Candida is an opportunistic
fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal
tract and vagina. When candida overgrows in the body,
it can cause illnesses such as thrush and candidiasis.
Today, doctors are finding more patients with overgrowth
of C. albicans and other pathogenic fungi. The main
predisposing risk factors for fungal infection include
alterations in immunity associated with broad-spectrum
antibiotic therapy, poor and sugary diet, nutrient
deficiencies, heightened toxic exposure, stress, underlying
malignancy, HIV infection, organ transplantation,
chemotherapy and other immunosuppressive drug therapy.
These and other factors, such as changes in endocrine
and metabolic balance, may enhance fungal colonization,
alter the body’s inner ecology and lower host's immune
response.
C. albicans remains the most common
infectious strain, accounting for approximately 50%
of total Candida infections. Candida glabrata (8–18%),
tropicalis (11–25%), parapsilosis (7–15%), and krusei
(2–4%) have emerged as formidable players as well,
and these pathogens display variable susceptibility
to azole antifungal agents.
Candida species (spp) are a significant
clinical problem for a variey of immunocompetent patients
worldwide. Candidiasis has increased substantially
in the past twenty years and Candida spp now rank
fourth among microbes most frequently isolated from
blood cultures and they are the most common opportunistic
pathogen in AIDS patients. Paradoxically, modern medical
practice which has prolonged the survival of a large
number of patients, has also made them more susceptible
to candidiasis(11).
The increased incidence of candidiasis, the increased
resistance of Candida species to antifungal agents
and the rise in lethality associated with infections
by Candida spp has prompted renewed research on innovative
ways to prevent and treat infections by these opportunistic
yeasts. Medical advances are helping researchers understand
the complexities of inner ecology including the interrelationship
between Candida and various body systems. For example,
vaginal candidiasis appears to coincide with C. albicans
in the large intestine. When this occurs, successful
treatment of intestinal overgrowth also addresses
the health and balance of vaginal flora.
Probiotics provide Candida-inhibiting activities of
commensal bacteria that reside in the alimentary and
vaginal tracts of humans. Probiotic microbes not only
suppress the growth of Candida spp in the alimentary
tract and vagina, but they also inhibit the adherence
of Candida spp to epithelial surfaces(11).
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria have the capacity
to inhibit Candida spp. Each strain can have a different
effect. That is the reason, Custom Probiotics formulates
and supplies single and multistrain highest potency
and quality probiotic bacteria for maximum effectiveness.
We perform rigorous independent lab testing to verify
the bacterial count of every batch to guarantee the
potency of our probiotic dietary supplements.
A variety of mechanisms have been evoked to explain
the anti-Candida activity of the probiotics. Nutritional
competition, blocking receptors to Candida spp., adhesions
on epithelial cells, production of anti-Candida compounds,
increasing intestinal peristalsis, increasing intestinal
epithelial cell renewal rates, alteration of pH and
the production of an anaerobic oxidation-reduction
potential (C. albicans is an aerobic microbe) have
all been proposed as mechanisms that probiotic bacteria
use to inhibit pathogens on mucosal surfaces.
The ability of probiotic bacteria to stimulate innate
and acquired immune systems in the host and activate
phagocytic cells is also thought to play a role in
the inhibition of Candida spp. It is very likely that
because of the recognized complexity of the aerobic
and anaerobic normal flora, all the above factors
are involved in the suppression of Candida spp. on
mucosal surfaces. As a result, the inhibition of Candida
spp. by probiotic bacteria, in the alimentary and
vaginal tracts, represents a key, first-line defense
against mucosal and systemic candidiasis.
Like all fungi, Candida thrives in warm, moist areas. Under normal conditions, candida exists within us in a healthy balance, and the body's immune system keeps it from spreading. When your immune system is strong, candida yeasts present no problem. But, if you take broad-spectrum antibiotics or other medications or other medications, the good bacteria that prevent fungal infections from developing are knocked out. The candida yeasts are not affected, so they multiply and put out toxins that further weaken the immune system. Consequently, you may experience repeated infections, and these infections may be treated with another round of antibiotics, encouraging further growth of candida ....and so a vicious cycle. (See diagram).
Below is a list of factors that promote Candida overgrowth.
|
 |
• Frequent or long-term
use of antibiotics, such as tetracycline for acne
• Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics
for recurrent infections, such as in the ears, bladder,
vagina, or throat
• Infections (digestive or otherwise) that lower
the immune system, creating an imbalance in innate
flora.
• Poor diet (junk and sugary foods)
• Stress or trauma
• Birth control pill use and hormone replacement
therapy in women
• Painkillers
• Regular use of cortisone-type drugs
• Stimulants and depressants (caffeine, nicotine,
alcohol)
• Diabetes (there will be more sugar in the blood
and urine on which yeasts can feed)
• Pregnancy
• Eating disorders (starvation, vomiting, taking
laxatives)
• Not being breast fed for the first six months
• Old age
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• HIV and AIDS
• Humid climates.
If you would like to know if your health problems
are yeast-related, take the comprehensive Candida
Questionnaire test taken from the book by W. G. Crook
M.D., The Yeast Connection Click
here to view or print out the questionnaire.
Feelings of frustration and loneliness are common
when dealing with a yeast overgrowth because Candida
is evasive to much of the medical community. The following
list of common symptoms are indicative of Candida
overgrowth:
• Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn or pain
in the intestines
• Bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhea
or perhaps alternating between the two
• Food cravings especially for carbohydrates
or sweets.
• Mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies
• Headaches or migraines
• Menstrual problems, PMS or break through bleeding,
endometriosis.
• Respiratory concerns, asthma frequent bronchial
congestion
• Dry, itchy skin or hives
• Finger or toe nail fungus
• Vertigo or balance problems
• Joint or muscle pain
• Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
• Allergies…air-born or food-related
• Malabsorption (might be indicated by vertical
grooves in fingernails)
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Itching or redness in body creases
• Acne on face, back or body
• Cravings for chocolate, peanuts, pistachios
or alcohol
• Adrenal or thyroid failure
• Hemorrhoids, fissure or rectal bleeding
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Feeling cold and shaky
• Weight imbalances (over or under-weight despite
diet)
• Poor memory
• Puffy, dry or burning eyes
• Urinary tract problems (infections, prostatitis,
incontinence)
• Premature ageing
• Chemical sensitivity (especially colognes or
fabric dye)
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Thrush/Gum Receding
• Numbness
When candida species proliferate beyond their normal
numbers, the trouble starts. Increased levels of candida
often initiate the proliferation of long root-like
structures (mycelia and rhizoids) that penetrate the
mucosal membranes, creating microscopic breaks in
the normal mucosal boundary of the gastrointestinal
tract. The resulting perforations permit antigens
-- foreign substances such as candida and its toxic
acetaldehyde byproducts, other toxins, and incompletely
digested dietary proteins -- to leak into the bloodstream,
which in turn creates antibody release and inflammation.
Microecology of the gastrointestinal tract can be
divided into four major components (Fig. 3):
1) the epithelial lining and mucosa of the gut wall
the specific functions of which vary throughout the
intestinal tract;
2) the gastrointestinal secretions that enter the
hollow organ;
3) the intestinal microflora that live within the
gut; and
4) foods that are fed into the tract.
Figure 3.
Components of the gastrointestinal ecology are depicted.
The epithelium of the small bowel is essential for
the absorption of all major nutrients. Fermentation
in the colon of dietary fibers leads to the production
of a number of end products, including gases such
as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide, as well as
short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The predominant SCFAs
are acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFAs are almost
entirely absorbed by the colonic mucosa and thus provide
a source of energy to the host. The epithelim of the
colon is nurtured mainly by the butyric acid. The
integrity of the epithelium of the esophagus, stomach,
and small and large bowels is essential in maintaining
the balance of the microecology.
The lactic acid and the SCFAås mainly acetate,
propionate and butyrate are predominantly produced
in the first part of the large intestine (the ascending
or proximal colon, fig. 4), while the phenolic and
the nitrogenous compounds are produced in the descending
(distal) and the sigmoid colon where many gastro-intestinal
disorders develop.
Intestinal permeability, called "leaky gut"
syndrome, is a common but poorly recognized problem
linked to ecological disturbances. Individuals with
leaky gut syndrome experience a wide range of problems
including allergic responses, mood swings, depression,
agitation, joint and connective-tissue pain and inflammation,
headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue,
and skin problems. Long-term "leakiness"
may also predispose an individual to autoimmune responses
such as Crohn's disease (inflammatory bowel disease)
and rheumatoid arthritis.
Leaky gut syndrome is linked to factors that predispose
a person to intestinal microflora imbalances and irritation
of the gut wall lining. Eliminating candida requires
addressing the body's ecological balance, its gut
integrity and overall immunity.
Candida symptoms are many, as indicated earlier.
You can identify candida overgrowth and monitor your
treatment by having your doctor order some simple
lab tests. Common diagnostic tests to determine the
presence of candida and leaky gut include the following:
• Candida Immune Complexes is a blood test that
has been proven to be effective in the detection and
monitoring of candida overgrowth (Candidiasis). Candida
Immune Complexes correlate to clinical symptoms of
Candidiasis;
• Candida antibody panel (IgG, IgM, IgA) ( is
a blood test);
• Intestinal permeability testing for leaky gut
syndrome (a blood test); and
• Digestive stool analysis and culture.
These tests help health care practitioners detect
candida overgrowth, measure your resistance levels
and determine your digestive efficiency and the presence
of leaky gut. Food allergy screening (including IgG),
which exposes delayed or hidden food responses, gluten
sensitivity screening, and immune profiles further
refine the therapeutic program.
Candida is very “tricky”, to say the least.
One has to be trickier. It creates imbalances in the
intestinal and vaginal flora. The more the imbalance,
the more the symptoms (as indicated above).
Three strategies can be used to control or get rid
of candida, as depicted in the diagram below:
Nutritional programs including internal cleansing
are one approach to controlling candida overgrowth.
As indicated above, diet should exclude fruit, sugar
and yeast. Especially in the beginning of the treatment
you have to be very strict and disciplined. You will
find out about the importance of diet, when you “cheat”
and feel the effect. You have to be tuned to your
body and understand why symptoms come and go. Without
that understanding, it will be difficult to control
the Candida “monster”. That is the reason
we have included a lot of information on our website
regarding this and other issues related to microflora
balancing.
The following dietary suggestions are important to
follow:
1. Eliminate or minimize the use of antibiotics,
steroids, immune-suppressing drugs and oral contraceptives
(only after consulting with your health care provider
or physician).
2. Change your diet to one that will not encourage
the growth of Candida. Eliminate fruit and fruit juices,
sugar and other sweeteners including honey, cheese,
dairy products and yeast. Candida thrives in a sugary
environment, so your diet should be low in carbohydrates
and contain no yeast products or sugar in any form.
Soy sauce, mushroom, breads with yeast, baked goods
and peanuts should be eliminated, as should any refined
foods and any foods to which you are allergic or sensitive.
Avoid coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages, as well
as any fermented foods or beverages such as vinegar.
3. Eat plenty of vegetables and lean protein.
The following foods are beneficial: most vegetables,
especially broccoli, kale, garlic, turnip greens,
onions, cabbage, eggs, fish and chicken. Homemade
soups and stews are excellent. Substitute yeast-free
millet bread with gluten free grains such as millet
and quinoa. Limit potatoes, beets, carrots and corn.
4. Drink plenty of distilled or purified water:
about 6-8 glasses a day.
5. Enhance digestion by eating more raw foods,
chewing thoroughly and taking enzymes with every meal.
6. Re-establish beneficial flora in your intestinal
tract with acidophilus and bifidus supplements, to
help restore the normal balance of flora in the bowel
and vagina, as indicated throughout this web site.
Our Adult Formula CP-1 and our custom probiotic powder
formulations are of the highest quality and potency
available on the market today. Dosage is of utmost
importance. The higher the intestinal flora imbalance
due to Candida or other pathogenic bacteria, the higher
the dosage of multistrain probiotic culture will be
needed to overcome the resistance created by these
pathogens. That dosage differs from person to person.
It may be 50 billion cfu’s per day, 500 billion
or even more. Thus gradual increase in dosage will
determine the optimum dosage for each individual.
7. Improve immune function by stimulating lymph
flow through exercise and deep breathing.
8. Increase fiber consumption. This will help
absorb and sweep out the toxins that are being created
as Candida dies off. Ground flaxseeds are an excellent
source of soluble and insoluble fiber, rich in omega-3
fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytochemicals called
lignans. Colloidal bentonite and psyllium husk are
also effective fibers.
9. Cleanse your system with herbs that help
reduce Candida.
10. Repairing the intestinal wall and healing the
‘leaky gut’ by replacing or augmenting
nutrients that support gastrointestinal mucosal healing.
Vitamins, minerals, L-glutamine and fiber work synergistically
to heal the intestines. A program including glutathione,
N-acetylcysteine, milk thistle, dandelion, B-complex
vitamins and a range of antioxidants can further help
the liver in the detoxification process.
11. Stay on a probiotic and fiber supplement
and continue on a maintenance diet and add back fruits
and grains slowly!!
12. Probiotic retention enemas performed once
a week or month, to replace “friendly” intestinal
bacteria is also beneficial. Candida reside mainly
in the colon and especially in the lowest part of
the colon. This is due to a progressive increase in
bacterial numbers and diversity towards more distal
regions of the colon, where many gastro-intestinal
disorders can develop (see fig. 5 bellow and table
1 in the section “About
Probiotics”). Also, the usage of anti-Candida
medications may accumulate part of the “dead”
Candida in the descending and sigmoid colon and hence
their removal is beneficial.
Since the majority of “friendly” bacteria
in the colon are bifidobacteria and some lactobacilli,
a mixture of pure probiotic powder, dissolved in water
and injected as an enema can be helpful to replenish
the flora in the lowest part of the colon.
As we indicated earlier, the causes of Candida are
manifold. Candida results from a change of the intestinal
and vaginal microflora creating an imbalance between
good and bad bacteria. The more the imbalance, the
more varied the symptoms. In addition, the strain
type of candida overgrowth affects the severity of
symptoms and duration of treatment.
Our Adult Formula CP-1 capsules and our Six-Strain
Custom Probiotic powder is being used extensively
by Candida patients with remarkable results. Dosage
differs from person to person. The greater the imbalance,
the higher the dosage that may be required to overcome
the resistance that Candida creates against probiotics
to reinoculate the digestive and vaginal systems.
PLEASE
CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE DOSAGE SUGGESTIONS.
The major anti-fungal prescription medications are:
Nystatin, Diflucan, Nizoral and Sporanox. Natural
antifungal and antibacterial agents are garlic, olive
leaf extract, oil of oregano, pau d’arco, uva
ursi, golden seal, caprylic acid and citrus seed extract.
Generally speaking, proper diet, high potency and
quality multi-strain probiotics and natural anti-fungal
agents should be first priority in the prevention,
control and elimination of Candida. If you have a
more virulent Candida strain, you may require prescription
medication. The kinds and dosages of prescription
anti-fungals should be determined by your health care
provider, based on your stool, urine and/or blood
analyses. Simultaneously, the use of highest potency
and quality multi-strain probiotics is essential.
As the intestinal and vaginal microflora become balanced,
you can tolerate a greater variety of foods.
If you think you might have symptoms of candida overgrowth,
consult a health care practitioner who is familiar
with this condition. Other conditions have similar
manifestations. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment
may cause these conditions to be overlooked.
For further
information, comments or ordering
of our QUALITY probiotic dietary supplements please
review our informative web site, and do not hesitate
to Contact
Us by phone, fax, e-mail
or our online
store.
|
