Chapter 12 – How to get rid of Candidiasis!
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Candida is extremely difficult to remove:
Candida infections can also occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well. When this occurs it is called "Systemic Candidiasis," and affects both men and women! This may be present without any symptoms or may be the cause of numerous problems. While gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping are predominate, other problems may occur as well including, headaches, sinusitis, palpitations, and environmental allergies and food allergies.
Candida is a genus of yeast like fungi that are commonly part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina. It is a necessary yeast that is a part of the human intestinal system. The problems arise when Candida becomes out of balance and overgrows. There are numerous different strains of flora present within the digestive system, one of the most important bacteria that supports digestive health is Lactobacillus Acidophilus. If the acidophilus are killed off by excess stresst, antibiotics, tetracyclines or cortisteroids, the candida has an opportunity to overgrow. I like to think of candida as the dandelions and the acidophilus as the grass of the intestinal tract.
Candida is a very opportunistic yeast and Lactobacillus acidophilus is very delicate. When Lactobacillus gets killed off, (which occurs very easily), then Candida over-populates to fill in all the new space from the Lactobacillus die-off. If Candida is allowed to become overgrown, it takes on a second phase of existence, and becomes a fungus, complete with rhizomes (roots) that penetrate the walls of the large intestine. When this occurs, undigested proteins and other foods begin to leak through the intestinal walls as undigested foods (Leaky Gut). Then the body will begin to have lots of further problems including food allergies.
When the Candida present as a fungus in the intestines, and the rhizomes penetrate the walls of the intestines, and the endotoxins from the Candida overgrowth begin to invade the rest of the body, then the meaning of "Polysystemic Candidiasis," begins to take a very new meaning. ("Poly" meaning many, and "systemic" meaning systems.). Common prescription drugs like Nystatin and Diflucan are often prescribed for Candida. These drugs tend to lose their effectiveness with continued usage. Additionally there may be side effects which your pharmacists could detail if you choose them as treatment.
The modern American diet provides a perfect media for Candida to thrive. Sugar, yeast in bread and alcohol as well as simple carbohydrates feed Candida. If your diet is high in these foods, you should do what you can to minimize your intake as well as treat your Candida.
It is thought that an overgrowth of Candida albicans may lead to auto-immune illnesses. An auto-immune disease is a result of the body attacking itself. But, perhaps, the white blood cells are really just trying to do their job. They may actually be going after yeast cells, but these foreign bodies are so difficult to get that the white blood cells essentially miss their mark and attack the body instead. Diseases like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, ulcerative colitis, lupus and others may be linked to a fungal overgrowth. When the candida is removed the body stops attacking itself. There is an exceptional article on the link between auto-immune disease and candida at
http://www.nutritioninstitute.com/2.html.
Getting rid of Systemic Yeast Infections
Probiotics may be one of the most effective methods to get rid of systemic yeast infections:
Dr. David Williams, a medical researcher, chiropractor and biochemist publishes a natural healing newsletter each month. He has been publishing Alternativesfor 18 years. This is what he had to say about probiotics in the Summer 2004 edition, Volume 9, No.28:
Dr. Williams states: "For years I've been researching ways to preserve probiotics in a supplement or liquid without killing them...it only resulted in a long string of headaches. I had nearly given up when I learned of a very unusual packaging process some innovative Japanese were using to formulate nutritional supplements. I had to see for myself, and within a few hours I was holding in my hand a tiny bead that could store live active probiotics and keep them intact at full potency until they reached the large intestine."
"Most people who take probiotics on a regular basis not only have trouble-free digestion, they also have more energy, think more clearly, get sick less often, look healthier and enjoy a higher quality of life. ..When our medical system finally comes to appreciate natural solutions, probiotics will be as common as any drug. Until then, they'll remain an underground cure."
From an article at nutraceuticalsworld.com
Conditions Targeted For Probiotics
Obviously, probiotic use is focused on the general category of gut health. Providing an overall perspective was Dr. S. K. Dash, president and founder of probiotic supplement manufacturer UAS Laboratories, Minnetonka, MN, who used an analogy to describe probiotic function. “When you think of probiotics, think of a green lawn. In the lawn you want to have only green grass and no weeds. As long as green grasses are present there is no chance for weeds to grow,” he said. “Green grass is like the L. acidophilus in our gut, while the weeds are like e. coli and candida. But if the gut is maintained there is no chance for weeds to grow.”
Within the category of gut health, however, there are many subconditions that can be impacted with probiotics. According to Dr. Sanders, current research indicates use of probiotics in protecting against diarrhea, colon cancer (animal studies only) and harmful microbe activities. Additionally, she said, they have been investigated in lactose digestion, immune system modulation, vaginal and urinary tract health, allergies, inflammatory disorders and hypertension...
...Offering a supplement perspective was Institut Rosell’s Dr. Goulet. “At issue is the protection of probiotics against stomach acidity and shelf stability. Everyone knows that the stress due to the acidity in the stomach is detrimental to probiotics and that 90-95% of probiotics are lost during the passage through the stomach. Improving the protection of probiotics using enteric coated capsules and microencapsulation will be a great improvement over existing products,” he said.
**ThreeLac is an all-natural, completely safe, probiotic that may bring candida back into balance in the gastrointestinal region for 95% of the people who use it. The bacteria in ThreeLac are specially formulated to target candida. The reason ThreeLac is so effective is the micro-encapsulating process perfected in Japan. The encapsulation ensures the lactobacilli survive the harsh acids in the stomach and get to the gastrointestinal region where they can and do go to work. GHT states 80-85% of the live lactobacilli survive the journey through the stomach acids. In standard probiotics only 2-5% of the live lactobacilli actually survive the trip through the stomach. For more information go to
http://www.stopyeast.comPrimal Defense is a probiotic formula that uses a Homeostatic Soil Organism (HSO) that gives you probiotics from a natural source. These probiotics are very successful at implanting in the colon.
Syclovir is a marine food grade silica product that may absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in bacteria, parasites, viruses and toxins. If you want a good cleanse that not only absorbs candida but also any parasites you may be harboring, this may be the product for you.
**Oxygen Elements Plus is a patented liquid oxygenator that kills any systemic yeast in your blood stream or other area of your body. It is imperative to use OE+ in the cleansing process as it aids the probiotic in accomplishing a system wide cleansing routine. It is a potent liquid that tastes somewhat like lime juice. You only need to take a few drops per day to enjoy its cleansing benefits. You see, OE+ oxygenates your system as it travels through your blood stream. As it contacts water in your body, it reacts with it and creates a little microburst of oxygen. Viruses, bad bacteria, and candida are anaerobic organisms which cannot endure oxygen. Those bad organisms runing into these little microbursts of oxygen are killed. The USP challenge test showed OE+, completely destroyed candida yeast and other pathogens (A.niger, E. Coli, P Aeruginosa, S. Aureus. They did not return during the 28 day test period.
The products I have double-starred used together are probably the most effective way to eliminate candida in your system. If you are extremely resistant, it may be good to combine this with some of the herbal remedies listed in the next chapter.
Herbal Remedies for Systemic Yeast Infections
Berberine – Berberine is an herbal remedy used for thousands of years by Chinese and Hindu cultures. It is an alkaloid found in goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and goldthread. It is available in pill, capsule and tablet forms and has many active natural antibiotic properties. It is used in fighting systemic fungal infections and is also effective against Giardia and other intestinal parasites. (Listed at
www.fungusfocus.com)
Black Walnut – This is a natural, herbal, botanical dietary supplement effective in fighting yeast and parasites. It is also helpful in relieving constipation. This supplement is derived from the bark, leaves, and the unripe green hull and kernel of the Black Walnut tree. It seems to be especially helpful in ridding one of parasites and may even help get rid of warts. (Listed at
www.fungusfocus.com)
Caprylic Acid – Caprylic acid is another naturally occurring antifungal fatty acid (from coconut oil) which works at the primary level of the gastrointestinal tract. It is comparable in its antifungal activity to the prescription drug, Nystatin. However, it has weak systemic antifungal properties. (Listed at -
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)
Cat’s Claw – One of the most powerful rainforest botanicals. It has been shown to improve immune function and have therapeutic effects on many health conditions including candida. It boosts the immune system, is a strong anti-inflammatory and also a powerful antioxidant. It is used around the world in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, rheumatism and other kinds of chronic inflammation conditions. (Listed at
http://www.fungusfocus.com)
Citrus Seed Extracts - Citrus seed extracts are as effective as Nystatin and caprylic acid in the treatment of gut fungal overgrowth. Parasites like giardia and blastocystis hominis are also effectively treated by citrus seed extracts.
(Listed at -
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)
Coconut Oil – Caprylic acid is a derivative of coconut. Replacing our vegetable oils with coconut oil may help get rid of Candida albicans. It is also helpful in increasing good cholesterol levels, fighting heart disease and making beautiful skin and hair. (Listed at
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com)
Colloidal Silver - Colloidal silver is another broad spectrum antifungal product which is gaining more widespread use, especially with alternative health care practitioners. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Silver in a colloidal form is nontoxic to human cells. It works by disabling enzyme systems found in bacteria, viruses and fungi. Be careful of this one, however, as long term use may turn your teeth and nails permanently black.
(Listed at -
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)
Garlic – Eating garlic is not only healthy for you in general, but it may help to kill systemic yeast in your digestive system. Garlic can be found in capsules, tablets, or pill form. Garlic contains the chemicals alliin and allinase which combine into the active ingredient called allicin. Allicin is what measures the potency and effectiveness of the garlic supplement you choose. To fight systemic yeast infections you want to take approximately one fresh clove of garlic each day. Or take the equivalent of enough garlic tablets to deliver 4,000 to 5,000 mcgs of allicin. Garlic is used to fight infections, boost the immune system, increase circulation, lower cholesterol, lower high blood pressure and fight fungi. (Listed at
http://www.fungusfocus.com)
Grape Fruit Seed Extract - GSE has been shown to inactivate viruses, yeasts, fungi, parasites and worms, as well as bacteria. This substance seems to be very effective against candida, but leaves the good bacteria in our systems relatively untouched.
Lactobacillus acidophilus - Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus are friendly bacteria and normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. Their presence is one of the body's natural defenses against fungal invasion. Be careful of the quality of the acidophilus you get, however. Look for acidophilus that is enteric-coated so more of it survives stomach acid.
(listed at -
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)
Pau d’arco - an effective antifungal remedy which is available in either loose tea form or as a tincture.
(Listed at -
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/candidiasis.htm)
Oil of Oregano – This spice is a powerful antiseptic. It has proven useful in killing fungus, bacteria, parasites and viruses. Just put a drop or two in some water and drink.
(Listed at -
http://www.health911.com/ailments/more/mo-ph024.htm)
Olive Leaf Extract – This very effective extract fights infectious microbes. It has the ability to stop colds and other viruses in their tracks and will also fight mold, fungi, yeast, other bacterial infections and some parasites
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