DO YOU HAVE CANDIDA?

When someone speaks about suffering from a yeast infection or having a yeast problem they are usually referring to a condition caused by an overgrowth of the fungal form of Candida Albicans called Candidiasis which can either be persistent or can be a problem that periodically flares up in times of stress or poor dietary choices.

Candida Albicans is an organism that can exist in two distinct forms. In its common form it is a yeast organism that is normally present in the intestines of both adults and children - in this form Candida presents no problem. However, Candida can exist in another form, a fungal form, and it is in this fungal state that Candida can contribute to a whole host of seemingly unrelated problems.

Intestinal Candida can mutate to its fungal form due to:

• Over-use of antibiotics
• Long term poor dietary choices
• Periods of prolonged stress
• Short periods of intense stress/pressure or intense emotional upset (relationship strains, break ups, bereavement etc.)

When in the fungal state, Candida grows “legs” or “rhizoids” which can burrow into the intestinal mucosa causing intestinal problems. In severe cases it is hypothesized that it can actually burrow through the intestinal wall itself giving rise to problem commonly known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome” where partially digested proteins and the yeast itself to travel into the bloodstream where are treated as toxins and give rise to symptoms of severe intestinal distress and joint pains.

What are the symptoms of Candida overgrowth?
The symptoms are many and are so varied and manifest as so many other problems that you would not believe that the same thing could cause them. Some symptoms are listed below; if you only have more two or three of these symptoms on a regular basis then you may have a problem with Candida overgrowth:

• Recurring headaches/migraines.
• Rashes, itching skin.
• Thrush - oral/vaginal.
• Abdominal bloating. Swallowing air can also cause intestinal bloating and the simple cure is catch yourself doing it and stop it.
• Recurrent indigestion.
• Dry mouth or throat, constantly having to clear throat when speaking.
• Joint pain.
• Brain fog, fuzzy thinking.
• Feeling “blue”, mood swings.
• Hangover symptoms after bread/cakes.
• Sinus problems.
• Athletes foot type fungal problems.

Saliva Test - for Candida (Candidiasis) Yeast Disorder

You can try this simple test to see if you have Candida.

First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour.

If you have a problem, you will see strings (like legs) travelling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. If there are no strings and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you probably have candida under control.

Other ways to tell if you have a problem with Candidiasis
The best way to tell is to have a test done. Biolab Medical Unit in London (020 7636 5959) and Great Smokies Laboratory USA (www.gsdl.com) do a number of tests that can be helpful.

• The Indican test will indicate correct ratio of good & bad bacteria in the gut, and whether your gut is absorbing enough protein, carbohydrates and nutrients from your food.
• The Gut Fermentation Test measures blood alcohol after a glucose load.
• The intestinal permeability test.

What can I do?
Medical Intervention. Your doctor can supply anti-fungal drugs on prescription. If you think the cause is dietary then the anti-fungal intervention is best done along with dietary changes aimed at reducing candida risk.

• Exclusion diet
• Probiotic products
  
  

Antibiotics use
If you are taking antibiotics then your balance of flora bacteria will be compromised. Antibiotic means anti-life, and indiscriminately eliminates beneficial bacteria along with problem strains. So if you are on a course of antibiotics wait until you have finished before beginning the diet, alternatively ask your doctor if there are any natural alternatives.

Stress
Stress and emotional upset can negatively affect our immune systems and many Candida sufferers have reported that their Candida problem really got a hold after a period of intense stress or a prolonged period of low-level stress. So take steps to destress your world.

Diet
The Candida diet is an elimination diet; foodstuffs that contribute to the Candida problem are either eliminated completely or removed from the diet for a time until their contribution to the problem is evaluated. This diet is recommended as a guideline for someone who has never carried out an elimination program before. Those with mild Candida symptoms may want to try it for 3 months to evaluate if it helps, those with severe symptoms should seek the help of an expert with a case history of success with long term Candida sufferers.

Step 1. Elimination
Sugar: All foods containing processed sugars should be eliminated. This includes cakes, sweets, jams, sodas etc. Fruit, fruit sugars, and this includes fruit juices, and honey are also eliminated at the beginning of the diet (these can be gradually introduced after 12 weeks and the impact of their introduction monitored).
Processed Foods: White flour products, such as breads and pastas and white rice.
Simple Carbohydrates: Potatoes, chips, crisps, crackers.
Fermented Products: Removal of products that have been fermented or contain yeast. i.e. bread, alcohol, soy sauce, vinegar.
Fungal Products: Mushrooms and cheeses.

Step 2. Cleansing & food choice

• Drink plenty of water to help your body detoxify. Start the day with a cup of hot water and lemon juice (there is no need to eliminate lemon juice even though it is a fruit).
• Eat plenty of salads with raw salad vegetables such as celery, peppers etc to help detox and to help energy.
• Stock up on vegetables that inhibit the growth of candida: raw garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, kale
• Get your protein from fish and fowl. Cut out red meats for first four weeks as they may strain a weak digestive system.
• Another area that may be helpful is to perhaps eat smaller meals. Chew your food well, digestion starts in the mouth.
• You may add digestive enzymes (available in health-food stores) at this stage if you experience intestinal discomfort or bloating.

Step 3. Repopulate
Add probiotic (pro-life) bacterial flora back into the system. A good probiotic supplement is a must. Also use natural no sugar yoghurt to help repopulate intestines. A mixture of yoghurt and two tablespoons of linseed can be a good way to start the day. Some dietary practitioners think the linseed can help 'scrape' the sticky residue from processed foods from the intestinal walls.

Step 4. Re-introduce
Begin by reintroducing foods back into the diet. Introduce one food per week and note the effects. If a food disagrees then eliminate it. Keep processed sugars to a minimum.

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