Understanding Candida

There is a battle going on inside our bodies. It is under constant assault by infectious bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites. A healthy immune system is able to neutralize these invaders and prevent them from taking over. Fortunately, specialized blood cells produced by the immune system (called leukocytes) are constantly on the move to destroy these infectious microbes.

That is how it works under ideal conditions. However, we live in a world that continually challenges our immune system. The levels of pollutants in the air are higher than at any time in history and they inevitably cause premature wear on our immune system. Some of the toxic chemicals we face on a daily basis may include: gasoline, diesel fumes and other petro chemicals, formaldehyde, perfumes, cleaning fluids, insecticides, tobacco, and other indoor and outdoor pollutants (i.e. Molds).

In addition, the heavy use of antibiotics weakens and destroys the beneficial flora found in the colon. This flora is essential for keeping the body functioning at optimal levels. They are involved in the production of various enzymes, vitamins, and cell nutrients. A strong immune system and the ability to resist disease are very much dependent on this flora. There are 2-3 lbs. of bacteria and flora in the colon. Bacteria, virus and even parasites are present. Ordinarily they cause no harm. But given a disturbed or weakened intestinal environment, these opportunistic creatures can wreak havoc on one's health.

A toxic overload combined with reduced colon function causes the liver to work harder at keeping the body free from the degenerative effect of toxins. Add a stressful lifestyle and poor eating habits, you now have a system that is waiting for a crisis to occur. The overuse and/or misuse of drugs and antibiotics add more stress to the system and disturb the delicate balance of intestinal flora.

It is worth repeating again that healthy intestinal flora help to fight off many of these infectious microbes, aids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and helps to produce various vitamins.

Candida albicans, a yeast-like organism, lives in our intestinal tract and is present in all of us not long after birth. It is considered an opportunistic organism which can invade the blood stream and tissues if the immune system is compromised. Otherwise, it does not affect the system.

However, when it does change to the fungus form, it becomes invasive and can penetrate the gastro-intesinal mucosa. This in turn can create a condition of intestinal permeability (also know as a leaky gut) which allows antigenic substances to be introduced into the blood stream. Basically what this does is cause the body to develop allergic reactions (in response to substances it views as threatening). According to C. Orian Truss, M.D his book "The Missing Diagnosis."

Candida can be a major factor in the cause of the following conditions:

1. Cell membrane defects, damage to red and white blood cells and other problems.
   
2. Enzyme destruction. Enzymes are the key to breaking down foods in the body so that they can be utilized as nourishment.
   
3. Abnormal hormone response. Hormones regulate your bodily functions.
   

Some of the symptoms caused by Candida albicans are these:

1. Gastrointestinal problems: bloating and gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gastritis, gastric ulcers, constipation, and many others.
   
2. Allergic reactions.
   
3. Respiratory system: sore throat, sore mouth, contribution to sinus infections, bronchial infections and pneumonia.
   
4. Cardiovascular system: palpitations, rapid pulse rate, pounding heart.
   
5. Genitourinary system: vaginitis, frequent urination, lack of bladder control, itchy rashes, etc.
   
6. Musculo-skeletal system: muscle weakness, leg pains, muscle stiffness, slow coordination, and so on.
   
7. Central Nervous system: Headaches, poor brain function, poor short-term memory, fuzzy thinking and so on.
   
8. Fatigue is extremely common as impaired metabolism doesn't enable the body to get enough fuel and impaired enzyme functioning inhibits energy production.
   
9. Weight gain is common.

As you can see, there is a wide range of symptoms and one could easily conclude that candida is the source of one of these symptoms. However, it is not that easy. In Chinese medicine, we look at all the symptoms and signs to discern if there is a pattern of disharmony. Once this is determined, we can begin to treat the problem. One symptom does not create a pattern, so there needs to be other confirming symptoms or signs. In my experience, when 3 or more symptoms (2-9 above) combine with digestive disturbances (as in #1) there is an increased likelihood of Candida.

Chinese Medicine
In the Chinese healing system, illness or disease is viewed in terms of each individual's ability to stay balanced in a world of constantly changing physical and emotional conditions. It has been observed that mental and/or physical stress are contributors and often the direct cause of disease.

Intestinal imbalance as a cause of disease has a long tradition in naturapathic and alternative western medicine. This imbalance can also be described (in Chinese medical theory) in terms of wetness and heat congesting in the lower burner. For example Diarrhea or constipation can be viewed as a disturbance of the water metabolism (wetness). Infections and rashes are considered to be heat (often combined with wetness). Congestion in the lower Burner means that the problem is rooted in the colon area which can include the bladder and genitals (also the external area) interfering with normal body function.

A practitioner trained in Chinese medicine also looks at the tongue. If in addition to the above symptoms, a thick, yellow coating (wet or greasy looking) appears on the tongue surface, it would strongly suggest the presence of Candida.

Treating Candida
The amount of patients with Candida or other related fungal conditions has increased dramatically over the last 5-10 years. The condition does not yield quickly to treatment. I have found that Traditional Chinese herbs alone are not enough to eliminate the fungi.

There are herbs found here in the USA, and South America that are almost specific to treat pathogenic fungi. The formula called "Candida Purge" integrates herbs that I have found to be extremely effective in treating Candida, as well as other disturbances of the colon. The following list shows where the herbs are grown.

USA
Gentian Root
Echinacea
Yellow Dock
Oregon Grape Root

South America
Pau D'Arco
Cats Claw
Stinging Nettle leaf
Licorice Root

China
Reishi Mushroom
Black Walnut husks
Ginger Root

This formula is safe to take for 3-6 months. It not only is capable of destroying the pathogens (fungi and many forms of virus/bacteria) but of helping to normalize the intestinal functions. It often takes that long to rid the body of candida.

Herbal treatment should be supported by minimizing foods that aggravate or even feed the Candida. Such as: refined sugar, alcohol, wheat, vinegar. There are many good books on the market dealing with treating Candida through diet. Most of them are very demanding in their food restrictions. The main idea is to eliminate foods that have the most aggravating effect, so you might be able to modify the diet somewhat, especially when you take a formula like Candida Purge.