By Karen Masterson Koch, C.N.
found in the human body. Allergies flare when
Candida over grows in the GI tract!
The fungus family of Candida involves several different species yet Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most commonly found parasitic yeast present in all of us. Friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract secrete desirable acids that keep a healthy balance of the Candida albicans also known as the state of homeostasis. If this balance is changed in the gut through poor diet, insufficient digestive juices, stress, low functioning immune system, antibiotics, birth control pills, chemotherapy or infections, C. albicans can begin to over grow and disrupt the entire health of the body. This can lead to developing many diseases including Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Cancer, Skin Conditions, Chronic Vaginal Infections and a variety of Allergies.
Candida can exist in two types of fungus. One type is a round spore form remaining more localized and non invasive, yet definitely disruptive. The spore growth can block absorption of nutrients from our food in the small intestines, therefore causing a malnutrition condition. The second type is a mycelial fungus form, which is invasive and can spread into mucus membrane tissues throughout the body. Leaky Gut refers to the damage of the invasive fungus type that is thought to weaken the intestines and penetrate into the lymph and blood vessels causing allergy reactions in the blood or auto intoxifiction.
Symptoms of Allergies and Toxins Systemically include:
· Brain Reaction- depression, confusion and anxiety, etc.
· Fatigue
· Flu like Symptoms
· Vaginal Infections & Jock Itch
· Nail Fungus & Coated Tongue (white to brown color)
· Lung Distress & Asthma
· Upper Respiratory-sinuses, post-nasal drip, etc.
· Allergy Reactions-hives, headaches, rashes, etc.
· Sensitivity to Molds, Smoke & Chemicals
To reverse your allergies you must adhere to a rigorous health program of regaining the health balance of your Digestion, Intestinal and Immune Systems. A few prescription drugs can be helpful in killing off portions of the Candida quickly yet they come with certain risky side effects. Always couple any medication with building up your health. Only specialized health products and nutritious foods will address each area of weakness that allowed the overgrowth of Candida in the first place. This also helps to prevent it from repeating the same scenario over again.
Diet supports all three areas of importance in fighting Candida. Make certain to begin eating nutritious foods 3-6 meals per day. Chew your food well before swallowing. Avoid overeating and include quality proteins as tolerated such as lean meats, fish, eggs, sprouts, lentils and beans to give the body protein. Protein gives energy and builds digestive enzymes and anti bodies that fight infection including Candida.
Strive to eat 1-2 cups of vegetables as tolerated each day to include green leafy vegetables and all other green, yellow and orange vegetables. Radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions and fresh garlic, etc. are all terrific anti Candida foods as well. Live foods bring life to the body. Eating 50% or more raw foods increases energy and gives extra fiber to keep constipation at a minimum.
Avoid constipation. It causes the Candida to grow in the colon. Drink plenty of water, higher fiber foods, 2 tablespoons of olive oil or other healthier oil daily and if need be enemas are helpful. Keep simple sugars low in the diet like junk food, candy, soft drinks and alcohol. Rarely eat starchy foods like pizza, pasta, white bread, milk, cheese, ice cream etc. Eat whole grain breads and complex carbohydrates to offer more fiber as tolerated including brown rice, millet, red potato, yams, corn tortillas, etc. Bake, boil or sauté foods and avoid deep fried and hydrogenated fats, which actually destroy your health through essential fatty acid depletion. Use dairy products in moderation for example a small amount of cottage cheese or quality yogurt. Soups, stews, stir-fry and dinner salads offer many menu variations to keep meals delicious and nutritious!
· Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate- helps digestion (1-4 oz. before meals), pH balance, leaky gut, immune system, anti fungal, detoxify for the liver, colon and skin, helps with gas, bloating and constipation, allergy.
· Probiotics- safe friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus (milk free) and etc., restores balance in intestines, (powder or capsule 1-4 cap), pH balance, helps with gas, bloating, vaginal infections.
· Caprylic Acid-coconut derivative, natural anti fungal, causes gas temporarily- (follow directions or 1 tablet twice per day with food and increase to 3 twice per day as needed.)
· B-Complex Vitamins- (50-100 mg as tolerated- hypoallergenic), digestion, stress, brain function, fight infection.
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· Garlic-herb, (fresh is best 1-3 cloves/day) or supplement form, anti fungal.
· Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)-plant sources include flax, borage, black current seed, etc. [Essential fats are destroyed by fried foods and the body must have them on a daily basis to function properly.] immune system, wound healing, energy, etc.(1200 iu daily or see bottle.)
· Vitamin C-ester type or other, (1-3 grams or see bottle), immune system, collagen support, skin, allergy, infection.
· Daily Greens Formula - (1-3 tsp. daily) anti-fungal, immune system, skin, allergy and body renewal.
People who have Allergies generally have other health challenges as well. Allergies can be considered as a symptom of a much greater health deficiency. As we have mentioned it can encompass poor digestion and liver function, an unhealthy gut and a poor functioning immune system, which can lead to very destructive diseases. Apply the health principles you are learning daily, the best you can. By investing in your future you will get the Candida under control and begin to reverse your allergies along with other health conditions reaping the rewards of a healthier life, clear thinking, full of energy and vitality!
Karen Masterson Koch is a clinical nutritionist from
References:
Crook W.G., The Yeast Connection. 3rd ed. Jackson MS: Professional Books, 1986, pg. 47-48.
Trowbridge J.P. and Walker M., Yeast-Related Illnesses.
Balch J.F., M.D. and Walker M., Heartburn And What To Do About
