What is Candida?

A health article about Candida - candidiasis from Your Health Online the A to Z directory of dealing with Health Problems & nutritional Self Care Strategies

Most people may not have heard of candidiasis and the ones who do know can tell you the symptoms of the disease can easily be mistaken for an upset stomach, an allergic reaction or simple exhaustion.

Unfortunately, if left unattended, candidiasis or infection brought about by the fungus candida albicans can cause serious damage to the body.

Alternative names : Yeast infection - vagina; Vaginal candidiasis; Monilial vaginitis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection (mycosis) of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. Candidiasis thereby encompasses infections that range from superficial, such as oral thrush and Vaginitis, to systemic and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Candida infections of the latter category are also referred to as candidemia and are usually confined to severely immunocompromised persons, such as cancer, transplant, and AIDS patients, whereas superficial infections of skin and mucosal membranes by Candida causing local inflammation and discomfort is common in many human populations.

While clearly attributable to the presence of the opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, candidiasis describes a number of different disease syndromes that often differ in their causes and outcomes

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Yeast are tiny organisms that normally live in small numbers on the skin and inside the vagina. The acidic environment of the vagina helps keep yeast from growing. If the vagina becomes less acidic, too many yeast can grow and cause a vaginal infection.

The acidic balance of the vagina can be changed by your period (menstruation), pregnancy, diabetes, some antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids. Moisture and irritation of the vagina also seem to encourage yeast to grow.

Vaginitis is the most common gynecologic problem seen in primary care and gynecology settings. A vaginal yeast infection, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is one of three types of vaginitis. The other types are bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Yeasts are always present in the vagina in small numbers; however, symptoms only appear when overgrowth occurs.

As with the other forms of vaginitis. a yeast infection is triggered by changes in the vaginal ecosystem. It's estimated that 75% of all women will have a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lives.

Signs & Symptoms

Yeast overgrowth can show many symptoms throughout your body including:

Diarrhoea, Constipation, Colitis, headaches, abdominal pain, bad breath, impotence, rectal itching, mood swings, memory loss, prostatitis, persistent Heartburn (Acid Reflux), canker sores, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, night sweats, severe itching, Acne, PMS, burning tongue, clogged sinuses, extreme fatigue, Vaginitis, arthritis, Depression, kidney and bladder infections, hyperactivity, hypothyroidism, adrenal problems and sometimes diabetes.

These symptoms are often worse in damp or moldy places and after eating foods containing sugar or yeast.

The most common complaint of women with yeast infections is vulval and vaginal itching. They may also experience irritation and inflammation.

Other symptoms may include:

• dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• external dysuria as urine passes over the inflamed labia
• burning sensation during urination
• cottage cheese-like discharge.

Women may notice a worsening of symptoms during the week before the onset of menses. with relief during and after menses due to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

On physical examination. the clinician may note vulvovaginal edema and erythema. A thick white usually nonmalodorous discharge may be present. White flecks may be noted adhering to the vaginal wall.

Excoriations may be observed due to scratching or irritation. and the vagina may look and feel dry.

Many women mistake the symptoms of the more common bacterial vaginosis for a yeast infection. In a 2002 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, only 33 percent of women who were self treating for a yeast infection actually had a yeast infection. Instead they had either bacterial vaginosis or a mixed-type infection.

In men, symptoms include red patchy sores near the head of the penis or on the foreskin, severe itching and/or a burning sensation. Candidiasis of the penis can also have a white discharge, although uncommon.

However, having no symptoms at all is common and usually, a more severe form of the symptoms may emerge later.

It is important to confirm that the symptoms that you observe are due to Candida infection and not due to another infection like a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This is especially so because a UTI can sometimes cause similar symptoms. Bacterial infections and some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and Chlamydia too can cause symptoms that resemble a vaginal yeast infection. Confirmation is normally done through a microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge to check the prevalence of the yeast, Candida.

Candida can take a caustic form in conditions where friendly bacteria are unable to fight the prevalence of this imperfect fungus. Overgrowth of Candida results in transformation of this harmless yeast into its fungal form. This fungal form can cause some serious problems by traveling up to other vital organs.

Types of Candida

In immunocompetent persons, candidiasis is usually a very localized infection of the skin or mucosal membranes

• the oral cavity (oral thrush)
• the vagina or vulva (vaginal candidiasis or thrush)
• folds of skin in the diaper area (diaper rash)
• the nipples while breastfeeding
• the penis or foreskin
• the armpit
• the ear
• the skin around the nostrils or in the nostrils

Candidiasis is a very common cause of vaginal irritation, or candida candidiasis, and can also occur on the male genitals. In immunocompromised patients, the Candida infection can affect the esophagus with the potential of becoming systemic, causing a much more serious condition, a fungemia called candidemia.

Children, mostly between the ages of 3 and 9 years, can be affected by chronic mouth yeast infections, normally seen around the mouth as white patches. However, this is not a common condition.

B. Lagenbeck in 1839 in Germany was the first to demonstrate that a yeast-like fungus existed in the human oral infection "thrush." He also found that a fungus was able to cause thrush.[citation needed]

The genera Candida, species albicans was described by botanist Christine Marie Berkhout. She described the fungus in her doctoral thesis, at the University of Utrecht in 1923. Over the years the classification of the genera and species has evolved. Obsolete names for this genus include Mycotorula and Torulopsis. The species has also been known in the past as Monilia albicans and Oidium albicans. The current classification is nomen conservandum, which means the name is authorized for use by the International Botanical Congress (IBC).

The genus Candida includes about 150 different species. However, only a few of those are known to cause human infections. C. albicans is the most significant pathogenic (=disease-causing) species. Other Candida species causing diseases in humans include C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. dubliniensis, and C. lusitaniae.

What Causes candida?

It's typically not a pleasant thought to think about your body harboring a parasitic yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus is always there hanging out with the other bacteria & yeasts in your body and usually in harmony but sometimes, certain conditions can lead to an overgrowth.

Why is a Candida overgrowth a problem? When you get too much yeast in your body, it weakens your immune system and causes candidiasis infections such as:
vaginitis, thrush, jock itch & other fungal infections. In severe cases, your entire body could be infected as the candida travels through the bloodstream to all your organs and may result in blood poisoning.

Candidiasis can also be caused by having a high level of mercury in your body which inhibits the growth of friendly bacteria. Chronic candida infections could also be a sign of an underlying illness such as diabetes or immune system dysfunction.

The most common cause (about 90%) of a vaginal yeast infection is a fungus called Candida albicans.

Other fungi that may also be responsible include;
• C. glabrata
• C. parapsilosis
• C. tropicalis
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

It's unknown exactly why some women are more prone to yeast infections. Even so, some predisposing factors have been identified. including:

• antibiotic use
• hormonal contraceptives (oral and topical)
• corticosteroid therapy
• douching
• human immunodeficiency virus infection or other immunosuppressed states
• hormones
• increased frequency of sexual intercourse
• multiple sex partners
• oral or anal sexual intercourse
• Obesity
• pregnancy
• sexually transmitted diseases
• Stress
• tissue abrasion that allows yeast to infiltrate the vaginal epithelium
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
• vaginal medications.

Candida yeasts are usually present in most people, but uncontrolled multiplication resulting in disease symptoms is kept in check by other naturally occurring microorganisms, e.g., bacteria co-existing with the yeasts in the same locations, and by the human immune system.

In a study of 1009 women in New Zealand, Candida albicans was isolated from the vaginas of 19% of apparently healthy women. Carriers experienced few or no symptoms. However, external use of irritants (such as some detergents or douches) or internal disturbances (hormonal or physiological) can perturb the normal flora, constituting lactic acid bacteria, such as lactobacilli, and an overgrowth of yeast can result in noticeable symptoms.

Pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, engaging in vaginal sex immediately and without cleansing after anal sex and using lubricants containing glycerin have been found to be causally related to yeast infections.

Diabetes mellitus and the use of antibiotics are also linked to an increased incidence of yeast infections. Diet has been found to be the cause in some animals. Hormone Replacement Therapy and infertility treatments may also be predisposing factors.

A weakened or undeveloped immune system or metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes may predispose individuals to Candidiasis.

Diseases or conditions linked to candidiasis include HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, steroids, stress and nutrient deficiency, among many others. Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida species.

In extreme cases, these superficial infections of the skin or mucous membranes may enter into the bloodstream and cause systemic Candida infections.

Antibiotic and steroid use are the most common reason for yeast overgrowth. The former kills the good bacteria which would otherwise help maintain Candida at safe levels, thus allowing the fungus to overgrow.

Since the Candida fungus thrives in warm, moist and dark places, exposed areas with these conditions such as the mouth, skin folds, armpits and vaginas are more vulnerable and bad hygiene that fails to keep these areas clean will allow the Candida fungus to overgrow.

In penile candidiasis, the causes include sexual intercourse with an infected party, low immunity, antibiotics and diabetes. However, male yeast infection is less common and the risk of getting it is only a fraction of that in women.

Special considerations and Prevention:

If you take away candida's food (sugar) the yeast will die. As you attack the yeast and balance your body with herbs and supplements, you may experience a condition from the candida elimination known as "die off".

Die off could last from a few days to a few weeks and the severity of symptoms will vary from person to person. Most common responses are nausea, headaches, gas, irritability, diarrhea, severe energy loss, sugar cravings, and blurred vision.

Exercise and water will reduce your symptoms by flushing the dead yeast cells more quickly from your system. Keep taking your supplements and drink herbal tea to help soothe your nausea and clean out your digestive track.

Care of the patient with a yeast infection includes teaching about treatment and prevention. Self-diagnosis, treatment, and prevention must also be addressed.

• For the patient who is self-treating, if symptoms persist or if they recur within 2 months, medical care should besought.
• Intercourse should be avoided until treatment is complete.
• Partner treatment isn't necessary unless symptoms appear, then topical treatment can be given.
• Patients who are pregnant should be treated for 7 days with a topical medication.
• Avoid brewer's yeast or foods rich in yeast .

Patients should be taught about vaginal hygiene, including the following:

• Prefer loose fitted clothes like skirts over tight clothes like jeans or panty hose. Tight clothes do not allow free circulation of air in and out of the vaginal area and can increase the risk of candidiasis.
• Keep your genitals clean and wash with adequate water every time you urinate.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Dry yourself properly after bathing and swimming.
• Dry the vaginal area well after bathing.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Yeast is always present in the intestines and can be swept into the vagina if you do not take this precaution.
• Change out of wet swimsuits or damp clothes promptly.
• Avoid deodorant sanitary pads, tampons, and toilet paper.
• Discourage using feminine hygiene sprays.
• Avoid douching and if you must, then use plain water instead of chemicals that can aggravate the irritation.
• Decrease intake of sugar and yeast-containing foods and beverages.

When to seek Medical Advice:

To diagnose a yeast infection. the clinician must:

• assess the color and consistency of any discharge
• check the pH of vaginal fluid
• assess for the presence of amines by performing a whiff test
• prepare wet mount slides with saline and potassium hydroxide (KOH). Vaginal pH is normal (greater than 4.5) in clients with yeast infection. A whiff test is performed by mixing the vaginal discharge with one or two drops of 10% to 20% KOH and assessing for odor.
An odor shouldn't be present in patients with yeast infection; this is called a negative whiff test. A positive whiff test is associated with bacterial vaginosis. Microscopic evaluation of the saline slide and KOH wet mounts usually reveal budding yeast cells and pseudohyphae, although they aren't always seen.

Further testing with fungal cultures is indicated in patients with recurrent yeast infections or infections refractory to treatment.

Medical professionals use two primary methods to diagnose yeast infections: microscopic examination, and culturing.

For the microscope method, a scraping or swab of the affected area is placed on a microscope slide. A single drop of 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is then also placed on the slide. The KOH dissolves the skin cells but leaves the Candida untouched, so that when the slide is viewed under a microscope, the hyphae and pseudo spores of Candida are visible. Their presence in large numbers strongly suggests a yeast infection.

For the culturing method, a sterile swab is rubbed on the infected skin surface. The swab is then rubbed across a culture medium. The medium is incubated for several days, during which time colonies of yeast and/or bacteria develop. The characteristics of the colonies provide a presumptive diagnosis of the organism causing symptoms.

Treatment/Therapy:

Oral treatment is commonly preferred because it isn't as messy as topical treatments and patients are more likely to comply. However, the adverse effect of hepatotoxicity must be kept in mind. One oral dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) can be given.

For those with vulvar itching and burning, a topical anti fungal may be prescribed to relieve the discomfort when applied externally. Several over-the-counter treatments are available and can be recommended for clients with previously diagnosed yeast infections who have recurrence of the same symptoms.

Topical treatments are generally more effective and may be given as creams, suppositories, or a combination of both. Doses are given each night for 3 to 7 days, depending on the agent and concentration. Recurrent or refractory infections warrant longer therapy. Topical medications include:

• clotrimazole (Mycelex)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• butoconazole (Femstat)
• terconazole (Terazol)

Vaginal yeast infections occur due to the introduction of new yeast in the vaginal area. It may also occur when the already present yeast in the vagina outnumbers the relative quantity of friendly bacteria that are vital to restricting the growth of Candida. This happens due to an unnecessary reliance on antibiotics that kill friendly bacteria along with the bacteria that they are meant to kill. Antibiotics should never be taken without consulting a doctor. When the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, care should be taken to take the medication only in the prescribed dosage.

It is important to consider that Candida species are frequently part of the human body's normal oral and intestinal flora. Candidiasis is occasionally misdiagnosed by medical personnel as bacterial in nature, and treated with antibiotics against bacteria This can lead to eliminating the yeast's natural competitors for resources, and increase the severity of the condition.

In clinical settings, candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics—the antifungal drugs commonly used to treat candidiasis are topical clotrimazole, topical nystatin, fluconazole, and topical ketoconazole. For example, a one-time dose of fluconazole (as Diflucan 150-mg tablet taken orally) has been reported as being 90% effective in treating a vaginal yeast infection. This dose is only effective for vaginal yeast infections, and other types of yeast infections may require different treatments.

In severe infections (generally in hospitalized patients), amphotericin B, caspofungin, or voriconazole may be used. Local treatment may include vaginal suppositories or medicated douches. Gentian violet can be used for breastfeeding thrush, but pediatrician William Sears recommends using it sparingly, since in large quantities it can cause mouth and throat ulcerations in nursing babies, and has been linked to mouth cancer in humans and to cancer in the digestive tract of other animals.

While home remedies may offer relief in minor cases of infection (although a peer-reviewed study in Australia found yogurt ineffective as treatment for Candida albicans), seeking medical attention may be necessary, especially if the extent of the infection cannot be judged accurately by the patient. For instance, oral thrush is visible only at the upper digestive tract, but it may be that the lower digestive tract is likewise colonized by Candida species.

Treating candidiasis solely with medication may not give desired results, and other underlying causes require consideration. As an example, oral candidiasis is often linked to the use of inhaled corticosteroids in Asthma medication. Patients on long-term inhaled corticosteroids should rinse their mouths after each dose of steroids to counteract this effect.

Oral candidiasis can also be the sign of a more serious condition, such as HIV – AIDS infection, or other immunodeficiency diseases. Following the health tips at Vaginitis can help prevent vaginal candidiasis.

Babies with diaper rash should have their diaper areas kept clean, dry, and exposed to air as much as possible. Sugars assist the overgrowth of yeast, possibly explaining the increased prevalence of yeast infections in patients with diabetes mellitus, as noted above. As many Candida spp. reside in the digestive tract, dietary changes may be effective for preventing or during a Candida infection.

Due to its requirement for readily fermentable carbon sources, such as mono- or dimeric sugars (e.g., sucrose, glucose, lactose) and starch, avoiding foods that contain these nutrients in high abundance may help to prevent excessive Candida growth. Breast milk is a suitable growth substrate for yeasts, and both nursing mother and baby need to be treated (even if neither is symptomatic) to prevent thrush from being passed between mother and child.

Self Care strategies for Living with candida

Alternative medicine proponents frequently diagnose people with "systemic candidiasis" using methods not deemed valid by mainstream western medicine. Belief in widespread "systemic candidiasis" was promoted by a book published by Dr. William Crook, which hypothesized that a variety of common symptoms such as Chronic fatigue, PMS, sexual dysfunction, Asthma, Psoriasis, digestive and urinary problems, multiple sclerosis, and muscle pain, could be caused by subclinical infections of Candida albicans. Dr. Crook suggested a variety of remedies to treat these symptoms, ranging from dietary modification to colonic irrigation.

Mainstream western medicine has ignored these alternatives, since they have not been proved using scientific methods. Nutritionists without medical qualifications have proposed that these symptoms may be due to intestinal wall damage (known as leaky gut syndrome) caused by Candida overgrowth or other effects.

The good news is candidiasis, in its early stages, may not necessarily mean a trip to the doctor where you would incur expensive fees and medical bills. For the most part, home remedies have proven quite effective in combating the effects of candidiasis. The key is to administer these remedies early on.

Natural Home remedies to cure vaginal yeast infection

• Peel a fresh clove of garlic and make a little tampon by wrapping it in cheesecloth and tying with unwaxed dental floss. You may leave a bit of floss to pull it out afterward. Insert it in vagina and leave there for several hours, say overnight, and remove it in the morning. For severe infection , try this in the morning and during night both. Repeat this until one day after the symptoms disappear.

• Drink at least two glasses of buttermilk a-day, whether infected or not. In fact making curds a part of the daily diet intake reduces the probability of vaginal yeast infection.

• Regularly daubing apple cider vinegar in the areas prone to this infection. You can add some garlic to stop the itchy feeling; and water to dilute the vinegar concentration

• Dissolve 1 Tb sp of potassium sorbate in 1 cup water. Insert a tampon into the vagina and pour this solution inside to be absorbed by the tampon. Keep it there overnight. Repeat this for several nights. Helps to cure vaginal yeast infection.

• Pour a few drops of Tea tree oil (available from natural health stores) on a lubricated tampon & insert into the vagina. Helps to prevent vaginal yeast infection.

Tea tree oil mouthwash

For oral thush:
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil (approximately 5 to 8 drops) into a glass of either warm or cold water. Gargle the mixture for about a minute. Let the solution touch all the parts of the mouth (throat, palate, cheek lining). Be careful not to swallow the solution. Gargle two times a day (preferably one in the morning and one before sleeping).

For vaginal yeast infection:
Add a few drops of tea tree oil onto a tampon or sterile gauze and apply on to the affected area. Replace every 4 to 6 hours.

Plain yogurt
Make sure it has absolutely no sugar and other ingredients added to it. The yogurt should contain live lactobacillus acidophilus, which are good bacteria that keep candida albicans in check.

For vaginal yeast infection:
Dip tampon in the yogurt and insert into the vagina. Use twice a day until the symptoms clear up and repeat for one more extra day for good measure.

For skin problems (cutaneous candidiasis)
Apply yogurt directly on the affected area. Not only will the yogurt address the fungal infection, but also the yogurt will lend a soothing effect and relieve severe itching and weeping. Let yogurt stand for an hour or so and wash off well. Keep affected area dry. Apply two to three times a day.

Apple cider vinegar

For oral thrush:
Mix two (2) teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one (1) cup cool water. Gargle with solution. Do not swallow. After gargling, dip a cotton swab in undiluted apple cider vinegar and apply directly on to the oral sores. Do not rinse. Allow to stand overnight.

For vaginal yeast infection:
Create a douching solution of one (1) tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and two (2) cups of water. Add one (1) garlic clove and allow the solution to stand for two hours before using for douching.

Other solutions: Prevention worth a pound of cure

To prevent candida overgrowth, which is the prime cause of the disorders, observe these tips (especially for the women).

- Don't douche or clean inside the vagina. Do not use vaginal deodorants or perfumed soaps when washing the external area. You can strip the body of the natural elements that keep the fungus in check. At best, use plain water or a mild, pH-balanced cleanser.

- Avoid tight clothes (including underwear), especially ones made of nylon. These prevent proper aeration (breathing) of the skin. It encourages moisture to form in the body, which is prime breeding ground for fungi.

- Drink plenty of water to keep the body cool and to flush out toxins (including those produced by the candida fungus) out of your body.

- Have a good number of servings of bananas, yogurt, and garlic. These foods have been found to have lots of anti-fungal properties and if part of your regular diet, the chances of avoiding candidiasis are great.

- Do not skip meals and avoid keeping your stomach empty for long periods of time. You wreak havoc on a body that function best when working on routine time. Having irregular eating habits have been observed to increase the chances of candida overgrowth.

The key to all of these home remedies are early and quick detection. So in order to administer the right remedy, learn to recognize the symptoms.

However, should you be unsure of the indicators, always consult with a qualified and licensed medical professional. Listen to their advice and pair them with these home remedies. You just may be a step closer to ridding, if not totally avoiding, candidiasis and its nasty effects.

Besides these simple home remedies, vaginal yeast infection treatment involves anti-fungal creams, ointments, suppositories and oral drugs. Sometimes there may be mixed infections and you may require multiple drugs. Such drugs may be combinations of anti-fungal and antibiotic medication. Most of the antifungal drugs end with the letters – ‘zole’”.

Most of the anti-fungal medications, including creams and ointments, provide only a temporary relief from itching and fail to address the underlying cause of the infection. Homeopathy, nature cure and herbal medicines provide a convenient option for a Candida cure as they have a holistic approach and view vaginal candidiasis in its totality. Candida treatments under alternative therapies lay more emphasis on dietary modifications, strengthening immunity and limiting the overgrowth of this potential dangerous condition through natural and safe remedies.

Diet change strategies:

To naturally rid your body of excess candida you'll need to approach the yeasty situation with dietary changes, supplements, herbs and a few other recommendations like:

Try replacing your toothbrush every 30 days to prevent re-infection, wearing cotton underwear, use an L. bifidus retention enema and avoiding chemical products, cleaners, chlorine, damp & moldy places, corticosteroids and oral contraceptives.

Foods to include in your diet: vegetables, garlic, gluten free grains (brown rice, millet), plain yogurt, high fiber foods, distilled water and herbal teas (pau d'arco, clove, maitake).

Foods to avoid: simple carbohydrates, fruit, sugar, yeast, aged cheeses, alcohol. baked goods, chocolate, dried fruits, fermented foods, wheat, oats, rye, barley, nut butters, honey, pickles, ham, potatoes, vinegar, sprouts, soy sauce, raw mushrooms, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes, pineapples and limes.

Helpful Vitamins, Herbs & Supplements: Essential fatty acids, Acidophilus, Caprylic Acid, Garlic, Quercetin/Bromelain, Vitamin B Complex, Biotin, B-12, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Grapefruit Seed Extract, L-Cysteine, Pau d'arco, Golden Seal, Barberry, Oregon Grape Root, ginger, cinnamon, clove, Oregano oil, Vitamin C, free-form amino acids, glutamine, homeopathic remedies and a complete multivitamin.

Aromatherapy: effective *anti-candida* essential oils to add to your bath include Tea tree, Geranium, Lemon eucalyptus and Lavender

Candida seems to thrive on high-sugar diets. So in order to "starve" the fungi, go on a low-to-no sugar diet, using sugar alternatives at best. Continue with this diet for as long as symptoms persist. In addition to the altered diet, make sure you receive sufficient doses of vitamins (A, B-complex, C) as well as minerals (iron and zinc).

This solution works best when the symptoms are becoming systemic, meaning that different parts of the body are affected all at the same time. (For example, in addition to vaginal yeast infection, you have also contracted skin and stomach problems as well.) Diabetics, however, need to consult with a medical professional before undergoing this measure.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or other immunosuppressed states can be dealt with by improving your nutrition and ensuring that your body is capable of absorbing this nutrition

Vitamin & Nutrient Associations

You may want to read this article about: why is nutrition such an issue nowadays?

And then learn the methods that the body uses for its Cellular Nutrition and the nutritional problems we encounter in trying to produce the best quality of cells for our immunity development.

Since Obesity is also indicated as a cause of candida candidiasis, you may want to explore the benefits of weight loss.

This entire process behind healing your body through nutrition begins in the small intestine. In your small intestine lives tiny microscopic finger-like protrusions called villi (villi is the plural of 'villus'). The villi is where our bodies absorb the nutrients from the foods and supplements we consume. However, these villi become damaged or what they call energetically impaired. As a result they retain little surface area for them to work.

Factors that damage villi are stress, smoking, alcohol, airborne toxins, medications, preservatives, fats, additives, and drugs to name just a few. Over the years as your villi break down your body absorbs less and less of the nutrients you need from the food you eat. This is one reason our bodies begin to break down prematurely and we feel worse and worse as time goes on.

Why are we feeling worse instead of better?

When our bodies can not absorb the nutrients from our food and supplements, often times we find ourselves eating more and more food because our appetites and cravings increase in order to 'call out' for more and better nutrition (which we're not getting).

We crave fats and sugars because they are easiest for our body to absorb. We then become increasingly more tired and fatigued because our body is not getting the proper nutrition it needs, daily.

Due to our villi being unhealthy and damaged, our body thinks its starving because its not getting the vital nutrients it needs to stay healthy. For people trying to lose weight, they know this better than anyone. When your body thinks it's starving, it stores fat instead of burning fat. If you are trying to lose weight, it becomes almost impossible because your body is in the mode of storing fat versus burning fat. No matter what you do, it doesn't want to burn the fat off.

Even for those of you not trying to lose weight, the concept is the same. You might find yourself eating healthy, natural, low-fat foods, taking vitamins and exercising regularly, yet you're still experiencing either no or slow weight loss (if that's your goal), moodiness and fatigue because your body is not absorbing enough of the nutrition from the good foods you are consuming.

So what's the answer?

By starting with our program to give nutrition to your cells and adding our targeted products you have the best chance of fighting the problems nutritionally. By using those products daily your body will begin to repair and rebuild it's villi back to the healthy state it was in when you were younger (this process generally begins within 24 hours of starting the products).

Your body is then able to absorb not only the vital nutrients our nutrition program and targeted health and weight loss pro ducts provide, but also the key nutrients from the foods you are eating. You will feel the difference within days of being on the products. You may experience things like less moodiness, more mental clarity, more natural energy and stamina.

Once you start using our products you can be assured you are moving in the right direction toward better health and a happier you!

This is the power of nutrition on a cellular level. Give it a try today and you'll understand why this product line is the most advanced approach to nutrition, vitality and weight loss on the market today.

You may find benefit from our information on detoxification As well as about detoxing because of change of diet

It may be due to difficulties with your digestive system that is causing your body to be starved of key nutrients, vitamins or minerals. In this case you may find useful answers by reviewing our article on Nutrition For Your Cells.

There is also more information here about why is nutrition such an issue nowadays?

It may be that your metabolism has slowed due to pressures that have been placed on your system through life in general or through specific “challenges” you have faced in the last few months or last few years.

Review this by looking at our article about balancing your Metabolic Rate

We wish you well in your search for solutions to this problem and your movement towards better health in all areas.

More Resources available about candida :

Vaginal Candidiais – Symptoms And Treatment
It is important to confirm that the symptoms that you observe are due to Candida infection and not due to another infection like a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This is especially so because a UTI can sometimes cause similar symptoms.

Bacterial infections and some sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and Chlamydia too can cause symptoms that resemble a vaginal yeast infection. Confirmation is normally done through a microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge to check the prevalence of the yeast, Candida.
(To read the rest of this article click on the Title above here.)

Sources include: Charlene J. Nuble 2006. For answers to All your frequently asked questions about candida, please go to: http://www.candidaanswers.com/
Tess Thompson: Native Remedies
http://www.medicinenet.com/yeast_vaginitis/page5.htm
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/yeastinfections/a/vagyeastinfecti_2.htm

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SITE DISCLAIMER: Do these products “cure” anything? Of course not… but it stands to reason that if you cleanse your body and feed it the finest nutrition available, giving it everything it needs in balance, on a daily basis, that your body will do what nature intended, and give you the best possible chance to fend off sickness and disease. This candida candidiasis information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any candida candidiasis questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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