Epidemic of Yeast

Some 30 million people in the U.S. have candidiasis, caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, and cases are on the rise, says naturopath Michelle Tonkin in HealthKeepers magazine (8.3:18-20).

With symptoms that are as diverse as extreme lethargy, diarrhea and intestinal discomfort, sinus problems, allergies, high blood sugar, skin disorders, and chronic inflammation-not to mention heart disease, cancer and diabetes-no wonder Tonkin called candidiasis the "missing link" to illness.

Although some cases might show up only as a superficial infection of the skin or mucous membranes (including in the mouth, where it is known as thrush), the condition more and more frequently manifests as a systemic infection that can even progress to infection of the heart (endocarditis).

Any form of yeast infection can become more severe in immuno-compromised patients including infants and the elderly, and just about anybody given antibiotics, especially when heavy, prolonged doses are used. Antibiotics are known to fuel fungal conditions.

Fungal infections such as candidiasis have gained increased attention in recent years, thanks to the outspoken efforts of television host Doug Kaufmann, a leading expert in this area, whose website at www.knowthecause.com is dedicated to explorations of the fungal link to disease.

According to Kaufmann, fungal infections generally can be causes of heart disease, for example, high cholesterol; he points out that the statin drugs, which are used to treat high cholesterol, were originally created to be used as antifungal drugs but now function as cholesterol medicines. Diabetes is another condition with a fungal link; he notes that experimental diabetes can be induced via the introduction of fungal pathogens into laboratory mice. Finally, breast and liver cancer are clearly linked with exposures to fungal mycotoxins.

ANTIFUNGAL CLEANSE
In order to get rid of the fungus, you will want to take nutrients with antifungal properties. Undecylenic acid, grapefruit seed extract, neem, caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, apple cider vinegar and odorless garlic are considered by many experts to be among the most effective against a host of potential pathogens.

You should use an acidophilus probiotic blend to get your internal flora healthy and prepared to fight fungus. Also absolutely critical is using a combination of soluble and insoluble fibers like psyllium and flax to help flush out toxins.

Because your body will be at war, it is very important to get extra antioxidants to keep your immune system strong. This is why the foundation of every nutrition program is a safe and healthy multivitamin and mineral supplement. Cleaning up the diet is critical. In the case of candidiasis, that means eliminating yeast- and mold-containing products from the diet such as breads, cakes, cookies, and other bakery or prepared foods. Increase your intake of easily digested vegetables with lean protein from fish.

Although getting rid of candida is not easy, most people do notice improvements when using these combinations of beneficial nutrients and herbs. "You should start to notice a change within the first week," says Guy Evans, founder of BioActive Nutrients, the Wisconsin-based company whose highly successful Antifungal Kit includes everything required for a successful cleanse. The Kit is now available with the new Green Sweep-slippery elm, organic Kamut grass leaf powder and FOS.

"Everybody is different," he adds, "so there is no set time as to how long it will take to completely get the fungus out of your system. Most people feel that four to six months is sufficient to get their body back in control. A lot depends upon how well you do following the diet and supplement routine."

MAINTENANCE DOSAGE

Once your symptoms improve, because it is nearly impossible to keep fungus out of your system, many consumers ask about a "maintenance dosage."

According to Evans, "What seems to be best is to take a full dose of an antifungal (one with each meal) for a few weeks every few months." Evans cautions that, "Taking the same antifungal for a long period of time might make it less effective because the fungus may get smart and learn to 'hide.'"

Thanks to crusaders like Kaufmann and conscientious companies like BioActive Nutrients, consumers have a safe and natural way to deal with candidiasis, a condition that just might be the "missing link" to disease after all.

The Kit includes BioPLUS, Probiotic-CSP, Caprylic Acid, Olive Leaf Extract, UGN (Undecylenic Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Neem), Apple Cider Vinegar & Odorless Garlic, and Flaxium, Psyllium Powder capsules or Green Sweep.