Candida Overgrowth – Signs, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
Candida receives a bad rap for its effect on a wide range of human health problems, most notably yeast infections. However, in healthy individuals with a balanced bacterial makeup, Candida typically remains dormant in its yeast state. It is only when bacteria collectively undergo a die off, as is the case with antibiotic or corticosteroid use, that Candida undergoes a pleomorphic change into a pathogenic mycelial fungus.[i] At this point, a Candida overgrowth has the potential to cause a wide range of detrimental effects within the body.
Dr. Truss, Dr. Crook, and Dr. George J Georgiou
Dr. Truss, Dr. Crook, and Dr. George J Georgiou have expanded the knowledge base regarding pathogenic Candida and its effect on the human body. Dr. Truss challenged conventional wisdom with his book, The Missing Diagnosis, with an inside look on how Candida causes many different diseases.
After reading Dr. Truss’ hypothesis, Dr. Crook made the connection between yeast infections and a Candida overgrowth in 1982. Dr. Crook’s book, The Yeast Connection And Women’s Health goes into great detail with regard to this subject. Dr. Crook is also credited with developing the Candida questionnaire, which we will discuss below.
Dr. George J Georgiou tied up all the loose ends with his Da Vinci protocol Candida treatment program. He has committed himself to understanding the function that Candida plays in the human body. He currently treats patients at his office in Cyprus for Candida related infections.
What Is The Purpose Of Candida?
The main purpose of Candida is to digest the body after death. [ii] In general, probiotics like Bifidobacterium keep Candida in check. However, after a mass bacterial extermination, Candida collectively undergoes a pleomorphic change into pathogenic mycelial form.[iii] This results in the process of cellular breakdown of previously healthy cells through the secretion of phospholipase enzymes and hyphae production.[iv] This is why the delicate bacterial / Candida balance is essential for good health. An overgrowth of Candida is generally attributed to antibiotic use, but stress, heavy metal accumulation, and corticosteroid use are also likely candidates.[v]
As such, those who have taken a number of corticosteroids and antibiotic regimens throughout their life often end up in a constant battle with Candida. As Candida breaks down the cellular structure of the body, the immune system, which is entirely dependent on healthy gut bacteria, must continually fight in order to counteract it.[vi] In the end however, pathogenic mycelial Candida causes a number of undesirable symptoms and diseases.
In the United States, an estimated 20% of people have a systemic mycelial Candida overgrowth. Women are eight times more likely than men to have Candida problems[vii] due to progesterone production, and more specifically, excessive glycogen production.
This large segment of the population walks around in a zombie like state, in a battle between life and death that is being waged inside of them. Typically, most of them don’t realize it, but have plenty of idiopathic diseases that can be attributed to such an overgrowth.
A systemic Candida overgrowth is one of the most under diagnosed maladies. Since most doctors treat the symptoms of a Candida overgrowth, the root of the problem continues to linger and result in a continuous state of disease.
Since most people don’t understand the source of their health problems, they continue to feed Candida and are never able to obtain ultimate health. Since Candida prefers both sugar and undigested food,[viii] those with a sweet tooth and low stomach acid levels give this organism what it needs to thrive.
Candida produces 79 undesirable byproducts that are toxic to the human body. [ix] These byproducts include acetaldehyde, ethanol, and others.
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The negative effects from just one of these toxic byproducts, acetaldehyde includes, rigid blood cells, bad circulation, negative mental symptoms by binding to neurotransmitters, Coenzyme A suppression, the reduction in the absorption of vitamin B6, lower energy production by reducing the efficiency of the Krebs cycle, a reduction in the absorption of beta-carotene, a reduction in the absorption of magnesium, an increase in prostaglandin production, Leaky Gut Syndrome, inflammation, immune system dysfunction, allergies, and the Candida Related Complex[x]
Candida Related Complex
The Candida related complex is one of the least understood concepts that stem from an unbalanced Candida / bacterial ratio.
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Many of the symptoms that go along with the Candida Related Complex result from food or chemical intolerances attributed to Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Those who suffer from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, joint inflammation, muscle pain, depression, impaired comprehension, anxiety, mood swings, impaired coordination, hallucinations, respiratory problems, dizziness, violent behavior, hyperactivity, irritability, skin problems, circulatory problems, hormonal imbalances, and gastrointestinal symptoms, may be able to attribute them to the Candida Related Complex.[xi]
Diseases Associated With A Candida Overgrowth
Here are some known symptoms and diseases related to a Candida overgrowth.
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A Candida overgrowth causes psoriasis, brain fog, depression, Candida of the rectum, Candida of the hands, Candida of the feet, Candida of the Vulva, Candida of the cervix, Candida of the penis, Candida of the kidney, Candida of the nail, Candida of the neck, Candida of the stomach, Leaky Gut Syndrome, food intolerance, allergies, autoimmune conditions, thrush, and yeast infections of all kinds.[xii]
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leaky Gut Syndrome is one of the most prolific results of a systemic mycelial Candida overgrowth. As the fungal hyphae digs into the intestinal walls, they create holes that allow the passage of undigested food directly into the bloodstream. As food particles and other toxins leak into the bloodstream, the immune system ends up in a constant state of activity. This creates a continuous inflammatory response that results in allergies, cholesterol build up, and a whole host of problems.[xiii]
How Do You Know If Your Health Problems Are Attributed To Candida?
The simplest way to determine whether a mycelial Candida overgrowth is present in the body is to perform the spit test.[xiv] Simply spit into a glass of water in the morning before eating or drinking anything. If the spit quickly falls to the bottom and forms strands in the water, the chances of a Candida infection are high. While this may not be entirely scientific in nature, a positive spit test combined with a number of classic Candida based symptoms is likely evidence of an overgrowth.
Dr. Crook’s Candida Questionnaire
Another option is to participate in the Candida questionnaire.
How To Treat A Systemic Candida Overgrowth
Step 1
Three-Month Program Eating Regimen
What not to eat – Starve the Candida
The Candida treatment program[xv] is a three-month long regimen that focuses on avoiding foods that feed Candida. For the first six weeks of the program, avoid any and all sugar, including all fruits that have any amount of sugar in them. This will allow antifungal treatments to begin their course, while Candida is weakened through starvation.
Throughout the entire three months of treatment, it is important to avoid sugary fruits, plain white sugar, honey, soda, and any white, refined foods. With that said, avoid grain products, as they will be broken down into simple sugars and digested easily by Candida. Grain products also have a tendency to be a good home to fungi and are therefore best avoided.
Also, avoid any fermented food, mushrooms, processed nuts and coffee. Nuts that have been shelled likely have fungal spores within them, while having a rancid lipid profile as well. Only eat nuts that are in their shell and have to be manually processed in order to consume them. The reason that coffee is not allowed during the Candida treatment program is because it causes a blood sugar spike on consumption. Even black coffee that is ingested without sugar or milk contributes to an increase in blood sugar levels[xvi] through adrenal activation. There is evidence to suggest that coffee reduces immune system function through its stimulant nature and is hard on the adrenal glands overall.
Summary
First 6 weeks
Avoid ALL fruits with any sugar
The entire 3-month period
Avoid fruit, sugar, honey, soda, white refined food, fermented food, mushrooms, processed nuts, and coffee
What To Eat
While on this anti-Candida diet, eat plenty of vegetables, as they will contribute to fibrous prebiotics that support healthy bacteria levels. Ideally, make vegetables half of all consumption, as they contain vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the human body.
Also, consume meat, eggs, and fish in order to keep protein consumption high, while sugar consumption remains near zero. Choose to consume only organic meat and organic eggs, preferably from a source that is reliable. Those who know where their food comes from are empowered to make informed eating choices.
Eat nuts that have not been shelled, including almonds, walnuts, and pecans. These sources will add healthy fats and proteins that are beneficial to healthy functioning, while offering satiation.
Also, consume seeds like chia, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin, as these are likely to offer minerals to the diet. Seeds like chia and flax have the ability greatly reduce hunger, as they expand in the stomach. Those who are having a problem adapting to this new diet, as they cut out most carbohydrates, should consider adding chia or flax in order to cut hunger pains immensely.
When using oils for cooking and dressing, make sure they are cold pressed, extra virgin, if possible. When cooking on low heat, use coconut oil or olive oil. Some other options include red palm oil and sesame seed oil, especially when cooking at a higher temperature.
In order to maintain health, consume a few other plants, as they offer immune assistance. Consider consuming ginger, garlic, turmeric, thyme, oregano, cloves, and cinnamon. These herbs provide a wide range of beneficial effects that should be included in any healthy diet. Many of these herbs have the potential to disrupt Candida colonies and parasitic infections throughout the digestive system.
Some choose to consume different teas, including peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, and licorice tea. However, avoid green or black tea, as it has caffeine and will advertently spike blood sugar levels. Black and green teas also have high fluoride levels[xvii] and are therefore, best avoided.
Step 2
The second step involves using antifungals and repopulating with probiotics in order to restore normal intestinal flora. Using the products below has been shown to kill Candida and promote a healthy state within the digestive system. Take all of these products throughout the duration of the three-month program.
Kandidaplex
Kandidaplex is a combination of calcium undecylenate and resveratrol, designed to hinder Candida growth and support the immune system, while promoting optimal intestinal flora.
Horopito Herb
An extraction of Horopito herb can be found in Kolorex and has been known to have a potent affect on Candida overgrowth.
Caprylic Acid
Caprylic acid, found in coconuts has been shown to promote a heathy intestinal flora and penetrate the mucosal lining in order to increase its overall effect.
Iodine Supplementation
Iodine has been shown to kill Candida in vitro[xviii] and has a number of other valuable functions within the body. Since the greater majority of people are deficient in Iodine, supplementation is a logical option.[xix] The best form is Nascent Iodine, as it has been shown to combat a large range of chronic diseases.
Candida Homeopathic 30c
Administer a Candida homeopathic 30c remedy in order to add another line of defense against Candida. Typically, sublingual administration is the route used in order to benefit from this treatment.
Custom Probiotics
Custom Probiotics has over 50 billion live bacteria and has the potential to regulate dysbiosis if consumed on a consistent basis throughout the duration of the treatment. This product is head and shoulders above most other capsulated bacterial brands. Repopulating probiotics, while killing off mycelial Candida will allow the colon to restore its function.
Multivitamin
Consume a good Multivitamin that provides the vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy functioning immune system. This will ensure that the body has what it needs to fight off a Candida overgrowth and restore its balance.
Omega 3
A high quality source of omega 3 with DHA and EPA is an essential ingredient in immune system function and will help normalize the body as it removes pathogenic Candida from the body.
Step 3
Sanum Remedies
Start this during the second week of therapy and continue throughout duration of the program.
Sanum remedies convert mycelial Candida back into their yeast form. This is a homeopathic remedy that focuses on pleomorphism. These remedies help convert the fungal form of Candida back into the benign yeast form.
Unfortunately, many of these Sanum remedies are hard to get ahold of. Here is the list of recommended Sanum products to use throughout treatment for those who want to search them out.
Mucokehl 1 cap 2x a week, Pefrakehl 1 cap 2x a week, Notakehl 1 cap 2x a week, Fortakehl 1 cap 2x a week, Nigersan 1 cap 2x a week, Albicansan 1 cap every other day, 1 Albicansan suppository every other day.
It is hard to find the Sanum Remedies, but those who are willing to dig should be ale to come across them.
It is important to remove or convert all mycelial Candida because they will just multiply when given the chance and the symptoms or disease will return in due time. This part of the program is costly, yet an absolute necessity when it comes to successfully overcoming Candida.
Most Candida treatment programs don’t include the Sanum Remedies and is why they usually end up failing in the long run. Only those who remove or convert all traces of mycelial Candida back into their yeast state have the ability to reset their body and avoid future Candida overgrowths.
Herxheimer Reactions
During the first six weeks, expect Herxheimer reactions, as the Candida die off will generate a significant number of toxins.
Don’t be surprised to experience, aching, bloating, dizziness, nausea, and a worsening of symptoms during the first couple weeks of treatment.
In order to counteract this effect, drink plenty of water in order to properly flush these dead and dying Candida cells from the body.
Those who continue through and complete the three months of Candida treatment and are able to convert all their mycelial Candida fungus back into the yeast form should find that many of their symptoms and diseases have subsided.
After Treatment
Two-Week Detox With Fruits And Vegetables
After the Candida treatment program it is a good idea to allow the body to rebalance itself through a two-week detox with fruits and vegetables. The fruits and vegetables will provide prebiotic fiber that will in turn feed the probiotics, while allowing them to multiply in order to recolonize the intestines.
Liver And Gallbladder Cleanse
After a colon cleanse and Candida treatment, consider cleaning other organs within the body, including the liver and gallbladder.
Parasite Cleanse
Diatomaceous Earth
The easiest way to deal with a parasitic overgrowth is to consume Food grade diatomaceous earth, as it dehydrates and kills parasites within a week. Here is far greater detail on a parasite cleanse for those who are interested.
Sufficient Stomach Hydrochloric Acid
A lack of hydrochloric acid production in the stomach results in improperly digested food. While a balanced body produces sufficient stomach acid, those who are looking to increase their acid can consume betaine hydrochloride. This can also be used to treat acid reflux, as the cause of this condition is actually a lack of stomach acid, not too much acid.
Magnesium Chloride Transdermal
Magnesium plays a role in over 300 different reactions within the body and the prevalence of deficiency throughout society is significant. Almost everyone can benefit through transdermal magnesium application on a daily basis. Since magnesium is readily available through the skin, this poses a far more effective way to obtain adequate concentrations of this element than through dietary supplementation.[xx]
Thyroid Supplements
In order to allow the entire body to come into homeostasis, it is important to focus on various organs that have been out of balance. Generally, the thyroid is not functioning properly in those with a Candida overgrowth. Those who use a Thyroid supplement should obtain the nutrients they need in order to promote a healthy thyroid gland and properly balance their body.
Heavy Metal Detox
The greater majority of people who have a Candida outbreak also have heavy metal toxicity. While the number one source for heavy-metal toxicity is mercury fillings, there are a number of other sources as well. In our increasingly toxic environment, heavy metals are accumulating at an even faster rate within all living organisms. Those who have gone through a pathogenic mycelial Candida erradication program are advised to participate in a heavy metal detox as well.
Those who are looking for and time tested heavy metal detox should consume chlorella and cilantro, as they has been shown to efficiently remove heavy metals from the body.
Professional Guidance
Those who want to go through the pathogenic Candida removal program now have the knowledge and tools they need to move forward, although doing so is entirely at your own risk. Those who have the time and want professional assistance throughout the process should work with Dr. George J Georgiou and spend the treatment period in Cyprus with him.
Common Problems
There are a number of common problems that many people experience when they go through a mycelial Candida removal program. The number one problem that most people have issues with involves sticking with the laid out eating program. Only those who commit themselves to eating the correct things, while avoiding food that feeds Candida will be able to complete the program satisfactorily.
Another problem involves a lack of stomach acid. Since Candida and a number of other harmful organisms feed on undigested food within the intestines, having a lack of stomach acid allows Candida to feed freely. Those who have a lack of stomach acid need to reset the balance within their body in order to properly digest food again. As a short-term solution to the problem, consider consuming betaine hydrochloride. This will allow one to digest their food properly, as the stomach pH approaches the correct levels.
Those who have thyroid issues may also have problems completing the Candida elimination program. Those who support their thyroid through supplementation will allow it to regain its function.
Another factor that will affect those going through this program is parasitic infections. Those who commit themselves to removing parasites from the body have the potential to complete this program satisfactorily. Consuming diatomaceous earth is one way to kill off parasites within the body, however, there are other options as well.
Overall Summary Of Candida Treatment