Candidiasis
(Thrush and Yeast Infection)

LifeSource Vitamins

Candida albicans is one of the many types of fungi that live and grow inside most human bodies. Normally, candida causes no harm; our bodies are equipped with probiotic (or "friendly) bacteria and immune cells that keep it under control. However, some medications, high-sugar diets, allergies, and other factors can all cause the friendly bacteria to die, leaving candida free to grow unchecked in parts or all of the body.

The medical name for this overgrowth is candidiasis, but most people know the condition as either thrush or as a yeast infection. Thrush is marked by soft white patches in the oral cavity, around the anus, or on the skin. It most often appears in babies and the elderly, but people with seriously compromised immune systems such as those who have AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy-are also quite vulnerable. Many conventional doctors do not believe that such a condition exists except in cases of a seriously compromised immune system such as AIDS. Our view is different, and we find that many people with chronic fatigue and other chronic health conditions have problems with yeast overgrowth.

A vaginal yeast infection, by far the more common manifestation of candidiasis, causes burning, itching, and soreness in the vagina, along with a thick, sticky discharge. It's often the result of antibiotic use, poor diet, hormone imbalance, or a combination of these causes.

Sometimes the fungus spreads throughout the entire body in a condition known as systemic candidiasis. This disorder can produce any of a wide variety of symptoms and is often at the root of persistent, mysterious illnesses. If you feel sick but are told by doctors that nothing is wrong, there's a good chance that you're actually suffering from systemic candidiasis. For people with dramatically weakened immune systems, systemic candidiasis is a grave threat, as the fungus can actually poison the blood.

Complementary treatments, which emphasize therapies that reduce the levels of candida to normal levels, are the best ways to resolve this condition. Depending on the person, several steps are often required for success in treating candida overgrowth. This requires treating the underlying cause(s). One of the obvious steps is to eliminate or cut down on simple sugars, alcohol, and so on, which feed yeast. Also, direct therapy that destroys candida works to assist the body in getting candida levels down to a controllable level. Examples include oregano oil and garlic. However, many chronic cases require a change in the biological terrain. By this, we mean the state and the health of the digestive tract, the organs of detoxification and elimination, the immune system, and hormone balance. In particular, one often needs to improve digestion and elimination. The by-products of poor digestion can form metabolites that can promote candida growth. Leaky gut syndrome, as the result of intestinal permeability, is often a root problem of chronic candida. It is also imperative to promote the growth of the friendly flora that inhabits the digestive tract and many other areas of the body. These good bacteria are an essential component of the immune system's presence that keeps yeast levels in check. Also, keep in mind that chronic stress can alter flora balance and can suppress immune function. And finally, hormone balance is important, especially for women. The use of the birth control pill or other forms of synthetic hormones may set the stage for candida overgrowth.

In a small percentage of cases, antifungal medications may be required. They, of course, should be used sparingly and with close supervision. They are not a magic bullet, and the root causes must still be addressed for long-term success.

** All of these prescriptions below have been proven effective; the level of effectiveness depends on the individual. Please consult your doctor when taking any and all supplements.

Symptoms of Thrush

• White patches on the inside of the mouth
• Inflamed, red patches on the skin
• Bad breath
• Heavily coated tongue
• Dry mouth

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

• Vaginal itching, pain and burning
• Thick yellow discharge
• Burning during urination

Symptoms of Systemic Candidiasis

The list of symptoms that systemic candidiasis can cause is too long but following are some of the most common:

• Persistent fatigue
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Colitis
• Abdominal pain
• Rectal itching
• Kidney and bladder infections
• Muscle pain
• Arthritis
• Canker sores
• Congestion
• Cough
• Headaches
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Poor memory and concentration
• Mood problems (depression, anxiety)
• Chronic skin rashes
• Genital or toenail fungus
• Allergies
  
  

Root Causes

• Prolonged or frequent use of antibiotics or corticosteroids, leading to a depletion of good bacteria
• Poor digestion and elimination
• A depressed immune system
• A high-sugar diet
• Allergies
• Stress
• Hormonal changes and birth control pills
• Aging

TREATMENT

Diet

Recommended Food

For high-density nutrition and immune support, base your meals around fresh vegetables, whole grains, and quality sources of lean protein, such as beans, lentils, fish, and organic poultry.

To replace friendly bacteria, eat unsweetened yogurt daily. Make sure the brand you're using has live yogurt cultures. Sauerkraut and miso are other examples of foods that contain friendly bacteria.

Despite its name, brewer's yeast does not encourage Candida albicans; in fact, it enhances your immune system, so add some to your salads and other dishes. Vegetable and green drinks will improve your resistance. Drink 8 glasses of pure water a day to help flush yeast toxins out.

Consume 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds daily. Flaxseeds have antifungal properties.

Foods to Avoid

The fungus that causes candidiasis feeds on sugar and yeast, so you must absolutely avoid all foods (especially alcohol) containing these substances during the initial phase of treatment.

Many people with candidiasis also have undiagnosed allergies. Determine whether you're one of them.

During the course of your infection, avoid foods with mold (aged cheese, nuts, and nut butter)

Avoid refined foods that are likely to be loaded with sugars.

Avoid or reduce the use of fruits and fruit juices during the initial phase (first month) of treatment. It is especially important to avoid these foods between meals.

Detoxification

Consume foods such as garlic, onions, chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, and others that are known to support detoxification.

Other Recommendations

• Whether you have thrush, a yeast infection, or systemic candidiasis, change your toothbrush monthly to avoid re-infecting yourself.
• For a yeast infection, wear cotton underwear and loose clothes to keep the area dry.
• If you have a yeast infection, you can apply live yogurt locally to replace probiotic bacteria. Spoon the yogurt onto a towel or a sanitary pad, or douche with yogurt and distilled water.
• Be aware that sexual intercourse can spread candida. Partners should both be treated if vaginitis is a chronic problem.

Bruce Brightman – founder

LifeSource Vitamins

Proudly Made in the USA!

Every LifeSource Vitamins product exceeds all regulatory standards and requirements set forth in the FDA's Code of Federal Regulation. ( 21 CFR, part 111 ) as well as all Good Manufacturing Practices enforced by the FDA. CGMP's provide for systems that assure proper design, monitoring, and control of manufacturing processes and facilities. ( CGMP ).

LifeSource Vitamins: Driven by Faith ~ Powered by God

Have Questions on this or any other product or health issue for you or a loved one? It can be overwhelming we know. Call us, we will walk you through what supplements will help you and which ones you really don’t need. It’s what we do! Toll-Free: 800-567-8122

LifeSource Vitamins – Founded in 1992

100% of our profits are donated to Christian Organizations like these and many others worldwide:

Campus Crusade for Christ - CRU

The Jesus Film Project

World Vision

The Tim Tebow Foundation

Compassion International

Samaritan’s Purse

The Herman and Sharron Show on CTN (Christian Television Network) and many more…

www.LifesourceVitamins.com

E-mail Us: [email protected]

or Call Us: 800.567.8122

We Are Built on Compassion - Driven by Faith & Powered by God!

*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any and all supplements. LifeSource Vitamins. Individual results may vary.

Disclaimer: All the information contained throughout this website is based upon the opinions of the founder of LifeSource Vitamins, Bruce Brightman, and the entire team at LifeSource Vitamins whose relentless research and studies have been ongoing since 1992. Other articles and information are based on the opinions of the authors, who retain the copyright as marked in the article. The information on this site is not intended to replace your health care professional, but to enhance your relationship with them. Doing your own studying and research and taking your health care into your own hands is always best, especially in partnership with your health care professional.

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, always consult your health care professional before taking supplements based on the information on this site.

LifeSource Vitamins: from the nutrients we choose, to the way we run our business, we answer to God in all we do!