We can do without Candida

There are about 400 different species of micro-organisms that call the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract “home”. These include the probiotic or “beneficial” flora (e.g. the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium families), so called because they provide us with many beneficial functions. Other GI residents include opportunistic squatters that do not provide any symbiotic or beneficial function to the human organism. Candida albicans is one of these and we all have it in small amounts in the intestines, mouth, throat and genitourinary tract. Under normal conditions, Candida is a non-invasive, sugar fermenting organism that has no positive effect on our bodily function, but if allowed to overgrow and proliferate, it can have a serious detrimental effect.

Candida overgrowth is not a modern condition — Paediatric texts from the 1700s and 1800s describe thrush and how it is transmitted from mother to baby during passage through the birth canal. Nowadays, speculations are that approximately 33% of people in the western world suffer from Candida overgrowth. Certain naturopathic schools of thought estimate that 80% of the western population suffers from this infection, due to high consumption of antibiotics and simple sugars that further promote Candida overgrowth.

Candida proliferates by fermenting sucrose and other simple sugars (therefore a sugar free diet is recommended when treating Candida). A by-product of this fermentation is acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can create dysfunction in virtually any body system causing symptoms such as lethargy, anxiety, liver stress and reduced tissue oxygenation.

Further more, as it proliferates, Candida changes its form into a mycelial-fungal form that produces long, root-like tendrils that pierce the walls of the digestive tract and break down the protective barriers between the intestine and the blood. This allows undigested food components to enter blood circulation, causing the immune system to initiate an allergic reaction that will be re-triggered every time these food components are eaten. This may lead to the development of food allergies.

One of the roles of the immune system is to help maintain a balance between the “good” and “bad” micro-organisms. When its function is dampened or when the GI tracts' ecosystem becomes imbalanced (as occurs after the use of broad spectrum antibiotics), Candida quickly seizes the opportunity to multiply and spread. This may also occur after using commonly prescribed drugs such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or the oral contraceptive pill. Chronic physical and emotional stress has a dampening effect on the immune function too. Therefore, strong immunity and balanced gut flora may be the key to treat and prevent the spread of the Candida albicans yeast.

There is now a quick and easy test for confirming Candida overgrowth. CanDia5^® is a simple-to-use test kit that can accurately detect Candida antibodies confirming whether you have an active Candida infection within 5–10 minutes with just a drop of blood.

Candida infection treatment will involve both supplemental and dietary considerations, the most important of these being Nature's Way^® Primadophilus^® Reuteri, an effective high potency probiotic supplement. This should be teamed with Radiance^® CandAid™ , a synergistic blend of traditional herbs to help rid the body of Candida and promote proper immune system function.*

Together with a wholistic nutrition plan that includes whole foods and a sugar/alcohol free diet, both chronic and acute Candida infections can, finally, be brought under control.

* An exasperation of symptoms (healing crisis) may occur in the first days of treatment due to toxins released by the dying Candida. These symptoms usually subside within a few days.

Possible Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 17, Issue 2)