Proving the Link between Yeast Overgrowth Prevention and Optimal Health
In 1983 internist and allergy specialist Dr. C. Orian Truss compiled years of clinical research into what may be the most revealing analysis ever written about the health hazards of candida overgrowth.
His research gave us a detailed look at the connection between chronic candidiasis (the long-term proliferation in the body of the Candida albicans yeast) and countless physical and emotional symptoms, including fatigue, overweight, gas and bloating, brain fog, depression, irritability and more.
Dr. Truss documented his clinical experience with the yeast organism, describing numerous cases wherein patients were diagnosed with everything from common allergies to psychiatric disorders simply because doctors were unable to pinpoint the origin of the problem. In each case, however, symptoms decreased and overall health improved when the treatment focused on eradicating Candida albicans.
An Ever-present Danger…
Candida albicans is just one of trillions of microscopic organisms present in the human digestive tract throughout the entire life cycle. Candida albicans makes up nearly 75 percent of the body’s immune system and if that delicate balance of beneficial to harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract is disturbed, disease-causing microorganisms may be allowed to thrive and multiply. In the case of Candida albicans, the destructive yeast will invade and damage the surrounding tissues, and in severe situations the overgrowth may spread to the bloodstream.
What Causes Yeast Overgrowth?
Proliferation of the Candida albicans yeast begins with a weakened immune system. Many times the problem can be traced back to individual diet and lifestyle habits. Among the most common causes of a bacterial imbalance in the gut are stress, illness, the misuse or overuse of prescription antibiotics and acid-blocking drugs; the use of cortisone and other steroids; overconsumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates; fluctuating hormone levels (common in women during PMS and pregnancy); and exposure to toxins such as mercury (typically from dental fillings), which kills the good bacteria that keep destructive yeast under control.
Identifying the Problem…
If not eliminated from the body, Candida albicans will continue to thrive and may eventually cause long-term damage to the body’s vital organs and organ systems. In some cases, chronic candidiasis can lead to diabetes, fatty liver disease, chronic arthritis, and even bowel disorders such as Crohn’s disease. For this reason, identifying the microscopic invaders and eventually eradicating them is essential for reestablishing a state of optimum health.
Because standard medical tests are often inconclusive, doctors and health practitioners must rely on the patient’s “clinical picture” in order to determine whether or not he or she is suffering from an overgrowth of Candida albicans.
Preventing Candida Overgrowth Naturally…
An effective natural yeast prevention program must first begin with necessary diet changes such as eating fewer carbohydrates. This class of foods consists mainly of starchy, sugary foods shown to promote the growth of Candida albicans. It is also best to avoid caffeinated foods and beverages, along with sugar, honey and other sweeteners, processed foods, condiments (including sauces and vinegar products), dried or candied fruits, fruits and fruit juices, cheese and dairy products, mushrooms, wheat and yeast products, peanuts, and fermented foods and beverages (including wine and beer).
Candida-eliminating Herbal Cleanse…
To help eliminate Candida albicans from the body and reestablish a healthy microbial environment in the intestines, look for an herbal internal cleansing formula developed specifically to help rid the body of the invading yeast organisms. Such a formula should consist of herbs, amino acids and other beneficial natural ingredients working synergistically to assist the body with the cleansing of yeast and promote a healthy balance of intestinal florae. This blend of multiple ingredients is important because the yeast organisms can mutate rapidly and become resistant to single-ingredient remedies.
Ongoing Nutritional Supplementation…
In addition to healthy diet and lifestyle changes and herbal cleansing, daily supplementation with probiotics, fiber and enzymes is essential when it comes to preventing yeast overgrowth. Taking digestive enzymes between meals can help break down Candida albicans by attacking its cell walls. On an empty stomach right before bed, take a multi-strain enzyme supplement that contains protease, cellulase, amylase, lipase, lactase and other plant-derived enzymes.
A daily probiotic supplement will help restore and maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria by crowding out harmful yeast organisms. Look for a high-Bifido, critical care formula with at least 50 billion active cultures per capsule and added Lactobacilli and Lactococcus cultures to support the health of the small intestine. Enteric-coated capsules will ensure targeted delivery of the beneficial probiotics directly to the intestines.
Finally, daily supplementation with a natural fiber supplement that includes the prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) will help nourish healthy gut bacteria. Look for a flax-based formula with added herbal ingredients and amino acids to support overall intestinal tract health.