CandidaAlbicans

Candida Albicans, also known as "yeast", "thrush" or "monilia", is a yeast-like organism that is present in the intestinal tract of every human being. Normally it is kept under control by the immune system and by beneficial intestinal bacteria. When an immune system is impaired or there has been use or overuse of antibiotics that destroys beneficial bacteria, the yeast will proliferate and begin to invade and colonize body tissues.

When Candida proliferates, it changes its form from simple and harmless to invasive in nature, with long root-like structures that penetrate the intestinal lining and breaks down the boundary between the intestinal tract and blood circulation. This breakdown can allow substances into the blood which may be systemic allergens, poisons or irritants.

Proteins, that are usually broken down before they enter the blood stream, can seep in through the "portals" caused by the roots of the Candida overgrowth, allowing only partially digested proteins in, which may create a variety of apparent food and environmental allergies.

These yeast overgrowth colonies (candidiasis) may release powerful toxins into the system causing a multitude of symptoms, such as:

generalized-fatigue, lethargy,migraine headaches, weakness, dizziness and sensory disturbances

gastrointestinal- oral thrush,diarrhea, constipation, rectal itching,inflammatory bowel disease and flatulence

genito/urinary-yeast vaginitis, menstrual and premenstrual problems, bladder inflammation and cystitis

dermatological- eczema, acne and hives

mental and emotional symptoms- confusion, irritability, memory loss, inability to concentrate, depression, insomnia and seeming learning disabilities

food and chemical sensitivities-sensitivity or apparent allergy to a variety of foods and chemicals

auto immune- multiple sclerosis, arthritis, SLE, myesthenia gravis, scleroderma, hemolytic anemia,sarcoidosis and thromocytopenic purpura

NOTE: many of these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than Candidiasis, as well.

Factors that can cause Candida overgrowth are:

a history of prolonged use of antibiotics

history of use of steroids or immuno-suppressant drugs

occupational or other exposure to petrochemicals, rubbers, or other toxic chemicals

history of long-term use of oral contraceptives and other pharmaceutical drugs

pH imbalance in the body

A sound wholistic and therapeutic approach to restore the proper balance of the yeast in your intestinal tract includes specific recommendations for diet, supplements, exercise and normalizing nervous and overall systems function. Length of recovery is highly variable, but most people feel marked improvement soon after beginning an anti-Candida program. Depending on the extent of the colonization, recovery could take up to a number of months or longer.

The diet best for treating Candida it one low in fats and simple sugars, with whole grains and vegetables along with moderate quantities of simply prepared, yet fully cooked protein foods. Ideally, grains should be eaten whole rather than in the form of breads and flour products. Rotate or avoid suspected allergen foods as recommended by your doctor or health-care practitioner.

Foods to avoid- either limited or avoided all together because they encourage yeast overgrowth are:

yeast containing foods- beer and wines, breads, rolls and pastries, B-complex vitamins and selenium products unless labelled as yeast free, vinegar containing food, commercially prepared foods including soups, dry roasted nuts, potatoe chips, soy sauce, cider, natural root beer, salad dressings, pickles, olives and sauerkraut

concentrated sugars- honey, maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, white sugar, fruit juices (canned, bottled or frozen) and dried fruit

mold containing or mold supporting food- pickled, smoked or dried meats, fish and poultry, bacon, cured pork, aged cheeses,cheddars, bleu, etc., mushrooms, tempeh, miso, peanuts, peanuts products and pistachios, any other mold containing foods such as leftovers

Certain supplements to support the immune system, replace beneficial bacteria and help to re-balance your metabolism are recommended.

Regular cardio exercise is vital, up to 20 minutes per day at least 4 times a week and chiropractic care to normalize any systemic imbalance or infection is essential for full recovery through a properly functioning nervous system. Health kinesiology is recommended as well for greater overall balance of the system.

Another extremely important aspect about candida is learning about the pH balance of your system. pH is about the acid/alkaline balance in your body. Eating the best foods, the amount of oxygen you take in and drinking the healthiest water are the main way to attain a balanced pH in your system.

Check out www.candidasupport.org for more extensive knowledge on pH. Also, see www.formerfatguy.com for a more extensive list of foods to eat and avoid. For research information just Google Candida Albicans.

This is a hub on the wholistic approach to Candida, so on any western medicine website you will get only or mostly pharmaceutical/synthetic medicines and drug recommendations, that may help in the short term. Though, things are changing and some western (mainstream) doctors are integrating with wholistic (more natural approaches), but most still emphasize drugs.

A wholistic perspective has a long term perspective...it is a lifestyle to initiate and live by. See my upcoming hub on the similarities and differences between mainstream and wholistic medicine.

Many Blessings on your journey to wholeness!

SparklingJewel