Candida Information and Guide Note from Quantex Health Products

Candida is an opportunistic fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. When candida overgrows in the body, it can cause illnesses such as thrush and candidiasis. Today, doctors are finding more patients with overgrowth of C. albicans and other pathogenic fungi. The main predisposing risk factors for fungal infection include alterations in immunity associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, poor and sugary diet, nutrient deficiencies, heightened toxic exposure, stress, underlying malignancy, HIV infection, organ transplantation, chemotherapy and other immunosuppressive drug therapy. These and other factors, such as changes in endocrine and metabolic balance, may enhance fungal colonization, alter the body’s inner ecology and lower host's immune response.

C. albicans remains the most common infectious strain, accounting for approximately 50% of total Candida infections. Candida glabrata (8-18%), tropicalis (11-25%), parapsilosis (7-15%), and krusei (2-4%) have emerged as formidable players as well, and these pathogens display variable susceptibility to azole antifungal agents.

Candida species (spp) are a significant clinical problem for a variey of immunocompetent patients worldwide. Candidiasis has increased substantially in the past twenty years and Candida spp now rank fourth among microbes most frequently isolated from blood cultures and they are the most common opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. Paradoxically, modern medical practice which has prolonged the survival of a large number of patients, has also made them more susceptible to candidiasis⁽¹¹⁾.

The increased incidence of candidiasis, the increased resistance of Candida species to antifungal agents and the rise in lethality associated with infections by Candida spp has prompted renewed research on innovative ways to prevent and treat infections by these opportunistic yeasts. Medical advances are helping researchers understand the complexities of inner ecology including the interrelationship between Candida and various body systems. For example, vaginal candidiasis appears to coincide with C. albicans in the large intestine. When this occurs, successful treatment of intestinal overgrowth also addresses the health and balance of vaginal flora

• Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics, such as tetracycline for acne
• Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for recurrent infections, such as in the ears, bladder, vagina, or throat
• Infections (digestive or otherwise) that lower the immune system, creating an imbalance in innate flora.
• Poor diet (junk and sugary foods)
• Stress or trauma
• Birth control pill use and hormone replacement therapy in women
• Painkillers
• Regular use of cortisone-type drugs
• Stimulants and depressants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol)
• Diabetes (there will be more sugar in the blood and urine on which yeasts can feed)
• Pregnancy
• Eating disorders (starvation, vomiting, taking laxatives)
• Not being breast fed for the first six months
• Old age
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• HIV and AIDS
• Humid climates.

Candida Symptoms

Feelings of frustration and loneliness are common when dealing with a yeast overgrowth because Candida is evasive to much of the medical community. The following list of common symptoms are indicative of Candida overgrowth:

• Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn or pain in the intestines
• Bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhea or perhaps alternating between the two
• Food cravings especially for carbohydrates or sweets.
• Mood swings, depression or suicidal tendencies
• Headaches or migraines
• Menstrual problems, PMS or break through bleeding, endometriosis.
• Respiratory concerns, asthma frequent bronchial congestion
• Dry, itchy skin or hives
• Finger or toe nail fungus
• Vertigo or balance problems
• Joint or muscle pain
• Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
• Allergies…air-born or food-related
• Malabsorption (might be indicated by vertical grooves in fingernails)
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Itching or redness in body creases
• Acne on face, back or body
• Cravings for chocolate, peanuts, pistachios or alcohol
• Adrenal or thyroid failure
• Hemorrhoids, fissure or rectal bleeding
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue
• Feeling cold and shaky
• Weight imbalances (over or under-weight despite diet)
• Poor memory
• Puffy, dry or burning eyes
• Urinary tract problems (infections, prostatitis, incontinence)
• Premature ageing
• Chemical sensitivity (especially colognes or fabric dye)
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Thrush/Gum Receding
• Numbness

The epithelium of the small bowel is essential for the absorption of all major nutrients. Fermentation in the colon of dietary fibers leads to the production of a number of end products, including gases such as hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide, as well as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The predominant SCFAs are acetate, propionate and butyrate. SCFAs are almost entirely absorbed by the colonic mucosa and thus provide a source of energy to the host. The epithelim of the colon is nurtured mainly by the butyric acid. The integrity of the epithelium of the esophagus, stomach, and small and large bowels is essential in maintaining the balance of the microecology.

The lactic acid and the SCFAås mainly acetate, propionate and butyrate are predominantly produced in the first part of the large intestine (the ascending or proximal colon, fig. 4), while the phenolic and the nitrogenous compounds are produced in the descending (distal) and the sigmoid colon where many gastro-intestinal disorders develop.

How Do I Know I've Got Candida?

Candida symptoms are many, as indicated earlier. You can use the simple home saliva test click here for information, this will give you an idea of your candida level.
Common diagnostic tests to determine the presence of candida and leaky gut include the following:

• Candida Immune Complexes is a blood test that has been proven to be effective in the detection and monitoring of candida overgrowth (Candidiasis). Candida Immune Complexes correlate to clinical symptoms of Candidiasis;
• Candida antibody panel (IgG, IgM, IgA) ( is a blood test);
• Intestinal permeability testing for leaky gut syndrome (a blood test); and
• Digestive stool analysis and culture.

These tests help health care practitioners detect candida overgrowth, measure your resistance levels and determine your digestive efficiency and the presence of leaky gut. Food allergy screening (including IgG), which exposes delayed or hidden food responses, gluten sensitivity screening, and immune profiles further refine the therapeutic program.

HOW CAN CANDIDA BE CONTROLLED AND REMOVED.

Candida is very “tricky”, to say the least. One has to be trickier. It creates imbalances in the intestinal and vaginal flora. The more the imbalance, the more the symptoms (as indicated above).

Three strategies can be used to control or get rid of candida, as depicted in the diagram below:

1. Diet and Fiber.

Nutritional programs including internal cleansing are one approach to controlling candida overgrowth. As indicated above, diet should exclude fruit, sugar and yeast. Especially in the beginning of the treatment you have to be very strict and disciplined. You will find out about the importance of diet, when you “cheat” and feel the effect. You have to be tuned to your body and understand why symptoms come and go. Without that understanding, it will be difficult to control the Candida “monster”. That is the reason we have included a lot of information on our website regarding this and other issues related to microflora balancing.

The following dietary suggestions are important to follow:

1. Eliminate or minimize the use of antibiotics, steroids, immune-suppressing drugs and oral contraceptives (only after consulting with your health care provider or physician).

2. Change your diet to one that will not encourage the growth of Candida. Eliminate fruit and fruit juices, sugar and other sweeteners including honey, cheese, dairy products and yeast. Candida thrives in a sugary environment, so your diet should be low in carbohydrates and contain no yeast products or sugar in any form. Soy sauce, mushroom, breads with yeast, baked goods and peanuts should be eliminated, as should any refined foods and any foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Avoid coffee, soda and alcoholic beverages, as well as any fermented foods or beverages such as vinegar.

3. Eat plenty of vegetables and lean protein. The following foods are beneficial: most vegetables, especially broccoli, kale, garlic, turnip greens, onions, cabbage, eggs, fish and chicken. Homemade soups and stews are excellent. Substitute yeast-free millet bread with gluten free grains such as millet and quinoa. Limit potatoes, beets, carrots and corn.

4. Drink plenty of distilled or purified water: about 6-8 glasses a day.

5. Enhance digestion by eating more raw foods, chewing thoroughly and taking enzymes with every meal.

6. Re-establish beneficial flora in your intestinal tract with acidophilus and bifidus supplements, to help restore the normal balance of flora in the bowel and vagina, as indicated throughout this web site. Our Xtralac product is of the highest quality and potency available on the market today. Dosage is of utmost importance. The higher the intestinal flora imbalance due to Candida or other pathogenic bacteria, the higher the dosage of multistrain probiotic culture will be needed to overcome the resistance created by these pathogens. That dosage differs from person to person. It may be 50 billion cfu’s per day, 500 billion or even more. Thus gradual increase in dosage will determine the optimum dosage for each individual.

7. Improve immune function by stimulating lymph flow through exercise and deep breathing.

8. Increase fiber consumption. This will help absorb and sweep out the toxins that are being created as Candida dies off. Ground flaxseeds are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytochemicals called lignans. Colloidal bentonite and psyllium husk are also effective fibers.

9. Cleanse your system with herbs that help reduce Candida. Our supergreen drinks help here

10. Repairing the intestinal wall and healing the ‘leaky gut’ by replacing or augmenting nutrients that support gastrointestinal mucosal healing. Vitamins, minerals, L-glutamine and fiber work synergistically to heal the intestines. A program including glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, milk thistle, dandelion, B-complex vitamins and a range of antioxidants can further help the liver in the detoxification process. Our XTRAZYME digestive support product is excellent for this.

11. Stay on a probiotic and fiber supplement and continue on a maintenance diet and add back fruits and grains slowly!!

12. Probiotic retention enemas performed once a week or month, to replace “friendly” intestinal bacteria is also beneficial. Candida reside mainly in the colon and especially in the lowest part of the colon. This is due to a progressive increase in bacterial numbers and diversity towards more distal regions of the colon, where many gastro-intestinal disorders can develop Also, the usage of anti-Candida medications may accumulate part of the “dead” Candida in the descending and sigmoid colon and hence their removal is beneficial.

2. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microbial food supplements that benefit humans and animals by improving intestinal microbial balance. As we indicated earlier, the causes of Candida are manifold. Candida results from a change of the intestinal and vaginal microflora creating an imbalance between good and bad bacteria. The more the imbalance, the more varied the symptoms. In addition, the strain type of candida overgrowth affects the severity of symptoms and duration of treatment.

The use of probiotics is the most natural and common sense method to bring back the balance. Dosage differs from person to person. The greater the imbalance, the higher the dosage that may be required to overcome the resistance that Candida creates against probiotics to reinoculate the digestive and vaginal systems. That is the reason we start at a medium dosage of 50 billion cfu’s per day and go up to a maximum of 500 billion cfu’s a day. Dosage is determined by the individual taking the probiotics.

To be most effective, probiotics must be live or viable, multistrain containing both Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria

Hence quality and high potency probiotics must be used to change the microflora imbalance created by Candida and other pathogenic bacteria.

3. Anti-Fungals.

The major anti-fungal prescription medications are: Nystatin, Diflucan, Nizoral and Sporanox. Natural antifungal and antibacterial agents are garlic, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, pau d’arco, uva ursi, golden seal, caprylic acid and citrus seed extract.

Generally speaking, proper diet, high potency and quality multi-strain probiotics and natural anti-fungal agents should be first priority in the prevention, control and elimination of Candida. If you have a more virulent Candida strain, you may require prescription medication. The kinds and dosages of prescription anti-fungals should be determined by your health care provider, based on your stool, urine and/or blood analyses. Simultaneously, the use of highest potency and quality multi-strain probiotics is essential.

As the intestinal and vaginal microflora become balanced, you can tolerate a greater variety of foods.

If you think you might have symptoms of candida overgrowth, consult a health care practitioner who is familiar with this condition. Other conditions have similar manifestations. Self-diagnosis and self-treatment may cause these conditions to be overlooked.

For further information, comments or ordering our QUALITY probiotic dietary supplements please review our informative web site, and do not hesitate to Contact by phone, fax, e-mail or our online store .