Yeast Infection?
Candida Treatment
What Causes Candida Yeast Infection?
There are about a dozen recognized causes of intestinal dysbiosis (or dysfunction of the microbiome, or inner ecology) and candida overgrowth (CO). Causes range from obvious chemical and germ exposure to mind-body related causes.,
Diet
Poor food choices are one of the main causes of candida overgrowth (CO) and intestinal dysbiosis. Candida and the other critters causing dysbiosis all feed on sugar. Your first and most obvious sign of trouble is when you begin craving sugars (fructose or fruit, honey, juice, soda, maple syrup, ice cream, especially any type of candy or chocolate, basically anything sweet, or refined carbs like any white flour pasta, cookies, cakes, etc). There is nothing wrong with a little sugar now and then. But when it is a daily craving it falls into an “extreme diet” category.
Extreme Diet is a classic question of “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Does extreme diet cause CO or does having CO cause an extreme diet? Whichever is the case, we know dysbiosis is involved.
RX Drugs
All drugs, and especially antibiotics, can cause an upset in the inner bowel ecology and immune system which adversely affects the body simply because they are artificial, unnatural, and man-made. They are foreign invaders to the natural human body. We are not against modern medicine. That would be foolish. RX drugs can save lives in an emergency. But they are not designed to cure, heal, or be used for years at a time. They are made for the temporary relief of symptoms. Unfortunately, some people stay on them for years, never bothering to find out how to heal their own bodies. Then they are surprised when “suddenly” the accumulated negative side-effects of the drugs simply overwhelm them with a serious or life-threatening diseases.
The drugs which most directly upset the bowel ecology and contribute to CO dysbiosis are Antibiotics, Birth Control Pills, Hormones, Steroids, Anti-inflammatory drugs, and Antacids. (1) However, You don’t need to go see a doctor get antibiotics. They can enter the body through common dairy products. Dairy products, especially milk, are so laden with toxic bacteria that the FDA allows dozens of antibiotics to be used directly in milk
Alcohol
Alcohol use in excess kills off friendly bacteria, increases toxic overload of the liver, and allow candida overgrowth dysbiosis. Add to this dilemma the fact that alcohol is actually a yeast by-product and you can see the potential problems. People with extreme CO can have high blood alcohol levels and literally be drunk, just from eating sugar. This moderate “high” is one explanation for intense sugar cravings. There is another interesting aspect of alcohol and yeast.
Every living thing that eats must create waste on the other end. Usually, that waste is toxic (poisonous) to the organism. Not so with yeast. The alcoholic by-products it creates can actually serve as a fertilizer to help it grow further. This explains why various researchers have indicated that everyone who drinks alcohol regularly (daily or a few times weekly) is likely harboring Candida Overgrowth. (2) (3)
The conditions above are most likely to cause candida Albicans yeast infection and dysbiosis. The conditions below also contribute but usually must be extreme. That is, done more frequently, sustained over time, or magnified by each other.
Hormone Imbalances
That shows up as obvious symptoms (PMS, etc.) can upset the balance of friendly flora in the gut. This explains why women are more prone to yeast problems giving their monthly cycle, pregnancies, menopause, birth control pills, etc. however, with proper bowel balance and a strengthened immune system, these variations should not cause problems.
Tap Water
Water containing chlorine kills both bad and good bacteria in the gut. It is better to drink filtered or spring water. Better to drink distilled water with something else mixed with it rather than plain. Better to have room temperature water rather than cold (cold and ice puts out the “gastric fire” which is necessary for proper digestion).
Bowel Problems
Digestive troubles like constipation, diarrhea, parasites, worms, IBS, leaky gut, heartburn, gas, bloating – all signs of dysbiosis – are not only the signs and symptoms of yeast infection but can be originating causes as well. The “chicken or the egg” story once again. Either way, where there is smoke, there is fire. (4)
Excessive stress
Stress can most certainly affect the immune system and bowel causing CO. The link between mind-body is well established. Emotional nervousness or mental stress can cause chronic fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, high blood pressure, ulcers, and numerous related health problems. That is why our treatment program uses a ‘Healthy Trinity’ which addresses mind-body issues to reduce stress.
Environmental Molds or Chemicals
Chemicals and mold can deplete the immune system and liver reserves, causing bowel dysbiosis. This is a problem for people who work around chemicals frequently, for example, hairstylists, dry cleaners, lawn maintenance, house painters, fuel or chemical industry, etc. Basically, if you can smell anything, it means that your liver and the immune system has to work to get rid of it. The stronger and longer the exposure, the more likely a yeast infection or dysbiosis problem.
Toxic Metals and Food Chemicals
Toxic metals have the same explanation as to the above category except they are even more severe. Mercury (as found in dental amalgams, some fish), other metals, and food chemicals, such as aspartame, MSG, and others can kill friendly intestinal flora, alter immune response, and allow the yeast to proliferate. Mercury and metals can be a paradox. There is no question that they are toxic. However, clinical experience clearly shows that, like any of these possible causes of CO, toxic metals will affect people differently. For some people, much more dental work doesn’t have any problem at all. I have seen people who were convinced their problems were dental related, spend thousands of dollars to get them removed, only to find the same problems or worse. The best way to determine if this is a problem for you is why we Test instead of Guess.
Immune deficiency
From conditions that weaken the immune system such as AIDS, cancer, herpes, hepatitis, etc. It is a little-known fact that almost everyone with a serious illness is suffering from candida Albicans or yeast infection.
REFERENCES:
Eggimann, P., Que, Y., Revelly, J., & Pagani, J. (2015). Preventing invasive candida infections. Where could we do better? Journal of Hospital Infection, 89(4), 302-308. DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2014.11.006
Ferrier, L., Bérard, F., Debrauwer, L., Chabo, C., Langella, P., Buéno, L., & Fioramonti, J. (2006). Impairment of the Intestinal Barrier by Ethanol Involves Enteric Microflora and Mast Cell Activation in Rodents. The American Journal of Pathology, 168(4), 1148-1154. DOI:10.2353/ajpath.2006.050617
Tamai, H., Kato, S., Horie, Y., Ohki, E., Yokoyama, H., & Ishii, H. (2000). Effect of Acute Ethanol Administration on the Intestinal Absorption of Endotoxin in Rats. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 24(3), 390-394. DOI:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2000.tb04629.x
Gouba, N., & Drancourt, M. (2015). Digestive tract mycobiota: A source of infection. Médecine Et Maladies Infectieuses, 45(1-2), 9-16. doi:10.1016/j.medmal.2015.01.007
Leaky Gut and Candida Yeast Infection
Candida overgrowth (candida albicans) can lead to candida yeast infection and Leaky gut syndrome which is medically referred to as intestinal permeability. Leaky gut is a major gastrointestinal disorder that occurs when openings develop in the gut wall. These tiny holes can be created when candida overgrowth moves to a more serious stage of candida yeast infection and the candida yeast grows roots or hypha (plural hyphae) which is a long, branching filamentous cell of a fungus. This fungal growth is a more advanced stage of development in the candida albicans yeast infection. The hyphae spreads the bowel wall cells apart so that acidic, harmful microorganisms and macromolecules are then able to pass through (leak) these openings and enter the circulatory system. Thus the name Leaky Gut. The body is alerted to the invader and creates antibodies for protection, activates the immune system, and thus is born a food allergy. Food allergies are directly linked to leaky gut and candida yeast infection overgrowth.
As a result, leaky gut syndrome and candida yeast infection can directly lead to many other systemic inflammatory and immune-related symptoms beyond food allergies, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, eczema, fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, chronic urticaria (hives), and inflammatory bowel disease. These are all generally referred to as conditions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Thus candida yeast infection and candida overgrowth is related to IBS in all its forms. Major signs and symptoms of leaky gut syndrome include:
- Facial swelling upon exposure to strong smells
- Bloating, gas, and cramps immediately after eating
- Alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
- Headaches, poor concentration, and irritability
- Food Allergies
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
Inflammation of the gut lining, often involving candida yeast overgrowth, is the primary symptom of leaky gut syndrome and IBS. The originating cause may be Rx drug use and antibiotics which kill off healthy probiotic flora. Gut inflammation, from candida yeast infection, is usually instigated by one or several of the following factors:
- Prescription hormones (e.g., birth control pills and/or hormone replacement therapy) and prescription corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone).
- Excessive use of antibiotics which kills off health bacteria, causing dysbiosis, candida overgrowth and candida yeast infection.
- Processed foods, as well as foods and beverages contaminated by parasites, fungus, and/or mold which promote the growth of candida yeast infection.
- Increased amounts of refined carbohydrates (e.g., candy bars, cookies, cake, soft drinks, and white bread) which also promote the growth of candida yeast overgrowth and dysbiosis.
- Increased alcohol and caffeine consumption. Remember that alcohol is a natural result of yeast overgrowth and sugar.
While a majority of patients diagnosed with candida yeast overgrowth, leaky gut syndrome, IBS and food allergies take a combination of antacids, NSAIDs, and other over-the-counter and Rx medications in hopes of relieving symptoms, these conventional treatments often prove to be ineffective and toxic and causing more leaky gut and candida yeast overgrowth.
Fortunately, several natural functional medicine approaches have been shown to support the relief of leaky gut syndrome and candida albicans yeast infection and candida overgrowth.
The most successful way of treating candida albicans, candida yeast infection, dysbiosis, IBS, leaky gut and food allergies is through a long term, phased approach involving lifestyle changes, diet changes and supplementation based on testing and supervision. For more information on this program visit our Candida Program.
Candida Yeast Infection and Children
There is nothing more frustrating to a young family than when a young child becomes sick. It is important to the long term health of innocent children that parents take responsibility to become fully educated on natural ways to heal the body and avoid Rx drugs. In almost all cases, an illness, cold or flu can be managed effectively with natural remedies (see the IMMUNE section of our online store). Instead, all too often they go to an MD who routinely gives an antibiotic. Sometimes antibiotics are needed. But only half the time. It should be noted that the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has declared, on numerous occasions, that at least one half – that is 50% – of all antibiotic prescriptions are needless and unnecessary. An antibiotic won’t work at all, for example, on yeast, parasites, mold, fungus, virus, or anything other than bacteria. Worse, antibiotics upset the inner ecology, destroy healthy gut flora probiotics, cause Candida Overgrowth, causing mucus then sinus congestion, and finally earaches. Now you have a chronically sick kid. Then they receive more antibiotics that worsen the overgrowth, congestion, and earache. A vicious and needless cycle has begun. Soon the recommendation comes for Ear Tubes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics research has also declared that earache problems can be resolved in other ways making Ear Tube surgery unnecessary. Most often earaches problems are related to food allergies and leaky gut which are candida related. See our leaky gut food allergy test section.
There are several advanced chronic health challenges that children may experience which are related directly to Candida Overgrowth, dysbiosis, and leaky gut such as hyperactivity (ADD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), violent outbursts and behavior, lack of self-control, lack of impulse control, chronic nasal congestion (nose blowing), allergies, skin rashes, asthma, dark circles under the eyes, overweight, learning difficulties. These all may related to yeast overgrowth and dysbiosis.
As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The best time to take care of all these problems is before they arise. They are almost all avoidable. Speak with one of our Health Coaches about diet. Allowing a yeast overgrowth to take hold in a child’s body will bring years of unnecessary health problems and emotional challenges.
Having said all that, if you are dealing with this problem now, THEN ACT and act quickly to avoid complications. See the rest of our website for self-testing, medical testing, and treatment. The process is the same for someone 6 or 60 years old. The big difference is having compliance. But a kid can learn to swallow pills and drinks just like anyone else. A toddler or infant. Remedies can be crushed and mixed with suitable foods.
How We Became Toxic
This information, once you apply it, can be a huge help in keeping you on a healthy path in life. Learn these basics and apply them to your everyday life by making the right choices…
- Constipation- the colon is your body’s sewage system. If the sewage system backs up, toxins become trapped in your colon. Chronic constipation means these toxins are fermenting and decaying in the colon. Re-absorbing into the bloodstream, polluting our tissues and cells
- Poor Diet- poor diet includes dead, cooked, devitalized, clogging, low fiber foods, fried foods, junk foods, over-processed foods etc. As a modern society, we have drifted further and further away from eating raw, organic good for you fruits, vegetables, and whole grains high in natural fiber, nutrients, and enzymes.
- Over-Consumption- overeating puts a tremendous amount of stress on our digestive system.
- Most people eat too much food, too fast.
- Foods are not properly broken down and lodge in the lower intestines.
- Vital nutrients are NOT absorbed.
- Lack of Water- water makes up 65% to 75% of the human body. It is second only to oxygen in order of importance to sustain life. Water cleanses the inside of the body as well as the outside.
- Stress- stress effects every cell and tissue in the human body. Stress breaks down the immune system as well as all of the major organs. Stress is TOXIC to our bodies.
- Antibiotics- antibiotics, despite their benefits in fighting certain bacterial infections, have a damaging effect on the intestines. Their prescribed purpose is to eliminate unhealthy bacteria in the body; bacteria that cause illness.
- Lack of Exercise- exercise strengthens our entire bodies. It stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic system, building muscles, nerves, blood, glands, lungs, heart, brain, mind, and mood.
- Eating Late at Night- the human body uses sleep to repair, rebuild, and restore itself. In essence, our bodies use the sleeping hours to cleanse and detoxify, and to build strength and immunity.
Candida Diet Myth
There are many types of diet: by Blood type, Paleo, Alkalize, Candida, Raw, Vegan, Kosher, diets based on religious beliefs, plant-based diets, detox diet, weight loss diet, weight gain diet – whew!
You see the point. All that really matters is – what is the right diet for YOU?
We say there is a “candida diet myth” because it is disingenuous and not truthful or accurate to say diet will cure this problem – or any serious medical condition. IF that were true, then there would be no health care system, just health food stores.
It is also true that the diet IS a very important part of a comprehensive program to help the body heal. But diet alone is rarely enough, except in the case of a minor affliction, and if you had that you wouldn’t be here.
We, at the NCC, determine the best diet for you based on medical testing not on the whim of the day. Your diet becomes part of a treatment strategy we call The Healthy Trinity.
Candida Diets and Recipes
AsparaZincado Soup:
Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 3-5.
Notes: This great soup is rich in zinc and has a rich tomatoeee flavor.
Ingredients:
- 12 stalks medium asparagus (or 17 thin stalks)
- 1 avocado
- 5-6 tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 3-5 sun-dried tomatoes (bottled in olive oil)
- ¼ cup dried onion
- 4 cloves fresh garlic
- 1 red bell pepper
- Bragg Liquid Aminos to taste
- 1-2 Spice Hunter’s Herbes de Provence
- 2 tsp. Spice Hunter Deliciously Dill
- 2 lemons or limes, cut in thin slices
Preparation:
Trim and dice the tips from the asparagus and set aside for a garnish. In a food processor or Vita-Mix blend the asparagus and red tomatoes, parsley, dried tomatoes, spices, garlic, onion and red bell pepper. Then blend the avocado until soup is smooth and creamy. Warm in an electric skillet and garnish with lemon or lime slices on top. Season with Bragg’s to taste or serve cold in the summertime. Sprinkle diced asparagus tips on top just before serving. Yummy!
AvoRado Kid Super Green Shake:
Time: not specified
Serves: 1
Notes: This is by far Dr. Young and Shelley’s favorite cool green shake, and they enjoy it for breakfast, lunch and dinner-or anytime they want a snack. It’s a great way to get concentrated nutrition and chlorophyll of green powder and soy sprouts powder. The cucumber and lime cool the body, and the essential fats in the avocado and soy sprouts make this shake one that you can burn on for many hours.
Ingredients:
- 1 avocado
- ½ English cucumber
- 1 tomatillo
- 1 lime (peeled)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 scoops soy sprouts powder
- 1 scoop SuperGreens
- 1 pkg. stevia (Shelley recommends Sweet Leaf With Fiber)
- 6-8 ice cubes
Preparation:
Blend on high speed to a thick, smooth consistency. Serve immediately.
Variations:
- Add coconut milk or fresh almond milk for a cremiwer shake
- Substitute a grapefruit or lemon for the lime for a different taste.
- Add 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- Add some seasonings that are bottled in oil (without alcohol) for a new exciting twist of flavor.
- In the summer, freeze AvoRado Kid into pops for a cool frozen treat.
Broccoli/Cauliflower Soup:
Time: not specified
Serves: not specified
Notes: not specified
Ingredients:
- 1-2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1-2 cups cauliflower, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber juice or veggie broth
- 1 avocado ( off cleanse can use ½ cup soaked almonds)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp. Curry powder
- 1 Tbs. lemon or lime juice
- 1 Tbs. Braggs Liquid Aminos
- ½ tsp. Real Salt
Preparation:
In a food processor or blender, combine the almonds with the cucumber juice or broth, and garlic. Blend well. With machine still running, add the broccoli and cauliflower and blend until smooth. Lastly blend in seasonings and lemon/lime juice, Bragg Aminos and salt. Add more broth or water to desired consistency.
Variations:
- Use this recipe for salad dressing.
Celery Soup:
Time: not specified
Serves: not specified
Notes: not specified
Ingredients:
- 4-5 stalks of celery (including leaves if fresh)
- 3 cups pure water
- 2 Tbs yeast-free instant vegetable broth
Preparation:
Cook celery until tenderized. Add water and broth mix. Pour all into blender. Blend 15-29 seconds. Reheat and serve. Use flax seed oil, Bragg liquid Aminos, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Celery/Cauliflower Soup:
Time: not specified
Serves: not specified
Notes: not specified
Ingredients:
- 1 onion peeled and chopped
- 1 whole head of celery, trimmed & chopped
- (save some celery leaves for garnish)
- 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and chopped
- 1 Tbs. Olive or Udo’s Oil
- 1-2 quarts vegetable stock
- ½-1 quarts almond milk
- salt, pepper to taste
- use seasonings of choice to taste
Preparation:
Steam-fry the onion in a little water in a large soup pan for about 5 minutes without browning. Pulse-chop the celery and cauliflower in the food processor until finely chopped. Add the celery and cauliflower mix to the pan and warm until tender. Add the vegetable stock, almond milk and simmer for about 15-30 minutes, or you can leave this raw and not cook at all. Puree the soup mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth texture is achieved. Season with salt and other seasonings of choice. Serve warm or cold.
Chunkie Veggie Soup:
Time: not specified
Serves: not specified
Notes: not specified
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh carrot juice
- 1 avocado
- 6-8 celery stalks
- 2 carrots
- 1 summer squash
- small bunch of arugula
- spice options: parsley, basil, coriander
Preparation:
For broth, blend carrot juice, avocado and 3-4 celery stalks. Grate squash and carrots and celery, adding finely chopped arugula and other fresh green spices last. Serve in a bowl or cup; decorate with fresh herbs.
PH Miracle and The New Biology
You are about to discover some life-changing information. It goes by several names – – New Biology; the pH Miracle and the acid-alkaline balance.
It is so timely that CBS did a special news segment on it. Time-Warner Books published a book which has become an international best seller called, “The pH Miracle”, by Dr. Robert O Young. Numerous products have flooded the market on the heels of this success trying to capitalize on this growing wave of popularity.
New Biology
As the name implies, is a serious, paradigm shifting body of information that is changing the face of modern medicine.
The New Biology acts like a unified field theory in that it provides a common underlying theme (the acid-alkaline balance) that threads through the various fields of science like biology, chemistry, physics, health, medicine, nutrition, vitality, cellular regeneration.
Basically the premise is that ALL disease has one common cause, and thus, the cure for all disease is common as well. As preposterous as this sounds, it is easily verifiable as Truth; which accounts for the miraculous transformations that people experience as they begin to walk this Path and live this lifestyle. (The healing testimonials of “pH Miracles” are abundant.)
How It Works
The Human body is a microcosm of the larger Earth body. Both are 30% mass and 70% fluid. Both ocean sea-water and human blood have a similar alkaline pH of 7.3 – 7.4 Another similarity between earth and man is that when that pH balance is disturbed, ecological disaster occurs. As above, so below.
Just as air (gas) is measured by temperature, fluids are measured by their pH. The pH is the measure of the amount of acid or alkaline (base) of a fluid. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 14. with 1-7 being acid, 7 being neutral and 7-14 being alkaline
In the human body, to maintain health, the blood seeks to keep a very narrow range of pH, specifically, pH of 7.365. Our body temperature also has a very narrow range of 98.6. If the temp rises a mere 4 tenths of one degree a person gets hot and experiences a fever.
In a like manner, when this blood pH is disturbed, the body will go thru a series of automatic mechanisms to try and re-alkalize itself. Current medical practice, and thus most people, recognize these natural attempts to restore balance as the symptoms of the disease.
Thus it turns out that fatigue, food cravings, mental fogginess, colds & flu, acne, asthma, bacterial overgrowth, excess fat, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, diabetes, and numerous other examples (discussed at length in THE pH MIRACLE book) are all related to a blood imbalance trying to correct itself back to a normal, or alkalized, pH.
It appears that all disease is directly, inevitably and undeniably linked to the blood balance pH trying to correct itself. While other symptoms or apparent causes may also be present, at a cellular and blood level, the pH disturbance will always be present.
In a nutshell (the official postulate is) “all disease is a function of the over-acidification of the blood, caused by an inverted way of thinking, eating or living.”
Thus Diet is one of the 3 main culprits. Eating in an alkalizing way and using some special, highly vital, alkalizing supplements are the primary tools to correct the imbalance and regenerate vitality. This is a simple education process. You may really enjoy “discovering” this New Biology lifestyle which seems to be the final word on human health, diet, and healing.
In other words, the pH MIRACLE is not just about promoting a series of “cure-all” products. While the products are indeed very powerful and stand on their own to create immediate vitality, when they are combined with other lifestyle changes (like an alkalizing diet — also explained in THE PH MIRACLE book) then we begin to see some very positive and lasting health changes begin to occur – – regardless of the disease.
Candida and the PH Miracle
The relevance for you, as you begin your candida removal program with us, can not be overstated. Without this critical step, your chances of lasting recovery are almost nil. With it, your success is almost certain.
Candida overgrowth occurs when the body has become so acidic and toxic that it is beginning to rot. Yes, that is ROT. Make no mistake, candida is a mold that thrives on dying and rotting tissue. Its purpose is to slowly digest the acidic diseased body for the purpose of returning it back to the soil. Candida is an undertaker whose job is to recycle a corpse, living or dead. YUK!
Thus, the obvious importance of returning to a natural, alkaline lifestyle is clear. As the blood is cleaned with SUPER GREENS, PRIME pH, and an alkalized diet, the internal environment becomes less hospitable for mold and the critters leave.
The best metaphor is an old tire filled with rainwater. Soon mosquitoes will appear. One can spray the bugs for Removal. This approach will work temporarily. But in a few days the bugs will return Why? Because the stagnant water which grew them is still at work. The solution is to flush out the stagnant acidic water. Once the breeding ground is removed, the bugs will disappear.
At the National Candida Center, we utilize the PH MIRACLE in direct application to help you shift your internal body ecology from breeding ground to a pure temple. It is one of the foundations for lasting success.