Conditions: Yeast Infections

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Candida Albicans is present everywhere, subsisting on the surface of all living things. Since candida germs live in every person's body, especially on the mucous membranes, vaginal and other smears and cultures for the presence of candida are useless. Therefore the diagnosis for candidiasis is made from a person's medical history and score on a candida questionnaire. If the questionnaire shows the probability of Candida, a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis or a blood test called a Candisphere may be ordered. Finally the diagnosis is confirmed by the person's response to treatment for candida overgrowth.

Candisphere Test

The Candisphere test measures the amount of the toxic protein that the large colonies of Candida release into the blood that are directly causing the symptoms. We want to find out the following:

1) How much friendly bacteria is present and able to fight the Candida.
2) How much harmful bacteria is present that can weaken the friendly bacteria acting as a friend to Candida.
3) How much harmful bacteria is present that can cause symptoms along with the Candida.
4) How well the digestive system is breaking down and absorbing all the foods we eat.
5) If there if is any inflammation or irritation in the intestines or colon from the Candida.
6) If the Candida has caused damage or leaks in the intestinal walls allowing allergens or toxins to come into the body.
7) How well the immune system in the intestines is working to fight the Candida.

This wonderful new test can help us understand exactly what Candida is doing and what damage it has created. This helps us understand the symptoms and their origin so as to eliminate much of the guessing that could otherwise take place. Candida can be trickier than a used car salesman and more confusing then our current economic problems. You could go crazy trying to figure out what all the symptoms mean and why they happen etc, etc. Please!!! find competent help. Don't drown in a sea of confusion or yeast!

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis

What can a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis tell my clinician?

Think of your body as a finely tuned engine, and food is its fuel. If you aren't completely digesting foods and absorbing nutrients, you're not adequately fueling your body. The lack of adequate fuel–or the inability to use it properly–can lead to a variety of health problems. Poor digestion or imbalances in your intestinal flora can result in many illnesses, from annoying gastrointestinal complaints such as chronic constipation and abdominal pain to more serious illnesses which may appear to be unrelated to digestion, such as asthma or migraines. Your clinician knows the importance of evaluating your gastrointestinal health. One important tool to aid in this diagnosis is the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis.

Think of the time and money you spend planning menus, shopping for food, preparing meals and buying vitamin supplements. But are you sure you're getting the most from your food? Or is your diet causing other problems in your body? Your clinician can answer these questions with a CDSA.

The CDSA (Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis) is a group of 25 tests performed on a stool sample, revealing valuable information about your gastrointestinal health. The CDSA evaluates:

Digestion of food molecules and absorption of nutrients.
The presence of hidden yeast or bacterial infections.
Intestinal flora balance.
Intestinal immune function.
Dietary fiber intake.

How Healthy Is Your Gastrointestinal Tract?

Digestion Starts with the Stomach

Do you chew your food thoroughly? That's the first step in good digestion. The mechanical breakdown of your meal begins when your teeth grind food. Saliva triggers the start of the chemical breakdown.

Once food travels to your stomach, you need adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid to break up dietary proteins. You may be among the millions of Americans who do not produce enough hydrochloric acid. This can cause vitamin and mineral deficiencies, osteoporosis, hardening of the arteries, arthritis, colon cancer, food allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Enzymes take over

Hydrochloric acid and other factors trigger your pancreas to release enzymes once food moves to the small intestine. Pancreatic enzymes play an important role in the digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. An insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes can contribute to many of the same problems as inadequate stomach acid. Nutrients in your food are absorbed into your bloodstream from both the small and large intestine. Food that isn't digested completely will not be absorbed. Partially digested proteins can cause significant gastrointestinal irritation (such as colitis, gas or nervous stomach) and can lead to food allergies. Digestion of carbohydrates continues in the small intestine. Certain enzymes are released only by the intestinal villi and friendly bacteria, and damage to these can inhibit digestion.

Bacteria–Some Good, Some Bad

Many different microbes live in your intestinal tract, and it's normal to have trillions. Ideally, you have "friendly" bacteria to aid with digestion, vitamin production and immune defense. Unfortunately, many common activities can destroy the delicate balance of bacteria. Using antibiotics, steroids or hormone pills, or a diet high in fat and sugar wreaks havoc on bacterial levels, leading to imbalances in bacteria and yeast, which can lead to illness.

Immune Function Protects

Chronic infection, food allergies or inadequate nutrition can result in poor immune defenses in your intestine. With lowered resistance, less friendly bacteria are able to colonize, and infection or allergies are more likely to develop. Gastrointestinal health is the goal For proper gastrointestinal health, your body must carefully coordinate the breakdown, absorption and elimination of food. Bacteria must be in proper balance, and immune function must be adequate. The CDSA provides an easy, effective evaluation of how well your gastrointestinal tract performs these essential functions.

Is it time to assess your digestive health?

Are you 50 years of age or older?
Do you often have a bloated or full feeling in your stomach, especially after eating?
Do you often have intestinal gas?
Do you have a spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, nervous stomach, loose stools or constipation?
Do you avoid eating certain foods because they make you feel uncomfortable?
Are you allergic to any foods?
Have you had any of the following: asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of strokes, arthritis, pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease or yeast infection?
Have you ever taken an antibiotic for more than one month at a time–or have you taken antibiotics more than four times in your life?
Have you ever noticed dark, tar-like stools, bloodstained stools, bright-red rectal bleeding or signs of intestinal bleeding?
Do you prefer nutritional approaches whenever possible to restore health and enhance well-being?
Have you ever taken oral contraceptives or steroids (cortisone, prednisone, etc.) for extended periods?

If you answered yes to at least two of the questions, taking a Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis is recommended. This test can be ordered from us. After the test is performed the results can be discussed with you and a program can be tailored to handle your condition.

Treatment for candidiasis is simple and effective. The goal is to get the yeast out of the tissues and to build up the body's ability to keep it out. There are several elements used in the treatment of yeast overgrowth. They are based on each patient's history and response to treatment. PLEASE NOTE: The exact dose of each of the following supplements from Standard Process Vitamins is essential for the program to be effective. Each person should be tested for dosage requirements before starting on a program. Furthermore, other supplements may be needed to support other bodily systems. Anyone that self-prescribes their own program does at their own risk. Physician monitoring is necessary for this program and self-prescribing is not recommended.

Most often the Yeast reflex will be active. The Pus Reflex and it's sub-reflexes as well as the Virus Reflex will many times also show up.

The following supplements are indicated:

Cal-Amo® - Cal-Amo is a systemic acidifier, acid forming salts of the blood stream, calcium and ammonium chloride. Used for alkalosis, joint pains, bursitis, allergies, asthma. This product contains calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, betaine hydrochloride and calcium phytate. A little magnesium glycerophosphate too. This is an acidifying compound. It provides the chlorides which maintain the acidity of the system. Phosfood, acidifies some people better than Cal-Amo. Phosfood supplies phosphates, which are also necessary for maintaining acidity. So it all depends on what the patient is lacking - chlorides or phosphates. The acid-alkaline balance is very important in maintaining proper body function. Alkalosis is involved in condition of asthma, allergy, arthritis, bursitis, infections, etc. If the fluid of the body is too alkaline, calcium precipitates out of solution and forms deposits in various place throughout the body. So, calcium forms deposits if the pH is too high, as well as in a deficiency of phosphorous. Actually, the deficiency of phosphorous would be a contributing factor in the alkalosis. So you can see how both Cal-Amo and Phosfood would have many uses. Think of Cal-Amo as our primary acidifying product.

Zymex® Capsules - Used in GI tract acidification, build; flora In the gut, kidney detoxification, toxic bowel. USE FOR: Candiasis, GI tract toxicity, toxemia, adjunct to antibiotics, loss of Intestinal flora. Recent advances in our understanding about the various roles played by yeasts in the body have added to the dimensions of this yeast product. As a healthy friendly intestinal yeast (acidophilus type) it is a natural antagonist to the growth of the CANDIDA ALBICANS or thrush forming type yeasts found in such infections as vaginitis. ZYMEX is a GI Tract friendly yeast that can set up a protective environment that is immune to the CANDIDA type growth. ZYMEX is actually made from a culture that we grow. We take red beets, beet leaves and wheat germ, make a bed out of the mixture, sterilize it and seed it with a certain culture. Then we put the culture under ideal moisture and temperature conditions and let it grow. After about three days, a beautiful gray mold has grown-it looks just like velvet. We dry the mold in a sigmoid dryer and make a powder that is ZYMEX ZYMEX is similar to LACTIC ACID YEAST in that it breaks down carbohydrate in the gastrointestinal tract to produce lactic acid, thereby acidifying the gastrointestinal tract. It's also very effective in detoxifying the colon. ZYMEX combines the functions of LACTIC ACID YEAST and CHOLACOL II. If instead of going through these steps we were to centrifuge the juice off the mold then vacuum dry the juice, we could create ARGINEX ARGINEX detoxifies the kidneys. It's excellent for patients with bladder and kidney infections.

Spanish Black Radish - Supports free action of GI tract valves. Used for Locked GI valves, constipation (mild) ileocecal valve problems. (take with full glass of water) Spanish Black Radish is an herb which is vacuum dried. It is used as a detoxifying herb for the bowel and lymphatics. Its effect upon the GI tract valves allows smoother opening and closing of the valves producing a slight laxative effect. It is a support product for GI tract oriented programs. Candida Albicans treatment is aided with this herb because as the yeast organism dies off, they must be eliminated quickly or their decaying forms will cause greater toxicity in the bowel.

Lact-Enz ® - Combines digestive enzymes and acidophilus bacilli for gastrointestinal health, intestinal flora and digestion. Used for intestinal mucus, halitosis, toxemia, antibiotic adjunct.

The following treatment regimens are critical in handling yeast:

Are you a coffee drinker? Do you drink decaffeinated or caffeinated? The rumors of decaffeinated coffee being less harmful for the body than caffeinated has been disproven by the medical establishment. Caffeine can kill up to 75% of the friendly Acidophilus flora in the colon per cup of coffee. The same goes for decaffeinated. It takes the body approximately five hours to replace that flora depending on the diet and balance of the body at the time.
Eat a low carbohydrate diet with no more than 60-80 grams of carbohydrate per day. Because yeast feeds on sugar, wheat and dairy products they should be avoided. Yeasts, molds and fungi cross react so yeast products should be avoided such as vinegar, mushrooms, cheeses, commercial breads and alcohol.
Avoid using antibiotics and steroids unless absolutely necessary since antibiotics promote the growth of the yeast germ in the body.
Stop using birth control pills and especially if there is discharge or headaches with periods. The progesterone of these pills causes changes in the vaginal mucus membrane which makes it easier for candida to multiply.
Follow the Candida Control Diet. Fill out the Candida Albicans Questionnaire to find out if you need to do something about the amount of Candida present in your body.
Have yourself tested through Contact Reflex Analysis to find out how much Candida is present in your body and what areas are affected by it.

Many clients notice a great improvement in as much as a few days and many within three weeks. Still it takes an average of six to twelve months to irradicate a candida overgrowth. The candida probably became well established before it was identified which is why treatment must be persistent. The major symptoms to improve are headaches, diarrhea, emotional and behavior problems, vaginitis and chemical sensitivities.

When fighting a Candida infection a person must be systematic and disciplined because the miseries of the problem do not cease immediately with treatment. Candida "die-off" can cause some very uncomfortable symptoms temporarily. These symptoms disappear soon after beginning the diet.

Summary

An overgrowth of Candida Albicans is a chronic, dangerous infection. If left unchecked it will continue to spread and break down the body's ability to fight off disease. Everyone including infants and children are susceptible to candidiasis. The goal when treating a candida infection is to remove yeast from the infected tissue and rebuild the immune system.

Candida Control Diet - Of all conditions that are treated with clinical nutrition, candida is the most important condition addressed with diet. Many patients have been disappointed in their prior treatment programs because they failed to follow a proper control diet in the handling of Candida. It can not be stressed enough that if you are going to embark on a treatment program to treat Candida that you must agree to follow a very strict diet. If you take supplements and don't follow the diet, you will be very disappointed in your results. You must agree to follow the diet before any treatment can begin.

To Print this diet click

* * * Foods You Can Eat * * *

Meat - Beef, Salmon, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Veal, Egg, Tuna, All fresh fish, clams, lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters. squirre, rabbit, quail, duck, goose, cornish hen, pheasant, all game birds.

Nuts, Seeds & Oils (Unprocessed) - almonds, brazil nuts, cashews, filberts, pecans, pumpkin seeds.

All Fresh Vegetables - asparagus, lettuce, beets, onions, broccoli, parsley, brussel sprouts, peas, beans, cabbage, legumes, carrots, tomatoes (fresh), cauliflower, summer squash, celery, winter squash, cucumbers, zucchini, acorn, eggplant, red potatoes, green peppers, butter squash, greens radishes, turnip, okra, spinach , parsnip, mustard, corn beets, collards, kale.

Oils - Cold Pressed - almonds, apricot, avocado, linseed, olive, safflower, butter.

Whole Grains - AVOID all grains for the first two weeks; then add one of the following each week; if symptoms are appearant then discontiune that particular grain and try a differnet one. Barley, corn, millet, oats, rice, wheat, sesame, cereal, bread & muffins containing no yeast, honey, or sugar.

* * * Foods You Must Avoid * * *

Fruit Juices - Either canned, bottled, or frozen. Exception: Freshly prepared juice.

Coffee & Tea - Regular coffee, instant coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and teas of all sorts, including herb tea. Exception: Traditional medicinal herb teas.

Melons - Watermelon, honeydew melon, and especially cantaloupe.

Edible Fungi - All types of mushrooms, morels, and truffles.

Cheeses - All types including cottage cheese and cream cheese. Prepared foods, Velveeta, macaroni and cheese, any other cheeses containing snacks. NO buttermilk, sour cream, any other sour milk products.

Yeast - Brewer's yeast, baker's yeast, vitamins, minerals, unless labeled "yeast free" and "sugar free".

Antibiotics - Specifically penicillin, streptomycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, keflix, ceclor, septra, and bactrim. NOTE: If you are presently taking antibiotics by prescription of your doctor, you present infection must be handled before embarking on a program.

Processed Foods - Packaged and processed foods containing yeast and refined sugar. Also avoid enriched flour products.

Nuts - Peanuts and pistachios usually contain mold, which in turn will feed yeast.

Sugar - All sugar containing foods and sweeteners.

Alcohol - Fermented liquors and liqueurs, and beverages such as cider and root beer.

Malt Products - Milk drinks, cereals, and candy.

Condiments, Sauces, and Vinegar-Containing Foods - Mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire, Accent (monosodium glutamate), steak, barbecue, chili, shrimp and soy sauces, pickles, pickled vegetables, relishes, green olives, sauerkraut, horseradish, mince meat, and tamari. Also avoid sprouts. Vinegar of all kinds and vinegar containing foods such as mayonnaise, and salad dressing. (Freshly squeezed lemon juice may be used as a substitute for vinegar in salad dressings prepared with unprocessed vegetable oil.)

Processed & Smoked Meats - Pickled and smoked meats, fish including sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pastrami, and pickled tongue.

Dried & Candied Fruits - Raisins, apricots, dates, prunes, figs, and pineapple.

Left-Overs - Molds grow in left-over food unless it's properly refrigerated. Freezing is better.

Take this preliminary to see if your condition could respond to treatment.

You should be examined by a competent CRA® practitioner for testing.