Chronic Candida:

Chronic Candida (candidiasis), or the yeast syndrome, is the overgrowth or oversensitivity to Candida albicans or a host of other fungal organisms in the body. Candida is a naturally occurring yeast that is present in all our bodies and is supposed to be there in balance with other microorganisms. Although recurrent antibiotic use, the birth control pill, heavy metal toxicity (especially mercury), and impaired immunity all contribute to the tendency of Candida overgrowth. From the disease model perspective, any stress that weakens the adrenals could potentially set up the predisposition to Candida. Stress, leading to decreased digestive enzymes and HCL acid production combined with the immune suppression that occurs with chronically elevated cortisol is a common scenario that promotes this problem.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Excessive Fatigue
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Anxiety
• Chemical sensitivities including perfumes
• Irritability
• Mood Swings
• Inability to think clearly or concentrate
• Poor Memory
• Brain Fog
• Increased allergies/sensitivities to foods
• Craving for sweets
• Acid Reflux
• Indigestion
• Post nasal drip
• Susceptibility to respiratory tract infections
• Sinus Inflammation
• Athletes Foot

Lifestyle Changes:

• Avoid B vitamins for at least six weeks while getting yeast under control
• Assess for possible heavy metal toxicity as an underlying cause for Candida tendency
• You need to get extra rest during the initial six week cleansing process
• Light exercise only
• Spouses are wise to treat Candida together since it can be passed between each other

Dietary Changes:

There are many foods to enjoy while treating Candida. You will want to follow a higher protein and vegetable diet with no sweets. You may however use Stevia (liquid or powder), for your yogurt to help encourage the healthy bacteria.

Most Vegetables-Artichoke, Asparagus, Bamboo Shoots, Bell Peppers, Bok Choy, Broccoli Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots (raw), Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Pepper, Cucumber, Eggplan, Garlic, Cabbage, Onions, Parsley, Radishes, Salad Greens, Mushrooms, Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, Sprouts, Tomato, Zucchini

Protein- Most meats, except smoked and be careful of deli meats (sugars)

Nuts-the best are natural nuts (not roasted)-Almonds, Almond Butter, Filberts, Macadamia Nuts, Macadamia Nut Butter, Pine Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds. (avoid peanut, peanut butter, cashews, pecans

Legumes-Black Beans, Chick Peas, Green Beans, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Mung Beans, Navy Beans, Pinto Beans, Snow Peas, String Beans

Foods that can be eaten in very limited amounts-Beets, Cooked Carrots, Parsnips, Potato, Squash (all but spaghetti and yellow which are fine),Sweet Potato, Fava Beans, Lima Beans, Pork, Goat Cheese, Organic Corn, Yogurt

Foods and Beverages that are best to avoid-Fruit and Fruit Juices, Coffee, Alcohol, Soft Drinks, Processed Meats, Peanuts and Peanut Butter, Pecans, Walnuts, Cashews, Sweeteners (except Stevia), Dairy, Yeast, Breads, Condiments

**Once the Candida has been treated**- You may be able to VERY SLOWLY reintroduce foods like fruit, other grains, dairy products.

Protocols:

• Similase digestive enzymes- one with each meal
• Phytostan-start with one twice daily with food
• Vitamin C with Quercitin and Citrus Bioflavinoids- one each morning
• Esberitox- one twice daily.

What to Expect:

The "Herxheimer's reaction" was isolated in the 1930's by a German dermatologist. It describes the reaction caused by an intense immediate overload of the symptoms into the blood stream that results when micro-organisms begin to die off. These symptoms are known as "die off”.

Possible Reactions:

• Low grade fever
• Aches and pains
• Feeling worse before you feel better
• Acne
• Rashes

These symptoms are due to the amount of toxins being cleansed from your body. The amount of time die off can last is not predictable with Candida; it can last up to as long as a few weeks. Not everyone with a Candida infection experience die off, but as a general rule the longer you have had the Candida infection the longer the period of time you will suffer from die off. So hang in there, this too shall pass, and the end result is worth the time and energy invested.

Medical Disclaimer

• Dr. Dyler's recommendations and protocols for nutritional support are not intended as a substitute for appropriate medical care.

• The products and the claims made about specific products on or through this site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration and are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

• If you have a medical condition or disease, please talk to your doctor prior to using the recommendations given.

• Do not self-diagnose. Proper medical care is critical to good health. If you have a health concern or undiagnosed sign or symptom, please consult a physician, preferably a naturopathic doctor (N.D.), nutritionally oriented medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.), or other health care specialist. Please go to www.naturopathic.org to find a qualified naturopathic doctor (N.D.) in your area to help you.

• Make your physician aware of all the nutritional supplements or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid any negative interactions with any drugs you are taking.

• If you are currently taking a prescription medication, you absolutely must work with your doctor before discontinuing any drug or altering any drug regimen.