Hot Health Tips | December 2004

Hot Health Tips

Candidas Albicans Overgrowth—
A Dangerous Systemic Yeast Infection
By Dr. Jeff Bartlett

If you've ever taken antibiotics, birth control pills, been pregnant, eaten a high-carbohydrate diet, or have had chronic bloating of your lower abdomen, there is "a fungus among us" that you need to be aware of. Candidas Albicans Overgrowth (a.k.a. Candidiasis) brings with it a long list of health problems.

When this opportunistic yeast is allowed to proliferate and become a chronic yeast infection throughout the digestive tract, it will mutate and become very hard to control. Like a predator, this yeast-like fungus will branch out from the intestinal mucous membrane and invade the body. As it changes to a fungal state, it becomes invasive and produces rhizoids, which are branches that bore through the mucous membrane seeking nourishment. The microscopic holes can allow fecal toxins, bacteria and yeast to enter the bloodstream. Once the fungus becomes systemic in nature, it can:

• suppress the immune system, increasing your susceptibility to disease
• overload the eliminating organs (liver & kidneys) with toxins
• cause skin eruptions and rashes as your skin tries to eliminate the toxins
• worsen food, chemical, and environment sensitivity (i.e., smoke bothers you more)
• cause chronic respiratory infections
• result in bloating of lower abdomen/excess gas/painful intestinal pressure
• be possibly linked to fibromyalgia (general weakness)

Researchers have also linked Candidiasis to a number of other health problems including depression, anxiety, irritability, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, lethargy, migraine, headaches, urethritis, repeated vaginal yeast infections, premenstrual tension, menstrual problems, and more.

How is Candidiasis diagnosed and treated?

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, Candidas Albicans Overgrowth may be the cause. While you should talk to your doctor, remember that this fungus is often an under-diagnosed and unrecognized problem in allopathic circles. We highly recommend trying a natural alternative approach before considering any anti-fungal medications, as taking any pill comes at a price, both in terms of dollars and damage to your overall health. (Anti-fungal medications have been linked to severe liver damage, skeletal muscle destruction, and acute kidney failure.) Here are some natural alternatives to combat this fungus and rehabilitate your body:

1. Proper diet. Avoid sugars in all forms. No more sugar, syrups, fruit drinks, soft drinks or honey.
2. Detoxification. It's so important to cleanse and detoxify your body to help fight off this opportunistic yeast. See the September article "Are You Clean Inside?"
3. Attack the yeast! Find a natural anti-fungal supplement that includes olive leaf, garlic, Pau d'Arco, grapefruit seed extract, and oregano. While we recommend the "Ultimate Cleanse" from Nature's Best, any high-grade yeast-fighting product is sufficient. There are also Cellulase enzymes that have the ability to attack the Candida cell wall.
4. Rebuild the colon by repopulating it with "good/friendly" bacteria. Saccharomyces Boulardii is a "friendly" yeast that has the capability to fight off Candidas Albicans. You should be able to find this at any natural food store or Whole Foods.

While treating Candidiasis is not simple, if you follow the above recommendations, your condition should improve. The advantage of the natural approach is that you are much more likely to control the yeast permanently and put your immune system back on track so that it can resist other problems that may come your way.