Candida imbalance is one of the most common disorders we treat in our clinic. Among its main causes are:
- Over use of antibiotics/steroids – Heavy metals/amalgam in teeth – The contraceptive pill or HRT – An infected partner – Excess sugar in the diet – Hormonal fluctuations – Oral contraception
Candida can even be contracted by babies in the birth canal.
The common symptoms of Candida are: bloating, IBS, diarrhoea, constipation, depression, anxiety, skin itching, dandruff, athlete’s foot, PMT, migraine, cystitis and even endometriosis, recurrent or persistent thrush, fungal infections of the skin and nails, chronic fatigue, loss of energy, decreased libido, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, menstrual problems, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract including coughs, colds, sinusitis and irritabilityIt can also cause depletion in stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which have the knock-on effect of poor supplement absorption.
A misconception about Candida is that it is, in itself, a “bad” thing. In fact, everyone has Candida! The common yeast Candida Albicans normally lives harmlessly in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, where it is controlled by friendly gut bacteria. It only becomes a health concern when it is grows out of balance.
A higher than normal glucose content of the mucous membranes of the body allows Candida to flourish. This can result in vaginal thrush, or the more chronic condition known as Candidiasis. This can occur through eating too many refined carbohydrates, sweets, soft drinks, white flour products, and the line; which find their way to the mucous to form food for the yeast. Other sugary foods which may aggravate the problem include fruits and alcohol.
As noted above, everyone has the yeast in their body; it just needs to be balanced. At The Centre For Integrated Health, we determine what any contributing medicinal factors may be. We also screen for dietary factors that could exacerbate the condition, and map out an eating plan for the period in which the yeast will “die off.” We then explain the dynamics of the whole system, so people can learn how to keep the yeast balanced.
Generally, probiotic therapy is often recommended. For children, we have very gentle treatments that are suitable to their growing bodies.
“P”, a photographer and piano tuner, suffered from severe Candida, as did his wife. When their baby was born, there were complications because of the severity of the case of Candida that he had been passed by his parents. Symptoms “P” was experiencing included experiencing chest pains, a lack of concentration and a constant feeling of lethargy.
This condition had taken its toll on both his personal life and his professional life (his job actually had played a part in the advancement of his condition – he’d spent a great deal of time entertaining clients over the years). He realized it was time he visited The Centre For Integrated Health.
First, his health status was comprehensively assessed using the pioneering non-invasive full system scan. This information was then used to devise a diet plan and a homeopathy and supplement regime.
“P”s Candida is now completely gone, and he has launched energetically into a new career!
At the risk of being repetitious, please let us say again: everyone has Candida! So please don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if you’re dealing with this problem; it’s not a question of the yeast itself, it’s simply a matter of balance.
There follows a list of products that clients have enjoyed success with. For personalised advice, please email or call 01730 233 414.
Acidophilus is renowned to be of use for the balance of good and bad
bacteria in the bowel. It can be used to return the intestinal flora to
normal, healthy levels (natural flora levels may be affected by fungus
or antibiotics). Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum
form part of the body’s normal micro-flora and encourage a healthy
intestinal environment, promoting proper digestion and immune
function and supporting the body’s natural defences against infection,
inflammation, and disease.
The addition of FOS (fructooligosaccharides - short chain fatty acids),
which act as fuel for the growth and maintenance of beneficial gut
flora, makes this formula especially useful in cases of dysbiosis due to
pathogentic bacteria, fungal overgrowth, or following antibiotic use.
FOS have been shown to help improve calcium and magnesium
absorption, balance gut Ph, improve lipid profiles, and strengthen the
The B group vitamins work synergistically as co-factors for thousands
of enzymatic reactions in the body. Best known for their crucial role in
energy production and reactions of the Krebs cycle, B vitamins are also
vital for the breakdown and metabolism of fats, blood sugar control,
and fluid balance. They are especially effective at boosting energy during
times of physical and/or emotional stress, when these vitamins are
The health and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system
relies on B vitamins as they are involved in nerve conduction,
neurotransmitter synthesis, and proper muscle function, including that
of the heart.
Adequate B vitamins are required by the endocrine system, with B6
being particularly beneficial for balancing hormones in women with
symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. B vitamins also support the health
of the skin, hair, and nails.
NutriVital B complex contains B6 in the most easily
assimilated form of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P). It also
includes choline and inositol which work in synergy
with B vitamins.
Vitalyze was designed to help support the body in maintaining a healthy
balance of candida. This formula contains a selection of well-known
herbs including echinacea, golden seal, pau d’arco and garlic, which all
have a antimicrobial action, help to reduce the over growth of candida
and maintain balance of gut flora.
Chromium is included to support carbohydrate metabolism,
reducing the excess sugar in blood that feeds candida. Also included
are psyllium husk and glucomannan to help cleanse the intestines.
Removing candida from the system can be a lengthy process and
needs to be combined with a sugar-free, low glycaemic diet. High
glycaemic index foods such as potatoes, white bread, bananas, white
rice, and corn should also be avoided for maximum effectiveness.
For best results combine with NutriVital Acidophilus Complex and
L-Glutamine Plus as a powerful antifungal regimen to eliminate the
symptoms of candida.
Yucca is rich in steroid sapinins. It is traditionally used for cleaning the
colon and regulating colonic bacteria as it is believed to have powerful
antifungal and antibacterial properties. Yucca has a cleansing action in
the bowel, and by enhancing proper elimination, yucca supports overall
detoxification in the body.
NutriVital Yucca may support healthy cholesterol balance. It is rich in
saponins which have a gentle foaming action in the intestines. Saponins
bind to cholesterol, preventing it from being reabsorbed and causing its
elimination via the bowel.
Yucca saponins block the release of toxins from bacteria in the intestines
which inhibit normal formation of cartilage. This may give Yucca an
important role in slowing the progression and reducing the symptoms
of chronic degenerative diseases, joint inflammation, arthritis, and
rheumatism. Further benefits reported include migraine relief, lower blood
pressure, and cholesterol and triglyceride reduction.
Yucca increases nitrogen retention by up to 35% by
blocking the urease enzyme responsible for converting
the nitrogen from proteins to urea, making it of interest
to athletes and bodybuilders.
Yucca also contains vitamins A, B, and C, potassium,
calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and copper.