Candidiasis

could yeast be making you sick?
Yeast is normally
associated with food such as bread or alcoholic beverages like wine and bourbon
whiskey. The term Candida refers to a specific type of yeast which is commonly
found throughout our environment. Candida yeast organisms are found in the air
we breathe, the clothing we wear, in carpeting, in warm, moist environments like
bathrooms and locker rooms. Candida is naturally found
in our skin, mucous membranes and digestive system. Normally the presence of Candida
is not a problem if the yeast and its growth are kept in check. But compromised
health, some medications, and a poor diet can set the stage for a rapid growth
and over growth of Candida yeast in our bodies.
Candida Albicans is a
member of the Candida family and it is the most infectious strain of yeast for
humans. It multiplies rapidly and makes itself at home in our mucus membranes.
In fact, most of us receive our first yeast cultures from our mother’s body
during birth. Under normal circumstances Candida remains benign and is kept
under control by the "friendly" bacteria in our intestinal tract.
These friendly bacteria inhibit the growth of Candida and other harmful
bacteria. Some of these beneficial bacteria are Lactobacilli Acidophilus and
Bifido Bacterium-substances you often see added to dairy products and supplied
in capsule form to be taken to “restore” the natural balance of bacterial flora
in our digestive tract.
Candidiasis is a term
used to describe a condition in which there is an overgrowth of yeast in the
intestinal tract that is affecting our health. In advanced cases of
Candidiasis, the yeast develops root like growths that penetrate and attach
themselves to the mucous membranes in our intestines as they search for food and
can penetrate the walls of the intestines and ultimately come into contact with
the bloodstream. This becomes even more dangerous as the toxic waste substances
they produce in their life-cycle enters the blood stream. Left unchecked, the
continued growth of the yeast can further damage the intestinal wall allowing toxic
substances from the bowel to be absorbed into the blood stream. Undigested
food, alcohol, by products such as ammonia can all seep into the blood stream
in advanced cases of the condition leading to serious malfunctioning of many
vital systems in our bodies as the yeast and toxins catch a ride through our
blood stream.
Who hasn’t seen a commercial
on TV for a feminine hygiene product designed to cure a vaginal yeast
infection? However, Candidiasis can occur in both men and women of all ages. Women’s
hormones can play a role in encouraging the over growth and he symptoms are
more outwardly noticeable. But men are just as likely to develop Candidiasis as
long as the conditions for yeast overgrowth exist.
The Candida yeast and
its toxins have a negative effect on almost any part of the body so the symptoms
can be varied and mimic symptoms of other conditions. However, yeast overgrowth
in the gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital tract seem to be the most
common. People with Candidiasis often
suffer with abdominal pain, gas and bloating, heartburn, colitis, gastritis, constipation
and/or diarrhea, indigestion and an inability to digest food, chronic bladder and/or vaginal
yeast infections, kidney infections and an inflamed prostate gland.
Additionally, as these toxic
waste products, bowel toxins, undigested food, alcohol and ammonia circulate
through the bloodstream, allergy symptoms will occur or be aggravated. You may
experience symptoms of hay fever, sinusitis, chronic ear infections, hives,
asthma, coughs, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, dizziness, anxiety,
muscle aches, acne, and food and chemical sensitivities. Hyperactivity in
children can also be a result of Candidiasis. If you find that you are ultra sensitive to
perfumes, household cleaners, hairspray, fumes etc., Candida yeast could be the
root cause. An overgrowth of Candida may also be the root cause of food
allergies as well.
Candidiasis should not be taken lightly. Long term, the central nervous system can be affected by the yeast overgrowth. Fatigue, irritability, deterioration of mental faculties, loss of libido, joint pains and stiffness and numbness and tingling of the extremities can occur. Candidiasis can also create or intensify the malfunction of particular glands and organs. It often plays a significant role in thyroid and adrenal disorders, diabetes, hypoglycemia, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cramps, PMS, depression, endometriosis, even infertility. If your weekly diet consists primarily of fast foods, you crave sweets, sugary foods, breads and cheese and ice cream, and often give in to those cravings, you could be setting yourself up for a long battle with Candidiasis.
If you are a woman
between the ages of 20 and 45, experience chronic vaginal itching, burning and
discharge. take over the counter
medications for a vaginal infection that never completely goes away, you could
have Candidiasis. If you have experienced chronic urinary tract infections and
have been prescribed antibiotics, this can cause further yeast overgrowth and
exacerbate your symptoms. Candida organisms can
multiply during periods when immunity is low. Conditions which stimulate yeast
growth include the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, cortisone and other
steroids; pregnancy; diets rich in refined carbohydrates, yeast, and exposure
to chemicals; chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. It is not only the
antibiotics and other drugs that we are prescribed by our doctors, it is also
the antibiotics and hormones added to the meat and poultry products we eat.
It has also been found,
that Candidiasis often goes hand in hand with chronic viral infections such as
Epstein Barr Virus. This may indicate your immune system is so depleted by this viruses that it has no resistance to the yeast overgrowth. And it seems that in
some cases, having Candidiasis may predispose one to a chronic viral infection
as yeast overgrowth can severely lower ones immunity.
Any treatment for Candidiasis must involve dietary restrictions if you expect to get ahead of the yeast and recover. Foods such as sugar, soda, fruit juices, fruit, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, dairy products, fermented and smoked foods, foods containing vinegar and foods made from yeast must be eliminated/reduced and replaced by foods which do not encourage yeast growth, such as vegetables, proteins and complex carbohydrates. It is also recommended to increase biotin levels as biotin helps prevent the yeast from reproducing.
There are many natural
products which kill yeast without creating the side effects associated with the
Western medical approaches. Products containing caprylic acid, undecylenic
acid, berberine sulfate and grapefruit seed extract can be very effective for
those who can tolerate them. Antifungal herbal preparations containing oregano
oil, goldenseal, uva ursi, garlic, pau d' arco, clove, astragalus, coptis,
phellodendron and white oak bark are also effective. Most importantly, the
intestinal flora need to be recolonized with the "friendly bacteria,"
such as, Lactobacilli Acidophilus and Bifido Bacterium. There are numerous
products available now to replace the "friendly" flora that will
reach deep into the mucus membranes of the intestines. There are also very good Homeopathic remedies for Candidiasis such as the Aqua Flora system (www.Aquaflorainc.com)
If you feel you are
suffering from Candidiasis it is important to see an alternative healthcare practitioner
who has experience treating this condition or specializes in it as its
diagnosis and treatment require a significant amount of knowledge and
experience. Today there are specific blood tests and stool cultures that can be
performed to determine if Candidiasis may be present.A key factor in the
treatment of Candidiasis is strengthening the immune system. Blood tests can be
taken to determine if there are deficiencies in vitamins D, B12 and folic acid
and zinc. Thyroid and adrenal function should also be tested. Many patients
suffering with Candidiasis are also hypoglycemic and/or hypothyroid. These conditions
need to be addressed in conjunction with the treatment of Candidiasis. Acupuncture
is also extremely beneficial when treating Candidiasis as it can strengthen the
spleen and kidneys. Acupuncture is also very effective at enhancing the immune
system which is crucial when treating Candidiasis. Combining
Acupuncture with strict dietary guidelines and appropriate antifungal products can be
a very successful treatment for eradicating the condition of Candidiasis.
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