Great Masquerader Yeast Infections

THE GREAT MASQUERADER

YEAST (CANDIDA) INFECTIONS

Dr. Greg and Lyn Chappell

Candida Related Complex (CRC) is what it is being called and it seriously effects the lives of millions of women, men, and children. It manifests as a host of organ, glandular, and nervous system dysfunctions. You don't hear much about it because it defies a neat, logical medical diagnostic package and therefore is misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored. 

In addition to vaginal yeast conditions, CRC presents as a seemingly unrelated and complex set of symptoms, which may be stated as being "all in your head". These can include  (are you ready?) recurrent and non-responsive conditions such as infections of the sinuses, eyes, upper respiratory or gastro-intestinal tracts, fungal infections, fatigue, headaches, depression, bloating, diarrhea, sugar or carbohydrate crav-ings, joint and muscle aches, impaired learning ability, constipation, nasal congestion, bloating, gas, indigestion, spaciness, dizziness, extreme irritability, memory loss, vaginal or anal itching, irregular menstrual periods and other reproductive problems. It can also appear as a host of immune and allergy-type reactions such as asthma, hives, acne, eczema, hay fever, etc. It has a close relationship with PMS and can complicate, be complicated by, or simulate food sensitivities. Children can express re-occurring ear infections, hyperactivity, rashes, etc.

Candida Albicans is one of over 500 microorganisms that live in a state of balance and are kept in check by a healthy immune system.  Along with other friendly bacteria, they compose he intestinal flora and perform valuable functions such as aiding digestion and promoting B vitamin production. The balance can be upset by anything that impairs immune Function and feeds the yeast. These can include antibiotic therapies (particularly broad spectrum), vaccinations, supplemental hormones including oral birth control, impaired nervous system function due to spinal related problems, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, Cortisone or corticosteroid drug use, extreme emotional stress, and improper nutrition especially increased sugar and processed food intake.

The CRC problem is greatly accentuated by our overuse of antibiotic treatments and the use of antibiotics in animal feed grains. The latter subjects us to a low level  "dosing" of antibiotics on a regular basis due to their absorption into the meats we eat. 

Once out of control the yeast can change to a mold form. These can release some 80 toxins into the bloodstream and send out tentacle-like projections that penetrate organ linings allowing incompletely digested food to enter the bloodstream. This can result in a variety of immune responses, food sensitivities, and other health problems as stated above.  As many of these reactions mimic bacterial infec-tions, the medical treatment is more antibiotics, which increases the problem.

If you do exhibit evidence of a candida problem, strengthening the immune system is of primary importance to help reestablish homeostasis and keep things in check once they're normalized to prevent reoccurrence.  Wellness based chiropractic care removes interference to the nervous system's ability to regulate and control body functions. This allows a higher state of balance within the body setting a true foundation for health. Specifically, improved immune system response helps keep the intestinal flora in balance reducing the incidence and severity of sickness and disease and related need for additional  antibiotics  thus eliminating added complication of the candida imbalance.

Foods need to be eliminated that feed the candida.  The bottom line is no sugar or yeast containing foods. This means eating primarily certain vegetables and protein only for several weeks followed by gradual test periods of reintroduction of certain foods over time.

At the same time you must reduce the yeast populations to get them back in balance with the "good" bacteria. This is usually accomplished through the use of homeopathic and herbal prepara-tions.  Examples are "yeast fighter" supplements, Pau d'Arco and Taheebo tea, garlic, caprilic acid, and citrus seed extract. Examples of friendly bacteria sources include broad spectrum probiotics, acidophilus, yogurt with active cultures, and kefir. Anything that restores and boosts immune function such as vita-mins A, B Complex, C, and E, beta carotene, Goldenseal, Echina-cea, Coenzyme Q10, and essential fatty acids are essential also.

I highly recommend that you read up on the nature of CRC to maximize your effectiveness in bringing it back into balance. Keep in mind that candida is not an invader but a normal part of the body that is out of control and probably has been for a number of years. Regaining balance is the key and this will take time.  You should see some changes in two to three weeks but the entire process may require six months to two years. The problem didn't develop overnight. Be patient with the rebalancing of your body and improving health.  You've got the rest of your life to enjoy the improved quality of your health!