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Medical Considerations Candida Discussion Disclaimer
Medical Considerations
Pro-Biotics: We must create a healthy environment within the Gastrointestinal Tract. Antibiotics destroy the friendly gut bacteria, allowing the naturally present candida bacteria to overpopulate, and then mutate into a mold, which penetrates the intestinal wall to infect the rest of the body. This process has the end result of a "Polysystemic Candidiasis Infection." (Poly meaning in many systems of the body.) Replacing friendly bacteria on a regular basis, but especially during and after any antibiotic use, is very important for the prevention of a candida overgrowth. "Pro-Biotic’s" replaces the delicate strands of the various acidophilus types of intestinal bacterium. This is essential during Candida die off so other Candida does not "refill" back into the empty spaces in the intestines. Pro-Biotic’s has a powerful 7.8 Billion Units of Activity, assists in combating digestive disorders, and vaginal yeast infections, and helps the body resist diseases caused by "unfriendly" bacteria.
IsoZymes: Iso means "the same". ISO Science is the science of using natural "isomolecules" that your body recognizes as "similar" or "equivalent" to your body's own and are instantly absorbed and utilized. "IsoZymes" is a very complete spectrum of several digestive enzymes, all working in synergy. Raw food has intact enzymes that assist in the digestion of that food group. Cooking destroys enzymes. Our bodies also have enzymes that assist in digesting foods, however enzyme function diminishes with age. Failure to completely digest foods leads to incomplete assimilation of nutrients. The result is the development of a number of chronic medical conditions, food allergies included. "IsoZymes" are made from premium plant sources. Plant based digestive enzymes work at any pH; meaning once it is in your stomach, it starts working right away. Animal based digestive enzymes do not begin to work until after your stomach pH drops very low; thus any person with hypochlorhydria (a lack of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juices), may never benefit from animal based digestive enzymes. Enzymes taken with meals will be used up in the stomach while they help digest that meal. Enzymes taken on an empty stomach will go into the blood stream intact. Blood conditions such as stacking of red blood cells (RBCs) like a stack of coins (RBC Rouleau), or red blood cells clumping together (RBC Aggregation), or accumulations of Uric Acid Crystals in the blood, can be greatly helped with a combination of Plant Digestive Enzymes and Antioxidants, taken on an empty stomach. (See our section on
pain.) Health NOTE: Individuals with extreme cases of Gastritis, Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers should begin their Enzyme Supplementation with "IsoGastric" and gradually transition over to "IsoZymes" in approximately 4-6 weeks. This is due to the situation that Protease may temporarily have a burning sensation on individuals with these situations, thus "IsoGastric" does not contain Protease.
IsoGastric: Iso means "the same". ISO Science is the science of using natural "isomolecules" that your body recognizes as "similar" or "equivalent" to your body's own and are instantly absorbed and utilized. This multiple enzyme nutritional supplement was formulated for those Individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal distress. Individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers, indigestion, and those with a stressed gallbladder or liver will benefit from "IsoGastric." "IsoGastric" contains specialty herbs that are soothing to the gastrointestinal system and does not contain Protease.
Liver Detox and Support: Your liver is primarily responsible for breaking down and packaging up toxins for transport out of you body. If your liver is not functioning at top capacity, then a build-up of toxins can occur. The first sign of toxin build-up is usually headaches and nausea. It is therefore essential to process, deactivate, package up, and then eliminate toxins. Your liver is also responsible for storing glycogen, which is converted into glucose (blood sugar) in times of need. Your liver can store up to about 24 hours worth of glycogen at any one time. Your liver is the second largest organ for good reasons. "Liver Detox and Support" is a safe and convenient formula for natural liver support. It contains a unique blend of amino acids to nourish, cleanse and support normal and healthy liver function. It is an important supplement for providing maximum liver detoxification processes as well as protecting the liver from harmful environmental and microbial damage.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Tests for all levels of dysbiosis (imbalance of intestinal flora), plus presence of parasites and other factors that can affect health, which can be diagnosed via a stool analysis.
Natural formulations that kill Candida: Several natural formulations that kill Candida overgrowth are available for sale from doctor’s offices.
Drugs: The common drugs for Candida overgrowth infections are Nystatin and Diflucan. These drugs come in various potencies, and methods of delivery. There are possible complications of these drugs if you are on other meditations. This is where the doctor can get creative and treat the sinuses as well.
Antigens to Candida allergies:
Candida infections can also occur in the gastrointestinal tract as well. When this occurs it is called "Systemic Candidiasis," and affects both men and women! This may be present without any symptoms or may be the cause of numerous problems. While gastrointestinal issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping are predominate, other problems may occur as well including, headaches, sinusitis, palpitations, and environmental allergies and food allergies. Candida is a genus of yeast like fungi that are commonly part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestinal tract, and vagina. It is a necessary bacterium as part of the normal flora for human health. The problems arise when Candida becomes out of balance. There are numerous different strains of flora present within the digestive system. The two main intestinal bacterium are Candida Albicans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. I like to think of Candida as dandelions and Lactobacillus as grass. Candida is a very opportunistic bacterium and Lactobacillus is very delicate. When Lactobacillus gets killed off, (which occurs very easily), then Candida over-populates to fill in all the new space from the Lactobacillus die-off. If Candida is allowed to get too far in overgrowth, it takes on a second phase of existence, and becomes a mold, complete with rhizomes (roots) that penetrate the walls of the large intestine. When this occurs, undigested proteins and other foods begin to leak through the intestinal walls as undigested foods. Then the body will begin to have lots of further problems including food allergies. When the Candida bacteria present as a mold in the intestines, and the rhizomes penetrate the walls of the intestines, and the endotoxins from the Candida overgrowth begin to invade the rest of the body, then the meaning of "Polysystemic Candidiasis," begins to take a very new meaning. ("Poly" meaning many, and "systemic" meaning systems.) I have treated many patients whose Systemic Candidiasis infection was not discovered, and both the endotoxins, and further candida growth were discovered in other parts of the body. One example is a patient with sinus pressure, relentless, for many years. Her previous doctors told her it was all in her mind. Her pains in her sinuses felt like stabbing nails at times. Traditional antibiotics did not help, but actually allowed further intestinal growth of Candida, which allowed in her case, further Candida growth in her sinuses! When Candida infections become this involved, it is time to see a doctor, and not try to treat yourself. The proper treatment will involve the use of heavy prescription medication specifically designed to treat Candida. However the prescribing doctor must first understand traditional prescription instructions simply will not affect the yeast in the sinuses. There is another way to address this problem. The endotoxin die off, from the die off of the Candida overgrowth, especially in a fully Systemic Candida infection, can make a patient very sick. Other organ support must be addressed in these cases. Allergies specific to the Candida, and or its endotoxins, can become a real problem. Antigens specific to the Candida must be administered. This can only be done under the supervision and prescription of a doctor. The single largest organ to support in times of Candida die off is the liver. Some liver support supplements are readily available to the public without a doctor's prescription. (Listed below under Liver Detox and Support, Supportive Information.) Dietary fiber improves all aspects of colon function. Of central importance is the role it plays in maintaining a suitable flora in the colon. A low-fiber intake is associated with both an overgrowth of endotoxin-producing bacteria (bad guys) and a lower percentage of Lactobacillus (good guys) and other acid loving bacteria. A diet high in dietary fiber promotes the growth of acid loving bacteria through the increased synthesis of short chain fatty acids, which reduce the colon pH. The incidence of Candida infections sharply rose at about the time of the Second World War. This is when antibiotics were discovered. Though antibiotics have saved many lives, heavy use of antibiotics are always associated with Systemic Candida Infections. This is because antibiotics generally kill off the delicate strains of the good intestinal bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Women are at increased risk of vaginal Candida infections when they have an overgrowth of intestinal Candida. This is due to the short distance between the vaginal opening and the anus. Proper hygiene will be of a definite benefit. A small but important piece of advice for women: Always wipe from front to back so you don’t "push" intestinal bacteria towards your vaginal opening.
A large body of evidence over the past 75 years has demonstrated the preventive health value of eating foods fermented with Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria. These beneficial bacteria are referred to as Probiotics. Probiotic bacteria are considered "friendly" bacteria. They are an essential component of a healthy gastrointestinal tract as they inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, boost immune function, decrease infection in the digestive tract, and enhance digestion through enzyme production. There are numerous species of lactobacilli and many strains for each species. The most well known of these, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteris, are normal inhabitants of the human digestive tract. Others, like L. bulgaricus and L. Salivarius are not. These organisms, though, still play an important role in maintaining the proper ratio of "friendly" organisms in the bowel by producing "bacteriocins" chemicals that destroy harmful (unfriendly) bowel organisms. Acidophilus and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. These compounds increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the growth of less desirable organisms that fair poorly in this acidic environment. By occupying an ecological niche in the intestine, they further limit the growth of opportunistic organisms. A number of studies have demonstrated benefit of supplementation with Probiotics. The Annals of Internal Medicine published a study which showed that Lactobacillus ingestion reduced and prevented vaginal yeast infections in women. Lactobacillus has also demonstrated positive benefits in irritable bowel syndrome. The DDS-1 strain developed at the University of Nebraska, has proven to be a superior strain in terms of its compatibility with the human GI tract and its stability. (Therefore, the DDS-1 strain is used in this formula.) In another recent study, increasing levels of bifidobacteria reduced the count of Clostridium, a pathogenic disease causing bowel organism. Lowering of the level of Closridium reduced the amount of large bowel toxic chemicals believed to promote cancer. Also, the incidence of "traveler’s diarrhea," which is caused by pathogenic bacteria can be reduced by preventive use of probiotics. It is also important to utilize Probiotics after antibiotic use as recolonizing the intestine may reduce post antibiotic infection in the digestive tract by fifty percent. The choice of Probiotics is very important. PowerHealth International uses highly viable, stable strains of organisms that survive passage through the digestive tract and take up residence in the GI tract. Side Effects: There are no known side effects with the use of probiotics. References:
1. De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. The role of probiotics in modulation of the immune system in man and in animals. Int J Immunother 1993;9:23–28.
"IsoZymes" Health NOTES: 1. "IsoZymes" is a TOTAL ENZYME FORMULA. Once you start experiencing a quality digestive support formula with your meals, you'll never stop. For optimum health, digestive enzymes should be taken with all meals. I recommend taking one capsule at the beginning of each small meal, two capsules at the beginning of normal meals, and three capsules at the beginning of all heavy meals like meat or pizza, or large amounts of food. 2. Individuals with extreme cases of Gastritis, Gastric or Duodenal Ulcers should begin their Enzyme Supplementation with "IsoGastric" and gradually transition over to "IsoZymes" in about 4 weeks. This is due to the situation that the Protease within "IsoZymes" may temporarily have a burning sensation, for individuals with these situations, thus "IsoGastric" does not contain Protease for this reason. 3. "IsoZymes" nutritional supplementation provides nutritional support for: most digestive disorders; prevention of malabsorption; food allergies; gallbladder stress; sugar intolerance; dairy intolerance; intestinal disorders. Supportive Information for all Enzymes: Enzymes are responsible for every activity of life. Each and every chemical reaction that takes place within the human body requires enzymes. Our digestive processes are dependent on adequate levels and functioning of digestive enzymes. Raw food has intact enzymes that assist in digestion. Nature intended us to obtain these enzymes from our food sources. Most individuals though, ingest high amounts of cooked food devoid of such enzymes. As our own body’s enzyme function likely diminishes with age, failure of proper digestion can result. This may evolve into a lack of adequate nutrition and the development of a number of chronic medical conditions. A quality line of enzyme products should be utilized on a daily, meal to meal basis, for anyone who has indigestion, or any other digestive complaints. All enzymes need to be plant based. This is very important as plant based enzymes work under nearly all pH environments. Animal based enzymes will only work "after" your stomach lowers its pH to around 3.0. This certainly will not benefit those individuals who already have digestive problems related to improper stomach pH values. There are two classes of enzymes recognized: 1. Metabolic enzymes - These are responsible for repair, formation and function of each cell within each and every tissue of the body. Over the course of time, these enzymes "wear out" and require replenishment by the body. 2. Digestive enzymes – The main enzymes are the proteases, amylases and lipases, which are involved in the breakdown of ingested proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (fats) respectively. However there are also other enzymes that should be included in a proper enzyme formula. IsoZymes and IsoGastric has this complete enzyme formula. Proper breakdown of these ingested foods is necessary to allow proper absorption of the nutrients to occur. The current use of metabolic enzymes is limited to specific medical situations such as clot dissolution through intravenous use. Digestive enzymes, though, have been used and are available in supplemental form to assist in numerous digestive disorders. There is extensive evidence that supports the use of digestive enzymes for a wide range of Gastrointestinal illness including malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease and lactose intolerance. There are at least two studies that have shown benefit in food allergies with the use of enzymes. Conventional physicians frequently recommend enzymes for all of these aforementioned situations. Heartburn and indigestion also frequently may respond to enzyme nutritional support. Additional uses: European literature recognizes additional uses for plant based proteolytic enzymes. These compounds have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic (blood thinning) and anti-tumor properties in a number of animal experiments. A study in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases showed benefit in individuals with arthritis. 556 people with various forms of arthritis were studied. 283 had good to excellent improvement and 219 showed mild to moderate improvement. The specific enzyme Bromelain, found within "Digestive Support" has been used successfully in Europe as an anti-inflammatory in diverse conditions such as allergic rhinitis and minor trauma including sprains and strains. Quality enzyme formulas thus have a broad range of applicability from improvement in digestion and gastrointestinal disorders, to enhancement of blood flow in individuals with circulatory disorders, to lessening of allergic and arthritis symptoms. Side Effects: Individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers should use "IsoGastric" initially in order to avoid Protease, which may cause burning in these individuals. After 4 weeks gradually transition over to "IsoZymes". There are no other known side effects with the recommended use of these supplements. Drug Interactions: There is a theoretic concern for the use of Coumadin and protease digestive enzymes, due to the fibrinolytic properties of protease. The concern is: Coumadin is a blood thinner and fibrinolytic properties means to cause blood clotting. The question is whether taking protease would counter the effects of Coumadin. Blood clotting is a normal protective mechanism used by the body to stop people from bleeding when they get a cut. Without the ability of the blood to clot, a person could bleed to death from a small cut. No human studies have addressed this concern of Coumadin verses Protease enzymes. References:
1. Oelgoetz AW, Oelgoetz PA, Wittenkind J. The treatment of food allergy and indigestion of pancreatic origin with pancreatic enzymes. Am J Dig Dis Nutr 1935;2:422–26.
This PowerHealth International Liver Detox and Support herbal formula is in capsule form, is safe, and is very effective for liver detox and support: Carqueja - This herb has many properties including hepatoprotective (liver protective) properties. It is commonly used by the indigenous peoples of the rainforest of South America in many types of liver disorders. In a study with mice in 1986, a crude water extract of Carqueja protected against liver damage and increased survival rate by 100% in mice exposed to a toxic liver chemical. Mutamba - Mutamba has had a place in herbal medicine in almost every country where it grows. In Brazil and Peru its uses include assistance in enhancing liver health. It contains a number of recognized constituents including alkaloids, bet-sitosterol, mucilage, tannins, terpenes and proanthocyanadins. Chanca Piedra - This plant is so named as its Spanish name means "stone breaker". It has been used for generations by Amazon peoples as a remedy for gallstones. The plant is also employed for its hepatotoxic protection attributed to two compounds in the plant, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin. These were isolated and described by Indian researchers in 1985. Some studies have also documented anti viral activity against the hepatitis virus but this remains controversial as not all studies have confirmed this. Erva Tostao - The worldwide use of Erva Tostao roots for various liver complaints and disorders was validated when researchers demonstrated in 1980 and 1991 that a root extract provided antihepatotoxic properties in animals, protecting the liver from numerous introduced toxins. Picao Preto - A research group in Taiwan has stated that this herb "can protect liver injuries from various hepatotoxins and have potential as broad spectrum antihepatic agents". Jurubeba - This herb is listed in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia as specific for anemia and for liver disorders. Gervao - North American practitioners have used Gervao leaves as a natural remedy for parasite, liver and digestive problems. Boldo leaf - In herbal medicine today, Boldo is used extensively throughout Europe, North America, South America and Latin America as a specific treatment for gallstones, and many types of liver, stomach and digestive disorders. Sarsaparilla- This herb has been reported to enhance the absorption and bioavailablity of other phytochemicals and herbs. It is often included in small amounts for this attribute. Side Effects: As a number of these herbs have diuretic properties, increased frequency of urination is possible, there are no other known side effects. References:
1. Brown DJ. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996, 151–58.
The following liver detox recipe works very well. It is included here for those who like to make their own tincture mix. (A tincture is an herb in liquid form, usually with 35 to 50% alcohol base.) If attempting to make this formula, caution must be exercised with Chelidonium as indicated below. A much safer and more convenient formula is in the PowerHealth Liver Detox and Support formula indicated above.
The first five listed herbs make a very fine herbal tincture for both liver and gallbladder support. It is indicated for deficient liver function; as an adjunct to orthodox medical treatment of hepatitis and jaundice; for those involved in occupations that expose them regularly to liver toxins like dry cleaning or spray painting; gall bladder disease; high cholesterol; and allergies.
This herbal tincture would include the following ratio:
5 parts: Silybum Marianum / Milk Thistle Extract - Milk thistle extract has a remarkable ability to regenerate liver cells and protect the liver against potent liver toxins by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and assisting in removing these toxins from the liver. These effects are attributed to the flavonolignans called silymarin. Silymarin is an antioxidant with powerful liver protective effects. Silymarin also contains bitter principles and stimulates bile secretion and digestion in general. Its important positive effects on the liver naturally improve digestive processes. 2 parts: Taraxacum officinale / Dandelion Root – Taraxacum is a bitter, containing taraxacin. It also contains two pentacyclic steroids, taraxasterol and taraxerol. The actions of these compounds are not clear, but possibly contribute to the plant’s beneficial action o the liver. Taraxacum increases the secretion of bile and is indicated in a wide range of biliary and hepatic conditions, including cholelithiasis and jaundice. It is widely regarded as the supreme liver tonic. Taraxacum also has gentle laxative properties. 2 parts: Cynara Scolymus / Globe Artichoke - Cynara is the Brazilian name for the globe artichoke. Cynara has similar liver protective and regenerating properties to Silybum. These properties are ascribed to the constituent cynarin. It also contains a bitter sesquiterpene lactone, cynaropicrin, tannins and a number of enzymes. Cynara also is a cholagogue (increases bile production in the liver), and has been shown to reduce blood lipid levels. It is also a choleretic (increases the flow of bile from the gallbladder), and a choliokinetic (increases the contractile activity of the bile duct), which makes this herb indicated in gallstones and gall bladder disease, as well as conditions where there is liver cell damage or chronic liver dysfunction. Animal studies have shown an ability to increase the flow of bile by 60 % to 400 % in a twelve-hour period. Additionally, artichoke has demonstrated cholesterol and lipid lowering properties. 1 part: Chionanthus Virginicus / Fringe Tree – Chionanthus is a cholagogue with stimulating action on the liver, gall bladder, and spleen. It contains saponins and a lignan glycoside, phyllyrin. Chionanthus is used in a variety of hepatic and biliary complaints including cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, jaundice, enlarged spleen, portal hypertension, etc.
1 part: Chelidonium majus / Greater Celandine – Celandine is a plant with specific actions on the gall bladder and bile ducts. It has marked spasmolytic properties due to its content of isoquinoline alkaloids. Chelidonium is a cholagogue, stimulating the secretion of bile as well as secretion of pancreatic juice. It has a normalizing action on the gall bladder and is indicated in most conditions involving gall bladder and bile ducts.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for Educational Purposes Only and has NOT been designed to diagnose, treat or cure any health conditions. Please consult a qualified Health Care Professional with Nutritional Training to diagnose your health conditions and avoid self-diagnosis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated statements about these health topics or any suggested product compositions.
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Candida, also known as Thrush, is often associated with the well-known female vaginal infection. It presents as a white, cottage cheese vaginal discharge and is often associated with vaginal itching. Its cause is an overgrowth of the organism Candida Albicans.