Candida - Its Not Just a Yeast Infection

by Dr. Rita Louise

Candida Albicans or a yeast infection, both digestive and systemic, is a health problem of which answers to its elimination are far and few between. Literally millions of men and women have a potential yeast infection that is causing, directly or indirectly, a significant number of health problems or conditions.

Candida Albicans is a destructive yeast infection that begins in the digestive system and little by little spreads to other parts of the body. Candida is present in all of us not long after birth. Typically, this yeast remain in a healthful balance with the other bacteria and yeasts within the intestinal tract.

Under certain conditions, such as excessive stress, lowered immunity or the long-term use of steroids, the candida yeast can multiply, thus disrupting the gastrointestinal "terrain". Candida overgrowth may also be a consequence of antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics not only kill pathogens but also a large number of those bacteria that are part of a healthy gastrointestinal flora.

With the depletion of the beneficial protective flora in the intestinal tract and a weakened immune response, this opportunistic yeast can then spread and multiply beyond the intestinal tract affecting every organ in the body.

In babies, an overgrowth of candida appears as diaper rash. It can also be found on the body as jock itch or athlete's foot. It can appear in the mouth as thrush or in the vaginal tract, known by many women as a yeast infection.

Systemic yeast is now being associated with a variety of conditions ranging from mental disorders, a weakened immune system, food intolerance, gastric upsets, premenstrual tension, infertility, ovarian failure, sexual function difficulties and fatigue. It can manifest with a multitude of symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, colitis, headaches, bad breath, mood swings, canker sores, muscle and joint pain, congestion, severe itching, PMS, fatigue, kidney or bladder infections to name a few.

It is estimated that 30% of the population suffer from health issues directly related to yeast. In fact, the majority of people who have Candida do not realize they have it until become seriously ill.

Recommendations For Wellness:

Avoid all yeast containing foods: yeast breads, fermented beverages (beer, wine, brandy, scotch, etc.) moldy cheeses, fermented vinegars, salad dressing, peanuts, biscuits, canned citrus fruit juices, cake mix, ice cream, all dried fruit, oranges, pickles, tomato sauce, sugars, yeast powder, processed and smoked meats, malt products, barbecue sauce, olives, mayonnaise, chili peppers.

Avoid sugar and all refined carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners and especially hidden sugars such as those found in soft drinks, pastries, canned fruits and vegetables.

Rotate between at least 3 different anti-fungal herbs every 4 days to kill the candida yeast in the intestinal tract such as garlic and pau d' Arco or caprilic acid.

Supplement with Acidophilus daily. This helps to reintroduce the good bacteria back into the intestinal tract.

Colostrum can also be used to help reserve the balance of intestinal flora and support the immune system.

Take 1 tablespoon of Flax seed or omega 3 oil daily to improve healing and prevent the fungus from destroying cells.

Incorporate Echinacea to help strengthen the immune system.

Use a multivitamin & mineral complex with vitamin A to provide all the nutrients needed for proper immune function and for repair of intestinal lining. Try to select a vitamin complex that includes zinc.

Treat any yeast or fungal infection that appear on the skin with tea tree oil.

(c) Copyright Dr. Rita Louise, 2004 Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field, but it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that illuminates and enlivens her work. A graduate of the Berkeley Psychic Institute and author of the book "The Power Within: A Psychic Healing Primer, Dr. Louise is a naturopathic physician, medical intuitive, mind/body healer, herbalist and spiritual counselor. To schedule a session with Dr. Louise, contact her at (972) 475-3393 or visit her web page at http://www.soulhealer.com.