DESCRIPTION

An overgrowth of the normally benign yeast (or fungus) Candida albicans, chronic candidiasis (also called the yeast syndrome) results in a wide variety of symptoms in virtually every system of the body, the most susceptible being the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, endocrine (hormonal), nervous, and immune systems. Normally, C. albicans lives harmoniously in the inner warm creases and crevices of the digestive tract and, in women, also in the vaginal tract. However, when conditions in the body allow this yeast to overgrow, when immune systems mechanisms are depleted, or when the normal lining of the intestinal tract is damaged, then yeast cells, particles of yeast cells, and various toxic by-products of yeast metabolism can enter the general circulation and significantly disrupt body processes. Due to the effects of estrogen, birth control pills, and a higher number of prescriptions for antibiotics, women are eight times more likely to experience candidiasis than men. The typical patient with chronic candidiasis is a female between the ages of 15 and 50 years.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Since virtually any system can be affected, chronic candidiasis can trigger a multitude of symptoms. Patients often say they “feel sick all over.” Fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and digestive disturbances are just some of the symptoms patients with yeast syndrome can experience. The more symptoms listed below that are present, the higher the likelihood of yeast overgrowth.

General symptoms

• Chronic fatigue or lethargy
• Feeling of being drained
• Loss of energy
• General malaise
• Headache
• Decreased libido
• Numbness, burning or tingling
• Muscle aches, weakness, or paralysis
• Dizziness, loss of balance
• Pain and swelling in joints
• Craving for foods rich in carbohydrates or yeast. E.g., sugar-laden foods, bread, alcoholic beverages

Gastrointestinal system symptoms

• Thrush
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating, belching, gas (flatulence)
• Intestinal cramps
• Rectal itching
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Altered bowel function-constipation, diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Mucus in stools
• Hemorrhoids
• Bad Breath

Genitourinary system symptoms

• Persistent vaginal itch or burning
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Frequent bladder infections
• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Burning on urination
• Endometriosis
• Impotence

Endocrine system symptoms

• Primarily menstrual complaints: Premenstrual syndrome Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities

Nervous system symptoms

• Depression
• Frequent mood swings
• Irritability
• Inability to concentrate
• Feeling “spaccy” or “unreal”
• Poor memory
• Spots in front of eyes
• Erratic vision

Immune system symptoms

• Allergies

Decreased digestive secretion:

• Gastric hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, and bile all inhibit the overgrowth of Candida and prevent its penetration into the absorptive surfaces of the small intestine. Decreased secretion of any of these digestive components can lead to yeast overgrowth.
• Antiulcer drugs such as Tagamet (cimetidine) and Zantac (ranitidine), which shut down hydrochloric acid production, actually develop Candida overgrowth in the stomach.
• Proteases (enzymes that break down protein) are also largely responsible for keeping the small intestine free from parasites including, not only yeast but also bacteria, protozoa, and intestinal worms. A lack of proteases or other digestive secretions greatly increases risk for an intestinal infection, including chronic candidiasis.

Impaired immunity:

• Patients with chronic candidiasis typically suffer from other chronic infections such as repeated viral infections (including the common cold), outbreaks of cold sores or genital herpes, and prostatic (men) or vaginal (women) infections.
• A triggering event such as antibiotic or corticosteroid use, a nutrient deficiency, food allergy, stress or high-sugar diet can suppress the immune system, allowing Candida albicans to overgrow and become entrenched in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract where it competes for and robs the body of nutrients rendering the body more susceptible to further infection.
• Candida albicans is referred to as a “polyantigenic” organism because it secrets so many toxins and antigens (compounds the body sees as foreign invaders and against which it develops antibodies). More than 79 districts C. albicans antigens greatly tax the immune system, draining of its resources.

Impaired liver function:

• Experimental animal studies have repeatedly demonstrated that impaired liver function suppresses the immune system. In mice studies, when the liver is even slightly damaged, Candida runs rampant through the body.
• Indications of an excessively taxed liver include:

1. Being more than 9 kg (20Ib) overweight
2. Diabetes
3. Gallstones
4. History of heavy alcohol use
5. Psoriasis
6. Natural and synthetic steroid hormone use: anabolic steroids, estrogens, oral contraceptives
7. High exposure to certain chemicals or drugs: cleaning solvents, pesticides, antibiotics, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen), thyroid hormone
8. History of viral hepatitis.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Antibiotic use
• Corticosteroid use
• Oral contraceptive use
• Thyroid hormone use
• Antiulcer drug use (Tagamet, Zantac)
• Frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
• Diuretic use
• High exposure to chemicals such as cleaning solvents pesticides
• Food allergies
• High-sugar diet
• Heavy alcohol use (alcohol damages the liver, increases intestinal permeability, and raises blood sugar levels)
• Nutrient deficiency
• Inadequate digestive secretions (hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, bile)
• Stress
• AIDS (suppressed immune system)
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)
• Gallstones (inadequate bile secretion)
• Use of drugs that suppress the immune system
• Frequent infections (colds, cold sores, genital herpes, prostatic or vaginal infections)

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Do not use antibiotics, steroids, immune-suppressing drugs, and birth control pills (unless there is absolute medical necessity).
• Identify any lack of digestive secretions and supplement with necessary digestive factors (discussed below).
• Identify and treat food allergies (for more information, see the chapter on Food allergy).
• Avoid exposure to chemicals. Consume organically grown food whenever possible. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• Consume a health-promoting diet rich in whole. Un processed, preferably organic foods, especially plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts [especially walnuts], and seeds), and cold-water fish.
• The use of berberine or berberine-containing plants is not recommended during pregnancy due to possible uterine-stimulant action, and higher doses than those recommended here may interfere with B vitamin metabolism.
• Dosage: use a standardized extract of any of the berberine-containing plants. Choose one of the following forms and take the recommended dosage t.i.d.:

1. dried root or as infusion (tea): 2-4 g
2. tincture (1:5): 6-12 ml (1.5-3 tsp)
3. fluid extract (1:1):2-4 ml (0.5-1tsp)
4. solid (dry powdered) extract (4:1 or 8-12% alkaloid content): 250-500mg