Candida / Yeast


Two of the most common of these single celled fungus is oral thrush and in the vagina (vaginitis or yeast infection). Sometimes though, this
fungus is difficult to pin point. It can manifest itself as other ailments such as acne, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, rashes, dizziness, headaches, muscle soreness and pain.

Antibiotics are a major factor in Candidiasis. They not only kill the bacteria that cause infection but, the bodies' natural defenses as well.

Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, yeast laden foods, diet high in sugar are all major culprits in upsetting the bodies' natural balance. When candida infects the vagina, it results in vaginitis characterized by large amounts of white cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning. When the infection is in the mouth, it appears as white soars on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. Candida can appear in the form of athlete's foot, nail fungus, jock itch and diaper rash in babies.

Poor co-ordination, muscle weakness, swollen or painful joints, mood swings, loss of libido, infertility, depression, and unexplained tiredness can all be signs of candida. It can cause digestive and hormonal disturbances.

Systemic Candidiasis and Albicans is an overgrowth of candida throughout the body. In the most severe cases, it can found traveling through the bloodstream and invading every organ in the system.

Candidiasis may affect both men and women, but is rarely transmitted sexually. Very often allergies to food are present in people with candida infection.

The symptoms of food allergies and environmental sensitivities can also mimic those of candidiasis.

Doctors often take a culture or examine vaginal discharge under a microscope because not all discharges are caused by relatively harmless yeast. Anything from a forgotten tampon to life-threatening pelvic inflammatory disease can cause similar symptoms: itching and an odd-smelling discharge.


Other causes include gardnerella vaginalis, a bacterial infection; trichomonas, a parasitic infection; and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Get a professional diagnosis, if you have any doubts about your condition.

Candida Self Test

1. Do you feel fatigued, have low energy or muscles aches?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
2. Do you experience food sensitivities or food allergies?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
3. Do you have nail fungus, athlete's foot or jock itch?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
4. Do you have recurrent vaginal yeast infections?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
5. Have you taken broad-spectrum antibiotics?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
6. Do you crave sugar?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
7. Do often have gas/bloating?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
8. Do you crave refined white flour (bread, pasta, and baked goods?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
9. Have you been on birth control pills for 6 months or more?
(yes = 1/no = 0)
10. Do you experience brain fog/fatigue?
(yes = 1/no = 0)

Total Score______

A score of 4 or higher may indicate that you are suffering from candida overgrowth.


Herbal Remedies

Black Walnut has been shown to destroy Candida better than a commonly prescribed antifungal drug.

Pau D'arco, an herbal remedy made from the bark of a South American jungle tree is often recommended for candidiasis. Pau D'arco contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent. This herb works well in tea or tincture form.

Clove works for those when Pau D'arco does not.

Chamomile tincture, (cold as a mouth rinse for thrush, daily) can be beneficial.

Garlic Those who worry about yeast in their system should consider eating raw Garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier, which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function.

Grapefruit Seed Extract for one week, has been shown to inhibit yeast growth.

Oregano Oil: besides being a fixture in many cookbooks, Oregano oil is a potent weapon against fungi and bacteria. The Oregano shrub comes from the Mediterranean, where its medicinal properties have been known for centuries.

In addition to singular remedies Nature's Sunshine has a new products called "Candida Clear". Candida Clear is for the Immune system and
Intestinal tract. Candida Clear is a 14-day cleansing program consisting of two packs: the Candida Clear Combo pack and the Candida Clear Enzyme pack. The Combo pack is formulated with natural ingredients like pau d’arco, caprylic acid and oregano, which have been shown to help balance the colonization of Candida. The Enzyme pack contains a proprietary blend of enzymes specially combined to provide support to the intestinal tract. Candida’s cell wall is composed of a variety of components, including carbohydrates and proteins. It is theorized that the cell wall may be vulnerable to the digestive action of the carbohydrolytic and proteolytic enzymes found in this formula.

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help speed recovery. Helpful, are essential oils of  allspice, cloves, cinnamon, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, patchouli, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme are all beneficial for this condition.

Eucalyptus: fights bacterial and viral infections. This oil stimulates regeneration of tissue. It increases blood oxygen supplies allowing more oxygen as well as nutrients to be delivered to the cells throughout the body.

Lavender: boosts the immunity and helps destroy candida.

Rosemary: helps fight infection, expels phlegm and assists in lymph drainage.

Tea Tree: a cousin to eucalyptus, tea tree oil contains anti-candidal activity. Studies indicate that it may be useful in the topical treatment of superficial candida infections.

Thyme: improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells. This oil is great for candida and yeast infectious disorders.
Nutritional Advice

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system.

Consider eating foods such as lean beef, chicken, eggs, fish, yogurt, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils.

A common cause of yeast overgrowth is antibiotic therapy, which can kill off the "friendly" bacteria that compete with candida for food and keep it in check. If you have to take broad-spectrum antibiotics, it is a good idea to take supplemental

Substitute with gluten-free grains such as millet and quinoa.

Acidophilus is used to reduce the possibility of yeast infections. Rebuild the colon by repopulating it with "good/friendly" bacteria.

(Keep in mind, when doing meats they should only be organic. Most non-organic meats are pumped with antibiotics which feeds Candida.)

Increase soluble fiber One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Avoid milk and buttermilk, which are high in sugar.

Avoid foods that contain yeast or mold including all breads, muffins, cakes, baked goods, cheese, dried fruits, melons, peanuts and mushrooms.

Avoid sugars in all forms. Avoid eating a high-carbohydrate diet. No sugar, syrups, fruit drinks, soft drinks, honey, alcohol, fruit or dried fruit.

Stevia is a natural sweetener, with no side effects that should be used instead of sugar, which adds a perfect breeding ground for yeast growth.

Detoxification is a very important element to cleansing your body to help fight off opportunistic yeast and infection.

The advantage of a natural approach to fighting yeast infection allows control over the yeast permanently and puts your immune system back on track.

Exercise

Exercise is very important on so many levels.
Related to candidiasis, exercise must be done to:


•    Increases HDL (the good cholesterol)
•    Improves function of the immune system
•    Burns fat
•    Mobilizes fat
•    Assist in digestion of foods
•    Increases energy level
•    Decreases fatigue
•    Builds and maintains lean body mass
•    Helps control appetite
•    Improves oxygen delivery to the cells
•    Increases blood supply
•    Improves exercise endurance and recovery
•    Improves sleep
•    Improves ability to cope with stress
•    Helps relieve depression, tension, and anxiety
•    Increases muscle strength
•    Increases muscle and joint flexibility
•    Increases strength of bones and connective tissues

Moisture and irritation are factors that seem to encourage yeast to grow. It has also been shown that women are more likely to get to vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep or illness.

After exercising, be sure not to stay in wet, tight workout clothes. Shower and change into fresh, lightweight fabrics as soon as possible.

Posted by Healthy Living at 3/30/2009 11:49 AM
Categories: Healthy Living Newsletters
 

What did you think of this article?




Trackbacks
Trackback specific URL for this post
  • No trackbacks exist for this post.
Comments
Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

Leave a comment

Submitted comments are subject to moderation before being displayed.

 Enter the above security code (required)

 Name

 Email (will not be published)

 Website

Your comment is 0 characters limited to 3000 characters.