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Candida albicans is one of the many types of fungi that live and grow inside most human bodies. Usually, Candida causes no harm; our bodies are armed with probiotic (or "friendly") bacteria and immune cells that keep it under control. But, some medicines, high-sugar diets, allergies, and other factors can all cause the friendly bacteria to die, leaving Candida free to develop unchecked in parts or all of the body.
The medical name for this overgrowth is candidiasis, but most people know the condition as either thrush or as a yeast infection. Thrush is marked by soft white spots in the mouth, around the anus, or on the skin. It most often appears in babies and in the elderly, however individuals with seriously weakened immune systems-- like those that have AIDS or who are getting chemotherapy-- are also pretty vulnerable. Lots of traditional doctors do not think that such a condition exists except in cases of a seriously weakened immune system like AIDS. Our view is different, and we find many people with chronic fatigue and various other chronic health problems have issues with yeast overgrowth.
A vaginal yeast infection, by far the more common manifestation of candidiasis, causes burning, itching, and discomfort in the vaginal area, along with a thick, sticky discharge. It's usually the result of antibiotic use, bad diet, hormone imbalance, or a combination of these reasons.
Sometimes the fungus spreads throughout the whole body in a condition called systemic candidiasis. This condition can cause any out of a wide range of symptoms and is often at the root of a persistent, mysterious ailment. If you feel sick but are told by doctors that there's nothing wrong, there's a good chance that you're in fact suffering from systemic candidiasis. For those with dramatically compromised immune systems, systemic candidiasis is a serious threat, as the fungus can actually poison the blood.
Complementary treatments, which emphasize therapies that lower the levels of candida to normal levels, are the best ways to fix this condition. Depending on the person, there are multiple steps that are typically required for success in treating candida overgrowth. This requires treating the underlying cause( s). One of the obvious steps to eliminate or cut down on simple sugars, alcohol, etc., which feeds yeast. Also, direct therapy that destroys candida works to assist the body in getting candida levels to a controllable level. Examples include oregano oil and garlic.
However, a lot of chronic cases require a change in the biological landscape. By this we mean the state and health of the digestive tract, organs of detoxification and elimination, immune system, and hormone balance. In particular, one typically needs to improve digestion and elimination. The by-products of poor digestion can develop metabolites that can support candida growth.
Leaky gut syndrome, as the result of intestinal permeability is frequently a root problem of chronic candida. It is also crucial to promote the growth of the friendly flora that inhabit the digestive tract and many other parts of the body. These good bacteria are a crucial part of the immune system's presence that keeps yeast levels in check. Also, keep in mind that chronic stress can change flora balance and decrease immune function.
And finally, hormone balance is essential, especially for women. The use of the birth control pill or other types of synthetic hormones might set the stage for candida overgrowth.
For some individuals, Dr. Stengler prescribes antifungal medications. Examples include Nystatin and Diflucan.
Dr. Stengler's Recommended Supplements:
