by
Maria Teresa De Donato, PhD, RND, CNC, CMH, CHom
Candida
albicans is a fungus that manifests as yeast and filamentous cells
creating opportunistic (= by pathogens) oral and genital infections
in humans (1, 2) and an infection on the nail plate called candidal
onychomycosis. It resembles a parasite infection. Its ideal
environment is found in warm-blooded animals, especially in the
digestive and vaginal tracts.
An
overgrowth of yeast occupying the gastrointestinal tract generates a
serious medical condition called candidiasis
or yeast
syndrome able
to
bring
disruption in all body's systems and even morbidity and mortality in
people with an already compromised immune system. Several factors
contribute to candidiasis: among them there is a prolonged use of
antibiotics and birth control pills, estrogen
replacement therapy and elements such as environmental pollutants,
like pesticides, industrial chemicals and heavy metals which, while
destroying the body's beneficial bacteria, facilitate the fast growth
and multiplication of harmful bacteria such as yeast. Antibiotics
and steroids are also contained in most of the meats and animal
proteins people consume (3), this increasing the intake in the human
body to a much greater extent.
The high consume of simple carbohydrates (sugars, though
also bread, pasta and pizza made of white flour are also included) is
the first element responsible for yeast to prosper to such an extent
as to damage our health by generating Candida. The latter has proven
to be linked also to a high consume of alcohol “due to the
combination of high sugar content in alcohol and the inability of
alcoholics to assimilate nutrients.” (3) No need to say that by
highly decreasing the “white” products and the sugar intake (even
that contained in soda bevarages) yeast infection can be completely
healed. Though depending on our kind of diet, generally speaking
some 30 millions people may suffer from a Candida condition at any
given time in their lives. Blood Tests, Stool Analysis and/or
Electrodermal Biofeedback Screening are the methods used to dyagnose
candidiasis.
But why is Candida so dangerous and how does it harm our
organism? With its ongoing presence a yeast cell can produce more
than 75 toxic substances able to damage the tissues, compromise our
“immune system, glands, bladder, lung, liver and even our brain and
nervous system”. (4) The yeast prospers to such an extent as to
invade the gastrointestinal wall. In so doing, it destroys the
protective barrier which separates the intestinal tract from the
bloodstream. As consequence, toxic substances enter and pollute the
body generating or even worsening an already existing state of
auto-intoxication. This means that proteins and other food
by-products which are not completely digested or eliminated can
attack the immune system and cause serious allergic reactions,
fatigue and other health issues. Once Candida and other harmful
bacteria enter the bloodstream then soreness of the joints, chest
pains, sinus and skin problems as well as many other conditions may
arise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) links Candida
overgrowth, which is considered a immune inhibitor, to the concept of
“dampness” characterized by “feeling of heaviness,
sluggishness, mental dullness, possible infections with yeast and
other microorganisms, and pathogenic moisture such as edema and
excess mucus” (5) It can be transmitted from one person to the
other through sexual intercourse. Candida is, therefore, a serious
health problem which needs to be taken care of or, better said,
prevented through healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle.
Acetaldehyde and ethanol are respectively the major
waste product of yeast and the by-product. Anemia can occur in this
case due to the fact that Candida makes the absorption of iron
difficult when the tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Excessive
fatigue and lack of energy at a cellular level step in because of
ethanol. This also causes free radicals to be released, which
accelerate the aging process. Symptoms related to the presence and
overgrowth of Candida albicans are many and run from constipation to
diarrhea, from colitis to abdominal pains, from sinus infections to
acne, arthritis, depression, muscle and joint pains and many more.
While ignoring the
root of the problem and not removing it, mainstream medicine deals
with Candida through antibiotics. Nystatin (Nilstat or Mycostatin)
and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) are the pharmaceutical drugs physicians
usually prescribe in those cases. However, besides the fact that
Nystatin has proven to cause insomnia, depression, anxiety and even
paranoia in some patients, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) liver damage,
all of them may even worsen the situation in the long run by further
destroying the good bacteria necessary to maintain the intestinal
flora's balance and by weakening the immune system.
Hence, a good approach to Candida albicans (candidiasis,
yest infections) consists in preventing it from happening in the
first place through a proper and balanced nutrition and lifestyle
habits and in following a complete detoxification program if the
Candidiasis has already been diagnosed by a licensed physician.
To better understand why detoxifying the body is so
important you can click on the following link
http://www.environmentalhealthanddesign-dedoholistic.com/the-importance-of-detoxification-in-our-toxic-world/
and contact me
at info@dedoholistic.com
Disclaimer: The
informations above are for educational purpose only and not
intended as medical advice. Should you be under medical treatment
for yeast infections (Candidiasis, Candida albicans) I can still
assist you with a customized program to help you detoxify from the
infection and the toxins accumulated through the use of antibiotics,
to boost you immune system so that healing can occur completely and
more quickly, and suggest a proper diet according to your personal
needs.
References
1)
Ryan KJ, Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical
Microbiology (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.
2)
d'Enfert C & Hube B (editors) (2007). Candida: Comparative
and Functional Genomics. Caister Academic
Press. ISBN 978-1-904455-13-4.
3) Trivieri L., Anderson, J. W. (2002).
Alternative Medicine – The Definitive Guide. Candidiasis (pp.
618-623). Second Edition. Berkeley, CA: Celestials Arts
4) GCNM (2008).
Module 01. Nutritional Consultant (BSHH 401). NC 12: Toxicity &
Detoxification. Candida Albicans (pp. 20-22)
5)
Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods – Asian Traditions
and Modern Nutrition. Third Edition. Chapter Five: Interior/Exterior:
Building Immunity. Candida Overgrowth: Immune Inhibitor (p. 71).
Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books
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