Candida - What is it?

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Candida -What is it?

http://www.weightcontroldoctor.com/healthtopics/a-z/candida.asp

 

Candidiasis is any infection with the yeast candida (usually candida albicans).

Areas of the body most commonly affected are the vagina, mouth, intestine, skin

folds and the napkin area in babies. Also known as thrush or monilia, candida is

a normal inhabitant in our bodies.

 

The yeast Candida albicans can change its form from a simple noninvasive

cell to an invasive mycelial form with tendrils (tentacles)

 

These tendrils grow like roots and can penetrate the wall of the bowel,

and act like a leaking pipe through which waste products and toxins can

enter into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver.

 

The liver is unable to getto these toxins which can then cause symptoms such as

fatigue, allergies and mysterious ill health.

 

What causes it?

 

Generally, the friendly bacteria of our genital and gastrointestinal tracts keep

the candida under control. However, in situations where the friendly bacteria

have been disturbed or killed off, such as secondary to antibiotics, the

contraceptive pill and even stress, candida makes the most of the opportunity to

take over.

It is with this overgrowth that the problems start. The yeast loves warm, moist

places, and this is why regions like the vagina, mouth and sweaty skin folds are

so commonly affected.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Vaginal thrush or candida is characterized by itch, irritation and a white

cheesy discharge. Many women are plagued by recurrent thrush infections in the

vagina.

This can indicate that you are carrying a reservoir of candida in the intestine

or occasionally that your partner may have an unrecognized low-grade infection

and is re-infecting you. Candida can also be a possible cause of recurrent

cystitis, when urine tests are negative for bacteria.

 

Thrush in the mouth presents as a sore white coated tongue or throat.

 

When the skin is affected a red itchy rash appears. In the intestine, candida

can cause bloating, crampy pains, excessive flatulence or burning in the

stomach. There may be itching around the anal area.

 

If candida proliferates in the intestine, it can change its form from yeast buds

to an elongated fungal form with root-like projections that attach to the

intestine wall.

 

This may open channels directly into the blood stream, and may result in the

absorption into the blood of partially digested food particles.

 

Subsequently, allergic reactions may be triggered with varied symptoms such as

headaches, eczema, fatigue and lethargy, dizziness, depression, irritability,

arthritis and so on. The term 'systemic candidiasis' may be used to describe

this wide variety of symptoms.

This is not to be confused with a 'systemic candida infection' in which the

yeast invades and totally overruns the bloodstream causing a severe

life-threatening illness. This latter condition is rare and seen in those who

are already very ill with a poorly functioning immune system.

 

How can it be prevented?

 

There are a number of factors which put you at risk of developing problems with

candidiasis. These include long term antibiotics (frequently prescribed for

acne), the oral contraceptive pill, cortisone anti-inflammatory drugs, high

levels of sugar in the blood (such as in diabetics, obese people or those

addicted to chocolates and sweets), chronic viral infections such as glandular

fever, cancer and chemotherapy drugs, nutritional imbalances which weaken the

immune system, and excess intake of alcohol.

 

Treatment

 

Localized infections, such as a skin fold rash, oral thrush or a single episode

of vaginal thrush,

can usually be treated by a simple application of tea tree oil,

an anti-fungal cream or oral anti-fungal drops or lozenges.

There is a range of tea tree oil products available called " Vaginol " which are

specifically designed for the vagina and include a cream, pessaries and a douche

solution.

Some people find that douching with a natural acidophilus yoghurt is helpful as

this replaces the friendly lactobacilli bacteria.

 

For those with recurrent infections or systemic candidiasis, a much more

holistic approach is required.

 

Firstly, you should avoid the risk factors where possible. Secondly, candida

should be destroyed using safe, antifungal drugs. The safest is nystatin, best

taken in powder form dissolved in water, in a dosage of half a teaspoon four

times daily for eight weeks. It is best taken between meals on an empty stomach.

Nystatin powder will eradicate the fungus from the intestines and is usually

free of side effects as it is not absorbed into the bloodstream.

 

An alternative is the more potent antifungal, ketoconazole, which is very

effective but has the potential to be toxic to the liver. It is taken as a

tablet once daily with food for ten days. With this short course liver problems

are unlikely. These antifungals are available on prescription from your doctor.

 

While using these treatments tackle any oral or vaginal infections by gargling

with tea tree oil (1 in 10 dilution)

every night, and/or using vaginal ( " Vaginol " ) antifungal pessaries, douche or

creams nightly for four to eight weeks. It is not necessary to avoid sexual

activity completely, although it is best to do so while symptoms are acute.

Treat your partner also if they have any symptoms such as a red itchy rash in

the genital area.

 

After you have made the effort to eradicate the candida, it is important to stop

it coming back by attention to your diet and adding specific nutritional

supplements. The anti-candida diet can be started immediately.

 

Begin a regular course of nutritional supplements after the antifungal drug

course is finished.

 

Diet

 

Basically, the most important features of an anti-candida diet are as follows :-

 

• Include often - fresh leafy vegetables; sprouts; legumes (beans, lentils,

split peas, chickpeas); wholegrains like brown rice; fish; poultry; lean meat;

raw seeds and nuts (except peanuts); garlic, ginger, cinnamon, thyme and

rosemary; natural unsweetened organic yoghurt.

 

• Avoid - all sugars and sweets including honey, jam, cakes, chocolates,

biscuits, and soft drinks; alcohol; yeasted or fermented foods like bread, soy

sauce, cheeses, dried fruits, old or moldy foods, vitamin B supplements

containing yeast, mushrooms, vinegar, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise; white flour

products and 'white' pastas; all processed, preserved and refined foods.

 

Preferably also avoid fruit juices and dried fruits as they contain high levels

of natural sugars.

 

For the first four to eight weeks it is best to also avoid white potato, sweet

corn and all fruit. Thereafter, reintroduce these foods gradually.

 

Try to limit your fruit intake to two to three servings per day. Make sure to

wash fruit thoroughly and remove any moldy parts.

 

The safest fruits are apples and pears. To substitute for ordinary breads and

pasta, use yeast-free bread, which can be obtained from the health food store

(Ezekiel bread,

www.food-for-life.com

, and whole meal pastas.

 

• Foods that have natural antibiotic properties will fight candida very

effectively if they are eaten regularly. The best ones are raw garlic (finely

chopped, grated or juiced), onions, leeks, and radishes, cruciferous vegetables

(broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage), fresh gingerroot (finely

chopped or grated) and raw cabbage juice.

 

Juices

Raw fresh vegetable juices are vitally important. Dr Cabot's new book “Raw

Juices Can Save Your Life” has recipes specific to assist with various health

conditions.

 

Dr Cabot's recommended supplement program for Candida

 

• Livatone Plus Powder or capsules

Dose: 1/2 tsp 2 x day of powder in fresh raw vegetable juices with celery,

carrot, beetroot, horseradish, garlic and ginger. Specific recipes are in Dr

Cabot's 'Raw Juices Can Save Your Life " book. or two capsules 2 x day before

meals

 

Some people have the misconception that Brewer’s yeast will cause or worsen

candida, however in my experience this is not correct.

 

I have found that because Brewer’s yeast is a healthy or friendly yeast it will

actually compete with the candida and reduce its ability to multiply.

 

 

Selenium Complete 100 Caps

 

 

• Olive Life Caps 1 with every meal contains olive leaf extract which is an

excellent safe natural antibiotic.

 

Olive Life 60 Tablets

 

 

• MSM Plus Vitamin C 1/2 tsp 2 x day in water or vegetable juice this is organic

sulphur. Sulphur is active against many pathogens

 

 

MSM + Vitamin C Powder 100gm

 

Also Recommended

Lactobacillus Acidophilus powder, to recolonize the intestine with the good

bacteria, half a teaspoon (one gram) twice daily in a glass of warm water.

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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