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If, despite countless rounds of antibiotics, your throat infections, bleeding gums, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle aches, joint swelling, or repeated vaginal or bladder infections persist — or worsen —the source of your suffering is likely an overgrowth of Candida albicans. And you’re not alone. Experts estimate that more than 80 million Americans have Candidiasis, the vast majority of whom are on a merry-go-round of prescription drugs and other treatments that do nothing to address the root of their problem. In fact, those very drugs and treatments just might be making them sicker.
The presence of candida, or yeast, in the body is perfectly normal and is usually kept in balance by beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria and the immune system. However, under certain conditions, candida can multiply, convert into a fungal pathogen, enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on literally any part of your body. Welcome to systemic candidiasis.
As with most conditions, symptoms of candidiasis will vary from person to person and depend on which system is affected. Major symptoms include those listed above, as well as bloat, allergies, throat infections, lymphatic swelling, depression and memory loss. Gastrointestinal disturbances such as indigestion, constipation and diarrhea are also common symptoms of systemic Candida, as are itching skin, athlete’s foot and acne, burning and tearing eyes, recurring ear infections and nasal congestion.
HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED?
Candidiasis is a modern disease — we can thank medical advancements including antibiotics and the Pill, as well as a more "civilized" diet of refined, sugary foods. Simply put, those things that suppress beneficial bacteria and/or stimulate the growth of yeast organisms can promote unchecked growth of Candida albicans. The most popular culprits are:
- An overuse of prescribed antibiotics, which kill the intestinal bacteria that control candida
- The use of corticosteroid treatments, nutritional deficiencies and stress, drug or alcohol abuse, multiple blood transfusions or chemotherapy, which depress immune function
- Altering the body’s hormonal and pH balance — an effect of the contraceptive Pill
- .Indigestion and anti-ulcer medications
- A high sugar or refined food diet
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
The most potent and effective treatment against systemic Candidiasis is a three-pronged nutritional approach encompassing digestion, diet, and herbs and supplements.
- Digestion. Integral to overcoming an overgrowth of candida is cleansing your digestive system, the initial source of the problem. This is achieved in several ways. First, drink LOTS of water. Recolonize the intestines with acidophilus and bifido, the beneficial bacteria that inhibit candida’s growth, through a high potency supplement (made without cow’s milk). Chlorophyll-rich foods, like leafy green vegetables and alfalfa, also promote acidophilus growth. Nothing is more stimulating to candida than poorly digested food — consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement with hydrochloric acid (HCL). If you have an ulcer, look for digestive enzyme supplements without HCL.
Diet. The unfortunate truth is that in order to rid your body of candida, you’ll have to forgo a number of foods. Since candida’s favorite meal is sugar (as dextrose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose and fructose), it is to be avoided at all costs —including all fruits, except those low in sugar like strawberries, cherries and papayas. A low carbohydrate diet is your best bet. Carbohydrates, even complex ones, eventually break down into sugar, meaning you’d be smart to also avoid the starchier vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips and winter squashes. In addition, the following should be shelved: wheat, rye, milk, cheese, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, honey, mushrooms, vinegar, soy sauce and mayonnaise. A general rule of thumb is that you’re avoiding food that is difficult for your system to break down, that breaks down into any kind of sugar, is fermented, fungal, yeasty or moldy. Remember, having candidiasis once predisposes one to getting it again so be very careful even after you feel well
- But all is not lost. A list of what you CAN eat includes: fish, poultry, meat, all vegetables, eggs, seeds, all nuts except cashews and peanuts, and herb teas. Plus, you can enjoy moderate amounts of brown rice, beans and lentils, goat milk, corn, amaranth, kamut, quinoa, buckwheat, oats and spelt. You are your best judge of what your body can and cannot handle. Do some experimenting and find what suits you best.
- Herbs and Supplements. There are a variety of herbs and supplements that can assist you on your path to recovery. Some of the more popular and their properties are listed below. For individual dosages, see a health practitioner who is familiar with the treatment of candidiasis
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Garlic – antifungal and immune stimulant
Barberry, Golden Seal, Oregan Grape Root – include berberine, which destroys candida and is a powerful immune stimulant
Astragalus – immune stimulant
Tea Tree Oil – effective against candida topically, or as a gargle or douche when mixed with water (Be absolutely certain the brand you buy does NOT say "For external use only”.)
Caprylic acid - effective against candida
Colloidal silver and olive leaf extract - antifungal agents and effective against candida.
Oregano, peppermint and rosemary enteric coated essential oils - extremely powerful against candida
Vitamin A (as retinol and beta carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, iron, selenium, zinc - insure that adequate nutrients are ingested, immune stimulants
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Once you deprive candida of sugar and attack it with herbs and supplements it will die, resulting in a short-term condition appropriately called “die off.” As with Candidiasis itself, the symptoms will vary, but generally include a combination of nausea, headaches, gas, irritability, diarrhea, energy loss, sugar cravings or blurred vision. You can ameliorate these symptoms by flushing the dead yeast cells from your system through exercise and water. And take heart, for once you get to the die off stage, your patience has nearly paid off. You are in the final stage of recovery, well on your way to system-wide balance and deserve congratulations!
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