Chapter 2
Candidiasis... The Yeast Infection
What is Candidiasis?
Candidiasis (pronounced kan-di-di'-a-sis) is a yeast infection commonly
found in people subjected to factors such as a history of chronic negative
stress, prolonged use of antibiotics, prednisone, sulfa drugs such as
Bactrim® or Septra® , birth control pills, other estrogens such as
Premarin® and other hormones and steroids. Small populations of candida
yeast, (generically known as Candida albicans) normally occur in
all healthy men and women. A strong immune system as well as the
beneficial Lactobacillus (yogurt type) bacteria found in healthy colons
help control the populations of candida. The indiscriminate use of
antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, and laxatives, allows these
normally harmless organisms to multiply unchecked and take control of the
body.
When yeasts multiply unchecked, they put out toxins which
circulate throughout the body, weakening the immune system. The Candida
(yeasts and fungus) become more abundant when your resistance has been
lowered due to nutritional deficiencies, allergies, infection, or some
other debilitating cause. These fungus toxins usually cause many different
forms of illnesses such as depression, fatigue, loss of concentration, and
aggravate PMS. In addition, they can also cause severe headaches,
increased susceptibility to infection, a weakened immune system, and can
aggravate food allergies and chemical sensitivities.
Once infecting the body, Candida albicans (also called
"monilia" or "thrush") can cause vaginal itching,
swelling, soreness, burning urination and a white, cheesy discharge.
Dr. Martin H. Zwerling, M.D., in an article published in
the South Carolina Medical Association Journal told of an
"incurable" patient who was being treated by several
specialists:
"Her gynecologist is treating for recurrent vaginitis
and irregular menstrual periods, while an otolaryngologist is trying to
control her external otitis and chronic rhinitis. At the same time, her
internist is unsuccessfully attempting to manage symptoms of bloating,
indigestion and abdominal pain, and a dermatologist is struggling with
bizarre skin rashes, hives and psoriasis. Lastly, her psychiatrist has
been unable to convince the patient that her 'nerves' are the cause of her
extreme irritability, inability to concentrate and depression. Some
doctors would label such a patient as "psychosomatic" and since
there is "nothing physically wrong", the doctors might conclude
that they cannot cure her."
Incurable? Not if you THINK YEAST!
This patient and thousands like her are suffering from
chronic candidiasis. Some of the sickest patients seen in private practice
have a problem with Candida albicans and will respond to treatment. [8]
What can cause a yeast infection?
Aspects of our lifestyle that foster continuing yeast growth include the
taking of oral contraceptives, antibiotics, sulfa drugs, synthetic steroid
medications and overuse of laxatives; eating foods high in yeast and
gluten content such as bread, brewer's yeast, beer, and mushrooms. In
addition, eating a diet with an excess of refined or simple sugar
carbohydrates such as candies, sweets, cookies, chips, pastas and ever
present "junk food" can also foster yeast growth. Dietary
deficiencies such as vitamins C, A and E; some B vitamins; zinc, and
selenium weaken natural immune defense mechanisms which rely on these
nutrients as coenzymes. Toxin accumulations in the lower bowels or colon
also destroy the beneficial Lactobacillus organism which normally would
help control the yeast.
These dietary patterns provide a good culture medium for
the candida to grow and prosper.
Can candidiasis be treated?
Yes. Naturopathic medicines and nutrients can rid the body of Candida
overgrowth while leaving natural disease-fighting "good
bacteria" needed for robust health.
Unfortunately, many physicians don't recognize systemic
Candida overgrowth as a medical problem unless it is found exclusively in
the mouth (as thrush) or vagina (as yeast). That is why many chronic
problems caused by Candida are often misdiagnosed and determined to be of
mental rather than physical origin.
One must remember that the body functions as a complex,
interrelated system. Since hormone imbalances, hypoglycemia, low thyroid
function, candidiasis, vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, allergies (of
food, chemical or environmental origin), toxin accumulations, negative
stresses and other conditions are all interrelated they must all be
addressed in order for a person to regain and enjoy good health. This is
what naturopathic medicine strives to accomplish.
We know the use of excess natural sugars (including honey)
can aggravate and continue the Candida problem. Our clinic uses natural,
yeastfree medicines.
TABLE 3
Partial List of Possible Common Yeast-
Connected Signs, Symptoms and Conditions.
(Only a trained physician should make the determination
of diagnosis as these symptoms could be caused by other
problems such low thyroid, toxin accumulation, environmental
allergies, nutritional deficiencies, etc.)
Agitation Earaches
Allergies Fatigue
Anyiety Gas
Arthritis Gastritis
Asthma Hayfever
Autism Headaches
Bloating Hyperactivity
Body aches Hypoglycemia
Bronchitis Impotence
Chemical sensitivities Irritability
Chronic heartburn Learning difficulties
Chronic infections Memory loss
Chronic liver disease Menstrual problems
Colitis Multiple sclerosis
Constipation Muscle pain
Cramping in the belly PMS
Depression Psoriasis
Diarrhea Respiratory problems
Digestive disorders Short attention span
Disturbed senses of taste, Skin problems
smell, vision or hearing Urinary disorders
Dizziness Vaginitis
We recommend that you read "The Yeast Connection " by
William Crook, M.D.; and "The Missing Diagnosis" by Orian
Truss, M.D. These authors clearly show that unfortunately, yeast
infections often escape diagnosis as the cause of many illnesses.
Chapter 3 : ALLERGIES..Environmental
& Chemical Sensitivities & Asthma
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