Health & Healing Articles

Introduction:

Our body and all its organs, including the organ we call our mind, is like a chemical factory.

We must manage, with utmost care, what chemicals go into the mix. How we mix these chemicals, can make the difference between a healthy organism and what is potentially an explosive cocktail.

Add modern day stress and anxiety and we have a potentially lethal imbalance.

If the pH of soil is too high or too low or if the soil lacks or has an over-abundance of any given mineral or chemical, including such gases as nitrogen or oxygen, then plants will not grow or will do badly.

If a swimming pool pH is too high or too low, there is an imbalance enough to cause problems and a maintenance nightmare, competing with growth of fungi, algae, etc. If the water lacks oxygen, it stagnates and becomes unhealthy in itself and for anything or anyone, that come in contact with it.

Where there is lack of oxygen; there is lack of life.

The same principals apply to our bodies; we are a combination of chemicals, gases and minerals that, if out of balance, cause untold damage. We begin to grow fungi in and on our bodies, our muscles suffer through lack of oxygen and we fall victim to all manner of predator infections and diseases.

One of the greatest of opportunistic predators is Candida albicans.

Our entire organic bodies, which obviously include the organ we call our mind, require a proper chemical/mineral balance to function properly. Pollution (of any kind) and poor dietary intake are our worst enemies.

Examples of the possible health problems that can arise from chemical imbalance are contained in the stories that follow and you will undoubtedly see why I have taken the trouble to make this information available to our readers (please pass it on to others):

Back in June 2003, a close friend of ours died in hospital from complications resulting from Asthma. She had developed Pneumonia and after several days of struggle, her heart could no longer take the strain.

Prior to this tragic event, I had noticed that both she and her husband who had, for many years, been under a doctors care for Asthma were suffering what I thought, was Candida albicans infection but I noted, they were not being treated for this condition. I had read somewhere that the Antibiotics, Ventolin, Cortisone and other treatments they were being prescribed, caused Candida over-proliferation. At the time unfortunately, I was not confident enough to convince their doctor to pursue the Candida aspect of their illness.

Some six months later, her husband was hospitalised with similar problems, lack of oxygen in the blood stream, difficulty in breathing, etc. He too had been under a doctor's care for Asthma; emphysema and diabetes. The specialist attending, at the hospital, had stated that there was little chance of recovery and that he (our friend) would most probably not leave the hospital; death was imminent.

This time though, I couldn't keep quiet. I couldn't silently stand by and watch another friend die, just to avoid the embarrassment of an argument. I pointed out that my friend was suffering from Candida albicans over-proliferation and asked him to investigate. I was pleasantly surprised; there was no argument and our friend was given Nystatin drops to at least treat the mouth infection and, within a matter of one day, he was sitting up and joking with friends. His recovery was almost too good to be true and within a couple of weeks, he was back at home and improving every day.

More recently, another friend of ours, who for many years had been under medical treatment using Ventolin for asthma and anti-depressants for depression, anxiety and mood swings; took a turn for the worse. I noticed that his tongue was very badly coated and convinced him, through his partner, that he should see a doctor about the possibility of Candida albicans infection.

Unfortunately the doctor prescribed a drug which is made from a compound specifically reserved for use as a last resort for a specific skin fungal infection and the side affects of which can lead to growth of Candida albicans under the arms and in the groin region. Not a good choice, considering that the doctor had been asked to prescribe Nystatin.

Nystatin was obtained through another source and within a day, our friend noticed a difference. He changed his diet and started an Oxygen treatment and within a week his mood swings had diminished and depression was almost non-existent. The need of his Ventolin "puffer" has decreased immensely and he is now able to walk long distances without becoming breathless.

It became obvious, through conversation with clients and friends, that people were not well informed about Candida albicans, nor about treatments for reducing its impact on their general health. Whilst researching for an article, written for the "Wellbeing" section of "The Glenorian"; I was inspired to compile the following notes. These notes are taken from several sources including:

The Australian Drug Guide by Dr. Jonathan Upfal www.blackincbooks.com;
Hyperhealth Natural Health and Nutrition CD-ROM: Version 2003 Copyright In-Tele-Health;
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford - available at any good book shop.

Researched information concerning Candida Albicans

Candida albicans over-proliferation is also known as:
Candidiasis; Candidosis; Monilia; Moniliasis; Oilomycosis; Thrush; Thrush Fungus; Vaginal Thrush; Yeast Infection; Vaginal Candidiasis

Description and Prevalence:

Candida Albicans is one of 70 different species of Candida yeast. The term Candidiasis is applied to excessive proliferation of Candida Albicans in the Mouth, Oesophagus, Intestines or Vagina. Systemic Candidiasis involves the over-proliferation of Candida Albicans throughout the body.

Candida Albicans inhabits all humans (in the Mouth, Throat, Intestine and Genital/Urinary Tract) but usually only in small amounts.

33% of the people in the Western world suffer from Candida Albicans over-proliferation.

How Candida Albicans Causes its Damage:

The factor that contributes most to Candida proliferation is the use of massive or repeated doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These drugs kill off all Microorganisms in the digestive tract, including the favourable ones, and prepare a fertile environment for the growth of yeasts and fungi. People with chronic tiredness and other symptoms of Candidiasis can often trace the source of their troubles to the use of antibiotics.

In the Immune System; if the Candida Albicans Yeast is allowed to proliferate, it changes from its normal Yeast-Fungal form to a Mycelial-Fungal form that produces Rhizoids:

Rhizoids are long, root-like components that are able to pierce the walls of the Digestive Tract and break down the protective barriers between the Intestines and the Blood. This "breaking-through" the barrier allows many Allergens to enter blood circulation, causing allergic reactions. These Allergens can cause further detriment if they break through the Blood-Brain barrier.

Candida Albicans proliferates by consuming and fermenting Sucrose and other Simple Sugars. A waste by-product of this fermentation of Simple Sugars is Acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is a toxic Aldehyde that causes numerous toxic effects, as follows:

Acetaldehyde is the actual chemical responsible for many of the toxic effects of Alcohol - it is approximately thirty times more toxic than Alcohol. It is responsible for Alcoholism (alcoholics are impaired in their ability to convert Acetaldehyde to Acetic Acid). It is speculated to be responsible for many of the symptoms of Hangovers.

It readily combines with the Proteins that comprise the Cell Membranes of Red Blood Cells. This causes the "stiffening" of the Cell Membranes of Red Blood Cells. This process reduces the "deformability" of Red Blood Cells, inhibiting their ability to enter Capillaries, subsequently reducing the ability of Capillaries to supply Oxygen to various organs of the body. In addition, Acetaldehyde combines with Haemoglobin in Red Blood Cells, which further inhibits the ability of Red Blood Cells to accept, hold and transport Oxygen via the bloodstream.

It is a potent initiator of Cross-Linking and initiates the production of Free Radicals.

It interferes with cellular Energy production (by depleting Acetyl Coenzyme A and Vitamin B3).

It is a potent initiator of Liver damage, as well as damage to Neurons of the Brain.

It can cause Apathy, Anxiety, Depression, Irritablility, Memory impairment, Lethargy, Slowed Reflexes and Panic Disorder.

Acetaldehyde interferes with the following substances:

It depletes Acetyl Coenzyme A and destroys Delta-6-Desaturase (the enzyme that catalyses the conversion of Linoelic Acid to Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).

It destroys Vitamin B1 and Vitamin C and causes Vitamin B3 and Coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

It prevents the conversion of Vitamin B6 to its active form (ie. to Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate).

Toxic Effects of Candida Albicans Proliferation
Candida Albicans proliferation is very hard to detect by orthodox methods and it is often only noticed by the layman when it affects the vaginal, oral or nail area.

Effects on the Digestive System:
The following can occur: Constipation, Diarrhoea, Flatulance, Intestinal Cramps and Halitosis (bad breath).

• Candida Albicans proliferation is a common cause of the infective form of Oesophagi's.
  
• Canidiasis can cause Intestinal Permeability.
  
• Cystitis can occur.
  
• Oedema can occur.
  

Effects on the Immune System:

• It allows Allergens to enter the body's circulation and cause Allergies.
  
• It weakens the Immune System.
  
• It inhibits the ability of Neutrophils to destroy Antigens.
  
• Sore Throat is a symptom of Candida Albicans proliferation.
  

Effects on the Metabolism:

• It converts Carbohydrates into Acetaldehyde.
  
• Cravings for Carbohydrates can be a symptom.
  
• Lack of Energy can occur.
  
• Fatigue can occur.
  

Effects on the Nervous System:

• Anxiety can occur.
  
• Depression is a symptom.
  
• Headaches can be a symptom.
  
• Irritability can be a symptom.
  
• Candida Albicans can cause Meningitis (known as Candida Meningitis).
  

Effects on Oral Health:

• When It affects the Mouth the resulting condition is known as Thrush.
  
• When it resides in the Mouth, it can cause Gingivitis.
  
• When it resides in the Mouth, it can cause Periodontal Disease.
  
• White-coated Tongue can occur.
  

Effects on the Respiratory System:

• It can affect the Respiratory System (Bronchocandidiasis).
  
• Asthma can occur as a result.
  
• Pharyngitis (sore throat) can occur.
  
• Sinusitis can occur.
  

Effects on the Sexual System:

• When it affects the female Sexual System the resulting condition is known as Vaginal Candidiasis.
  
• Leucorrhoea can occur.
  
• Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) can occur and the proliferation of Candida Albicans can exacerbate pre-existing PMS.
  
• Vaginitis can occur.
  

Effects on the Skin/Nails:

• When it affects the Skin the resulting condition is known as Dermatocandidiasis.
  
• Candida Albicans infection (under the Nails) causes Onychomycosis.
  
• It is strongly suspected of causing Rosacea.
  

These Substances can cause or Exacerbate Candida Albicans:

Amino Acids:

• There is some suggestion that Cysteine and Cystine may exacerbate Candida Albicans proliferation.
  
• People afflicted with Candida Albicans proliferation should avoid foods that contain Tyramine.
  
• Simple Sugars ferment and feed Candida Albicans and people with over-proliferation of Candida should avoid Simple Sugars.
  

Pharmaceutical Drugs:

• Antibiotics allow the Candida Albicans Yeast to proliferate (by killing the Beneficial Bacteria in the Digestive Tract).
  
• Steroids allow Candida Albicans to proliferate.
  

This section outlines the various therapies used to kill or suppress Candida Albicans.

These Substances Inhibit or Kill Candida Albicans

• Berberine destroys Candida Albicans.
  
• Antioxidants reduce the Free Radical damage caused by Candida Albicans.
  
• Beta 1,3 Glucan exerts anti-fungal effects against Candida albicans.
  
• Chitosan inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Glucomannan suppresses the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Beta-Carotene protects against (vaginal) Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Bromelain enhances the ability of the Immune System to mount a defence against Candida albicans.
  
• Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) (injected intravenously) reduces the proliferation of Candida.
  
• Alpha Linolenic Acid (LNA) is an effective fungicide that can kill Candida Albicans yeast.
  
• Caprylic Acid inhibits the growth of Candida albicans in the Intestines.
  
• Echinacoside prevents the recurrence of infection by Candida albicans.
  
• Linoleic Acid (LA) is an effective fungicide that kills Candida albicans on contact.
  
• Undecylenic Acid inhibits Candida albicans.
  

Microorganisms:

• Bifidobacteria inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
  
• Bifidobacteria bifidus recolonises the Digestive Tract with beneficial Bacteria.
  
• Bifidobacteria longum inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
  
• Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Lactobacillus acidophilus - DDS-1 strain inhibits Candida albicans.
  
• Lactobacillus rhamnosis inhibits Candida albicans.
  
• Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) inhibits the growth and further spread of Candida albicans.
  

Minerals:

• Optimal Copper levels enhance the body's resistance to Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Germanium inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
  
• Silver helps to destroy Candida albicans. Silver can also be applied topically.
  
• Zinc deficiency increases proliferation of Candida albicans and lowers the body's Zinc levels.
  

Pharmaceutical Drugs:

• Amphotericin B inhibits Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Imidazoles (consumed orally or applied topically within the Vagina as a Vaginal Suppository)
  
• Fluconazole (100 - 200 mg per day) kills Candida albicans.
  
• Miconazole Nitrate (applied topically in the form of a 2% cream).
  
• Nystatin is one of the few substances that can totally destroy Candida albicans.
  

More about Nystatin:

Brand Names:
Nystatin: Nilstat tablets, drops, lozenges, cream for skin and vagina, Mycostatin tablets, drops, cream for skin and vagina
With neomycin, gramicidin and triamcinolone: Kenacomb cream and ointment, Kenacomb Otic, Aristocomb cream and ointment.

Drug Class: Anti-fungal antibiotic
Prescription required. Yes

What is it for?
Nystatin, in the form of creams, tablets or drops, is used in the treatment of infections caused by Candida yeast, and some much less common fungi. Nystatin is not effective against the fungi, which cause tinea infections such as athlete's foot. It is combined with other antibiotics and corticosteroid agents in creams for treatment of wet inflammatory skin conditions, which can otherwise encourage growth of Candida. In addition, Nystatin is formulated with tetracycline antibiotics to prevent overgrowth of Candida yeast in the bowel when the normal gut bacteria is reduced by the tetracycline. (However, given the amount of Nystatin in these formulas, any protection against Candida in the bowel is likely to be quite poor and short-lived.)
Candida (thrush) is a yeast, which thrives in wet, moist conditions and often colonises the vagina, mouth, throat, and the skin beneath rolls of fat or under the breasts. Candida of the mouth is common in new-born babies. It can be recognised by the typical white spots or discharge associated with itch, swelling, soreness and redness of the infected tissues. Candida frequently develops following a course of antibiotics or with the use of steroid sprays or steroid tablets. It is also common in pregnancy, with use of the oral contraceptive pill, and in certain diseases particularly diabetes mellitus. It is the bane of some women's lives because it always seems to return, despite treatment.
Candida infection may develop in individuals whose defence system is hobbled, e.g. by leukaemia, AIDS, or corticosteroid tablets. Higher doses of Nystatin are used to try and prevent infection and contain the risk of its spread to other organs, in such situations. Because Nystatin is not absorbed from the gut, it is well tolerated when given by mouth.

How does it work?
Nystatin works by disrupting the membrane of the fungi, which encourages leakage of essential molecules from within the cell.

Side-effects
Mild: (may disappear with continued treatment; see your doctor if persistent) Large doses of Nystatin tablets by mouth may occasionally cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal distress. Creams, drops etc. do not appear to cause any local irritation or other adverse effects.

Proteins and Vitamins:

• Lactoferrin (in its apo-Lactoferrin form) can kill Candida albicans.
  
• Coenzyme Q10 facilitates the elimination of Candida albicans.
  
• Lapachol (a Naphthaquinone present in Pau D'Arco) kills Candida albicans.
  
• Rhein helps to suppress Candida albicans.
  
• Biotin decreases the proliferation of Candida albicans (prevents conversion to rhizoid form).
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Vitamin E
  

These Foods/Herbs Inhibit or Kill Candida albicans:

• Spirulina inhibits Candida albicans.
  
• Propolis suppresses the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Yogurt inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  

Herbs:

• Agrimony inhibits the growth of Candida albicans (due to its Anti-Fungal properties).
  
• Barberry inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans (due to the Berberine content).
  
• Black Walnut exerts Anti-Fungal effects against Candida albicans.
  
• Chilli exerts fungicidal effects against Candida albicans.
  
• Cinnamon inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
  
• Echinacea prevents the recurrence of Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Goldenseal suppresses Candida albicans (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).
  
• Lemon Grass (oil) inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Mastic destroys Candida albicans.
  
• Neem inhibits the growth of Candida albicans.
  
• Oregon Grape inhibits the proliferation of Candida albicans.
  
• Oregano (consumed orally) and Oregano Oil (applied topically).
  
• Pau D'Arco kills Candida albicans.
  
• Philodendron helps to kill Candida albicans (due to the Berberine content of Philodendron).
  
• Skullcap inhibits Candida albicans.
  
• Suma is claimed to inhibit Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Tea Tree Oil (topical douche containing 0.4% solution of Tea Tree Oil) inhibits vaginal proliferation.
  
• Grapefruit Seed Extract is an excellent treatment for chronic Candida albicans proliferation.
  
• Carrots contain a Phytoalexin compound that inhibit Candida by damaging its cell membranes.
  
• Garlic is capable of totally eliminating Candida albicans from the body.
  
• Charcoal (20 - 30 grams per day) suppresses the growth of Candida albicans (in the Gastrointestinal Tract) and adsorbs the toxins produced by Candida albicans in the Gastrointestinal Tract. It thereby counteracts the Herxheimer Reaction experienced by many people attempting to rapidly eradicate Candida albicans from the body.
  

Other Therapies that Counteract Candida albicans:

Olive Leaf Extract:
Olive leaf extract is used as an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent, it gives temporary relief of respiratory conditions, colds and flu, to combat fungal and bacterial problems, to strengthen the immune system and to increase energy. It is antioxidant and also helps to maintain normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Oxygen Therapy:
Oxygen Therapy (utilising controlled dosages of Hydrogen Peroxide or Ozone and administered by a qualified physician) is sometimes utilised in the treatment of Candida albicans. (There is more detail on this subject in the book "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford) and the following is an excerpt from this book.

The folowing is taken from the book "Healing with Whole Foods" by Paul Pitchford

Candida Overgrowth: Immune Inhibitor
Candidiasis, the overgrowth of Candida yeast-like fungi in the body, illustrates the Oriental concept of dampness in which there are feelings of heaviness and sluggishness, mental dullness, possible infections with yeasts and other Microorganisms, and pathogenic moisture such as oedema and excess mucus. Recent research shows that Candida albicans and several related fungi often proliferate in people's bodies in the presence of digestive and other metabolic imbalances.

It appears that Candida exists in high levels in individuals with weak immune systems, although it is normal to have some Candida present. A healthy digestive system has ample Lactobacillus acidophilus and other intestinal Microorganisms, which are indispensable to proper nutrient absorption. Candida has an opposite effect in the digestive tract, inhibiting proper assimilation of essential amino acids and other nutrients. What follows in Candidiasis is the weakening of immunity as well as the entire organism.

The yeast does not always confine itself to the digestive tract. It slips through weakened areas in the gut lining, or can be spread from the anus into the sexual organs (especially in women), and from those areas into the blood and other body tissues. Such migrations of Candida through the entire system, usually termed Systemic Candidiasis, is life-threatening if untreated, and is thought by some to be the cause of death in AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and various other viral-related degenerative illnesses. Author Dr. Kurt Donsbach, who directs the Hospital Santa Monica in Rosarito Beach, Baja California, Mexico, which specialises in therapy for Candidiasis, sees the condition as the root cause of all major diseases.

Toxic by-products of the normal metabolic processes of systemic Candida stimulate the immune system's production of antibodies, and in serious yeast infestations tax the immune system to the point where it cannot respond to invading viruses or other harmful substances. Immunity ultimately breaks down, which opens the way for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, as well as diseases of immune devastation including AIDS and cancer. Even if none of the above conditions set in, the effects of the yeast-induced systemic poisoning can cause allergic reactions to minor environmental or dietary toxins. If the condition is allowed to progress, one can become hyper-allergic, reacting to almost everything.

Candida Overgrowth Symptoms:
The symptoms of high levels of Candida growth may include chronic tiredness, mental sluggishness, chronic vaginitis or prostatitis, anal itching, bloating and other digestive problems, bad breath, extreme sensitivity to tobacco smoke and chemical fumes, mucus in the stools, frequent colds, craving for sweets and yeasted breads, recurrent fungal infections such as athlete's foot, and low immunity in general. Those with systemic Candidiasis may suffer from any of the above symptoms and also often exhibit a scattered and unfocused mind, memory loss, and, in severe cases, mental derangement such as manic/depression and delusions; also common are allergies to many foods and environmental substances.

Causes of Candida Problems
The yeast and dampness-creating foods are those which are cold in temperature, too sweet or salty, mucus producing, and stale or rancid. Too much raw food additionally weakens digestion, evidenced by loose or watery stools. Also included among yeast-inducing products are certain kinds of ferments, yeasted breads, alcoholic beverages, most intoxicants, and any food in excessive amounts. Complicated meals of many ingredients promote pathogenic fermentation in the digestive system; exactly what yeasts thrive on. Simple food combining (see Food Combinations chapter, Plan B) is required for effective yeast control.

The factor that contributes most to Candida proliferation and the degeneration of digestive strength is the use of massive and/or repeated doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics. These drugs kill off all Microorganisms in the digestive tract, including the favourable ones, and prepare a fertile environment for the growth of yeasts and fungi. People with chronic tiredness and other symptoms of Candidiasis can often trace the source of their troubles to the use of antibiotics.

If antibiotics must be taken, re-establishing a healthy flora during and after their use can be done with acidophilus culture (available at health food stores), raw sauerkraut, chlorophyll-rich foods such as deep-green vegetables and barley-grass concentrates, and/or small daily amounts of miso soup (see "Ferments" later in this chapter for dosages). Low-level ingestion of antibiotics occurs from eating commercial meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry, since most livestock are dosed daily with antibiotics in their feed.

Women who take oral contraceptives are found to be at greater than average risk of developing Candidiasis, and even though the precise aetiology is unknown, it is clear that a continual unnatural stimulation of the hormonal system unbalances the same organs, the liver and pancreas, that support a healthy environment in the digestive tract.

Anxiety and worry, according to Chinese physiology, greatly contribute to damp excesses such as yeast overgrowth.

In his book, Paul Pitchford provides information about "Controlling Candida with Diet; Oxygenation; Oxygen enrichment; Hyper-Oxygenation; Ozone and Hydrogen Peroxide in Food and the Body

This article is intended to be informative and interactive. Readers are invited to participate, by writing to us with their thoughts or comments and to request topics of interest, relating to health issues.

Disclaimer:
The above article comprises information taken from many sources and, contains information that is not generally known that we feel should be brought to the attention of our readers.

Whilst we at Sydney Wellbeing Centre do not treat illnesses such as described in these pages; we, from time to time find situations that we feel are important enough to be made public.

Professional medical advice should always be sought and we strongly advise our readers not to act on the information supplied in this publication, without consulting their health care professional.

Sydney Wellbeing Centre

Colin Ifield 02 9652 0308

Katherine Ferris 02 9652 1818

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