Candida sites

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http://www.afpafitness.com/articles/LEAKGUT4.HTM

 

 

http://www.consciouschoice.com/health/candida0906.html

 

 

http://www.vitaminlady.com/candida_yeastinfections.htm

 

 

What Causes the Change from Good to Bad? Candida is a dimorphic organism, meaning it can exist in two shapes and forms simultaneously. One form is a yeast-like state that is a non-invasive, sugar-fermenting organism. The other is a fungal form that produces very long root-like structures, called rhizoids, that can penetrate the mucosa and is invasive. What Makes Candida Bad? Actually, in its yeast form it is beneficial. We all have this form of candida in our bodies. The candida population should be low and indiscernible (no overt symptoms or cloudy saliva). "Friendly" bacteria and a healthy immune system prevent this yeast from becoming an infectious fungus. It is when our bodies lose their proper immune protection, or the intestinal pH is altered unfavorably, that the organism can change from the yeast form to the fungal form. When this happens, the now-parasitic fungal form penetrates the

gastrointestinal mucosa and breaks down the boundary between the intestinal tract and the rest of the circulation in our bodies. This allows partially digested dietary proteins to travel into the bloodstream, where they exert a powerful antigenic (antibody-stimulating) assault on the immune system. It has been unofficially estimated that a startling 80% of the population may have candidiasis that is out of control! What Causes the Change From Good to Bad? There are many theories. Most naturopaths concur that the conversion happens due to some sort of attack on our immune systems-either prolonged antibiotic use, taking steroids or oral contraceptives on a regular basis, or a high sugar diet. It could be a combination of these. It is also conjectured that candida increases its numbers during periods of stress and lowered immune states. What Are the Symptoms of a Candida Infestation? Typical candida

symptoms may include jock itch, depression, dry, itchy, flaky skin, anxiety, recurring irritability or mood swings, heartburn, indigestion, lethargy, food and environmental allergies, joint soreness, chest pain, acne or other skin problems, migraine headaches, recurring cystitis/vaginal infections, premenstrual tension, and menstrual problems. How Do I Know if I Have Candida? You can try this simple test to see if you have candida: First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass. Fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour. If you have a problem you will see strings (like legs) traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings

and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you probably have candida under control. http://www.greatestherbsonearth.com/articles/candida.htm _________________ Candida Overgrowth Syndrome ---- Some changes in your eating habits are necessary to eliminate a Candida overgrowth. Candida thrives on sugar, so it is best to limit sugar from your daily fare. Consume moderate amounts of organic whole grains and increase your intake of plant protein and other high-fiber foods, particularly vegetables because of their generally low sugar content. Eat only small amounts of fruit because of their sugar content. Add plain organic yogurt to your daily diet because it contains friendly bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus, which help to restore normal intestinal flora. When shopping, check labels to be sure the

yogurt contains active or live cultures of acidophilus and choose brands with no refined sugar. Finally, include garlic in your diet because this phytochemical-rich food is thought to both enhance immunity and reduce Candida counts in the body. What You Should Eat & Why acidophilus Both Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus help to maintain a healthy balance of "friendly" bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. They also produce substances that combat hostile microorganisms. Studies show that L. acidophilus may help prevent or slow the growth of vaginal yeast infections, replacing the natural acidophilus that antibiotics destroy. According to research, a daily serving (one cup) of yogurt with acidophilus can reduce the number of vaginal yeast infections a woman gets. Leading Food Sources of acidophilus: Plain Organic Yogurt fiber, insoluble Consuming enough fiber

(20 to 30 grams per day), along with plenty of water, promotes a regular, easy-to-pass, daily movement. This will help to eliminate the organisms and the toxins that the Candida yeast produces. Leading Food Sources of fiber, insoluble: Figs, Rice, brown, Peas, fresh, organic Raisins & Currants, Beans, dried, whole Wheat, Prunes fresh garlic cloves Garlic serves the dual purpose of killing yeast and supporting the immune system. In test-tube studies, garlic has been shown to block the growth of C. albicans. Garlic is also effective against a variety of infectious organisms that damage and invade tissues. http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hk/remedies/disp/1,1459,560,00.html