Candida Albicans is a yeast growth present in all of us and is normally controlled by bacteria in the intestines. We are supposed to have what is called "friendly bacteria" in our colon. It is part of our immune system, But when something destroys helpful bacteria, the yeast begins to invade and colonize the body tissues. These yeast colonies release powerful chemicals into the bloodstream, causing such varying symptoms as lethargy, chronic diarrhea, yeast vaginitis, bladder infections, muscle and joint pain, menstrual problems, constipation and severe depression. The medical term for this yeast overgrowth is candidiasis (can di di’ a sis). Candida overgrowth is not a new problem, but is usually thought of as a minor infection of the mucous membranes, skin and nails. But the increased and sometimes excessive use of antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids will allow candidiasis to become a chronic, systemic infection that causes tissue damage throughout the body. Chemicals produced by the candida attack the immune system and if the immune system weakens, the candida will spread out into various body tissues and colonize. Causes of Candida

What causes this normally harmless yeast to grow out of control? Several factors can lead to an overgrowth of candida. One is the use of antibiotics for extended periods. Broad spectrum antibiotics taken for respiratory, urinary or ear infections are especially harmful because they destroy the Candida-controlling bacteria, as well as disease-causing bacteria. Steroids such as Cortisone (Decadron or other cortisone-type drugs) suppress the immune system’s ability to fight Candida growth. Any hormone imbalance caused by birth control pills or frequent pregnancies also favor Candida overgrowth. There are usually parasites as well somewhere in the body when there is high Candida. Another cause of Candida overgrowth can be from a low Acidophilus and Bifidus culture in the colon. It is imperative that there is enough of these two friendly bacterias in the system in order to control Candida overgrowth. Without these friendly bacteria Candida can and probably will become out of control. Symptoms of Candida

Both men and women can have candidiasis. However it does occur more frequently in women (especially young women) with more severe effects. Candida symptoms fall into the following four main areas: Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Symptoms

These include constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, PMS, recurrent yeast vaginitis, vaginal burning and itching, vaginal discharge, loss of sexual feelings. Allergic Symptoms

(These symptoms occur with the passing of toxins into the bloodstream.) These symptoms include hayfever, earaches, bronchitis (recurrent), hives, headaches, sore throats, coughing, acne, nasal congestion, chemical sensitivities to tobacco smoke, perfume and foods. The person just feels "sick all over". Dysfunctional Glandular and Organ Symptoms

These include infertility, menstrual problems, ovarian failure and ACTH deficiency, hypothyroidism, chronic lymphocystic thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, impotence and endometriosis. Emotional and Mental Symptoms

These occur because of central nervous system involvement. These include poor memory, fatigue, drowsiness, feelings of unreality, incoordination, tingling and numbness, joint pain, muscle weakness, muscle pain, irritability, inability to concentrate, confusion and severe depression. Diagnosis of Candida

Candida Albicans is present everywhere, subsisting on the surface of all living things. Since candida germs live in every person’s body, especially on the mucous membranes, vaginal and other smears and cultures for the presence of candida are useless. Therefore the diagnosis for candidiasis is made from a person’s medical history, score on a candida questionnaire or their response to a kinesiology/muscle test for candidiasis. Finally the diagnosis is confirmed by the person’s response to treatment for candida overgrowth.

Treatment of Candida

Treatment for candidiasis is simple and effective. The goal is to get the yeast out of the tissues and to build up the body’s ability to keep it out. The most important thing you can do to rid yourself of this problem is to get your digestion in order. This is essential to healing a yeast condition quick and easily. There are several elements used in the treatment of yeast overgrowth. They are based on each person’s history and response to treatment. The most important nutrient to introduce into your system is a high-quality Acidophilus or Bifidophilus supplement. Once you stop feeding the yeast and reintroduce the friendly bacteria again through the use of Acidophilus or Bifidophilus, the body will begin to heal itself.

• Repopulate with friendly flora with a balanced pro-biotic formula

• Use of an anti-fungal herb to penetrate into body tissues and work on the cellular level, Pau d’Arco or Taheebo tea.

• Use of an anti-parasitic herbal cleanse to help support the immune system, stimulate the elimination system and allow the body to eliminate the parasites

• Promote immune health with anti-oxidant support.

• Follow the Candida Diet program

• Avoid using antibiotics, steroids and birth control

Candida lives on certain foods. The trick here is to STOP FEEDING THE YEAST! As you kill off the bad bacteria, you balance the body back out by introducing the good bacteria in the form of a friendly bacteria supplement (acidophilus or bifidophilus).

Many notice a great improvement in as much as a few days and many within three weeks. Still it takes an average of six to twelve months to eradicate a candida overgrowth. The candida probably became well established before it was identified which is why treatment must be persistent. The major symptoms to improve are headaches, diarrhea, emotional and behavior problems, vaginitis and chemical sensitivities.

Remember that yeast assists in breaking down the immune system. What you have to do is build it up and the quickest way to do that is to nourish it with real food.

When fighting a Candida infection a person must be systematic and disciplined because the miseries of the problem do not cease immediately with treatment. Candida "die-off" can cause some very uncomfortable symptoms temporarily. These symptoms disappear soon after beginning the diet.

Dietary Changes That May Be Helpful:

FOR WOMEN:

IN CONCLUSION:An overgrowth of Candida Albicans is a chronic, dangerous infection. If left unchecked it will continue to spread and break down the body’s ability to fight off disease. Everyone including infants and children are susceptible to candidiasis. The goal when treating a candida infection is to remove yeast from the infected tissue and rebuild the immune system.

The most important thing is to get the friendly bacteria back into the gut. Probiotics will do this. Eat a diet consisting of fruit, (if it is well tolerated) vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and raw nuts/seed.