| Predisposing
Factors
Common
Symptoms
Testing
For Candida
Treatment Options
Orthodox
Medications
Dietary
Modification
Supplements
to Fight Yeast
Further
Reading
|
|
Normally,
Candida albicans
lives harmoniously within the digestive tract and the vaginal tract of
women. However problems arise when the yeast overgrows, or when immune
mechanisms are depleted, or when the normal lining of the intestinal
tract is damaged. The typical patient is female (women are eight times
more likely to be affected due to the effects of oestrogen, oral
contraceptive pill (OCP), and higher antibiotic usage).
Candida
has been associated with a variety of conditions including: mental
disorders, deranged immune system, food intolerance, gastric upsets,
premenstrual tension, infertility, ovarian failure, sexual function
difficulties and fatigue.
Factors
That Predispose to Candida Overgrowth
-
Diet
high in processed sugars
-
Prolonged,
or repeated, use of antibiotics or corticosteroids
-
Oral
contraceptive pill use
-
Impaired
immunity
-
Pregnancy
and diabetes are associated with increased risk
-
Allergies
can cause chronic, recurrent yeast vaginitis
-
Impaired
liver function, especially liver injury
-
Antacids
which decrease the pH of stomach acid
-
Improper
bowel movements leading to prolonged retention of faecal material in
the colon
Be
aware that it may not be Candida infection that you are suffering
from. The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) test that I use
for patients in my clinic, I have found
that it may not be Candida but other yeast species
that are causing patients to be sick. This is useful as the CDSA will
also determine which natural products or pharmaceutical drugs will kill
the yeast infection, taking the guess work out of which treatment will
work, making you feel better sooner.
Common
Symptoms
of Yeast Infection
-
Cravings
for sweets, breads or alcohol
-
Chronic
fatigue, depression
-
Chronic
skin infections such
as ringworm, athlete’s foot, "jock itch," or nail
problems
-
Indigestion
or food reactions
-
Bloating
or gas after eating
-
Reactions
to baker's and brewer's yeast, wheat, milk, cheeses, mushrooms and
eggs
-
Usually
exhibit multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies, an indication
of stressed detoxification ability
-
Nutrient
deficiencies especially of vitamins B6 and B2
Testing
For Candida
Treatment
Options
Orthodox
Medications
-
Nystatin
is most commonly used for intestinal yeast (Note that Nystatin can
inactivate the B group vitamins B2 and B6
-
Diflucan
is a strong antifungal and may cause liver toxicity, therefore the
liver should be checked regularly with liver function tests
Dietary
Modification
Diet
is the main therapy for Candida however needs to be in place for at
least 6 months to a year to be successful. The Anti-Candida Diet
requires the removal of refined sugar, highly refined foods, breads,
pastries, alcohol, high sugar fruits (including dried fruits and fruit
juices), mould and yeast containing foods.
Make
an appointment to have a proper assessment of
your diet and appropriate supplements to finally rid yourself of yeast.
Effective
Supplements to Fight Yeast
-
Pau
d'arco an
extract from the bark of a South American tree has potent
anti-fungal properties.
-
Grape
fruit seed extract
-
Garlic
tablets or fresh garlic
-
A
commercial combination of Horopito
leaf and Anise seed
(Kolorex)
has been very effective in clinical trials
-
Undecenoic
acid
derived from Castor bean oil
-
Hydorchloric
acid, pancreatic enzymes and bile
(See Diagest
in Product
List page) help prevent the overgrowth of Candida
-
D-mannose
inhibits the adhesion of Candida to epithelial cells
-
Xylitol
inhibits candida adhesion to epithelial cells
-
Saccharomyces
boulardii a
transient yeast in the gut helps to inhibit Candida growth (SB
Floractive)
-
Increased
levels of Bifidobacteria
(See Lactobac
in Product
List page) prevent candida overgrowth
These
supplements are all available through the clinic.
Contact email me for availability of
individual supplements.
Further
Reading
http://intelegen.com/nutrients/candida_yeast_protection_program2.htm
http://www.causeof.org/arousal_allergies_food_can.htm
http://www.candida-cure-recipes.com/index.html
For advice or to book a
consultation call (03) 8802 7687 or email
me. |
