Candida

Do You Have These Symptoms?

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Digestive disturbances – flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Muscle and joint aches

• Depression or anxiety

• Irritability and mood swings

• Menstrual disturbances

• Cravings for alcohol, bread, cheese or sweets

• Poor memory

• Lack of concentration

• Vaginitis (female only), Thrush or Balanitis (male only)

• Skin problems

• Allergies

If you answered yes to any of the above symptoms, you may be suffering from the symptoms of an overgrowth of Candida.

To find out more clearly, you can download a questionnaire.

Candida questionnaire for adults

Candida questionnaire for children

 

What Is Candida Exactly?

Candida albicans is one of the most common yeasts present in the human body. It normally lives on the warm, inner creases and crevices of the digestive tract, throat, vagina, urinary tract and skin. This organism of one of the most common causes of gut dysbiosis.

Yeasts are single-cell organisms which are neither animal nor vegetable. They live on the surfaces of all living things, including fruits, vegetables, grains and your skin. They’re a part of the “microflora” which contribute, in various ways, to the health of their host.

Yeast is a kind of fungus. Mildew, mould, mushrooms, monilia, and candida are all names used to describe different types of yeast. Candida albicans are one family of yeasts.

Candida is also known as Candidiasis, Candidosis, Candida-Related Complex (CRC), Polysystemic Candidiasis, Chronic Candidiasis, Yeast Syndrome, and Yeast Overgrowth.

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What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?

• Antibiotic use

• Steroid or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) use

• Birth control pills or hormone releasing Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD)

• Hormone replacement therapies

• Heavy metal toxicity

• Exposure to pesticides

• Weakened immunity

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Chemotherapy and radiation treatments

• Diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Another family member with Candida overgrowth

How It Relates to Other Health Conditions

Candida can be a factor in many other conditions.

Below is a list of conditions where Candida may play a part (not exhaustive):

• Acne

• Alcoholism

• Addiction

• Allergies

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Anorexia

• Asthma

• Autoimmune disease

• Bronchitis

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Chronic or recurrent infections

• Crohn’s Disease

• Cystitis

• Depression

• Type 2 Diabetes (delayed onset)

• Eczema

• Recurring Ear infections

• Fibromyalgia

• Herpes

• HIV

• Hepatitis C

• High Cholesterol

• Hypoglycaemia

• Infertility

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Menopausal difficulties

• Obesity

• PMS

• Psoriasis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Sinusitis

• Sleep problems

• Syndrome X

• Vaginitis

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How It Starts and Develops

The population of candida is usually controlled by the friendly Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the gut. It seldom takes over our entire body, but when it does the consequences can be horrific.

Whether it is candida or any of its related species, fungus causes a weakening of the cellular structure in which it lives. This explains why patients afflicted with this type of infection can become very ill and difficult to treat; many of their cells become weak. People who have tried to remove mould from their walls will agree to the difficulty in eliminating this type of infestation. Fungus is tenacious.

It is known that before it becomes invasive, Candida alters to a different form, known as its mycelial fungal form, in which the characteristics become more dangerous, such as a root structure enabling it to penetrate through the mucosal barriers, with a variety of harmful consequences. This penetration destroys the mucous membrane system of the intestine and allows toxins to “leak” into the bloodstream, hence the name “leaky gut syndrome”. When candida migrates to the blood stream and other body tissues it becomes systemic and can lead to serious conditions such as allergies and autoimmune diseases and can be life-threatening.

Toxins released by candida can lead to the formation of antibodies which may tax the immune system to the point it cannot respond to invading viruses and bacteria, leading to immune suppression and can contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases through the formation of circulating immune complexes which lead to immune system's attacking healthy tissue.

Candida albicans proliferate by consuming and fermenting sucrose and other simple sugars. A waste by-product of this fermentation is Acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic. It is the Acetaldehyde that is responsible for the debilitating health symptoms that you feel, with a Candida overgrowth.

How Can You Get Over It?

In order to treat a fungal infection successfully, several areas need to be addressed:

• Build up the helpful intestinal flora of the bowel

• Eliminate the mycelial form of fungi

• Improve digestive function

• Build up the immunity of the body

• Encourage appropriate detoxification

Dietary Considerations

• Avoid sugar as this feeds the yeast and encourages proliferation

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these make detoxification more challenging

• Increase your intake of raw and cooked vegetables

• Eat a high fibre diet

• Remove known allergens from your diet

• Drink plenty of purified water

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Supplements

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics and Prebiotics are extremely important to encourage the proliferation of “friendly” bacteria. This has been shown to improve immune function, suppress gut pathogens, decrease allergic and inflammatory responses and maintain proper functioning of the intestinal barrier.

 

Digestive Enzymes

Low stomach acid is often a cause of, or a contributing factor to, small intestine bacterial overgrowth or parasitic infection. Increasing acid production and secretion in the stomach and pancreas can help to restore the digestive system to its correct pH and protect it from the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms.

 

Undecylenic acid

Undecylenic acid has been used topically for many years as an antifungal. It is found to be six times more effective than caprylic acid. Undecylenic acid is able to inhibit Candida from altering to its harmful mycelial form, associated with active infection.

Tests

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

This will determine gastrointestinal function and possible infestations or overgrowths. It will measure the status of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria, yeast, fungi and parasites.

 

Zinc Taste Test

Zinc is often deficient in cases of candida overgrowth. Zinc is extremely important for immunity and wound healing.

 

Herbs

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)

This powdered tree bark, provides food for the beneficial bowel flora to feed on. It is a selective prebiotic. Slippery elm powder is also very soothing to an inflamed digestive tract. It is very nutritious and is easily assimilated.

 

Pau D’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae)

Pau d’Arco has antifungal activity and is traditionally used in South America for dysentery and intestinal inflammation. It has been shown to be active against a number of pathogenic organisms, particularly Candida albicans.

 

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a digestive antimicrobial, which restores normal bowel flora by inhibiting bacterial growth in the colon. This allows for the healthy bacteria to preferentially grow. Garlic is also able to stimulate digestive secretions and promote regular movement of food through the digestive tract.

 

Note: All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.

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Lifestyle advice

Minimise chemical exposure

People with chronic health conditions, yeast-related symptoms, and weakened immune systems often develop sensitivities to the many chemicals and moulds which surround us in our daily lives. Chemical and mould sensitivities often develop very gradually over a period of repeated exposure. Many times there are no obvious links to the chemical or mould contact, making the specific source of sensitivities difficult to uncover. What’s more, as you develop one sensitivity, it may weaken your system enough to develop more sensitivities, further complicating the process of finding the source of your symptoms.

Here are some tips:

• Breathe outdoor air every day. Air out your house and office daily. Outside air is often less contaminated than indoor air, even taking into consideration the dangers of air pollution.

• Remove as many chemicals from your house as possible. See the above list to help you understand what chemicals are harmful.

• Avoid toxic cleaning products. Use baking soda, unscented soap, sugar soap, vinegar, lemon juice, or food grade hydrogen peroxide.

• Use unscented products. This includes cosmetics, deodorants, soaps and laundry detergents.

• Remove potted plants from the house, especially from the bedroom.

• Dry clean as few items as possible. When it is necessary to have clothing or other household items dry cleaned, remove them from the bags and air them out before you wear them.

 

Getting the Help You Need to Get Well

Treatment can be difficult for a lot of people as it is hard to stay focused on your own. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, so it is best to work with a qualified practitioner.  We will put you on the right treatment program for you, encourage you along the way and to help you with problems that may arise.

 

If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.

To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.

 

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