CANDIDA

Candida is a form of yeast (fungus) normally found in the digestive tract that can over grow and become too numerous in the intestines. This is a species of yeast-like fungi – the most frequently-occurring species is Candida albicans. It becomes pathogenic when it becomes too populous, crowding out the beneficial bacteria (naturally occuring lactobacilli). This overgrowth of fungus can be caused by prolonged use of antibiotics, use of steroids (such as prednisone) or birth control pills, severe infection, a diet consisting primarily of foods and beverages containing or converting to sugar (sodas, alcohol of any kind, fruit juices, dried fruit, processed foods, most baked or fried goods, chemical sugar sweeteners, flour, wheat, soy and soy products, corn, peanuts and peanut products, peas, potatoes, white rice, to name just a few), surgery under anesthesia, a debilitation, trauma (both physical or emotional), living or working in a moldy/mildewy environment, exposure to chemicals and metals and from other causes.

It results in (or contributes to) disorders such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, chronic ear infections, many mental disorders, eye infections, thrush, cradle cap, skin conditions (seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema, etc.), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, GERD, Crohn's Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (I.B.S.), neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, MS, etc.), many types of cancer, Diabetes and major immuno-suppression (auto-immune disorders such as in AIDS, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The most frequently seen symptoms fatigue, irritability when hungry, headaches, hay fever, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy mouth and eyes, chronic cough (dry or mucus), depression, brain fog, bloating and gas, diarrhea, constipation, itchy anus or vagina (which can also be parasites), urinary frequency, sore throat and mouth, severe athlete's foot or fungal toe nails, chemical sensitivity/allergies, cravings for sugar or alcohol, and food sensitivity/allergies.

DIAGNOSIS

Stool testing under the microscope or a cultured sample in which the yeast is grown (for example, a 24-day culture). The most common species include Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Microscopic exam of stool produces information on the type of Candida (whether the infection is due to dividing forms, which are considered more disease producing/pathogenic than non-dividing forms.

Some labs report the yeast and also test the yeast to see which anti-fungals and herbs destroy it (sensitivity testing). The Parasitology Center's Parasitology Specimen Kit tests for parasites, yeast, fungus, viruses, bacterial overgrowth, inability to digest properly and infections; find the kit by typing SPECIMEN into the Product Search box in the upper/left area of any page at www.vitaganza.com. Many commercial and hospital labs do not consider yeast to be a problem and do not report it on stool exams.

CAUSES

Antibiotic therapy is one of the most frequent causes

In women, elevated hormones due to pregnancy, hormone supplementation, or birth control pills

Use of prednisone or other medication that is immuno-suppressant. Mercury from amalgam fillings is also suspect.

Use of steroids beyond a couple of weeks (used for inflammation), such as Prednisone or Cortisone, suppress a healthy immune system and create an environment perfect for yeast, fungal, parasitic, bacterial and/or viral infection.

Depressed immune function in combination with a highly sweet and starchy diet

Frequent exposure to a high mold environment

Parasitic infection

Candida is particularly prevalent in conjunction with AIDS.

There is now medical coding for candidiasis of the colon, which indicates that Candida is now recognized as a cause of illness throughout the body. Until this time, it was viewed as a disorder primarily of the esophagus and the vagina only. Doctors are now beginning to view it as a legitimate health condition, throughout the rest of the body.

Yeast in the digestive tract produces toxins that can make you ill in a variety of ways. They also produce alcohol as a byproduct in the process of breaking down starches (which can cause brain fog and intoxication). The journal Medical Hypothesis has reported on research suggesting that chronic candidiasis is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Leaky Gut Syndrome.

MAINSTREAM TREATMENT - prescriptions
Remember; there are harmful side-effects listed for every pharmaceutical.

Nystatin is the number one therapy – the most frequently used anti-fungal, which is available in capsules, liquid, powder, gels, and a troche (a lozenge). Side-effects include itching, irritation, burning, diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain, skin rash

Diflucan® (fluconazole) is very useful but an expensive treatment. Side-effects include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, loss of taste/smell, extreme fatigue, bruising, bleeding, appetite loss, jaundice (liver failure), flu-like symptoms, dark urine, pale stool, seizures, rash, hives, itching, swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs, difficulty breathing; caution with all prescription blood thinners, antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, birth control pills - check with your pharmacist for further information regarding the use of Diflucan if you are using any other prescription!

Nizoral® (ketoconazole) may be useful but may have accompanying liver toxicity. There are some people who have yeast condition resistant to all the previously mentioned drugs. For these, the risks of ketoconazole may be worth it. Before beginning this medication, consider getting the functional medicine liver detox test. It is also recommended that you get a liver enzyme profile periodically during the therapy to be sure the drug is not causing damage. An additional treatment option for those with resistant yeast is miconazole, available only from compounding pharmacies. Major systemic treatment that supports immune function could be helpful – ask a physician practicing functional/nutritional medicine about such treatment. Side-effects include changes in hair texture, blisters on scalp, dry skin, itching, oily or dry hair scalp, irritation/itching or stinging in place of application, rash, hives, diffuculty breathing or swallowing (if allergic), redness, tenderness, swelling, pain or warmth in the place of application.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS  (items in blue may be copied/pasted into the Product Search box in the upper/left area of any page at www.vitaganza.com)

NATURAL REMEDIES:  Garlic in enterically-coated capsule form; wild-crafted Mediterranean oregano (Oil of Oregano or Oregamax); specialized enzymes formulated for yeast (CDX to destroy fungus; RPR for inflammation from fibromyalgia); olive leaf; coconut oil softgels; Caprylic Acid or Caprylate Complex. General immune system modulators, such as Vital ImmuSol or NSC-100 are excellent whether the immune system is under-performing or over-working (auto-immune). SEE THE ANTI-FUNGAL DIET under Diets and Cleanses AND THE ANTI-FUNGAL ROTATION REGIMEN under Fungus and Anti-fungals in this KnowledgeBase!