Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. My first article is here and you can do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests available from Genova and Metametrix Labs.
Candida albicans is one of many yeast organisms that is natural to the human gut flora. For many people, especially those who take medications routinely, or eat processed foods and sugar, the gut flora loses it’s camp of healthy micro-organisms, and the Candida (or other pathogens) take over. Most often people get thrush, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and chronic fatigue to go with a lot of GI distress (you name it). Once the yeast leaves your digestive tract, you get sicker and may develop cystitis, headaches, itchy skin, PMS and anxiety or depression. The other ‘diseases’ that Candida (it’s toxic break down products) cause are numerous, and were outlined in last week’s column.
To regain health, you must first destroy the offender. The absolute best way to kill Candida is to stop ingesting fast food, or anything processed or containing sugar. Eat more raw food (think salads, juicing, fresh veggies) and lean proteins. If you don’t eat meat, supplement with hemp or rice protein shakes. Ease up on carbs, and no refined white bread, white rice or white sugar. No more white!
Doctors can prescribe nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that stays in the gut and kills Candida. Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works systemically (in your blood). There are OTC formulas available for all of you. With any anti-Candida protocol, there could be a “die-off” reaction (you get worse before getting better) so give these products a chance.
Phytofuge: This contains a fabulous blend of botanical herbs that work synergistically to improve the health of your digestive tract. The product contains Pau D’Arco, wormwood, black walnut, and undecylenic acid, all of which have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Buy it online, or ask your health food store or physician to acquire for you.
CandidaClear by NSI: Another blend of incredible anti-Candida herbs and vitamins including grapefruit seed, garlic, caprylic acid and biotin. I found this one at vitacost.com
Probiotics: These replenish gut flora with healthy strains of bacteria. The following have a nice blend of strains and are sold nationwide: Pro-Bio, Kyo-Dophilus, Culturelle, Pearls IC, Probiotic All-Flora, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12.
Pancreatic enzymes: An overlooked, but absolutely crucial step in improving gut function by helping you digest food. You may also need betaine hydrochloride, a natural digestive acid.
In addition to writing a syndicated column on health which reaches 20 million people each week, Suzy is the author of a number of books on natural health.
You may have seen Suzy on The Dr. OZ Show (6 different appearances), The View, The Doctors, Good Morning America Health and hundreds of morning shows. Quotes from Suzy, as well as her articles, have also appeared in major publications including Woman’s Day, Reader’s Digest, OK Magazine!, First for Women, Fitness, Natural Health and Better Homes & Garden and dozens more.
Read more from Suzy at suzyCohen.com
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I had a problem with Candida and received information at a site that hailed the benefits of Oil of Oregano. I immediately purchased it and have totally gotten rid of all of my symptoms, and I can tell you that I was home bound because of the main symptom that was painful and mostly embarrassing (flatulence). If you have the problem, you know what I am talking about. Any time it returns, I know I have Candida and I take it again. I have NO flatulence since I started taking it.
The site where I got the information is:ww.thehealthhound.com. It is a great source for information.
I will never again be without Oil of Oregano in my house. It stops the common cold in its’ tracks. Great stuff. I don’t know why you don’t recommend it for every virus and fungus. A couple of drops can be put in a tablespoon of olive oil and rubbed on the bottom of a baby’s feet and help them get rid of a cold.
I did this test after reading this article, but had real reservations about it’s accuracy. After all everones spit is going to do “something” in a glass of clear water! So I researched…Please review this site as I did, to possibly see just ‘who’ came up with this ‘test’ and why! see: http://www.owndoc.com/candida-albicans/spit-test-candida-diagnosis-unreliable/
what about using the tried and true collidal silver? The gel (20ppm) worked on my eyes and I’m drinking the liquid (10ppm) as well as only a low carb veggies and protein diet.
A further comment from the colloidal silver user…I too am also using Oil of Oregano (ex. strength) 3 drops daily, under my tongue and Aged Garlic capsules. In addition I add back acidophilus, to replace the good bacteria that we all need, as all the above will kill off anything!! I eat organic no-fat plain yogurt morning and night, with a sprinkling of ground hemp seed for protein. This is my dessert treat, after all those yummy low carb complex carbohydrate veggies!! Been on this for about one month now. My symptoms were eyes that were swollen almost shut, and surrounding skin so red, itchy and sore that I lost layers of skin around them. Silver gel around the eye was calming and healed them the next day. Had major postnasal drip and really bad “glue ears” and bloating and gas. Why did I get all this… had a 10 day antibiotic in January, followed by 2 cortisone shots for plantar fasciitis in my heel in March & June… Never again, Be warned! The plus is, that I feel so much better and I’ve lot 6 lbs without excersing, as I still cannot walk due to the pain in my heel…it’s on an icepack. Thinking about getting it lasered
i got an anticandida blood test done, i asked my doctor for it, but she dosnt know how to read it, it was an IGA AGg AND IGM does anyone here know how to read the results
You don’t explain how to do the saliva’s test.
Candida only affects women?
In answer to your question about how to do the saliva test, first thing in the morning before you’ve eaten or drank anything, even water, take a clear glass, fill it with water, spit in it and wait up to 30 minutes.
You may see results sooner than that but what you are looking for are strands or “legs” that run downwards. If you have those, or your saliva turns cloudy by 30 minutes, you have candida.
My significant other did the test as a “control” and his saliva did nothing but sit there. Mine, on the other hand, had the telltale legs, and I also have symptoms. One curious thing, though, is that he does have a foot fungus. But I suppose it doesn’t mean he has Candida though. He doesn’t have any of the other symptoms I have. And I don’t have a foot fungus!
My wife had a severe candida and mercury poisioning from 16 amalgam fillings. Doctors could not find any problems. She had severe head aches, acne (new problem at 35), and nearly lost all of her hair. We spent tens of thousands of dollars trying to find a solution. After researching the hair loss I found the problem. We are not sure if the hair loss is from the mercury or the candida, or both. My wife has been going thru natural treatments for a year now and is doing much better. She has been taking 3-lac and 5-lac for over a year and it is giving her life back. The doctors treatments almost killed her. I have read people warning about 3-lac but would suggest anyone have problems to try it for themselves. It has been a life saver for my wife.