What is chronic candidiasis?

Chronic candidiasis, or the yeast syndrome, is a complex medical syndrome attributed to an overgrowth in the gastrointestinal tract of the usually benign yeast (or fungus) Candida albicans.

Fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and digestive disturbances are just some of the symptoms patients with the yeast syndrome have been purported to experience. Laboratory techniques, such as stool cultures for candida, and measurement of antibody levels to candida or candida antigens in the blood, can help confirm the diagnosis.

What causes chronic candidiasis?

Prolonged antibiotic use is believed to be the most important factor in the development of chronic candidiasis. Antibiotics suppress the immune system and the normal intestinal bacteria that prevent yeast overgrowth, strongly promoting the proliferation of candida. Other factors predisposing to candida overgrowth include: decreased digestive secretions; immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids; and impaired immunity.

What dietary factors are important in chronic candidiasis?

A number of dietary factors have been suggested to promote the overgrowth of candida. The most important of these factors are high intakes of sugar, milk and other dairy products, foods with a high content of yeast or mold (e.g., alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, and peanuts), and food allergies.

I strongly recommend using the RevitalX intestinal rejuvenation program (see Food Allergies). RevitalX from Natural Factors is a powdered drink mix that provides targeted nutritional support for the intestinal tract. The development of the product was spearheaded by Michael Lyon, MD. RevitalX is specifically designed to soothe the stomach, intestines and colon, and help to heal a "leaky gut." The low allergy potential formula is designed specifically for people with food allergies, but is suitable for everyone. It provides balanced levels of vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, and probiotics to support the body, while healing the gastrointestinal track. The RevitalXT formula base is GoldPeptidesT, a non-GMO protein source from golden peas. It is a superior source of protein to rice or soy in a hypoallergenic product because of its high protein, low sugar, and low glycemic profile.

Since recurrent or chronic infections, including chronic candidiasis, are characterized by a depressed immune system, please see Low Immune Function for more recommendations.

What nutritional supplements should I take for chronic candidiasis?

Foundation Supplements. There are three products from Natural Factors that I think are critical in supporting good health:

• MultiStart (age and gender specific multiple vitamin and mineral formulas). Follow label instructions.
• Enriching Greens - a great tasting "greens drink" containing highly concentrated "greens" like chlorella, spirulina, wheat grass juice, barley grass juice, etc., and herbal extracts. Take one serving (one tablespoon) in 8 ounces of water daily.
• RxOmega-3 Factors - A true pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement. Take two capsules daily.

RevitalX should be continued as a medicinal food. Take one serving daily for maintenance.

Probiotic products can help establish the proper intestinal flora. L. acidophilus produces natural factors that prevent the overgrowth of the yeast. Take 5-10 billion live live bacteria daily. Amounts exceeding this may induce mild gastrointestinal disturbances, while smaller amounts may not be able to colonize the gastrointestinal tract.

Peppermint Oil Complex with Oregano Oil from Natural Factors provides volatile oils from peppermint, oregano, and caraway seed oil in an enteric-coated capsule so that it does not break down in the stomach but is instead delivered to the small and large intestine. Take one or two capsules three times daily twenty minutes before meals.

Parasite Formula from Natural Factors provides a blend of herbal compounds that exert action against C. albicans including berberine, an alkaloid, found in various plants including goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), barberry (Berberis vulgaris), Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium), and goldthread (Coptis chinensis). Take 1-2 capsules three times daily with meals.

How do I know if the program is working?

Improvements in symptoms associated with chronic candidiasis are the best monitor. Be patient, give the program at least 2-3 months to determine effectiveness.

Feedback:

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Condition Center Caution:

• Dr. Murray’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.