Many people write to us at TAP everyday with the basic question of Candida. What is it and how can I get better? Candida Albicans is an intestinal yeast that is present in almost everyone in normal levels. However, when Candida starts to overwhelm your body and it essentially starts “taking over”, you know there is a problem. Symptoms of Candida can include a white film on the tongue (especially first thing in the morning), drowsiness, persistent fatigue, bloated belly, indigestion, constipation, inability to concentrate etc. So what should you do if you suspect you have Candida?
We have compiled a great list of resources for you, but TAP highly recommends a phenomenal website: www.thinkfungus.com, created by Dr. David Holland. He also created the Limited Carbohydrate Diet, which is very helpful for someone who may have an overgrowth of Candida.
Probiotics also play a very important role in helping to manage Candida overgrowth. Probiotics are a big help to the body in that they can help support the immune system in fighting off yeasts, fungi and harmful bacteria. They can keep our intestinal tract in a healthy balance and may discourage yeast infections of the vaginal tract. Beneficial bacteria can detoxify your body, by “crowding out” harmful organisms. This means as the beneficial bacteria compete for attachment sites within your GI tract, they push out harmful organisms (such as yeast) and leave no room for them.
We suggest the following probiotic approach to combat yeast:
Start by taking one to several potent probiotic capsules or freeze-dried powders per day. You can choose between dairy-free capsules or dairy-based powders. Start by taking 1/2 teaspoon of each powder (or one capsule of each) once a day, mixed in one glass of unchilled filtered water, taken on an empty stomach, preferably at least 20 minutes before meals. After two weeks, increase frequency to twice a day. Increase to 2 or more capsules a day if you wish. Take with unchilled filtered water, along with some food.
When combating yeast, it is also helpful to avoid any sugars, fermented foods, yeasts (as in bread) and any foods that may harbor molds, such as dried fruits, nuts and some cheeses.
Beneficial bacteria may cause an inhibition or die-off of harmful bacteria or fungi, which must exit the body via the feces or urine. With large numbers of toxins, these exit routes may become overcrowded and unable to accommodate the mass exit immediately. It is during this time that the individual may experience a Herxheimer reaction – temporary toxic or allergic symptoms such as bloating, gas and/or headaches. It is important to realize that these reactions are positive signs that the body is ridding itself of harmful organisms and their toxic by-products. We suggest increasing the dosage slowly to avoid bloating and/or gas.
Probiotics typically come from two groups of bacteria, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, which each have subgroups of species such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus. These species contain different strains. L. Acidophilus is present in the small intestine, while B. Bifidus makes its home in the colon.
Your body is crawling with microorganisms, including bacteria — in and on your skin, in the gut and elsewhere. In fact, about 400 different types of bacterial microorganisms live in your intestinal tract. Realize most of these microorganisms are health promoters-you need them and they need you.
These friendly bacteria help develop and maintain your immune system to protect against other “unfriendly” microorganisms that could cause disease. PBs keep the unhealthy bacteria from taking over so you stay healthier overall. The good bacteria also aid in the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
Sometimes the complex ecosystem in your gut is thrown out of balance by things like antibiotics, some medications, stress, a poor diet, or unfriendly microorganisms such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites. For example, too much sugar in the diet combined with a high-stress lifestyle can throw off the pH in your intestines and let the bad bacteria proliferate and take over.
However, PBs can restore balance and counter the effects of the unfriendly microorganisms.
I appreciate the information on the probiotics since I suffer from a Candida infection (discovered via a culture during an Endoscopy, so it is not “self diagnosed”). However, after massive research into Candida, one thing has stood out…the infamous anti-Candida diet.
I agree with the elimination of sugar since sugar has been scientifically shown to foster the growth of problematic bacteria in our intestinal systems. However, the elimination of yeast, fermented products and other food groups is simply unfounded scientifically. Put simply, yeast does not feed on yeast. Never has, never will. You cannot “feed” your Candida infection with mushrooms or other “don’t eat” foods on the anti-Candida diet….it is completely ridiculous. It is also a physiological impossibility….it doesn’t exist anywhere in nature and certainly not in our guts.
I have a friend who is a pHD Microbiologist, and he was astounded when I showed him the consistent message on most internet websites dealing with Candida. What has happened is that it SOUNDS logical so it keeps getting repeated over and over again on the internet until now it has become gospel. Too bad that it isn’t true. I hope the people who read these articles and check out forums do some more thorough research than hanging their hat on unsubstantiated myth.
Keep going for the probiotics since they definitely help (and have been scientifically proven to do so), but do your research on all of the other “cures” out there and see what kind of science is truly behind the “cure”.
Thank you for your comment! At TAP, we do recommend a limited carb diet, formulated for us by Dr. David Holland from http://www.thinkfungus.com as well as a high-quality probiotic supplement taken daily while doing a candida cleanse. We agree with some of your statements regarding candida, and we encourage the dialogue.
Sincerely,
The Team at TAP
Hi,
I was diagnosed with a metasticized very large uterine sarcoma larger than soft ball size. It is engulfing the ureter and I have a stent to keep the kidney from having hydro.PLEASE could somene help me alternatively. Is sarcoma caused from candida? Please let me hear back regarding this asp because I do not like what the oncologist has in store for me and time is ticking. Thanks.
Kay
Hello, Kay- I am saddened to hear of your dilemma, however, I cannot dispense any medical advice. The purpose of this blog is to educate the public about probiotics.
@ R. Hill – So, if I understand this correctly what you’re saying is if something hasn’t been proven to be scientifically true then it must not be true?
I disagree with you, based on my own personal experiences with myself and my children.
Sugar feeds yeast. The only thing that is ridiculous is your refusal to believe people based on what they witnessed with their own eyes.
Science doesn’t know everything and its word isn’t the end all be all.