Candida Yeast Infection Explained

CANDIDA ALBICANS . . .
Are You Winning Battles But Losing the War?

Note: This article provides an explanation and overview of a condition called Candida albicans overgrowth. It also takes a unique perspective towards addressing the problem — Metabolic Typing. For the best explanation and overview of what Metabolic Typing is and what it can do for you, please see the article, What is Metabolic Typing and What Can it Do for Me?. Metabolic Typing is the understanding that genetic inheritance defines metabolic individuality and metabolic individuality defines nutritional requirements. This is why what works for one person, doesn’t work for another with the same problem. There will never be one diet or nutritional approach for a given problem that works for all people. The essence of this aricle on candida overgrowth is the understanding that candida is not the problem. The problem is a compromised immune system that fails to control the candida. This is the reason that so many people fail to rid themselves of candida overgrowth. They limit their approach to trying to kill off the candida, but when the protocol is stopped, the candida overgrowth problem comes right back again. The only real, final solution is to restore efficiency to the immune system, a task that in our experience can only be accomplished through addressing individual nutritional requirements through defining one’s Metabolic Type.

WHAT IS IT?

Every person lives in a virtual sea of microorganisms, (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.). These microbes can reside in the throat, mouth, nose, intestinal tract, almost anywhere; they are as much a part of our bodies as the food we eat. Usually, these microorganisms do not cause illness, unless our resistance becomes lowered.
Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract of most humans and is usually considered to be a normal part of the bowel flora (the organisms that coexist with us in our lower digestive tract). It is actually a member of a broader classification of organisms known as fungi.

Traditionally fungi are considered plants, but they contain no chlorophyll and cannot make their own food. Fungi tend to inhabit cool to tropical climates and are found in the air we breathe as well as in moist and shady soil, water, manure, dead leaves, fruit, leftover food, and in a wide variety of places and circumstances.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Candida albicans prefers people. Candida enters newborn infants during or shortly after birth. Usually, the growth of the yeast is kept in check by the infant’s immune system and thus produces no overt symptoms. But, should the immune response weaken, the condition known as oral thrush can occur as a result. By six months of age, 90% of all babies test positive for candida . And by adulthood, virtually all humans play host to Candida albicans and are thus engaged in a life-long relationship.
Candida coexists in our bodies with many species of bacteria in a competitive balance. Other bacteria act in part to keep candida growth in check in our body ecology . . . unless that balance is upset. When health is present, the immune system keeps candida proliferation under control; but when immune response is weakened, candida growth can proceed unhindered. It is an “opportunistic organism,” one which, when given the opportunity, will attempt to colonize all bodily tissues. The uncontrolled growth of candida is known as candida overgrowth.

Unfortunately, there are many factors in our modern society that can upset the ecological balance of the body, weaken the immune system and thus allow the yeast to overgrow. Of these, the major risk factors which may predispose one to the proliferation of candida are:

STEROID HORMONES, IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT DRUGS such as cortisone which treat severe allergic problems by paralyzing the immune system’s ability to react

PREGNANCY, MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES or BIRTH CONTROL PILLS which upset the body’s hormonal balance

DIETS HIGH IN CARBOHYDRATE AND SUGAR INTAKE, YEAST AND YEAST PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS MOLDS AND FERMENTED FOODS

PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL MOLDS

ANTIBIOTICS and SULFA DRUGS Probably the chief culprit of all, antibiotics kill all bacteria . They do not distinguish good bacteria from bad. Antibiotics kill the “good” flora which normally keeps the candida under control. This allows for the unchecked growth of candida in the intestinal tract. It is normally difficult to recover a yeast culture from bodily surfaces. However, after 48 hours of taking tetracycline, yeast can be cultured easily from anyone. The prevalence today of candida may be most directly related to the widespread societal exposure to antibiotics — from prescriptions for colds, infections, acne, and from additional consumption of antibiotic-treated foods such as meats, dairy, poultry and eggs. Notably, antibiotics do not kill viruses; they only destroy bacteria. Yet, they are universally prescribed for all colds, flus and other viral problems. Such indiscriminate and extensive use of antibiotics is not only considered a primary cause of candida overgrowth, but is recently being found to be responsible for the unbridaled development of “killer bacteria.” The rapid and direct proliferation of the yeast following antibiotic use strongly suggests that the problem of candida is one which stems from an inner state of imbalance, rather than from an outside attack by a microbe or disease. This is a very important point to understand if one wishes to get rid of an overgrowth problem, suggesting that candida is not so much a problem as is the body’s own failure to control it!

A SERIOUS PROBLEM

Once begun, if not recognized and treated appropriately, candida overgrowth can result in a self-perpetuating, negative cycle. Large numbers of yeast germs can weaken the immune system, which normally protects the body from harmful invaders. Even though candida is part of the ecological balance in the body since birth, it is still recognized by the immune system as a foreign body that needs to be controlled. So, when overgrowth occurs, a chronic stimulation to the immune system results — every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every year — in an attempt by the immune system to regain control. In time, it is believed that this can exhaust the immune system, predisposing one to more serious degenerative processes. Many believe chronic drains on the immune system such as candida and parasites can play a direct role in the development of cancer and AIDS. Seen in this light, candida overgrowth should not be taken lightly.
The immune system may concurrently be also adversely affected by poor nutrition, heavy exposure to molds in the air, as well as an increasing number of chemicals in our food, water and air, including petrochemicals, formaldehyde, perfumes, cleaning fluids, insecticides, tobacco and other indoor and outdoor pollutants. Over 10,000 chemicals have been added to our food supply alone that were not there just 100 years ago! We do not have the genetic recognition of these substances as foods or as useful additions to our bodies.

Resulting lowered resistance may not only cause an overall sense of ill health, but also may allow for the development of respiratory, digestive and other systemic symptoms. One may also become predisposed to developing sensitivities to foods and chemicals in the environment. Such “allergies” may in turn cause the membranes of the nose, throat, ear, bladder and intestinal tract to swell and develop infection.

Such conditions may lead the physician to prescribe a “broad spectrum” antibiotic . . . which may then further promote the overgrowth of candida and strengthen the existing negative chain of events, leading to further stress on the immune system and increased candida -related problems.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF CANDIDA INFECTION?

The result of heightened candida overgrowth is a list of adverse symptoms of considerable length. Basically, the characteristics of candida overgrowth fall under three categories, those affecting:
The gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts allergic responses, and mental/emotional manifestations.

Initially the signs will show near the sights of the original yeast colonies. Most often the first signs are seen in conditions such as nasal congestion and discharge, nasal itching, blisters in the mouth, sore or dry throat, abdominal pain, belching, bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, rectal burning or itching, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching or burning, increasingly worsening symptoms of PMS, prostatitis, impotence, frequent urination, burning on urination, bladder infections. But, if the immune system remains weak long enough, candida can spread to all parts of the body causing an additional plethora of problems such as fatigue, drowsiness, uncoordination, lack of concentration, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, bad breath, coughing, wheezing, joint swelling, arthritis, failing vision, spots in front of the eyes, ear pain, deafness, burning or tearing eyes, muscle aches, depression, irritability, sweet cravings, increasing food and chemical sensitivities, numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, asthma, hay fever, multiple allergies, hives and rashes, eczema, psoriasis, chronic fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm and fingernail/ toenail infections.

In addition, 79 different toxic products are known to be released by candida , which in itself places a considerable burden on the immune system. These get into the bloodstream and travel to all parts of the body where they may give rise to a host of adverse symptoms.

In candida overgrowth, the yeast colonies can dig deep into intestinal walls, damaging the bowel wall in their colonization.

Candida can also attack the immune system, causing suppressor cell disease, in which the immune system produces antibodies to everything at the slightest provocation, resulting in extreme sensitivities.

Finally, candida overgrowth can be dangerous if not controlled. The persistent, constant challenge to the immune system by an ever-increasing, long-term overgrowth of candida can eventually serve to wear down the immune system and cause a seriously weakened capacity for resistance to disease.

Women are more likely to get candida overgrowth than are men. This is related to the female sex hormone progesterone which is elevated in the last half of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone increases the amount of glycogen (animal starch, easily converted to sugar) in the vaginal tissues which provides an ideal growth medium for candida . Progesterone levels also elevate during pregnancy. Men are affected less frequently but are by no means invulnerable.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’VE GOT IT?

The easiest way, is to do a self screening on this web site.  Click HERE for a Candida Albicans self screening.  Currently, diagnosis is primarily clinical. Since almost everyone has candida in their bodies, tests for its presence are limited.  Confirmation of overgrowth is very difficult through laboratory tests. And, since what it does is to paralyze the immune system against it, allergy tests to determine the system’s reaction to it are also ineffectual.  Furthermore, the results of the yeast imbalance — the combined effects of different hormones, poisons generated and released by the yeast into the bloodstream, and the confusion created in the immune system — produces such a wide variety of symptoms and which are seemingly so unrelated (such as wheezing, depression and fungus infection under fingernails) that a definite diagnosis cannot be made from any specific pattern of signs and symptoms. However, in office testing with the Asyra can detect candida yeast with amazing accuracy and consistency.

Another way to determine the presence of candida is the therapeutic trial. A joint decision is usually made by the healthcare practitioner with the help of the client after analyzing the individual’s case history. (Many practitioners regard vaginal yeast infections as the most reliable indicator in women of candida overgrowth, for example). A tentative diagnosis is made based on the client’s history of symptoms in relation to any known possible predisposing factors, which is then proven true or false by the way the client’s responds to the therapy.

Many healthcare practitioners now believe that a clinical trial for candida overgrowth is of so little risk and expense that it should be considered in any chronic illness.

One clinical trial a person may try is to avoid certain foods for five days which are known to facilitate the growth of yeast. Such foods include the following:

SUGAR and SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES such as found in all sweetened food including the use of honey, molasses, sorghum, maple syrup, sugar, fructose, maltose, dextrose, corn syrup, etc.

YEAST PRODUCTS such as beer, wine, yeast leavened bread, natural B vitamins, brewer’s yeast

FERMENTED and MOLD FOODS such as mushrooms, cheese, vinegar, mustard, catsup, relish and other condiments made with vinegar.
After avoiding these foods for 5 days, try adding them back into the diet in large quantities. By observing how one feels while off these foods, in comparison to any adverse affects experienced when going back on the foods, one may get a clue as to any possible yeast involvement as a causative factor for any adverse symptoms.

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF IT?

If adverse symptoms are provoked by a return to the yeast enhancing foods, your physician may feel that there is at least a possible reason to suspect candida overgrowth, which may then warrant more definitive action. This action generally is targeted toward two objectives:

First, to kill the candida through the use of anti-candida products as well as deprive the yeast of the food on which it flourishes (namely, sweets, sugars, refined grains, fermented foods, yeast product), and

Second, to restore biochemical balance to the body and strength to the immune system, which will allow the body once again to regain and maintain control over candida growth.

KILLING CANDIDA

Simply killing the candida albicans is not enough.  Without addressing the underlying cause of the overgrowth the yeast will return with time.  Again, the problem is not so much the candida yeast, but a compromised immune system that fails to control the candida. Changing one’s diet is foundational to not only getting candida under control but managing yeast populations over time.  The best way to support the immune system is through application of the Metabolic Typing Diet.  In my practice I’ve found that the with most yeast infections, a combination of a Metabolic Typing Diet and the following supplements: Fungal Forte and S. Boulardii by Original Medicine, and CDX by Theramedix to be very effective in reducing yeast overgrowth and managing yeast populations over the long haul.

If you believe you have a serious yeast problem and want the most effective protocol you can get, come in to the office and we’ll use Asyra testing to not only detect yeast, but to make a homeopathic remedy with the Nutramedix microbial defense product line.  Used in conjunction with the above prodocol, the yeast won’t have a chance!

HERXHEIMER REACTIONS

Depending on the severity of candida overgrowth and the amount of the agents taken, the candida can be killed off in vast numbers in a very short period of time. As they are killed, they release substances which are toxic to the body. If this process occurs more quickly than the toxins can be cleared from the bloodstream and eliminated by the body, a temporary toxic or allergic-type reaction can occur. The technical name for this experience is a Herxheimer reaction; it is more commonly referred to as “die off.”

Usually die off lasts only a few hours, though it can last several days. It can usually be controlled almost entirely by the amount of ingestion of the agent and the rate or frequency it is taken. Signs of Herxheimer reaction can be many and varied but generally involve such discomfort as aching, bloating, dizzines, nausea, and overall “goopy sick” feeling, or a worsening of original symptoms. Fortunately, die off is generally short in duration, and although uncomfortable, is at least a confirmation of the presence of candida and that something “good” is happening.

Exercise as well as insuring proper, daily bowel evacuation has been reported as being helpful in countering the adversities of die off. Maintaining a high daily intake of pure water is also important to keep the channels of elimination open.

BALANCING BODY CHEMISTRY

It is a commonly recognized and accepted fact that immune system efficiency is highly dependent on the proper biochemical balance in the body. This of course, is dependent on proper and adequate nutrition to supply the body with all the required biochemical constituents (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, intrinsic factors, etc.).
Different people require different amounts and balances of nutrients for optimum health. The criteria for the determination of these differing nutritional requirements lies within the definition of one’s metabolic type, i.e., the genetically determined metabolic and nutritional parameters that define each person’s individuality on every level.

It is precisely because different people have different metabolic types, and therefore different needs for nutrition, that the allopathic, symptom-treatment approach in nutrition is baseless and so often ineffective. This further explains why what (nutritionally) helps make one person better, may have little or no effect on another, or even make a third person worse.
This same principle applies to problems of candida as much as it does to any other problem. Many people with candida overgrowth find it very difficult to “get off” of an anti-fungal agent such as nystatin or caprylic acid without a recurrence of the problem. In lieu of such circumstances, consider the following:

If different people have different requirements for nutrition, and
If the immune system is highly dependent on the proper biochemical balance to function efficiently, and
If the immune system is supposed to keep candida in check, and
If the problem of candida overgrowth reoccurs when one
stops the anti-fungal agent . . .
. . . Then it is at least conceivable that a diet which is inappropriate for efficient immune system function is being followed, which may in part be responsible for the body’s failure to control the yeast.
For this reason, it is our recommendation that anyone with candida adhere to a diet which is correct for that person’s metabolic type, rather than follow any so-called anti- candida diet, which is supposedly good for everyone. Usually such diets require the considerable restriction of carbohydrates (beans, fruits, breads, grains, cereals, peas, sweet potatoes and some squashes) sometimes to as little as 60 grams a day. Although for some metabolic types this may be helpful, for others it may be responsible for worsening an already malnutritive condition. Starving the yeast is one thing, but starving the patient or imbalancing the biochemistry at the same time can only be weakening to the immune system and therefore counter-productive.

In addition to the metabolic type diet, it is also recommended that one avoid foods as much as possible, which are known to stimulate candida growth until the candida are brought under control. The foods upon which candida are known to thrive and flourish include the following:

SUGAR, HONEY, MOLASSES, SYRUP & HIGH QUANTITIES OF FRUIT AND JUICE

MOLDS AND FERMENTED FOODS Vinegar, cheese, soy sauce, sour cream, buttermilk, cider, tofu, catsup, mustard, relish

YEAST PRODUCTS [Optional] Brewer’s yeast, yeast-based vitamins, buttermilk, dried fruits, melons and frozen or canned juices. This is especially important for yeast sensitive or yeast allergic patients. However, it should be understood that eating yeast products doesn’t actually further the candida , but it can prove irritating to anyone with an existing yeast sensitivity. Yeast proucts are not themselves, candida yeast, and also they are not live yeast. Many people with candida overgrowth can handle them just fine.

Conclusion

Candida yeast are responsible for a wide range of health concerns.  Most people have some level of yeast infestation and can benefit from doing a candida cleanse. Again, In my practice I’ve found that the with most yeast infections, a combination of a Metabolic Typing Diet and the following supplements: Fungal Forte and S. Boulardii by Original Medicine, and CDX by Theramedix to be very effective in reducing yeast overgrowth and managing yeast populations over the long haul.

If you believe you have a serious yeast problem and want the most effective protocol you can get, come in to the office and we’ll use Ayra testing to not only detect yeast, but to make a homeopathic remedy with the Nutramedix microbial defense product line.  Used in conjunction with the above prodocol, the yeast won’t have a chance!

This article is brought to you by: David Sandstrom ND, CNC, MBA. David is a Licensed, Certified Nutritional Counselor and a Natural Health Coach.  His areas of specialty are kids health, anxiety and depression, weight loss and detoxification.  His office is in the Crexent Business Center on Lake Worth Road in West Palm Beach. The address is: 8461 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth, Fl 33467 visit the web site at: www.abundantlife.BIZ Or to schedule a health coaching session call: 561.713.1128

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