Cathy,

From my understanding of the problem of candida overgrowth, the things
you are doing now will merely slowly attempt to starve the candida; you
need to use herbs to kill it. (Your doctor can prescribe anti-fungals
to do it, but chances are, they'll only be prescribed if you have
thrush (white spots in your mouth).

I've attached an article on candida that should be of some help.

My personal protocol is
1. To bring more friendly bacteria into the digestive tract: home made
fermented foods every day (yogurt, Kombucha tea, fermented cabbage
juice) and FOS, which is basically a food for the friendly bacteria
(I'm sure there are many sources, but I found mine at the life
extension foundation (lef.org). You can also buy commercially packaged
probiotics, but frankly I haven't found any that really work well.
2. Raw garlic with virtually every meal (chew or crush before
swallowing) for its anti-fungal properties.
3. To kill the candida: an alternating (every few weeks) daily dose of
either oregano oil capsules or grapefruit seed extract. To date, I
haven't tried other things to kill the candida.

--Mike



CONQUERING CANDIDIASIS NATURALLY


first published in Vitality Magazine (Canada), September 1997.
Reprinted inHealth Freedom News (USA); WellBeing (Australia); Continuum
(UK).


Stephen C. Byrnes, N.D., R.N.C.P.

http://www.powerhealth.net 


  THE NIGHTMARE OF CANDIDA OVERGROWTH


Candida albicans and candida tropicalis are the names given to common
yeasts that live within our intestines and certain mucous membranes,
the throat, for example. Everyone has candida within them: we are born
with it.

Candida usually lives at peace with our other intestinal fauna, the
acidophilus and bifido bacteria, and it is these bacterial residents
that keep candida under control, preventing a "population burst."
Candida's function in the body is mainly to gobble up any putrefied
food matter in our digestive system (mostly caused by improper
digestion due to low stomach acid) before any potentially harmful
bacteria can have a feast, multiply, and become threatening to our
health. After we die, candida acts to decompose the body, feeding off
our corpse, much like a fungal mold on a dead tree.

Candida is usually kept in check by the gastrointestinal "good"
bacteria and the immune system, but trouble can arise when certain
conditions are present. It is in the presence of these conditions that
candida can begin growing out of control in the intestines, branching
out and colonizing the gut. In this process, candida can eat away at
the intestinal walls, spread into the bloodstream, and infiltrate other
tissues. The normally benign yeast has literally transformed itself
into an aggressive, destructive, fungal pathogen that can cause a
variety of seemingly unrelated health problems. This condition/disease
is known as systemic candidiasis.


SYMPTOMS & CAUSES


Systemic candidiasis, as a separate disease, was not recognized or
defined until the 1980's, mostly because its symptoms were so varied
and duplicated those of other illnesses, leading doctors to conclude
that the patient was suffering from, for example, sinusitis instead of
yeast infiltration of the nasal passages. Additionally, since one of
the main causes of systemic candidiasis are doctor prescribed
antibiotics, which kill the intestinal bacteria that control candida,
the medical profession was probably not too eager to admit the
existence of this disease. Diagnoses of candidiasis were limited to its
visible manifestations, e.g., a vaginal or oral yeast infection.
Treatment was directed towards eradicating these conditions alone
without addressing the reality of a more serious, but hidden,
infection.

The symptoms of candidiasis, and their severity, vary from person to
person but the main ones are:

Chronic fatigue, especially after eating, depression, craving for
breads and sugars (yeast eats sugar), extreme mood swings, feelings of
rage, especially after eating sugary foods, feeling "drunk" after
eating a meal high in carbohydrates (candida's waste is alcohol),
hypoglycemia, excessive mucous of the throat, nose, and lungs, chronic
fungal infections of the skin (jock itch, athlete's foot) or
vaginal/oral thrush, diarrhea, anal itching, short-term memory loss,
feeling "spacy," and bloating or gassiness after eating.

In addition to these, lymphatic swelling, difficult PMS, night sweats,
chest and joint pain, memory loss, incoordination, blurred vision,
intense, random headaches, intermittent vertigo, insomnia, sneezing
fits, and increased food allergies are also fairly common. A person
tends to get extremely sensitive to damp, mildewy environments and,
sometimes, to extreme humidity as well as perfumes, colognes, and
smoke. Since candida can infiltrate the urinary tract, acute kidney
infections, cystitis, and prostatitis are possible.

While these symptoms can indicate other illnesses, if certain factors
are present in one's personal history the symptoms are likely to
indicate candida overgrowth. These factors are:

(1) Prolonged, or repeated, use of antibiotics, corticosteroid drugs,
and/or birth control pills, at any time in the past, (2) a diet high in
processed sugars which encourages candida growth, and (3) preexisting
immunosuppression caused by drug or alcohol abuse, multiple blood
transfusions, debilitating illness, organ transplants, or chemotherapy.
All three are NOT required to bring on a case of candidiasis: excessive
"sugar binging" can cause it just as surely as antibiotics can.
Pregnancy also predisposes women to the condition since pregnancy
alters the body's delicate hormonal and pH balance: candida thrives in
an alkaline environment. Contributing factors are (1) low stomach
acidity leading to poorly digested food and (2) improper bowel
movements leading to prolonged retention of fecal matter in the colon:
these

conditions promote yeast overgrowth.


A 20TH CENTURY DISEASE


Candidiasis is truly a modern disease, brought on by medical
"innovations" like antibiotics and the Pill and a more "civilized" diet
of refined, sugary foods and candy. In some naturopathic circles, the
illness is derisively known as "Candy Disease."

In all seriousness, however, candidiasis is a serious condition for two
main reasons: (1) It often goes undiagnosed, allowing the yeast to
spread unhampered, and (2) the numerous symptoms it produces severely
tax the immune system, forcing it to deal with, not only the yeast
infection, but the other conditions the yeast causes. A truly vicious
cycle can ensue: a person is weakened by a candida caused problem, say
cystitis, and goes to a doctor who then prescribes antibiotics for it.
The drugs kill off more of the intestinal bacteria which control
candida, making the candida overgrowth worse, leading to more
infections and more antibiotics, etc.. At its most destructive, candida
can exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to Addison's disease, can
interfere with digestion so much that virtually no nutrients are
absorbed from food, and can cause life threatening infestations of the
vital organs and the brain.


TREATMENTS & RECOVERY


The standard allopathic treatment for candidiasis is the drug Nystatin,
a mold which inhibits the growth of other molds like candida. Two other
popular drugs are Nizoral and Fluconazole. While these drugs certainly
kill candida, they do not work forever due to candida's ability to
mutate into drug resistant strains, nor do they prevent candida from
coming back.

Natural therapies are the most potent and effective weapons against
this disease and recovery time lasts about 6 to 12 months (or longer
depending on the length of time one has had the condition and the
severity of symptoms). This might seem long, but once candida has
colonized the body, it takes quite an effort to drive it out. Let's now
take a look at the natural therapies most effective against this
adaptable and extremely tenacious invader.


DIGESTION


The key to conquering candida is in cleaning up the digestive system,
the ultimate source of the problem. In general, one must avoid
constipation at all costs so high water (4-5 glasses a day) and
adequate fiber intake is recommended. Drinking lots of water will also
help flush the dead yeast cells out of your system as you progress with
your treatment. If diarrhea is a problem, psyllium or yellow dock herb,
both available in capsule form, will tighten the colon. These two herbs
are also effective for constipation-- they are bowel regulators. Yellow
dock is also known as a blood builder, effective for anemia and low
white blood cell counts. If you decide to take yellow dock, be sure to
take it separately from any herb containing tannic acid to avoid
stomach upset.

Supplementation with acidophilus and bifido bacteria is essential to
recolonize the intestines. While these bacteria will not kill candida,
they inhibit candida's growth and, generally, clean up the bowels,
making it more difficult for candida to thrive. Look for a high potency
supplement, either freeze dried or refrigerated, made without cow's
milk. You will need to supplement heavily with these "probiotics"
throughout your recovery and well after all your symptoms have gone.
Chlorophyll-rich foods, like leafy green vegetables and alfalfa, also
promote acidophilus growth and discourage yeast reproduction.

Proper food digestion is an absolute MUST as nothing makes candida
happier than putrefied, poorly digested food. Unless you have an ulcer,
consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement with hydrochloric acid
(HCL) immediately before or after each meal. If you have an ulcer, look
for digestive enzyme supplements without HCL. Plant enzyme supplements
are excellent. Both pancreatin and plant enzymes can be taken between
meals to hinder yeast growth. Using digestive enzymes will help your
condition dramatically and also take some stress off your pancreas
which might be weary from dealing with possible candida-caused
hypoglycemia. (If you notice any stomach irritation when using HCL
supplements, cut back on the dose at once to prevent possible ulcer
formation.)

If enzyme supplements are not available, a cup of German chamomile tea
just before or after eating will stimulate HCL production by the
stomach. Chamomile will also ease any gassiness and/or bloating and
contains potent anti-candida compounds. If you have a history of
ragweed allergy do not use chamomile; fennel or cardamon are fine
substitutes. Another herb to consider for digestion is wormwood.
Wormwood, while extremely bitter, is probably the best digestive herb
around, stimulating HCL and bile production. Side benefits of wormwood
are ridding you of any parasites, gas, nervousness, and weak stomach.
Wormwood extract or tincture can be found at any health food store;
take the recommended dose just before eating in a little water.
CAUTION: Wormwood should not be used by pregnant women.

Since the liver can get overburdened with candida's toxins because it
filters the blood, cleansing this organ is essential for your recovery.
Daily supplementation with hepatic herbs like, dandelion root, golden
seal, wormwood, barberry, Oregon grape root, or bayberry, is highly
recommended. Again, the need for increased water intake is emphasized
here to facilitate internal cleansing. CAUTION: Avoid goldenseal and
barberry if you are pregnant.


DIETARY DO'S AND DONT'S


Since candida loves sugar, it must be avoided in all its forms
(dextrose, sucrose, glucose, maltose, lactose, fructose). Say goodbye
to all fruits, except the low sugar ones like strawberries, cherries,
and papayas which can be eaten in strict moderation. Read the label of
every food product you buy to be sure there is no added sugar (a near
impossible task these days!).

Diet is your main weapon against candida, but also the most frustrating
as you will have to give up a number of foods. Bid farewell to: wheat,
rye, milk, cheese, alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, potatoes, honey,
mushrooms, and vinegar: all these foods promote yeast growth or can
aggravate already present yeast colonies. Keep your food well covered
in the refrigerator to prevent mold formation. When eating out, be sure
to ask how a dish is prepared and tell the server to hold any
undesirable ingredients like soy sauce or mayonnaise.

In general, a low carbohydrate diet is preferred. Carbohydrates, even
complex ones, eventually break down to glucose (sugar) in the digestive
tract, and sugar feeds candida. It’s also advisable to avoid the
starchier vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and winter
squashes. Different people, however, have different sensitivities. I’ve
worked with patients who can handle wheat, despite a candida problem.
You and your body are your best guide as to which foods to avoid. At
rock bottom, however, all sugars MUST be avoided.

Due to the restrictions, you may be wondering at times, "What the hell
am I supposed to eat?!" Books will be listed at the end of the article
to help with food selections and recipes.

On the positive side, assuming you have no allergic reactions, you can
enjoy all of the following: fish, poultry, meat, all vegetables, brown
rice*, eggs, seeds, all nuts except cashews and peanuts, herb teas,
beans* and lentils*, goat milk*, corn*, amaranth*, kamut*, quinoa*,
buckwheat*, oats*, and spelt*. Check with a local health food store for
sugar free breads made of kamut, millet, or spelt and consider eating
corn tortillas to replace wheat bread.

(*: moderate amounts only.) Be sure to include coconut oil and butter
in your diet as these natural fats contain appreciable amounts of
lauric acid, a medium chain triglyceride with potent antifungal
properties.

To ease their digestion, all nuts, seeds, and whole grains should be
soaked for at least seven hours before cooking or drying. Soaking
initiates the sprouting process and breaks up the enzyme inhibitors and
phytates found in these foods.

Contrary to popular belief, foods containing yeast may be eaten if no
allergic reactions are present. Brewer's yeast, for example, is a very
nutritious and immune enhancing food and can be eaten for nutritional
support during one's recovery.

As your symptoms disappear, you can cautiously add back the forbidden
foods, one at a time and slowly. Do not eat any refined sugars for at
least 6 months after your recovery.

Having candidiasis once predisposes one to getting it again so be very
careful after you are well. Indulging in too many foods too quickly
can, as I can painfully attest to, cause a relapse.


HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS


The following herbs should assist in recovery:


Garlic- a powerful antifungal and immune stimulant. Garlic will also
help with constipation, gas, excess mucous, and blood cleansing; it is
antiparasitic and hypotensive also. Some people are sensitive to garlic
so increase your dosage slowly to discern any unpleasant side effects.
If there are none, include it liberally in your diet, everyday. If you
prefer to take garlic tablets, look for ones that are enteric coated to
insure that the garlic is released deep inside the intestines where
candida thrives.


Golden Seal, Barberry, Oregon Grape Root- the berberine in these herbs
is lethal to candida.

Berberine is also a powerful immune stimulant. Don't overuse golden
seal as too much will irritate the liver: take for 2 weeks on, one week
off. All of these herbs can also be used to assist digestion. Golden
seal can be topically applied to ringworm, and made into a tea for
athlete's foot. These three herbs are excellent for urinary tract
problems, being diuretic, antibacterial, and antifungal. Like wormwood,
golden seal and barberry should not be used by pregnant women.


Licorice root- Though not antifungal, licorice will soothe the inflamed
intestines so common with candida, thus helping to prevent
malabsorption of nutrients and food allergies. Licorice also tones the
adrenal glands and helps regulate blood glucose, controlling sugar
cravings. This herb is also excellent for excessive mucous, cough, and
constipation.


Astragalus- This popular Chinese herb is excellent for stimulating the
immune system, essential for recovering from candida or any other
infective condition.


Aloe Vera- a must if suffering from fungal skin infections. The fresh
gel is effective against ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot and
will also help heal cracked, damaged skin. Use bottled gel if the fresh
herb is not available.

Other useful herbs are clove, ginseng (all varieties), ginger, pau
d’arco, and cinnamon. For proper doses, check the labels, but higher
doses may be taken without fear of toxicity except as noted above.

Tea tree oil, from Australia and New Zealand, is very deadly to candida
and may be used topically for athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
It can also be used as a gargle or douche when mixed with water and can
be safely taken internally (3-4 drops, 3 times a day, do not exceed
this dose). Be absolutely certain the brand you buy does NOT say "For
external use only" on its label.

Caprylic acid, a short chain fatty acid, is extremely effective against
candida and is, fortunately, available over the counter at health food
stores. Look for a slow release formula of about 300-500 mg. and
arrange for a dose of 500 to 1000 mg. with each meal.

Colloidal silver, and the newer olive leaf extract, are excellent
antifungal agents and lethal to candida. Though expensive, my clients
have had excellent results with these products. Look for a silver
supplement of at least 20 ppm with a micron size of no more than .001.
Follow the instructions on the labels for the correct dosages.

Oxygen is an antifungal compound. Taking stabilized oxygen products,
like flavored peroxide combinations found in health food stores, can
also be employed in one’s recovery.

The latest in candida treatment are enteric coated essential oils.
Oregano, peppermint, and rosemary oils are all extremely powerful
against candida and some supplement companies already have formulas
using these oils on the market. Oregano oil is estimated at being 100
times more powerful than caprylic acid. Be prepared for some explosive
diarrhea when using this product. As the yeast cells die, the body
makes every effort to expel them.

Vitamin/mineral supplementation is a good idea to not only insure that
adequate nutrients are ingested, but also to help the immune system
fight the infection. The following are suggested daily guidelines. For
individual needs, its best to see a health practitioner who is familiar
with approaching candidiasis: Vitamin A (as retinol and beta carotene)-
75,000 IU; vitamin C- 3 to 5 gms.; selenium- 200 mcg.; zinc- 50 mg.;
vitamin E- 400 IU; iron- 10 mg.; essential fatty acids- 4 gms; high
potency multi vitamin/mineral- 1 a day.

One particularly useful nutrient is the free-form amino acid glutamine.
Glutamine is very pivotal in maintaining proper muscle mass, brain
function, intestinal integrity, and stable blood sugar levels. It is
often prescribed to recovering alcoholics by natural therapists to
control alcohol cravings. 1-3 grams before each meal is suggested.
Glutamine is excellent for helping to heal "leaky gut syndrome," a very
common symptom of intestinal candidiasis. Also, since weight loss is
usual with severe candida infestations, this amino acid helps protect
against muscle loss. Glutamine is also very stimulating to the immune
system. Do everything you can, then, to acquire it and be diligent
about taking it.

There are homeopathic preparations of Candida albicans on the market.
From personal and professional experience, you have to be very careful
with these products as they can cause a severe "Herxheimer Reaction,"
or temporary worsening of your symptoms due to the rapid die off of
yeast cells in the body. The best way to use homeopathics is to start
with a weaker preparation of about 12X potency, and gradually work your
way up to more powerful doses--30C and above. A slow build up avoids
the unpleasant hassle of aggravated die off.


You will sometimes feel like a walking medicine chest from all of the
supplements, herbs, probiotics, and antifungal products you’ll be
taking. Inconvenience aside, it is necessary as candida is a very
tenacious organism. You must be persistent and unwavering in your
efforts to recover or you will get nowhere; the total approach is
necessary.


DIE OFF


When you take away candida's food, sugar, and attack the yeast with
herbs and supplements, it will die, causing a condition known as die
off. Die off will last from a few days to a few weeks and the severity
of symptoms will vary from person to person. Usually present are
nausea, headaches, gas, irritability, diarrhea, severe energy loss,
sugar cravings, and blurred vision.

Exercise and water will reduce your symptoms by flushing the dead yeast
cells more quickly from your system. Use your herbs smartly as many of
those listed before can help, e.g., cinnamon or clove tea will help
allay nausea and gas, as well as help disinfect your digestive tract.


YOUR GREATEST WEAPON


As a former candida sufferer, and a naturopath who has dealt with
affected individuals, I can confidently tell you that your greatest
weapons against it are your diet and your patience. Frustration is
likely to run high during your recovery as candida is an incredibly
tenacious organism. Stick it out, however, and know that you will
eventually recover for the rewards are great.

SOURCES & RECOMMENDED READING


The Candida Directory and Cookbook by Helen Gustafson and Helen
O'Shea. 1992; Celestial

Arts Publishing.


The Yeast Connection by William Crook, M.D.. 1986; Vintage Books.


Candida Albicans: Could Yeast Be Your Problem? by Leon Chaitow, N.D.
1985; Thorsons,

U.K.

See you in a few!

Stephen Byrnes

> Hello,
>
> My first tme posting or writing to any support group ever!  I would
> really appreciate any help with the following health problems I've
> been having and no I am not crazy!
>
> Anyway, here's whats been wrong.
>
> I've had chronic urinary tract infections, sore throats, earaches ,
> pain down the back of my neck and shoulders, ocassional nausea and
> feeling of weakness and depression and feel cold all the time. This
> all comes and goes.  But the infections and soar throats are pretty
> regular.  Plus, I've had panick attacks in the past which have
> resurfaced a couple of times in the past few months.  
>
> I went to the doctor twice and they were useless.  I was on
> antibiotics by my request.  They were not going to give me anything.
> I've been doing a lot of research and it sounds like it could be a
> cross between chronic sinusitis and yeast build up in my system or
> CFS.  It happens to everybody, the yeast thing.
>
> We all accumulate yeast in our systems which causes major health
> problems.  I've been on a holistic diet for about three + weeks now
> trying to clear my system.  A lot of organic vegetables, spring
> water, homemade healthy soups, cut out practically all sugar, heavy
> carbohydrates fruit and fruit juices because the sugar creates a lot
> of yeast. 
>
> I've been taking blood purifier that I got from my reflexologist and
> this stuff called cystsone which cleans up tract infections and
> kidney problems.
>
> Anyway, this is what I've been dealing with.  My immune system is not
> working very well.  I'm sorry to trouble you with this.  Does anyone
> have any ideas.  I'm usually pretty good at getting back on my feet
> but not this time.  The doctors have not been much help!
>
> Thank you,
>
> Cathy
>
>
>
>
>
>
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