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Candida - A Brief Overview
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It is estimated that 80% of Americans have a condition know as Candida. Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. It is normally present in our colon but it is kept in check by a healthy balance of friendly bacteria and digestive enzymes. The problem is that most American's have killed off their friendly bacteria due to the over use of pharmaceuticals and poor diet. It's one of the best kept secrets in America... one that manages to keep most of us very ill.
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There are many things which may create an imbalance in the body. Some of the most common forms of acquiring a yeast condition include:
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* Use of drugs such as antibiotics and birth control medication or steroids. This can include over the counter medications as well.
* A diet rich in processed carbohydrates that is lacking fiber and natural enzymes.
* X-Rays. This may be denied by many professionals but X-rays can create a yeast overgrowth condition to manifest - even simple teeth X-Rays.
* Trauma and long-term stress
* A baby can be born with a yeast condition if the mother also had a yeast problem when carrying the baby. Remember, the baby gets its nourishment from the mother. As well as Candida yeast! Babies with yeast will usually manifest symptoms early on in life, including thrush or chronic diaper rash.
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Symptoms: A short list of yeast symptoms are but not limited to, bloating stomach, sensitivity to odors, headaches, tiredness, depression, anxiety, headaches, allergies, muscle aches, inability to concentrate, digestive problems, skin rashes, kidney/bladder infections, yeast infections, blurred vision, vaginitis, infected nails, rectal itching, gas, thrush, low sex drive, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, fatigue. The longer you have had a Candida Overgrowth the more debilitating the symptoms can be.
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It is not difficult to get rid of yeast once you get it. The main point to address is getting your digestion in order; it is essential to healing a yeast condition. In my experiences, a person can completely eliminate a yeast problem in four weeks or less if the digestion is brought under control and the dietary changes are established. The most important thing to do is to stop feeding the yeast by limiting your carbohydrates to 10-15 grams per meal or 30 a day. Eliminate all processed carbohydrates especially white flour and sugar in all forms. It is also important to get a high-quality acidophilus [yogurt culture] supplement back into your system. Once you stop feeding the yeast and reintroduce the friendly bacteria, the body will begin to heal itself.
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Another very important supplement to include in your daily regiment would be a top quality yeast-free B-Complex or Multi vitamin. The majority of candida people seem to be deficient in B-complex which is one of the reasons for the feeling of great tiredness and inability to handle stress. B-complex is also essential in helping us to get a good night's sleep. So make sure to include this important supplement in your morning routine.
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The other reason for feeling tired is that candida is a living single cell organism that spills its waste products into your body. This overloads the immune system and has a toxic effect on you as your body works overtime trying to rid itself of an overabundance of waste.
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Candida thrives on starchy foods. The trick here is to STOP FEEDING THE YEAST! As you kill off the bad bacteria, you bring the body back into balance by introducing the good microorganisms in the form of a friendly bacteria supplement (acidophilus). Also introduce healthy digestive enzymes by adding a shot raw naturally fermented unpasteurized apple cider vinegar to your diet once or twice daily.
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Lori Jacobs
The Healing Path
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Lori’s Recommendations for Candida Overgrowth
Also recommended for Fibromyalgia Treatment and Epstein Barr Syndrome
~ Candida is an element naturally present in our intestinal flora. The natural balance can be offset by an improper diet, an impaired immune system, and/or use of medications, especially antibiotics or birth control pills. One course of antibiotics alone can cause this imbalance and when candida is in the “overgrowth” state it is like a parasite that spills toxins into your system causing you to feel miserable and crave carbohydrates. Something to keep in mind is that candida is a form of yeast that is fed by sugar and any carbohydrate is converted to sugar by our body. To get your intestinal flora back into balance, follow my three-step plan.
1] Provide Support for Immune System
* Take Endocrine Strengthener available from this website on the “Products” page
* Get plenty of rest [at least 7 hours per night-sleep in total darkness]
* Take a high potency multi-vitamin and mineral - take extra vitamin A, C and E
* Take one tablespoon of flaxseed oil daily
2] Flush the Digestive Tract and Balance Intestinal Flora.
* Drink lots of water; this will help flush the system and reduce the discomfort you feel as the yeast dies off. Remember that sometimes you feel worse before you feel better.
* Eat foods that add healthy bacteria[raw sauerkraut-the kind in bags, yogurt, miso soup, kimchi and naturally fermented apple cider vinegar]
* Take a sugar free Metamucil type fiber supplement daily.
* Very Important: If you don’t have a bowel movement daily; start your program with step one and two. Proceed to step three once you have achieved regularity.
3] Stop feeding the yeast by following the Candida Control Diet: (For at least one Month)
* Eliminate all sugars [you may use the herb stevia or Splenda as a substitute]
* Limit carbohydrates to 10-15 grams per meal
* Eliminate white flour, white rice, and pasta.
* Keep even whole grains to a minimum because your body turns carbs into sugar.
* Limit dairy products because of lactose (milk sugar.) but eat yogurt (no sugar added) 1-5 times weekly
* Eliminate all known or suspected food allergens.
* Discontinue use of all antibiotics unless it is an absolute medical necessity
* Eat all the high quality lean protein that you want. Go easy on the processed meats.
* I recommend The Protein Power Plan by doctors Michael and Mary Eades or South Beach Diet. If you choose South Beach Diet you must stay on Phase one for one month rather than the suggested two weeks
Eliminate the use of antibiotics, steroids, immune suppressing drugs, and birth control pills
Note: Although it is suggested to limit dairy products, I think it is important to eat yogurt because the acidophilus in yogurt is very beneficial in bringing the intestinal flora back into balance. If you do not like yogurt you may want to consider purchasing acidophilus tablets as a supplement.
Fibromyalgia – follow the above recommendations but add Fibro-Nervine [also available on The Healing Path website “Product” page] to your program.
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