autoimmune diseases that causes both conditions? Or is it the chronic bowel inflammation that stimulates these autoimmune reactions? At this point it isn’t clear.
Since the unsaturated oils block protein digestion in the stomach, we can be malnourished even while "eating well." There are many changes in hormones caused by unsaturated fats. Their best understood effect is their interference with the function of the thyroid gland. Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. Coconut oil is unique in its ability to prevent weight-gain or cure obesity, by stimulating metabolism. It is quickly metabolized, and functions in some ways as an antioxidant.9
Because coconut oil is saturated and very stable (unrefined coconut oil has a shelf life of about three to five years at room temperature), the body is not burdened with oxidative stress as it is with the vegetable oils. Coconut oil does not require the enzyme stress that vegetable oils do, preventing T4 to T3 hormone conversion, not only because it is a stable oil, but also because it is processed differently in the body and does not need to be broken down by enzyme dependent processes as do long chain fatty acids. Also, since the liver is the main place where damage occurs from oxidized and rancid oils that cause cell membrane damage, and since the liver is where much of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place, eliminating long chain fatty acids from the diet and replacing them with medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can, in time, help in rebuilding cell membranes and increasing enzyme production that will assist in promoting the conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.
More research in this area is necessary.
Omega 3 deficiency contributes to Bipolar Disorder and Depression

Omega-3s are a safe, simple, natural treatment for depression, mental health, and enhancing mood without side effects. Andrew Stoll, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McClean Hospital, is author of the book The Omega-3 Connection. The book is designed to educate about benefits of fish oil and help readers restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in the brain.
Over the past century, people in the United States have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty acids from their diet, due to the huge consumption of processed foods and a low-fat diet craze.
However, there is reason to be concerned about bad fats. Some fats are absolutely required for good health, while others detrimental. The most dangerous fats are those found in margarines, shortenings, heated oils, cheese, and some meats, but we need the healing fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies and we cannot manufacture them internally. They can be obtained only through our diet.
Stoll, on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, was interested in alternatives for bipolar patients. He conducted extensive searches on medical research papers to find substances with properties similar to standard mood stabilizers, lithium and valproate. After he and his colleague, Dr. Emauel Severus, reviewed hundreds of papers, they pulled up one match time and again—common fish oil.
Fish oils are already known for their roll in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. They may also be responsible for protecting against arthritis, diabetes, and some psychiatric disorders. The brain requires more omega-3 and fatty acids than any other system in the body. According to Dr. Stoll, without omega-3s, the brain cannot function normally, so even the most powerful antidepressants will be unable to improve mood. For optimum health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be eaten in nearly equal proportions. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable and seed oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oils. Omega-3s are more difficult to obtain, and are most often from fish oil. Flax oil and seed contains some Omega-3s.
In addition, omega-3s are safe and effective supplements for pregnancy, nursing mothers, and postpartum depression. Blood levels of omega-3s decrease during the later stages of pregnancy and stay low, because the fetus receives these essential lipids preferentially (especially if there is a shortage). Lack of omega-3s can damage a mothers health after birth and cause major postpartum depression. These fatty acids are so important in cell-signaling pathways, and are vital to the function of many brain systems, including those neural systems regulating mood and emotions. Research indicates that a lack of omega-3s during pregnancy may impair development of the visual system of a fetus, and may also compromise future intelligence.
Evening Primrose is another Omega 3 that is particularly helpful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome), irritability, mood swings, and cramps.
There is some evidence that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be rooted in a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noticed that in two groups of children it was found that those who had omega-3 deficiency and ADHD had similarities. Both had excess thirst, greater frequency of dry hair and skin, and an increased need to urinate. When they tested the blood levels of the ADHD subjects they found that 40 percent had low levels of omega-3s.
Dr. Stoll recommends 1 to 3 grams (1000-to 3000 milligrams) of fish oil daily for health, mood, or cognitive improvement.

6 comments:

Susan said...

Thought you might be interested in this short omega-3 video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIgNpsbvcVM

August 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM

Dr.Michael said...

Bipolar disorder is not a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders characterized by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood, clinically referred to as mania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present. http://www.buy-xanax-online-now.com/

December 11, 2008 at 2:13 AM

xanax said...

The anti-anxiety medicine xanax is wholly capable of facilitating your war against anxiety as it is the most widely recognized medication to treat anxiety disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorders and altogether Xanax can treat a whole lot of anxieties related to panic disorders and depression. Before you move on to administer Xanax and treat your anxiety, get hold of Xanax tidbits from the site http://www.pill-care.com

December 17, 2008 at 10:29 PM

herhtdm said...

It is only xanax, not alcohol, which can offer suitable relief from the anxiety pangs. Other than alcohol, that is likely to make people violent and aggressive instead of providing suitable cure for their depression and anxiety, you should opt for the anti-anxiety pill xanax only when it has been prescribed by a doctor. To obtain relief from anxiety, depression and related disorders, Xanax alcohol is never to be sought after as mixing xanax and alcohol can unleash tremendous harm to your health. http://www.xanax-effects.com /

March 25, 2009 at 9:52 PM

samantha said...

Hi,

You are receiving this email based on the value I feel your website and the services you offer from your website holds. As the Chief Editor for Counselor.org I continually strive to find the best resources I feel are relevant to what we offer (FREE information), and make sure these resources are available to my users as well. I would like to commend you for the work you have put into your website and offer you the possibility of being included as a Featured Resource on Counselor.org. Please understand this is done for two reasons: First and Foremost I feel your website would offer an excellent service to my viewing public and would be a great addition to what is commonly considered one of the larger counseling informational databases online. Secondly, I see a ton of value in your website and would be pleased to have some exposure on your website as well. Please understand this offer is not given to many and will not be revisited in the future. I have included our Counseling Network Resources for your review, I can send the code to you at your request. Please reply with your relevant "Link" information and site description, as always I welcome all questions or thoughts, Thank you for the time it has taken to read this.
If you need more information please email me back with the subject line as your URL.

Thank You,
Samantha Burner
Counselor.org

December 17, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Cara Mia said...

Wow, I'm so glad I found your blog! I have celiac disease and hypothyroid disorder and lately have been experiencing bipolar tendencies which are inhibiting my life. Thank you so much for your information about omega 3s and I really believe that nourishing the body will nourish the mind and vice versa.

Atlas subluxation complex -This could a discription of me

The Misaligned Spine
(Atlas Subluxation Complex)

How The Spine Becomes Misaligned:
Accidents and Injuries Tear loose the connective tissues that hold your spine together Resulting in a weakness Allowing your body to break down Locking your head, spine and pelvis into a stressed position.

Identifying it is Easy:
Lying down, one of your legs is longer and the other shorter. Standing up, one of your hips is higher and one lower. Your spine twists to the right or left side. And your head usually leans to the right or to the left. Muscles are imbalanced Movement is abnormal.

It Gets Worse Over Time:
Over time the spinal bones & discs break down. This misaligned condition becomes progressive and degenerative. The longer your spine is misaligned the worse it gets.

At First It Goes Undetected
You get used to living like this, accepting it as normal. And eventually your symptoms are severe enough to get your attention.

The Misaligned Spine Causes Many Problems:
You have limited movement and reduced function. Although you can still move and function, the limitation is always there. The vertebral joints and discs bread down and degenerate. Your nervous system is compromised and dysfunctional. Sensation, movement, circulation, digestion, respiration, reproduction, cognition and emotion can be effected.

Symptoms Originating From, Related To and Influenced By:      Your symptoms may be structural:
Involving the muscles, joints and discs of your neck, back and pelvis, From the uneven stress on the spinal disc from the misalignment the disc goes through five stages: wedge, bulge, protrude, herniated and rupture. Also involved are your shoulders, hips and knees. Your symptoms can include stiffness, cramping, pain, numbness, tingling, shaking, lack of sensation, weakness, inflammation and degeneration.
Your Symptoms May Be Related to the Nervous System:
Other problems relate to the mechanical tension on your brain, brain stem, spinal cord and the nerves exiting your spine and their functions that they control and regulate. Your symptoms related directly to the nervous system can include seizures, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches and disequilibrium.
Symptoms related to the Functions Regulated & Controlled by the Nerves:
Other symptoms can include respiratory complications (allergies, asthma and shortness of breath), digestive disturbances (acid reflux, indigestion, IBS, spastic colon), circulatory problems (cold hands or feet), reproductive problems (dysmenorrhea, infertility, ED), hormone imbalances and altered body chemistry. Weakened body functions can also set the stage for infections and dis-ease and reduces the body’s natural ability to heal from many diseases and conditions. Loss of normal functioning of the Nerves can limit the ability of the body to heal from trauma and to use all of its resources to fight and heal from diseases. Correcting the spinal misalignment is not a treatment for cancer, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, but a normally functioning nervous system is necessary to allow the body to effectively deal with these and many other diseases.

For a Complete List of Symptoms & Conditions

The Atlas Subluxation Complex:
     The National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA) refers to this misaligned condition of the spine as the Atlas Subluxation Complex (ASC) and the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome (ASCS).


How to Correct the Misaligned Spine
     NUCCA has developed a precise way to evaluate and correct the ASC using measurements on X-rays and very subtle corrections.

For a description of the procedure: