Candida/Yeast Overgrowth
What is candidiasis?
Candida albicans is a form of fungus or yeast that is found naturally in many parts of the healthy body, especially in the digestive tract. Usually levels of Candida are controlled by microbes or other substances which co-exist in the digestive tract.
Everyone has small amount of yeast and other negative microorganisms in the intestinal area which are basically harmless.
However, when the immune system and other defense capabilities are compromised or biologically armed, these microorganisms can multiply very quickly and will interfere with digestion and elimination. If they continue to grow year after year, these parasites, along with the toxins they produce every day, can enter the bloodstream and travel to other tissue where they can weaken the body.
When this overgrowth becomes chronic or excessive, its contribution to disease can be overwhelming.
The “yeast syndrome” is characterized by patients saying they “feel sick all over”. Fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivity, and digestive disturbances are just some of the symptoms patients with the yeast syndrome may experience. Many people have Candida overgrowth or candidiasis without knowing it Symptoms
Symptoms of Candidiasis or Candida overgrowth can include the following, depending on severity:
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Recurring yeast infections like thrush, athletes foot, fungal nail infections, etc
- Recurring UTI infections, allergies, sinus problems, asthma and chronic chest congestion
- Abdominal bloating, gas, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea or mucus in the stool
- Eye fatigue and recurring inflammation of the eye
- Depression, anxiety, mood swings, panic attacks, poor concentration and memory or headaches
- Muscle weakness and joint pain or swelling and fever
- Dry mouth and tongue or cracked tongue, swollen face
- Itchy skin, especially of the anus and other damp places of the body.
- Sugar and carbohydrate cravings
Candida is known to release over 79 different types of toxins into the system, resulting in the symptoms above.
What Causes Candida Overgrowth?
A common cause of Candida is antibiotic use and overuse. Antibiotics can result in Candida overgrowth because, along with the bad bacteria they are killing, they also kill off the 'friendly' micro-organisms or probiotic flora in the intestines, vagina, and whole body (Thrush). These good bacteria are responsible for controlling Candida levels.
Common Causes:
- Antibiotics, antacids, anti-ulcer medications and steroids/cortisones
- Alcohol
- Diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Antibiotics
- Hormonal imbalance
- Birth control pills
- Stress
- Intestinal parasites and worms
- Compromised immune function
HMF Probiotics Testimonials
For most of my adult life, I have been plagued with yeast infections. They worsened after a hysterectomy and a few years of taking the prescription Premarin. The doctor would prescribe Diflucan for the yeast infections. In the beginning, a 200 mg. dose of Diflucan would seemingly arrest it; but it got to where I would have to take up to 4 consecutive doses to see a difference, and still no long term results. In Feb. 2006, my gynecologist changed my treatment for the better. He prescribed 600mg Boric acid suppositories to use twice a week, along with an over the counter acidophilus probiotic called Lactinex. I combined this with a yeast and sugar free diet, eliminating all refined sugar, all artificial sugars, all fruit and all refined flour from my diet for a period of 3 months. Gave up all soft drinks and juices. Stevia became my sweetener of choice. The yeast problem seemed to be under control; but not quite. Before the 3 months were up, I was back at the doctor's office, diagnosed with yeast again.
Shortly after that visit, I read Herbs and Health magazine and I saw an article entitled "Coping With Candida". The article touted HMF Probiotics recommended by Dr. Hibbs for it's effective antifungal action. I found Rockwell Nutrition and ordered Genestra HMF Forte caps Probiotics. I have taken 2 caps a day since August of 2006, and after almost 8 months; for the first time in years I have remained yeast free! I still monitor what I eat but I believe the decisive factor in remaining yeast free are HMF Probiotics. I am very fortunate to have discovered Genestra HMF Probiotics and Rockwell Nutrition!
—Kim H.
SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR CANDIDIASIS?
Following are some products that have been really helpful in helping clients with Candida overgrowth: (you can find these products listed at top of page)
- Allisyn Garlic-Cinnamon by Genestra
- HMF Candigen suppositories by Genestra
- HMF Intensive capsules or HMF Super Powder
- Herbal Bulk powder or Phyto Greens (caps or powder)
- TIM Immune Forte by Genestra
1) Yeast Killing Phase: First, it’s important to kill off the yeast and bad bacteria causing the infection by using:
1.5) We recommend you always use probiotics during this Yeast Killing Phase to start replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the GI as well as to prevent further overgrowth of pathogenic strains which have been found to overgrow during antimicrobial therapy. Research shows those who supplement with probiotics during the yeast killing (and during antibiotic use) as well as afterwards, have much better results.
Take HMF Intensive 1 capsule twice daily after meals or, HMF Super Powder 1/4 tsp twice daily. These probiotics can be taken at the same time as the Allisyn after meals for 1 month.
2) Bind and Remove Toxins: Second, during the yeast killing phase of month 1, you need to bind the released toxins and excrete them from your body. We suggest:
3) Aggressive Probiotic Re-implantation: During the second month, you need to aggressively replenish the good bacteria for 1 month.
- HMF Replete: 1 packet daily after dinner (or ½ packet twice daily). An ideal time to take probiotics is after meals, mixed in water or right off the spoon. HMF replete will keep on crowding out yeast and other undesirable organisms as well as replenishing your bacterial flora.
- OR: HMF Intensive capsules instead of HMF Replete powder. The intensive dose is 2 capsules twice daily after meals, for 15 days.
- HMF Candigenacidophilus suppositories: For women with vaginal yeast, one suppository at bedtime for 1-2 weeks until symptoms subside.
After 14 days, you can lower the dose in half for the next 14 days, or use the maintenance products: HMF Powder 1/4 tsp twice daily, or HMF Forte 2 capsules twice daily after meals.
4) Strengthen Immune Function: Restoring proper Immune Function is one of the key goals in treatment and long term prevention of Candidiasis. These supplements offer immune support:
The ANTI-CANDIDA DIET
Diet is extremely important when dealing with Candida. A number of dietary factors appear to promote the growth of Candida. The most important factors are a high intake of sugar (table sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, candy, soft drinks, fruit (except cranberries and lemons) , milk and other dietary products, foods containing yeast such as flour products.
NO SUGAR
Sugar is the chief food source for Candida Albicans. It is well accepted that restriction of sugar intake is an absolute necessity in the treatment of chronic candidiasis. Limitation of refined carbohydrates is also a good idea (bread, pasta, cereal, foods made with flour) since they can also feed yeast.
NO MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
There are several reasons to restrict or eliminate the intake of milk.
- The high lactose content promotes the overgrowth of Candida
- Milk is one the most frequent food allergens
- Milk may contain trace levels of antibiotics which can further disrupt the GI bacterial flora and promote Candida Overgrowth.
NO MOLD AND YEAST- CONTAINING FOOD
Patients with chronic candidiasis should avoid foods with a high content of yeast or mold, including alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits and peanuts.
Check for food allergies and Sensitivities
Check for food allergies or food sensitivities since they are very common in patients with yeast syndrome. The symptoms of a food sensitivity may be so subtle that you do not know you have it. We recommend you have an IgG food allergy test done from ImmunoLabs and eliminate any food which shows up positive for 3-6 months.
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