Candida Yeast Protection Program

By Jim English

Yeasts – tiny fungi-like organisms found on plant leaves, flowers and in soil and saltwater – assist in
the decomposition and recycling of plants and algae. Yeasts also play an important role in human
culture and history – imagine a world devoid of beer, wine and bread. Commercially, yeasts produce
alcoholic beverages by fermenting rice, wheat, barley, and corn, and in the baking industry they are
used to help dough to rise. Brewer's yeast, a rich source of protein, B vitamins, niacin, and folic acid,
is often taken as a supplement.

Although it's easy to find enjoyment in a rich golden ale, a fine wine or a fresh loaf of bread, it’s difficult
to appreciate these organisms when they are unleashed and allowed to run rampant in a human host.

Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is a saprophyte, a common yeast-like fungus that survives by eating dead tissues.
Normally present as a harmless symbiont, this organism is found in the blood, gastrointestinal tract
and vagina of warm-blooded animals (including humans), and thrives in the folds, creases, and
wrinkles of our skin. (1) In the GI tract candida is inhibited by the actions of beneficial bacteria and
ahealthy immune system. Unfortunately this internal ecology can easily be disrupted, leading to
conditions that not only allow, but actually promote, the rapid growth of yeasts. Left uncorrected these
conditions can:

1. Decrease the number of beneficial bacteria,

2. Lower immunity, and
3. Stimulate further yeast growth.

As a result, the yeast cells quickly multiply out of control, especially in the colon.1-5

A Widespread Problem
Approximately 80 million Americans suffer from yeast-related problems. Of these, seventy percent are
women. Factors that encourage yeasts to grow, colonize and spread systemically include:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated tissue levels of steroid hormones from oral

contraceptives, corticosteroid therapy, pregnancy, and chronic stress provide
nourishment for hungry candida organisms. Steroids bind with candida,
suppressing the immune response, thereby increasing colonization and
promoting the spread of candida to cells which are penetrated in search of
nutrients.

• Antibiotics: Many popular broad-spectrum antibiotics kill beneficial gut

bacteria, inhibit immunity and intensify subsequent candida overgrowth.
Antibiotics and hormones in the feed of farm animals may stimulate yeast
overgrowth in people when they eat meat and dairy products (eggs).

• Diet: Refined foods provide sugar and simple carbohydrates that the yeast
ferment for nourishment. The modern American diet is frequently low in biotin
and other nutrients that inhibit the conversion of benign yeast to the invasive
fungal form.

• Infections: Recurrent bacterial infections compounded by immune system

dysfunction lead to systemic candidiasis.

• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to toxic agents in food, air and water may
lower immunity, alter homeostasis and promote susceptibility to candidiasis.

• Physical Contact: Candida can also be spread by direct contact during

sexual activity and through such medical procedures as emergency-room
treatments, intravenous feedings, dialysis and surgery. In one recent study of
surgery patients, 49% developed Polysystemic Candidiasis.

From Yeast to Fungi

Under the above conditions, Candida albicans cells undergo a profound metamorphosis, changing
from a benign, round-like yeast form into an invasive filamentous fungal form. When this occurs, long,
root-like filaments extend and penetrate cells lining the intestinal mucosa in their search of food.

Once they have penetrated the protective barrier of the intestinal tract and invaded the circulatory
system, yeasts release waste chemicals (toxins) and, in the process, allow undigested food proteins
and other toxins to enter the body. These and other foreign substances assault the immune system,
leading to tremendous allergic reactions, fatigue and other health problems. These conditions are
generally referred to as candidiasis or Candida-Related Complex (CRC).

Symptoms of Candida
The clinical picture for candidiasis may be different for every person. The symptoms may be similar to
chronic Epstein-Barr virus syndrome, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, adrenal maladaptation
(hyperadaptosis), fibromyalgia, and others. For example, intestinal candida symptoms may resemble
Crohn's disease. As a result, the problem may be misdiagnosed when other problems occur
simultaneously. Some patients just feel lousy all over. Others have minor, annoying, periodic, and
seemingly unrelated disturbances, or even severe mental or physical incapacitation. Often, physicians
either believe the cause is another disease or they send the patient to a psychiatrist because they
cannot determine a physical cause. Consequently, since the underlying cause is often not properly
diagnosed, it cannot be treated properly.

General & Local Problems

General problems of Candida Related Complex can include diarrhea, constipation, migraine
headaches, menstrual cramps, depression, lethargy, and skin eruptions. Common localized problems
are vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and diaper rash. In severe cases, candida-infected people
can develop life-threatening blood poisoning and other systemic problems from candida toxins.

Candida has been found to produce 79 distinct toxins. These toxins have been shown to cause
massive congestion of the eyelid area, ears, and other parts of the body. These toxins may be
responsible for many of the symptoms that Candida sufferers have.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Candida may contribute to a leaky gut, an unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability. Undigested
macromolecule food particles and toxins are allowed to pass directly into the body, creating a variety
of problems like triggering an immune response sensitizing the individual to normally harmless
molecules.

When this occurs some people become hypersensitive to environmental substances or develop
multiple food allergies. These undigested particles may also pass through the blood/brain barrier
where they can be mistaken for neurotransmitters, leading to mental symptoms that may create
abnormal behavior.

Mental & Nerve Dysfunction

Candida albicans can synthesize acetaldehyde, a toxic metabolite that causes cross-linking, damages
organs, and interferes with the synthesis of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters. This disruption
of the nervous system can cause mental disarrangement, abnormal behavior, and memory loss.
Candida toxins can also alter the functioning of the central nervous system leading to distorted
thinking, mood swings, depression, agitation, impaired intellectual functioning and emotional
disturbances. It’s even possible for candida to produce symptoms of alcohol intoxication by fermenting
simple sugars.

Systemic Problems
Systemic candida is a great imitator. It can mimic many diseases such as cystitis, Crohn's disease,
gastritis, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis and various forms of mental illness. Candida may be part of
the pathology in colitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, malignancies,
endocrinological pathologies, and autoimmune disorders.

Yeast Toxins Alter Immunity

Yeast overgrowth can depress the immune system, leaving individuals more prone to recurrent
bacterial and viral infections. Toxic Candida metabolites also lower T-cell counts, inhibit lymphocyte
proliferation, reduce phagocytosis (an active immune function) and diminish cellular immunity.
Candida has decreased suppressor T-cells by a factor of 15. This increases the risk of autoimmune
disorders. In addition, candida is a potent allergen capable of causing complaints ranging from chronic
urticaria (itching skin patches) to irritable colon and severe headaches.

Undetected Candidiasis?
Many individuals can suffer from candidiasis and never know it. Candida may be the underlying cause
of chronic illness, bringing about a wide variety of seemingly unrelated or intermittent symptoms and
clinical disorders of varying magnitude that defy diagnosis.10-14

All of these responses make a positive diagnosis of candidiasis frequently difficult. However, recurrent
and common symptoms of CRC (Candida Related Complex) do exist and fall into different categories.
These symptoms are listed in.11,12

Diagnosis of Candida Related Complex

When determining whether or not an individual has CRC, it is essential to look at the entire picture:

• A history of factors causing CRC

• Presence of candida-related symptoms
• The occurrence of CRC problems
• A diagnosis of CRC from lab tests
Diagnostic Laboratory Tests for Candida
Laboratory testing is the only way to confirm the diagnosis of candidiasis.15-17 Among the different
laboratory tests, the following may be used for an accurate assessment of Candida:

• CECA (CandiSphere Enzyme Immuno Assay Test) This test diagnoses

candida by detecting antibodies against cytoplasmic proteins of the invasive
fungal yeasts. The test is claimed to be 95% sensitive and 92% specific for
Candidiasis.

• Direct stool exams for chronic intestinal candidiasis. A gram stain for
yeast along with direct microscopic examination is a very accurate diagnostic
tool for Candida. This method avoids quantification inaccuracies that appear
with cultures.

• Serum or urine Darabinitol levels. This is a Candida carbohydrate

metabolite that is also a neurotoxin. You may have difficulty finding a lab that
will do this. (5,6)

A candida culture may also be considered if there is presence of oral thrush/white coating on the
tongue. Excessive growth may be an indication, especially if it increases with your symptoms.

Other laboratory tests that may not be as accurate in the diagnosis of Candida:

• Serum Candida antibody levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA). Will not be definitive
since the body's ability to defend against Candida is limited due to its position
in the gastrointestinal tract. Positive or negative responses are difficult to
interpret. Candida IgE may be helpful. However, a test of IgG blood antibodies
to Candida albicans in conjunction with a direct yeast culture stool sample
evaluation is recommended. These tests can be performed by Great Smokies
Diagnostic Laboratory, (63 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 800-522-
4762)

• Yeast-isolation blood test. May produce false-negative results when a

candidiasis problem is present.

• Candida skin tests. Ineffective because Candida albicans is on everybody's

skin.

• Live-blood cell tests. An uproven diagnostic method using a darkfield

microscope.

Part 2 of the Candida Yeast Protection Program will outline a four-phase treatment program
designed to free the body of candida and prevent future recurrences. Topics covered in this
multiphased program include:

• Killing yeast overgrowth,

• Stimulating natural immunity
• Increasing repair
• Restoring the natural ecological balance in the human gut

Candida Yeast Protection Program

Part 2: Freeing the Body From Candida and Preventing Recurrence

By Jim English

Part I of the Candida Yeast Protection Program covered the symptoms of yeast overgrowth that
afflict close to 80 million Americans each year. In Part 2 we examine a five-phase treatment program
designed to free the body of candida and prevent future recurrences. Phase I deals with starving
candida through dietary modification. Foods to avoid and foods to eat freely will be discussed in detail.
Phase II deals with killing candida with fatty acids, herbal concentrates and antifungal drugs. Phase III
involves counteracting the toxic reactions to dying yeast cells with fluids, fiber, activated charcoal,
digestive aids and nutritional supplements. Phase IV involves reinoculating the bioculture of the
bowel, and Phase V is a list of recommendations for lifestyle changes to prevent future recurrences.

PHASE I: Starve the Organism

The principle behind this phase is to avoid consuming foods that nourish and support the growth of
candida. The candida either starve to death or are weakened so they are easier to kill in Phase II. The
faithful use of an anti-yeast diet counteracts candidiasis, and is an important adjunct to anticandida
drugs and supplements.

There are several dietary culprits that must be avoided during the program:

1. Avoid sugar and simple carbohydrates that break down rapidly (yeasts
ferment sugar and thrive on simple carbohydrates).

2. Avoid fermented, yeast-containing and moldy foods – they support the

growth of yeast in individuals sensitive to those foods. Molds can grow on any
food. A controversy exists over whether eating yeast or fermented foods
causes yeast overgrowth. Individuals who are not allergic to these foods may
be able to consume them. To determine whether yeast-containing foods are a
problem, avoid all yeast and fermented foods for the first two to three weeks. If
improvement occurs, reintroduce these foods, one at a time, every two or three
days. If a food does not cause a recurrence of symptoms, it may probably be
consumed without problems.

3. Any food causing an allergic reaction must be avoided (foods causing

allergic reactions disrupt the immune system and help yeast grow). The most
common food allergens are yeast, milk, corn, eggs, wheat, and citrus. But an
individual may be allergic to any food or beverage. Therefore, test for food
allergies. Rotate foods daily to avoid developing food sensitivities.

Dietary Guidelines
Follow a very strict diet the first three weeks, then try making the following dietary changes.

1. Try eating different foods from the Foods To Eat With Caution category
(see below). If a particular food does not cause a negative reaction then it may
be added to the basic diet.

2. Try eating different fruits in moderation. If a flare-up of symptoms does not

occur, that fruit may be consumed on a limited basis (small portions).
However, continue to avoid fruit with a high glycemic index such as bananas,
dates, figs, grapes and undiluted fruit juice.

3. During the program, eat different foods daily and rotate food groups.

4. Consume high amounts of fiber to absorb dead yeasts and their toxins.

5. Eat small meals frequently and do not skip meals. For snacks, munch on
vegetables.

6. Drink at least seven glasses of pure water daily.

7. Eat natural foods; avoid prepackaged, prepared or refined foods.

8. Properly store foods in the refrigerator. Avoid leftovers and any foods that
spoil or become moldy.

PHASE II: Kill the Organism

Candida can be killed with an antifungal phytoceutical complex with both fungistatic and fungicidal
actions against a wide variety of yeasts and yeast-like fungi. The actions of these factors provide rapid
and long-lasting relief from a host of problems associated with intestinal and systemic yeast
imbalance. They are proven effective against yeasts, molds, fungi and other microbes.

Calcium Undecylenate
Calcium undecylenate is an extremely effective, well-tolerated, broad-spectrum antifungal. It is a
calcium salt of undecylenic acid (UA). derived by the vacuum distillation of castor bean oil. It’s an 11
carbon mono-unsaturated fatty acid (the antifungal properties of a medium chain fatty acid increases
as the chain lengthens and peaks at 11 – caprylic acid contains only 8 carbon chains). Several studies
have demonstrated that undecylenic acid is 4-5 times as powerful an antifungal agent as caprylic acid
in the same dosage.

Berberine Sulfate
Berberine is the alkaloid contained in golden seal, barberry and oregon grape which is most
responsible for the antibiotic therapeutic actions of these botanicals.

Berberine exhibits a broad spectrum of antibiotic activity. Berberine has shown antimicrobial activity
against bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, Berberine's action against Candida pathogens is actually
stronger than that of antibiotics commonly used for these pathogens.
Berberine increases the blood supply to the spleen. This improved blood supply may promote optimal
activity of the spleen by increasing the release of compounds such as tuftsin that potentiate immune
function. Berberine also activates macrophages by priming and triggering them.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a quaternary compound converted from the bioflavonoids (found in
grapefruit seed and pulp). This plant-based germicidal has proven to have a strong growth-inhibiting
effect on bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Because of its extremely low toxicity for humans, GSE
is becoming a treatment of choice for those seeking a broad spectrum antimicrobial without the side
effects associated with many pharmaceuticals.

According to published sources, GSE is effective against more than 800 bacterial and viral strains,
100 strains of fungi, as well as a large number of single cell and multicelled parasites. Grapefruit seed
extract has powerful anti-fungal activity at concentrations as low as 200 parts per million. During 1989-
90, an international research team reported in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine (Volume 5, No.
3, 1990) the effect of GSE on 770 strains of bacteria and 93 strains of fungus in comparison with 30
antibiotics and 18 fungicides. They found that GSE performed as well as any of the tested agents.

As a result of these actions, chronic candidiasis (both intestinal and systemic) is being treated with
excellent results using grapefruit seed extract, according to numerous clinics and medical
practitioners. Its acidic nature augments the activity of calcium undecylenate which is most effective at
a pH below 6.0.

Pau D’Arco
The inner bark of this South American tree has a long history of folk usage in the treatment of wide
variety of afflictions. Researchers discovered that the active pharmacological agents in Pau’Darco
included lapachol and a series of phytochemcials called napthoquinones. These quinones have strong
microbiocidal and fungicidal actions and are highly effective against Candida albicans. Lapachol also
has demonstrated anti-viral, anti-parasitic and anti-neoplastic effects.

Sorbic Acid
Sorbic Acid is a mold yeast inhibitor obtained from the berries of mountain ash. It also reduces the pH
of the formula to insure proper delivery and activity of the calcium undecylenate.

Other Anti-Yeast Supplements

Other supplements that may be useful on an individual basis for Candidiasis:

1. Multinutrient supplements may be useful in correcting a broad spectrum

of deficiencies which may be encouraging yeast overgrowth.

2. Fiber and bulking agents can help absorb and carry off toxins released
when the organism dies off (the Herxheimer Reaction - see below).

3. Proteolytic and digestive enzyzmes can diminish bowel toxins, reduce

tissue inflammation, lessen allergic sensitivities, and decrease,the severity of
die-off reactions.

PHASE III: Counteracting Die-Off

When yeast cells are rapidly killed by the immune system, drug treatment, or dietary intervention, a
"die-off" or Herxheimer reaction occurs. This reaction is caused by the massive release of toxins from
dying candida cells. Toxic proteins from the dead yeasts cross cell membranes, enter the
bloodstream, and trigger an intense immune reaction.

Other death-stress chemicals cause direct cellular toxicity throughout the body. Immune/yeast
complexes trigger the release of histamine, an irritating tissue hormone which initiates tissue
inflammation and causes discomfort. Severe allergic and toxic reactions exacerbate the symptoms of
candida. Die-off reactions may last from a few days to a few weeks but usually clear up in less than a
week.

Yeast Die-Off Inhibits Treatment

Die-off and the Herxheimer reaction occur when a larger number of yeasts die rapidly, releasing toxins
and causing allergic reactions. A die-off reaction is especially pronounced when using powerful
antifungal drugs like Nystatin that literally cause yeast cells to burst apart. Even though a strong die-
off reaction causes a significant amount of discomfort, it is a sign of a successful treatment.

Perhaps one of the most unfortunate aspects of a severe Herxheimer reaction is that it may cause
individuals to abandon a successful treatment prematurely. The Herxheimer reaction keeps many
individuals indulging in their pro-yeast lifestyle like the withdrawal reaction keeps drug abusers
addicted.

An effective means to reduce the discomfort of die-off is to take the supplement compounds listed
under "Other anti-yeast supplements," (at left), drink plenty of fluids, and consume 30-40 grams a day
of dietary fiber. That will deactivate, absorb and rid the body of toxic debris from dead yeasts.
Food Chart For Candida Albicans Recovery
Program

1. Allowable Foods
Eat these foods freely unless they cause an allergic reaction.

• Proteins: Eggs, meat, fresh and saltwater fish, yogurt (fruit-free and sugar-
free), casein (milk protein), albumen (egg protein) or lactose-free whey protein
powder, soy beans.

• Vegetables: Most vegetables - except carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets and

other high glycemic foods.

• Fats: Unprocessed vegetable oils, butter, nuts and seeds (peanuts and
pistachios are likely to be moldy).

• Beverages: Purified water, vegetable juice (except carrot juice).

2. Foods to Eat with Caution

• Whole grains (corn, rice, millet, buckwheat, quinoa).

• High-carb vegetables (beets, peas, squash, yams, corn).

• Unleavened breads.

3. Avoid Sugars and Simple Carbohydrates

• Sugar and rapidly acting carbohydrates (corn syrup, honey, dextrose,

glucose, fructose, molasses, maple syrup, malt and sorbitol).

• Fruit juices, dried fruit and candied fruit.

• Breads, pastries and raised bakery goods.

• Refined starches (breakfast cereals, crackers, pasta, cakes).

• High-glycemic-index vegetables (potatoes, carrots, parsnips, beets) and

grains (whole wheat bread, white rice and corn). Any food with a high glycemic
index (an indication of how rapidly it breaks down) may nourish candida.

• Alcoholic beverages.

• Packaged and processed foods (they frequently contain sugar and hidden
ingredients).

• Dairy products, except live yogurt (dairy products contain lactose - milk
sugar).

• Malt-containing products.

• Sugar containing condiments.

4. Avoid Fermented, Moldy and Yeast-Containing Foods

• Processed and smoked meats (sausages, hot dogs, corned beef).

• Cheeses (especially the riper, aged cheeses).

• Coffee and tea (black and herbal) are a source of molds.

• Leftovers (breeding ground for yeasts and molds).

• Edible fungi (mushrooms, morels, truffles).

• Fermented beverages (cider & root beer). Commercial root beer sodas are
not fermented.

• Tofu, tempeh, miso (fermented bean products).

 • Condiments (vinegar, horseradish, commercial tomato or barbecue sauce,
pickled products, mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, mince meat, mayonnaise, and
salad dressings).

PHASE IV: Reinoculating the Bowel

Probiotics (like Culturelle) will reinoculate the bowel with friendly, prosymbiotic, acid producing
bacteria that compete with the yeast in the intestinal tract. These probiotics provide Lactobacilli which
produce antimicrobial enzymes and natural antibiotics that retard the growth of candida. FOS
(fructooligosaccacharides) can also be used to increase levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

PHASE V: Avoiding a Pro-Yeast Lifestyle

The problem of CRC is inherently linked to our lifestyle, modern culture, and environment. A
successful and lasting treatment often requires permanent alterations in behavior, lifestyle and
environment. Permanently adapt a healthy and natural foods diet. Try to avoid prepackaged foods,
refined carbohydrates, junk foods and simple sugars. Pay attention to foods that cause symptoms of
CRC, allergic reactions or just plain make you feel bad – and avoid them.

Avoid or minimize exposure to household chemicals or work related substances, and evironments
causing either a toxic or allergic reaction. Filter your drinking water and air, if possible. Avoid contact
with mold spores and don't live in damp surroundings. When you need medical advice and
supervision, seek out experts in the fields of environmental medicine and clinical ecology.

Maintain a strong immune system. Develop effective stress control measures to minimize the natural
release of adrenal corticosteroid hormones which lower immunity and promote yeast overgrowth.

References
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