Candida Guide

Soluble Fiber for Candida Die-Off

Deb — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:45:05 +0000

The realization that you have a candida infection is never pleasant. Accompanied by a number of uncomfortable symptoms, candida has the power to make your life miserable for days, weeks, or even months. Even if you start taking supplements to counter your infection you may find that you feel worse instead of better.

But why?

As with any type of infectious organism, the candida albican organism is wreaking havoc in your body. When you start taking supplements like ThreeLac or Super8 Probiotics you will start to kill the candida organism - but have you ever thought about where they’ll go when they die?

When the candida organisms in your body begin to die off your body will have to process them out of your system. Candida organisms, when they die, can release up to 80 different toxins into your blood stream (including ethanol and formaldehyde). While your liver is certainly capable of processing these toxins and eliminating them, the incredibly high levels are hard to keep up with.

No wonder you feel so ill.

So what can you do to avoid the negative effects of die-off as your body works to clear its candida infection? According to Leanne at CandidaBlog4U, adding soluble fiber to the diet is incredibly important. Soluble fiber in the form of apple pectin, oat bran, and several other common foods will build up in your intestines and work to absorb some of the toxins your liver can’t process.

You’ll eliminate them faster and feel better in no time flat!

Agave - Nature’s Incredible Prebiotic

Dee — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:00:43 +0000

Did you know that tequila is made from the agave plant? That’s not all agave is used for, however. It is quickly becoming one of the most respected prebiotics available today. So what are prebiotics and why should candida sufferers be concerned with them?

What are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are food ingredients that are non-digestible (soluble fiber) but feed the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tracts of humans. They keep the friendly bacteria healthy and strong, encouraging them to multiply and overpower harmful bacterial strains. Not only does this aid in digestion, it also strengthens your immune system and helps you maintain your health. By increasing the number of good bacteria, you also help the body absorb vitamins and minerals and may increase the ability of your bones to absorb calcium, keeping them stronger longer.

Prebiotics are not the same as probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that are actually living. Prebiotics are like health food for probiotics.

Where do prebiotics come from? Prebiotics are found in several food sources, such as artichokes, bananas, garlic, onions, legumes, wheat and whole grains such as oatmeal and a few other foods. One of the richest natural sources of prebiotics, however, is agave.

Agave as a Digestive Aid

Agave is a plant found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, central and tropical South America, the Mediterranean and some parts of India. Although modern society has only recently discovered the benefits of agave, ancient people prized it as a food ingredient. In fact, the Aztecs believed agave was a gift from the gods. It is a source of a naturally sweet sap that Mexicans refer to as agua miel, or “honey water”.

Agave is also high in inulin. No, that’s not a typo, it is inulin, not insulin. Inulin is a naturally occuring sugar with a very low glycemic index which helps you control blood sugar levels. It is also a great fuel source for the friendly microflora that live in your gut.

Agave can be used as a sweetener in food or drinks you prepare. You get that sweet taste you’re craving and a healthy dose of prebiotics at the same time. You can use either a liquid or powder form of agave.

As sufferes of candida, we know that it is sometimes difficult to stick to the right diet. We know there are many foods that we should avoid, including refined sugars. Agave is a welcome addition to our diets, as well as a way to boost the health of our digestive system. After adding agave to your diet, you will probably echo the Aztecs and also call agave a ‘gift from the gods’.

Probiotics and Candida

Should Probiotics be Regulated by the FDA

Deb — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:24:34 +0000

Probiotics are considered a natural supplement and, as such, are not regulated by the FDA. This means that despite the claims we should be using them to balance the healthy and bad bacterias in our guts, neither the FDA nor the AMA approve their use.

So what, right?

The only problem, as noted in an article by Karen Edelblum on the Colitis Blog at Everyday Health, is that those who are taking probiotics aren’t always exposed to the right information about when and how to use them. We think that picking a bottle up off the shelf at the local pharmacy or health food store is good enough but very few of us check to see whether or not the probiotic bacteria in the pill is active and alive. Dead bacteria won’t help you fight bad bacteria or candida albicans and the longer a pill is in a bottle the less effective it will become.

Be honest - do you check the expiration date on the supplement bottles you purchase?

Finally, no one really knows how much to take. The truth is that you should take the amount listed on the bottle to help protect yourself between outbreaks but if you are trying to counter a disease like candida you may need to take more than the manufacturer’s recommended dosage. In these cases you should contact a doctor, holistic practitioner, or nutritionist for guidance as to how many probiotic supplement pills you should really be taking.

It’s your health. Take control of it. The FDA certainly isn’t going to help.

Udo’s Choice Super 8 High Potency Probiotic Review

Dee — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:46:49 +0000

When you are searching for the best tools to help you conquer candida, you may find yourself tempted to try a variety of products simply because the sellers have created a wonderful sales pitch, but how do you know if the product will be as effective as the manufacturers claim? The best bet is to try products that have a proven track record of success. One such product is Udo’s Choice Super 8 High Potency Probiotic.

What is a Probiotic?

There are millions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your body; some are good guys, some are bad guys. The optimal condition is when they balance each other out but oftentimes that balance is disturbed by anitbiotics, hectic lifestyles, modern diet or other situations. When the bad guys start outnumbering the good guys because something has skewed the balance, you may begin to develop and suffer from candida, leaky gut syndrome and other nasty problems.

Probiotics are foods or dietary supplements that contain live microorganisms that are on the good guys team. They help restore intestinal balance and get your digestive track working properly again. By adding probiotics to your diet, you are supporting the beneficial microflora in your system and creating a balanced environment.

The largest group of probiotics found in the body is lactic acid bacteria, the most well known being Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, the probiotic found in yogurt and a few other foods.

Why Choose Udo’s Super 8 High Potency Probiotic?

There are numerous probiotics available on the market, so why choose Udo’s Super8 High Potency Probiotic? There are several reasons.

Udo’s Super 8 High Potency formula is designed specifically to correct yeast overgrowth. It contains 8 bacterial strains and has a high concentration of L. acidophilus. Each capsule contains at least 30 billion active microrganisms at the date of manufacture. Using this supplement is like sending in an army of good guys to restore and maintain order in your digestive tract.

This product is manufactured by Flora, a company that has been around for years. Flora has withstood the test of time as a reliable sources for natural health care. Knowing you are buying from a company that has a well respected name in the natural health care industry is reassuring.

How to Use Udo’s Super 8 High Potency Probiotic

Adding the benefits of Udo’s Super 8 High Potency Probiotic is simple to do. If you are currently suffering from candida symptoms, take 3 capsules daily. If you are using the Super 8 capsules to maintain your digestive health, you only need to take 1 capsule per day. It is recommended that you take the probiotic on a full stomach.

Udo’s Super 8 High Potency Probiotic should be kept refrigerated to prevent loss of potency and can even be frozen.

When it comes to your health and the money you spend on it, it makes sense to put your trust in a product that has helped thousands of candida sufferers. Udo’s Super 8 High Potency Probiotic definitely gets five stars.

Is Your Candida Diet Calcium Deficient?

Deb — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:52:28 +0000

We all know that sticking to a strict candida diet is essential to controlling and eliminating candida overgrowth. The diet is very strict, cutting out all foods high in sugar and starch as well as any other food that may welcome the growth of candida albicans, dairy included.

The problem, however, is that the nutrients contained in most dairy products are not bad for us. We all need to have plenty of vitamin D and calcium in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A deficiency in either can lead to long-term medical complications including osteoporosis, rickets, and osteomalacia. These diseases can affet both your muscles and bones and have a number of lifelong effects.

In the article, Are You Getting Enough Calcium From Your Anti Candida Diet?, Narawin JK briefly discusses the possible dangers of adopting an anti-candida diet without replacing the foods you are eliminating with either better foods or proper supplementation.

You can obtain calcium from a number of candida-friendly foods, like broccoli, dried fruit, and tuna, but will you seek them out if they’re not already a part of your diet? The choice is up to you.

Which Fruits To Avoid on the Candida Diet

Understanding Die Off Symptoms

Dee — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:42:10 +0000

You determined that you have candida and started taking steps to get rid of it. You embarked on an anti-candida diet and are taking anti-fungal treatments. Suddenly, though, you feel even worse than you did before. Your old symptoms have intensified and you may have even have some new ones. This means that you are experiencing candida die off. If severe enough, it may make you want to call a screeching halt to your efforts to control candida, but if you understand what is happening and remember that this is a temporary twist to your recovery, you will be better equipped to deal with candida die off symptoms.

What Causes Candida Die Off

Candida die off, also known as Herxheimer Reaction, occurs as a result of the candida organism literally dying off. You have taken away its food and sent anti-fungal agents to attack and your efforts are working. The candida fungi are dying and dying quickly. As they die, they release large quantities of toxins - so many that your body cannot process or eliminate them fast enough to prevent unpleasant reactions.

Candida Die Off Symptoms

Symptoms of candida die off may be hardly noticed or they can be severe. You may notice your usual symptoms intensifying for a few days or you may experience a whole new set of symptoms. The severity of the symptoms will depend on how badly overgrown the candida was in your body and how long you have had it. You may experience the symptoms for just a day or two or for a week or more.

As your body works to rid itself of the toxins being released into your system you may experience symptoms like nausea, sore throat, low fever and itchy skin. You may have diarrhea, constipation, gas, or bloating. Dizziness, foggy thinking, anxiety, eye floaters and depression are not unusual reactions. You may feel like you have the flu and experience chills or sweating, feel exhausted and feel a constant need to sleep. You may feel cranky or easily irritated and you may find yourself battling intense cravings for sweets. Muscle aches and joint pains are also signs of candida die off.

How to Treat Candida Die Off Symptoms

Many practitioners advise starting into your anti candida regime slowly and gradually in order to help ward off severe die off reactions. If, however, you are suffering from die off symptoms there are things you can do to ease them.

Now is the time to pamper yourself. Make sure you get plenty of sleep and try to avoid stress if you can. Treat yourself to daily Epsom salts baths to help draw toxins out of your body. If you have access to a sauna, relax in its warmth for 20 minutes a day, followed by a shower and thorough scrubbing.

Drink plenty of water. Remember, you want to eliminate these toxins from your body as quickly as possible. You should drink at least 8 ounces of water for each hour that you’re awake.

Try to eliminate constipation. Use an herbal laxative if necessary.

If you must, add a small amount of grains back into your diet for a few days. Only a small amount is necessary. A half a cup of brown rice or cereal should be enough.

Most importantly, think positively. Remember, these symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that you are winning the war against candida. Don’t let this temporary setback defeat you.

Are Your Pregnancy Cravings a Sign of Candida?

Deb — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:27:26 +0000

So you’re pregnant. You see that huge box of chocolate on the kitchen counter and it’s all you can do resist the urge to dive in. Your body is craving a lot of strange things and you’re likely willing to attribute them all to your pregnancy but how can you tell the difference between a normal pregnancy craving and an underlying medical issue?

In Laura Cone’s article about Candida and Pregnancy on iParenting she discusses just that point. The more women cater to their cravings, eating high-acidic foods full of sugar, the higher their risks of developing a candida infection or leaky gut syndrome.

So what can pregnant women do to decrease their already high risks of developing a candida infection? According to Laura Cone they can:

Eat green foods,
Adopt an alkaline-based diet,
Lean towards homeopathic remedies,
Drink plenty of fresh water, and
Avoid stress

Pregnant women spend a significant amount of time taking care of their bodies in order to avoid infections and viruses. Altering your diet to avoid candida and other serious health concerns can make a huge difference!

Do You Have Parasites?

Dee — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:50:29 +0000

If you have candida there is a good chance you have parasites as well. Yeast fungi and intestinal parasites have the same environmental needs and if one is thriving, it is quite likely the other is alive and well, too. So what are intestinal parasites, what symptoms do they cause and how can you rid yourself of these trouble making pests?

What are Parasites and How do we get Them?

A parasite is a plant or animal that lives off a host animal, contributing nothing to its host’s well-being and usually causing harm to the host.

Human parasites take one of two forms: microscopic (like one-celled protozoa) or intestinal worms, which are visible to the eye ( like pin worms, roundworms, tapeworms and flukes). Any of these parasites can live harmoniously with yeast in a warm, cozy environment like your intestines.

If your digestive system is impaired by candida, a weakened immune system or other issue, it doesn’t produce enough of the enzymes or other substances that aid digestion, like peptic and hydrochloric acid. Both of those substances help kill parasites and when their levels are low you are more vulnerable to suffer from intestinal parasites.

There are many ways to get parasites, including the consumption of undercooked meats, contaminated food or water, or through skin absorption. Unfortunately, this problem is not limited to people with poor hygiene or world travelers who pick up parasites in countries where water and sanitation treatment is not up to date. In fact, human parasites are a very common problem. Some researchers feel parasites effect as many as 8 out of every 10 people.

Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites

Some parasites can live in your body and never create any problems. Others may cause symptoms that can go on for weeks or longer or that can periodically reoccur. Some of the symptoms of parasites may include:

Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal cramps
Gas and bloating
Distended abdomen
Anemia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Blood or mucous in the stool
Food allergies
Muscle and joint aches
Chronic fatigue
Anal or vaginal itching
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety
Weakened immune system
Excessive hunger
Skin conditions
Coughing
Fever
Nausea
Headaches
Memory loss or mental confusion
Worms visible in stool

What to do if you Suspect you have Parasites

You may want to see your physician for an exact diagnosis of parasites. There are anti-parasitic medications available if you choose to use them.

If you are already following a candida diet, you haven taken a big step towards conquering a parasite problem. Many natural practitioners also recommend a colon cleanser or the use of herbs that help rid your body of parasites, including garlic, Neem, ginger, clove, black walnut and pumpkin seed.

Even though it is a subject we shy away from talking about, human parasites are a serious health issue in the United States and around the world. If you suspect you are living with intestinal parasites, don’t be embarassed - be smart! Educate yourself about getting rid of parasites so that you can prevent them from returning in the future.

Vital Signs: Hazards: Take Care When Ordering Bear for Dinner (nytimes.com)
Hookworms, Allergies & Asthma (themoderatevoice.com)

Cayenne Red Pepper and Candida

Dee — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:04:44 +0000

Discussions about candida cures are heating up - especially when the talk turns to using cayenne red pepper to treat the condition. Cayenne pepper, or capsicum, as it is also known, is one method candida sufferers are finding aids significantly in their struggle to overcome their persistent problems. Here’s a closer look at how and why this spicy product is effective.

Cayenne Pepper: A History of Natural Healing

Throughout the centuries natural healers have used cayenne pepper to treat a variety of ailments. In fact, many herbalists today feel it is one of the most valuable remedies available. It is used to treat digestive problems, strokes, heart attacks, wounds, muscle aches, infections, circulatory problems and more. It’s even being studied as a treatment for prostate cancer. The list of medicinal properties attributed to cayenne red pepper include:

Rubefacient (reddens the skin by increasing circulation)
Anticoagulant (prevents blood clots)
Digestive aid
Carminative (prevents and relieves gas)
Stimulant
Tonic
Sialogogue (promotes the production of saliva)
Alterative (facilitates a positive change in the body, helps restore normal health)

Cayenne pepper is also an excellent source of beta carotene and Vitamin C.

The peppers themselves contain a substance called capsaicin, which has been the target of several studies exploring its medicinal benefits. The capsaicin is what gives the pepper it’s bite and is also what makes the herb so valuable in medicinal applications. It has an energizing effect throughout the body’s system, increasing circulation and boosting your metabolism rate.

Cayenne Pepper as a Candida Cure

One of the main ways cayenne pepper helps candida sufferers is by improving circulation. When circulation is optimum, your digestive system works more efficiently, ridding the body of waste and toxins more quickly. It helps cleanse the system and promote healing.

It is also believed that capsaicin kills candida albicans organisms. Tests have shown that animals with candida have fewer number of living candida colonies after receiving cayenne treatments.

Cayenne comes in capsules but it is highly recommended that you use a tincture or powder instead. It is known that the minute cayenne hits the nerve endings in the mouth, it sends a message throughout the body to increase blood flow. When taken in capsule form, the capsaicin never touches those nerve endings and minimizes the beneficial effects.

It is advised that you add either powder or a tincture of cayenne to a glass of water and drink it about 15 minutes before each meal. About a quarter teaspoon powdered cayenne or 8 drops of tincture is sufficient.

Please note that not all cayenne peppers are created equal. The heat units, also known as Scoville units, will vary from variety to variety. The higher the heat units, the more effective the cayenne. While the cayenne in your kitchen cabinets is about 3,000 Scoville units, ultra-hot habeneros, for example, can have up to 300,000 heat units.

There are no known side effects from the use of cayenne but it may interact with some other drugs. If you are taking any prescription medications, consult with your physician before beginning a cayenne regime.

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New Probiotic Research Aims at Binding Cells to the Gut

Deb — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:33:08 +0000

Today’s probiotics, when taken normally, pass through the gastrointestinal tract in a manner similar to most other medications. Some of the main ingredients are absorbed but the rest will pass through the body’s natural elimination system.

According to The Medical News, researchers from IFR, however, believe they may have found a specialized protein that will help healthy bacteria bind itself to the inside of the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that probiotics have the proper opportunity to interact with the bacteria inside the body while promoting healing.

The protein, which has been crystalized by the Institute of Food Research (IFR), should be able to stick to the mucous inside the intestinal tract. The natural bacteria in our intestines is able to do this naturally but most of the bacteria in probiotic supplements has trouble attaching itself and, therefore, has less time to do its job before being eliminated.

IFR, in conjunction with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, will continue to research the effects of this new protein on the gastrointestinal system. Because the gastrointestinal system is one of the largest organs associated with the immune system, advances in this field of study could have a huge impact on the way bacterial and fungal diseases, like Candida, are treated in the future!