Dr. Mercola December 02 2008 144,047 views
If you think you may be suffering from a yeast-related problem, keep reading. My free special report, available for download below, will teach you how to identify Candida overgrowth and, more importantly, how to overcome it.
Millions of people are currently fighting a battle against a single-cell fungus they cannot see. This fungus belongs to a family of yeasts called Candida albicans, and under normal circumstances it’s a harmless part of your skin, intestines, and for women, your vagina.
But Candida cells develop rapidly, and if your system is out of balance from eating unhealthy foods, taking certain prescription drugs, fighting an illness, and more -- Candida can quickly grow out of control. The result is an astounding array of health problems that can rob you of energy and interfere with your ability to enjoy life.
What’s worse most conventional doctors do not recognize the symptoms of Candida overgrowth, and are clueless about how to cure it.
Because Candida overgrowth, or Candidiasis, is so often overlooked by physicians, it’s difficult to say exactly how many people may be affected, but estimates suggest that up to 80 million Americans may suffer from yeast-related problems -- and 70 percent of them are women.
Some common conditions that indicate you may have Candida overgrowth include:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Vaginitis
Food allergies
Migraines
Asthma
Chronic fatigue
PMS
Fibromyalgia
Yeast infections
Cancer
Weight gain
Depression
This is a VERY important topic for many women as up to 75 percent of all women will experience a yeast infection in their lifetime.
But why is that?
I believe one of the most important reasons is the overconsumption of processed foods and foods high in sugar, both of which serve as fertilizer for the growth of yeast and fungi in your body.
Oral contraceptives are also a factor, as these synthetic hormones create an environment that is conducive to yeast overgrowth. And, last but not least, overuse of antibiotics, which kill off both good and bad bacteria and promote the growth of fungi and yeast, contributes to making this such a common health problem.
Is Candida to Blame For Your Symptoms?
When we’re talking about Candida, it’s important to realize that vaginal yeast infections are not the sole health problem that can ensue. In fact, chronic fatigue is perhaps one of the most common ailments rooted in yeast and fungal overgrowth.
Yeast may even be a causative factor in cancer.
I know that sounds surprising, but I’ve previously published an article with a video featuring Dr. Simoncini, who explains this quite succinctly.
So how do you know if Candida is to blame for your symptoms?
Well, often you don’t know for sure, and that’s why so many people are suffering needlessly. If you’re suffering from some of the symptoms listed above, and nothing else you’ve tried seems to help, there’s a fair chance Candida is involved.
However, a good sign that Candida is taking a hold of your body is feeling “run down” and developing a craving for sugars and carbohydrates, as this is the main fuel for the growing amounts of yeast in your body.
The more sugar and grains you eat, the more the yeast grows out of control. Eventually, this will weaken your immune system, which in turn can allow the yeast to infiltrate various other organs, and the sicker you’ll become.
How to Treat Vaginal Yeast Infections Naturally
Many people opt to treat yeast infections with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, and when the symptoms go away, they assume they are cured.
In reality, these creams only treat the symptoms, and do nothing about the underlying yeast overgrowth that caused the problem to begin with.
With yeast infections or thrush, the underlying causes are also related to imbalances in your body’s terrain, such as your pH balance, and the balance of good and bad bacteria. Yeast thrives in an alkaline environment, so to successfully treat a vaginal yeast infection for example, you need to adjust the pH in your vaginal area.
To provide near-immediate relief for a vaginal yeast infection, you can try any of these all-natural techniques:
How to Avoid Candida with Proper Lifestyle Changes
In order to prevent yeast overgrowth, you need to create an environment that makes it more difficult for fungus to thrive. Typically, you can do this by making the following lifestyle changes:
Essential Food Restrictions For Yeast Control
Because yeast multiplies so quickly, it’s necessary to restrict not only sugar and refined carbs in your diet but also all yeast- and mold-containing foods, including:
Also remember that the number one source of calories in America is not regular sugar, but high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is included in most all processed foods and should be avoided.
If you are already facing Candidiasis, I highly recommend working with a natural health care practitioner who specializes in treating yeast overgrowth to help see you through treatment.
I have been through all this (not vaginal thrush, but systemic candida) some years ago. The symptoms were weight gain (on hips and tummy), bloating, flatulence and some times nausea). I did the diet for a long time - no dairy, fats, sugar, dried fruit, pork products etc. It was OK while on the diet, but any treats set me right back.
Then I had a zinc test ( takes 5 minutes and is cheap). Turned out I was VERY low in zinc, so I was not making enough stomach acid. Since taking zinc, I have not looked back, and can eat anything with no upsets at all. So, while the diet might help, it won't treat the cause of the problem. If you are over 40 you are probably producing less stomach acid anyway. Most soils are deficient in zinc, so you won't get it in your food.
Hey all, I've been an avid reader and subscriber for over a year now and my contributions are long overdue! This topic is very poignant for me as it forms the basis of pretty much all my ailments and the massive interest I now have in natural health.
For about 20 years, I've suffered with intolerance to smells, aching joints, mouth ulcers and headaches... I'm sure there's more?! In the last 10 years I've suffered with very bad migraine's - usually 3 a week, and in the last 5 years, bloating.
I realised that Candida could well be the cause of most, if not all of these problems, after much research. I did a spit test and found I had a ridiculous amount of overgrowth. This was in April this year. I immediately changed my diet, eliminating all sugars, yeast and fermented food and fungi. At the beginning of May I began taking Threelac. I did the usual routine, building up from 1 a day, up to 5 a day. I'm currently back down to a 1 a day maintenance dose, which I'll be on for months to come - if not life.
I haven't had a migraine since beginning this regime - not 1! My aversion to smells has stopped, I've only had 1 mouth ulcer caused by my overzealous use of my toothbrush and only occasional bloating - ironically caused by the die-off reaction from Threelac, which is easily sorted with a bit of Oxy-Powder.
My entire health and wellbeing has improved. I feel like I did when I was a teenager. My joints have improved and my performance in the gym is testament to this.
I can't stress enough to check if you have an overgrowth (google the spit test at the very least). If you have, get rid! It's the best thing I've ever done. I have a friend who complains of multiple ailments. I had her do a spit test as I believed Candida was the problem. It was. She had more than I ever had! But she isn't prepared to make the necessary changes to her diet and lifestyle. Sadly, this is her loss.
I test my spit once a week and my pH once a fortnight to keep a check.
Cheers
I haven't heard of the 'spit test' - please advise
When I saw Dr. Mercola five years ago, one of the first things he had me do is to stick out my tongue. He said, "You have an overgrowth of yeast in your body." I was puzzled how he would know that. Reading my mind, he said, "Do you know how I know that? You're tongue has a white coating on it. It shouldn't have a coating if there is no yeast in the body."
So that's how I test myself, and it's simple... just look in the mirror and stick out your tongue.
Congratulations, DJ! That's an awesome account you've provided. NO MORE MIGRAINES! I don't know if you're a man or a woman, but it's important to note that yeast overgrowth is a huge problem for MEN, too.
And congrats to Dr. Mercola, too, for focusing on yeast as he does. For the sake of his being concise, his list of symptoms just touches the surface.
Additional problems include 100 different auto-immune disorders, and MENTAL FOG, FORGETFULNESS, and probably ALZHEIMER's (Yes, it helps with food cravings, too.)
itsnotjustforsex-1.blogspot.com/.../how-to-end-food-cravings-effortlessly.html
Yeast releases 80 toxins in their 'poop' including formaldehyde. I'm just guessing here, but that 'pickle juice' probably isn't the best thing for our brains. It's probably not to great for our kids brains, either...no wonder they are having trouble in school!
The best to you.
Kelley Eidem
Together we can cure cancer - one person at a time!
All, here is a link I found stating the pros and cons of Threelac.
Pretty interesting reading.
www.yeastinfectionadvisor.com/threelacreview.html
I have been suffering from Candida for many years and I got many good ideas from this blog. From this blog I learned about Thorn SF722 and will try that. I of course take ThreeLac. I basically followed the protocal and products offered at gethealthagain.com. Robert Harrison will answer questions when you call. You can also read what the spit test is at this site. One product I learned about that helps alot but is not very well know at all is SANGRE DE DRAGO. It is much stronger that grape seed extract. It is mainly used in the amazon for wound healing but I put a squirt in water with stevia (it tastes terrible)and drink it.
Thank you for sharing your experience with yeast overgrowth. I have had it for at least 25 years. I'm 40 years old. I have leaky gut which has made my food allergies so much worse. Anything I eat or drink too much of causes me hives and/or shortness of breath. I have recently gotten reactions from eating too much of healthy things like garlic, avocados, onions, and green tea!
I was also on ThreeLac for several months but stopped it due to my stool being very loose and watery. It is also very expensive. I take probiotics 3xs a day along with many other supplements. I eat no sugar or processed food and very little grains or fruit. I am allergic to most of those anyway.
The worst part of it is the "brain fog" and feeling so slow and tired in the mornings. I work evening shift (3-11), but spend the day just trying to wake up and get going. It's been almost six months now since I stopped sugar and began fighting yeast and my urine pH is just now starting to normalize.
I believe I was on the way to becoming diabetic and worse if I hadn't learned about this and changed my diet and lifestyle.
I welcome any communication and support from anyone also having experience with candida. (bethyk at msn dot com) Beth
Found the 'spit test' - how easy that one is- free too!
dj davo,
I have had systemic candida all my life, I did the spit test about 8 months ago and was horrified on how infected I was. I started on the Three-Lac starting with one working up to 5 packs per day, after a few months I tried the 5 lack, back to Three lack, but unfortunately I have not had as much relief as I hopped for, and yes I cut out the carbs and even did the Atkins diet with it. All I have to say is that if the condition gets to be systemic, there is no hope for a cure. i have never known of a person who has cured systemic candida. One can get rid of the candida as long as it is not systemic. I have tried every natural remedy for Candida that exists and have tried the hard drugs (antifunguls) as well, although I get a little relief with each treatment the condition comes back with a vengence.
I too suffered for years. Stomach, headaches, from top to bottom, the burping was the last straw...I tried all the natural ways only to have it reoccur 3 mths later, over and over. So, finally, I convinced my doc to give me fluconizol (sp??) and that was a LIFE SAVER!!! I had to be on antibiotics for an animal bite and so the doc prescribed it for the yeast from that. Just so that if you can't stand it anymore, there is a quick (probably bad) way to get rid of it if nothing else works.
then, alter your diet and repopulate with good bacteria
dj_davo says "My entire health and well being has improved."
While that may be true---because of his much improved diet---I doubt very much if the ThreeLac he took was at all beneficial. Here's why:
"Quick Fix - Take this product and you do not have to follow a candida diet!" The company that makes ThreeLac makes just such a wild claim. Many candida sufferers can attest to the fact that this totally untrue. Here are four very good reasons not to take ThreeLac:
They claim you can take ThreeLac without doing the diet, which is totally false and misleading. This promise of a "quick fix" is just like the medicos and drug companies do, which has been the major cause of candida in the first place. It also gives people totally false hopes. For that reason alone it is not recommended, but there are other reasons.
It is expensive, probably because it is very highly marketed.
It is processed and contains several ingredients, making it a complex product, so a person would not know what they are reacting to if they experience adverse affects from it.
One of ThreeLac's questionable ingredients is refined yeast powder.
Bottom line: save your money.
The real issue is one of having too much acidic wastes and to few alkaline resources to neutralize them. Not wanting to damage the kidneys, the body temporarily stores these wastes and those sites being acidic are very friendly to mold and disease. I have eight degenerative diseases and hope to cure them by re-mineralizing my body.
The best description of the acid-alkaline balance theory and how to test for an overly acidic body is provided at the link below. The explanation starts at page 29, the first 28 pages being interesting background but unnecessary for your purposes.
www.newtreatments.org/.../newbiology.pdf
There is one website that provides a wealth of information in the form of 31 short articles by Sang Whang
http://www.alkalife.com I use his pH drops to boost the pH of the water I drink
I have been seriously investigating this theory for the past 8 months and have read seven books. I have previously read much about the effects of diet on our health for about 15 years and this pH balance theory explains all the weaknesses and fills all the voids in other theories which I uncovered during my previous investigations. The best book from the standpoint of providing useable information is "Alkalize or Die" by Dr. Baroody
Hope this helps. Ben
alkalize or die is a good book to start with but a better book is the ph miracle by dr robert young. he picks up where dr Baroody leaves off and helps to fully explain why so many diseases are rooted in acid wastes.
the book shows how to detox the body and then to renergize the body. i don't agree with everything in the book but if you have a serious candida problem i highly recomend this book. its a great study book in that it has helped me to find the missing link between migraine food triggers. it has to do with how much acid wastes are in the body.
I have to admit I am a little confused. If fungi thrives in an alkaline environment, how is it that the "ground breaking" new treatment for curing some cancers (a fungus according to this web site) is by introducing sodium bicarbonate, an alkaline solution? This seems very contradicting. I have read many articles here about the benefits of keeping your systems slightly alkaline, also contradicting. Am I missing something here?
I am, also, confused about this...I would appreciate feedback...CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN???
Good point Thomas,
I would say that the importance of maintaining the cellular pH for optimal health is more powerful than whatever changing that pH may do to the candida. Providing optimal nutrition so our immune system is at its best, our guts can protect us from whats inside us and our liver and kidneys can get rid of wastes is what will give us the most in return. Find and avoid food allergens, same for heavy metals, if one has candida, change your diet and take a "bug killer" , follow a whole food diet that suits your metabolic type. If one would have cancer, I would do all this THEN check into sodium bicarb IV drips or at least at trhe same time if one is set on doing this.
It is a fallacy that fungus thrives in alkalinity. To date, I have seen only one small research study on this subject, and it was actually trying to find a chemical correlation between extracellular acidity around leukocytes and macrophages or something. That is, the incidence of fungi were not the object of the study, and was skethcy, at best. I wish I could remember what it was called, but I do know it was an excerpt of a clinical study I found online. So a friend of mine could show it to her bozo internist, who was recommending that she acidify her system to control Candidal vaginitis. Baaaaad advice!
Vitanica, a company out of Sherwood, Oregon makes a suppository called Yeast Arrest that contains boric acid, Oregon Grape root and Calendula. They work fantastic!