Candida, a form of yeast (Candida albicans), is an opportunistic organism that normally resides in the lower bowls, the vagina and the skin. In healthy individuals the presence of Candida is harmless. The body maintains homeostasis through good bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus acidophilus. An overgrowth of Candida, however, results in a condition called candidiasis which compromises the immune system and could lead to a number of other diseases.
Significance
Candidiasis results from a disturbance in the balance of the intestinal environment allowing the opportunistic organism to proliferate in various body tissues. Contributing factors include the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, immune suppression, high sugar intake and estrogen replacement therapy. According to Michael Murray, N.D., and author of the book "Chronic Candidiasis: The Yeast Syndrome," a comprehensive approach better addresses chronic candidiasis than drugs or natural anti-Candida agents. Candidiasis requires strong intervention, and a cleanse is an ideal way to target the root cause of proliferation.
Function
A Candida cleanse functions to return the body to a state of homeostasis. Symptoms of candidiasis can include insomnia, loss of libido, weight gain, headaches, intestinal complaints and even depression. A cleanse functions to address the underlying cause of various symptoms by starving the yeast. When the body suffers from Candida overgrowth, the immune system is compromised. As mentioned in the book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide" by Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson, Candida growth is supported by sugar consumption. Sugar consumption leads to intestinal fermentation which results in the release of the toxic compound acetaldehyde. This compound affects all physiological functions, including the digestion and hormone processes.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention precedes treatment. Sugar, as a predisposing factor for candidiasis, should be restricted in all its forms. Natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial herbs such as German chamomile, garlic, aloe vera, ginger and cinnamon can help as well. Garlic is a well-known folk remedy that has shown to be more potent than many other anti-fungal agents, especially against Candida. According to Dr. Virender Sodhi, the first Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician in the United States, the drug nystatin is one of the most common treatments for Candida overgrowth. Dr. Sodhi's clinical experience, however, has shown that nystatin cannot get rid of Candida since the opportunistic organism quickly mutates when under attack.
Theories/Speculation
The traditional Candida cleanse eliminates all sugars from the diet, following the logic that sugar feeds yeast. In addition to removing trigger foods and stimulants which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels, a cleanse will often incorporate a natural home remedy that utilizes powerful anti-fungal agents such as garlic and coconut oil. According to Dr. Doug Graham, however, adviser of world-class athletes and author of the lifestyle book "80/10/10," sugar is not the real culprit in Candida overgrowth. Dr. Graham proposes that a diet high in fat causes sugar to stick to fat in the blood and is the contributing cause to Candida proliferation.
Considerations
Any program geared towards restoring equilibrium and eradicating Candida overgrowth should provide optimal levels of immune-supportive nutrients and beneficial bacteria. Nutritional supplementation with vitamins B, C, E and A, and the immune-boosting minerals selenium, calcium and zinc, can aid the rebuilding of the immune system, increasing resistance to infection and promoting an unfavorable environment for parasitic organisms. Adding a daily probiotic helps restore beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, keeping Candida levels in check.
References
- "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide"; Larry Trivieri and John W. Anderson; 2002
- "Candida Albicans: A Nutritional Approach"; Louise Tenney, M.H.; 2007
- NaturalNews: Author Dr. Doug Graham (Part II): Fats, Sugars and Your Body
Member Comments