Candidiasis - common culprit for ill-health

From Patrick Holford

Candidiasis - common culprit for ill-health
Check yourself out with the candida antibody profile

I often hear from people that they are suffering from a myriad of seemingly unrelated conditions that they and their doctor cannot get to the bottom of - everything from digestive discomfort to feeling foggy-headed or fatigued, as well as skin or sinus problems and recurrent fungal infections. When people present with such wide-spread symptoms I always consider whether candida could be the culprit. Candida albicans is one of the many yeasts present in the large bowel, genital tract, mouth, and throat and under normal conditions is compatible with good health. It is usually kept under control by good bacteria, our immune system and intestinal pH levels. What is less well recognised is that candida can, under certain circumstances, become pathogenic, causing havoc everywhere in the body.

Symptoms associated with candidiasis, or an overgrowth of candida antibodies, include:. Fatigue. Foggy head, lack of concentration, poor memory. Mood swings, depression, anxiety. Bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, excess wind, indigestion. Fungal infections . Aching joints, heavy muscles. Recurrent thrush, vaginitis and increased vaginal secretions. Bad breath, coated tongue, ulcers and sores in the mouth. Cravings for sweet and yeasty food, including bread and alcohol. Decreased libido. Bladder and kidney infections. Menstrual problems. Dry itchy skin. Chronic sinus problems. Sensitivity to perfumes, chemicals, fumes and other odours. Food sensitivities. Acne. Frequent colds, and infections. Chilliness, cold hands and feet
Problems arise when the balance of good bacteria to harmful ones changes within thedigestive tract. Given certain conditions, the candida proliferates and can change intoa pathogenic form. Once this has occurred, the candida can release toxins into the blood stream and travel through the body, affecting all systems, from digestion to the skin and hormones.

Common causes of overgrowth include:. Contraceptive pill. HRT. Steroids including asthma and eczema medication. High sugar diet. Antibiotic use. Immune deficiency. Hormones from food (animal products), water and a non organic diet. Diabetes. High stress levels. Use of anti-inflammatory drugs

In the past it has been notoriously difficult to diagnose candida, but nutritionists, and now you, have at their fingertips a simple and accurate laboratory test that can diagnose this condition. If anyone is considering undergoing candida treatment I cannot stress strongly enough the need to test beforehand, as the process of killing off candida overgrowth can be long and difficult, involving a restricted diet and a rigorous supplement regime. There is no point in doing this if candida is not the culprit for your symptoms - it could be that you need to undergo further tests such as checking for parasites, and I recommend you seek out help from your doctor and one of my nutritionists. Testing on the other hand offers peace of mind to patients that they are getting to the root of the problem before they undertake any dietary changes.

The Candida Antibody Profile test can be performed on either a saliva or blood sample. Test kits are sent through the post direct to you, for you to return with your sample to the laboratory in the envelope provided. The test looks for two types of antibody specific to candida (IgG and IgA antibodies). A positive result demonstrates an immune reaction to candida. This is a very sensitive and accurate means of measuring antibodies. Click here to order your test.

What next?A positive result for candida means that you can get started on a nutrition regime to rebalance your bacteria and body. Treatment for candida involves a diet avoiding sugars and yeasts in conjunction with anti-fungals to kill the candida itself. The most efficient way of addressing this infection and restoring health is the well-known '4-R' approach:

1. . Remove the yeast with an anti-candida diet (avoiding sugars and yeasts) and anti-fungals like caprylic acid, and or Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii). Although a yeast, S. boulardii does not colonise the gut wall but helps to increase your levels of secretory IgA (sIgA). Greater amounts of this immunoglobulin make it increasingly difficult for the candida to stick to your gut wall.

2. Repopulate with friendly gut bacteria with probiotic supplements such as Lactobacillus acidophilus

3. . Repair the gut wall, usually using the amino acid l-glutamine

4. . Replace missing digestive enzymes and nutrients, via a good quality multivitamin and mineral and a digestive enzyme supplement

Such a programme is best undertaken with the help of a nutritional therapist, as the liver and digestion need to be carefully supported. I recommend you see my website to find an ION-qualified practitioner in your area. To find out more about how to beat candida read the January issue of my 100% health newsletter

Wishing you the best of health,
For details on a variety of health products recommended by Patrick Holford go to www.healthproductsforlife.com