Candida - What Causes the Change from Good to Bad?

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What C auses 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

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Candida Overgrowth Syndrome

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Some changes in your eating habits are necessary to eliminate a Candida

overgrowth. Candida thrives on refined sugar, so it is best to eliminate

refined sugar in any form from your daily fare.

Eat only small amounts of whole organic fruit because of their high

sugar content.

 

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.

 

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 plain whole milk organic brands

with no sugar or fruits added.

 

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 person gets.

 

 

Leading Food Sources of acidophilus:

Plain Organic Yogurt, Fiber- Insoluble

 

 

Consuming enough fiber (20 to 30 grams per day), along with plenty of

pure 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, Cranberries, Peas, fresh, organic Raisins &

Currants, Beans, dried, Wheat and other whole organic grains, 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

 

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Herbs for " Candida Overgrowth "

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*Uva Ursi- Upland Cranberry

 

There is an active component called " arbutin " found in the

leaves, which is eventually converted to " hydroquinone " . This latter

constituent " disinfects " the urinary tract. This component is also found

in blueberries, bearberries and cranberries.

 

About four capsules between meals or 10 drops under the tongue twice

daily, is recommended, although while using this herb.

Citrus or citric acid in any form must be avoided during treatments to

achieve maximum benefits from this herb.

 

*Garlic-

is well known as an antibacterial antibiotic, and it also inhibits

Candida quite well and can be used to treat both vaginal candidiasis and

thrush. The typical oral dose may range from 6 to 12 raw chopped

cloves in juice.

 

Try blending it with carrots. It's surprisingly easy to take that way.

Onions have a similar but less potent effect.

Potent garlic supplements are equally useful. Odor-free capsules

are acceptable.( " Standardized " brands have not been found to be quite as

effective.)

 

 

*Juniper- " Nature's own disinfectant "

Juniper capsules and Juniper tea douche twice daily.

 

Goldenseal-(Hydrastis Canadensis)

This is the best known among the " golden " herbs which contain the

natural antibiotic " Berberine " . Others include barberry and Oregon

Grape.

 

Berberine is effective against many “microorganisms” including candida.

Tinctures and/or teas are both equally effective.

 

*Pau d'Arco-

contains the anti-yeast compounds, lapachol and beta-lapachone,

according to Dr. Michael T. Murray, Dr. Pizzorno and other researchers.

www.doctormurray.com

 

Lapachol is the weaker of the two, but it's anti-yeast action is

comparable to that of the prescription anti-yeast medication.

I have used a Latin American salve containing lapacho with good results.

 

 

*Sage-(Salvia officinalis)

Sage contains a mixture of anti-candida compounds. You can take sage

tea as a beverage or use it as an astringent douche. If you're using

it as a douche, you might add a drop or two of teatree oil to enhance

potency.

 

*Spicebush-Studying 54 plant species for antimicrobial effects,

American scientists found that an extract of spicebush bark strongly

inhibited Candida Albicans. Throughout Appalachia spicebush tea has

long been a favorite, proving once again the wisdom of much folk

medicine.

 

*Buchu-

Drink two cups of Buchu tea twice daily or 15 drops of fluid

extract beneath the tongue three times a day. Capsules may also be

used, but take these with a little apple cider vinegar instead of

water.

Apparently several camphor-like substances within the leaf accounts

for the aromatic odor and is the key to reversing inflammation and

infection.

A wonderful " Hottentot " folk remedy!

 

 

* Purslane-

Vitamins A and E are my personal " ACE in the hole " for supporting the

immune system. You definitely want to give the immune system help when

it's fighting candida. Purslane is the best food source of all of these

nutrients. I suggest enjoying young shoots of this tasty vegetable in a

salad or steaming the leaves like spinach.

 

Yeast live in moist areas of the body, such as the lining of the

mouth and vagina.

They usually cause no problem but sometimes they overgrow, causing

infections.

Yeast has become more of a problem than it was, say, 60 years ago,

because several modern drugs spur yeast overgrowth. Among the

leading culprits are antibiotics, steroids and birth control pills.

 

*Myrrh-

recommended dosage: 6 capsules of myrrh taken with 4 capsules of

goldenseal.

 

In Conclusion...

 

If you're dealing with the aggravation of recurring Candida or yeast

infections, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to

develop a taste for fresh garlic, onions and plain unsweetened whole

Organic yogurt.

 

Taken from:

" The Green Pharmacy " ,

by James A. Duke Ph.D.

 

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Tea Tree(Melaleuca alternifolia)

 

Tea tree is a traditional Aboriginal remedy. The leaves are crushed,

and either inhaled or used in infusions for coughs, colds, and skin

infections. It is very efficacious in the treatment of candida and

urinary tract disorders. Use in cream or 5% olive oil, or applied

undiluted.

 

 

Tea tree is also used for candidiasis (daily douche with 1 quart of

water and 0.4% concentration of the oil)

 

 

Other uses are for Acne, Bromhidrosis; Onychomycosis, in conjunction

with debridement; Pharyngitis; Sinusitis; Tinea pedis (massaged into

the feet daily); Trichomonas vaginalis

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm