Candida albicans is a yeast that is present in the intestines normally in very low concentrations. As an opportunistic microorganism, candida is able to proliferate only if improper intestinal (and, possibly, systemic conditions) allow its growth. The incidence of candida overgrowth seems to be rising in our society in parallel with the widespread use of antibiotics for treatment of even minor conditions, their hidden ingestion through food sources (especially beef and chicken), and the excessive intake of high-sugar foods.
The “yeast” problem with Candida albicans is one of the new medical concerns of the 1980s that will continue into the next century. It has been described by many prominent physicians, including C. Orian Truss in The Missing Diagnosis, William Crook in The Yeast Connection, and Keith Sehnert in The Candidiasis Syndrome. It is a very common problem, one of the most frequent I see, and is to me a medical adventure, because I learn a great deal while working with people with this problem. Often the therapy for yeast, or candidiasis as it is commonly known, will positively and dramatically change lives. The somewhat complex, multilevel treatment program has been effective in a high percentage of the people I have treated, and I have worked with more than 6000 clients with this problem to date.
Factors common to patients with the yeast syndrome:
• History of antibiotic use: particularly with a history of repeated administration, but can follow a single broad-spectrum course; antibiotics kill not only the disease-causing bacteria, but also the beneficial bacteria in the intestines; candida is no longer limited by high concentrations of normal bacteria flora and is able to proliferate. Use of antibiotics, such as tetracycline for acne or broad-spectrum antibiotics for recurrent infections, such as in the ears, bladder, vagina or throat
• Birth control pill and other steroid use in women
• History of high sugar intake: sugar directly feeds the candida organisms and promotes their growth
• History of high ingestion of foods from yeast (breads), fermented foods, and food upon which yeasts/molds can grow (e.g. mushrooms); it is suggested that these foods may help the growth of yeast cells
• Lowered immune system or poorly nourished patient; these patients will not be as effective in blocking the growth of candida if the conditions develop for its increase; the same factors that can cause candida to proliferate (e.g. high simple sugar intake) are the same factors that will decrease the patient’s immune system
• Exposure to mercury either as amalgam in the teeth or from fish
• Premenstrual symptoms
• Recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women or prostate problems in men
• Sensitivity to molds, dampness, and smells
• Mental symptoms such as depression, mood swings, or confusion
• Chronic fatigue, indigestion, or food reactions
• Recurrent skin fungus infections, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, “jock itch,” or nail problems
The yeast syndrome is a controversial topic. Most traditional doctors do not want to hear about this condition and call it a “fad” disease, but those who will explore the possibility and look for it in their patients will be hard-pressed not to accept this problem as “real.” One of the reasons, I believe, for medicine not really accepting the “yeast syndrome” is because the problem arises predominantly as a side effect from the use of commonly prescribed drugs—antibiotics, birth control pills, and corticosteroids.
This yeast syndrome is much more common in women than in men and seems to affect the hormonal balance, initially causing mild premenstrual symptoms of irritability, depression, fatigue, and swelling, and leading to actually abnormal and/or painful menstrual periods. I would estimate that a significant number of women with PMS have a problem with Candida albicans, and probably more than half the women with candidiasis have some uncomfortable premenstrual symptoms.
The problem originates when a common yeast, Candida albicans, begins to overgrow in the intestinal or genito-urinary tract. It may be contracted initially through sexual contact. When other normal body microflora are killed off by antibiotics, the yeasts will then proliferate and coexist with the useful germs. What is frightening to me is that nearly all major illness from cancer to diabetes seem to be preceeded by an yeast overgrowth.
DO YOU HAVE AN YEAST OVERGROWTH?
Diabetes Skin Conditions Addictions Autism
Heart Disease PMS Obesity Allergies
Cancer Infertility Infections Mood Swings
All of the above seem to be related to yeast overgrowth
Be well
Dr Sundardas