Definition of Candida Albicans

Candida, also known commonly as yeast, is a type of fungus that exists as part of a huge number of other micro-organisms in the human body. Normally, in a healthy body, Candida does not cause any problem. However, when the bio-balance is upset by factors such as unhealthy lifestyle, stress, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, chronic use of medications such as antibiotics, cortisone, or birth control, an overgrowth of Candida can occur in the body.

This can result in toxins being released into the bloodstream that can have many adverse effects on the functioning of the body. The immune system is unable to cope with the continuous release of toxins, leading to disease. Symptoms can include depression, mood swings, sinusitis, headaches, chronic fatigue, joint pain, stomach pain, indigestion, vaginal thrush and other fungal infections, skin rashes, eczema and many others.

What are the Symptoms?

Here are some of the symptoms of Candida:
1. Frequent stomach pains and digestion problems
2. Skin problems (skin infections, eczema, psoriasis, acne)
3. Foggy brain / Trouble concentrating
4. Constant tiredness and exhaustion
5. Anxiety
6. Mood swings
7. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
8. Anger outbursts
9. Irritability
10. Headaches
11. Intense cravings for sugars, sweets, and breads
12. Itchy skin

What are the Causes?

The most predominant type of yeast is Candida Albacans. An overgrowth of yeast occurs when the immune system becomes suppressed and toxins produced by the yeast can enter the blood stream through the colon wall, infecting other parts of the body.

This condition can be triggered by a number of factors such as antibiotic and steroid use, birth control pills, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation or menopause, allergies, poor hygiene, stress, a poor diet, or chemical poisoning.

Tests and Diagnosis

Testing for Candida may be accomplished is several ways. The following items do not represent a comprehensive list, but should merely act as an initial indicator before a physicians visit.

Simple Test at Home
This may be completed by following the steps listed.

1. First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass and fill with water.
2. Work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water.
3. Check the water after a moment or within 2-3 minutes, then within every 15 minutes.
4. If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings, like cloudy legs, traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water. The more strings and cloudiness there is and the faster it develops, the greater the overgrowth.
5. If there are no strings, the water is as clear as it was before you spit in the glass and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free.
The Candida Questionnaire
This is a questionnaire that will reveal a score, indicating the likeliness of Candida. It comprises of the following sections
1. Health History, eg allergies, cravings, smoking.
2. Severe and recurrent Issues, eg fatigue, bloating, chronic abdominal pain.
3. Minor issues, eg mucus, postnasal drips, dizziness.
The full questionnaire will give a score indicating the likelihood of candida, and can be made available by using our "Ask the Experts" at the top of the page.

Again, if these give any indication of the disease, it is advised to read through the possible natural treatments that follow.

Treatments

Fortunately, Candida can be controlled by means of a balanced diet and by the elimination of certain foods in order to create an internal environment in which the yeast cannot survive. An initial detox diet coupled with use of the all natural Candidate formula will ensure that the levels of systemic Candida are significantly reduced. Thereafter, a maintenance program should be followed to keep Candida permanently at bay. Remember that Candida thrives on all sugars and refined carbohydrates and it is only by controlling your intake of these foods that you will beat systemic Candida. By following this diet, you will not only be able to control Candida levels in your body, but you will also be amazed at the amount of energy you have. Your skin will clear, your eyes will sparkle and you will even lose weight, despite the fact that you need never go hungry! Many people find that the Candida diet helps to clear joint and back pain, balance sugar levels and blood pressure, control cholesterol and relieve symptoms of depression – all without medication! This is because by reducing Candida overgrowth in the body, the immune system is able to function properly for the first time in years, allowing the body to heal itself!

Some Important Points
When following the Candida diet (See Next Item ), you must make sure that your blood sugar levels are kept at an acceptable level by eating a substantial breakfast, lunch and supper. If you find that your energy level is low or you are experiencing dizziness while on the diet, it is probably due to low blood sugar. If this happens, simply add a mid-morning and mid afternoon snack. Please remember to drink lots of water in order to assist with the elimination of toxins from your body. After a few days of detoxifying, some of your symptoms may become worse and you could also experience headaches. This is quite normal and part of the detoxification process. It will improve after a few days and you will begin to feel healthier than you have felt for years! The Candida diet should be followed for 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance program as outlined.

You may not use sugar in any form. This includes sucrose (cane sugar), glucose and fructose (fruit sugar). Lactose (milk sugar) must be kept to a minimum.

Natural Remedies and Candida Diet

The candida diet is a very important part in the treatment of this infection. In conjectionn with some natural heral supplements, with emphasis on the natural herb remedy Candidate the disease may be treated.

Foods Allowed Daily in diet

1. Rye Vita (contains no yeast)
2. Rye Bread (no yeast or wheat)
3. Rice Cakes,Rice, Potato or Rye Flour
4. Corn or Soy Flour
5. Oats, Corn Meal, Maltabella
6. Milk (125ml per day)
7. Plain Bulgarian Yogurt (125ml, no sugar
8. Low-fat Cottage Cheese (no sugar)
9. Soy/Rice Milk
10. Ricotta Cheese -Potato Chips (no MSG)
11. One Fruit per Day (no melons or grapes, make sure fruit is not bruised)
12. Herbs
13. Chicken, Fish or Meat (preferably grilled, roasted or steamed)
14. Sunflower or Olive Oil
15. Lemon Juice (30ml per day
16. All vegetables must be fresh or frozen, nothing canned or tinned.
17. Avocado
18. Sweet Potatoes or Normal Potatoes
19. Brown Rice (no white rice)
20. Onions & Garlic
21. Walnuts, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamia, Nuts, Pecans, Coconuts
22. Plain Popcorn (homemade)
23. Hummus
24. Herbal Teas (Rooibos, Chamomile, etc.) Tomatoes
25. Lipton Herbal Teas
26. Mineral Water
27. Artificial Sweeteners (Advantage, Equal, etc.)

Foods Allowed Weekly

1. One serving of whole-wheat pasta
2. Wheatbix (no sugar)
3. Soft Goat Cheeses (Camembert, Feta, Chevre)
4. 1 rice cake with carob or yogurt topping
5. Tomato Paste
Foods Allowed Twice a Week
1. Canned Salmon or Tuna in Spring Water
2. Spices (curries, chilies, etc.)
Foods to Completely Avoid
1. Anything containing Yeast, including Breads, Marmite, Provita, Bovril, etc.
2. White Wheat flour or Pastry flour
3. Gluten Flour
4. Flake Cereals
5. Semolina, Cream of Wheat
6. White Pasta
7. Fermented or Processed Cheeses (Cheddar, feta from dairy, or hard cheeses)
8. Mushrooms
9. Peanuts, Peanut Butter, Pistachios
10. All Fruit Juices
11. Pickled, Smoked or Processed Meats or Fish
12. All Vinegars and Vinegar-based Products (dressings, chutney, mayonnaise, etc.)
13. All forms of Alcohol
14. Honey and other Natural Sweeteners
15. Sugar or any product containing Sugar
16. All Non-Herbal Teas and Coffees
17. Bruised Fruits or Vegetables, Melons or Grapes

Some Suggested Meals that can be used in conjunction with Candidate (Omit foods to which you are allergic. Eat as much as you want.) are listed below

1. Breakfast
   1 Serving of Fruit Porridge (Oats, Maltabella, Corn Meal, Rice Cereal (Good for Infants), Rye Vita, Yeast-Free Bread, Rice Cakes, Avocado with Cottage Cheese, Eggs and Tomato, Baked Haddock

2. Lunch
   Salads (add potatoes, greens, rice, beans; the more ingredients, the better.) Meat, Fish or Chicken (grilled or steamed) Soups or Bakes of Lentils, Pulses, Legumes Steamed Vegetables
3. Dinner
   Meat, Fish or Chicken (grilled, steamed or roasted) Pumpkin or Squash, Brown Rice Salads, Stir Fries or Soups (chicken, veggies), Yeast-Free Bread,Rye Vita,Rice Cakes,Avocado, Tomato, Cottage Cheese, Tuna/Cold Chicken
Maintenance Program
After the initial four weeks of detox, you can slowly re-introduce foods from the “Foods to Avoid” list, but please remember to use them in moderation. Foods to still avoid or use with special caution even after four weeks are: sugars, white flour, fruit juices, dried fruits, prepared breakfast flakes (including muesli), alcohol, vinegar and foods containing yeast.

For help with this issue or any other problem, visit your physician. Also, you may have a look at the many other sites in the Learning Center on this website.