That White Sugar Is Just Terrible.

Look at how much sugar consumption has grown.

I wonder if this has anything to do with our well being?

1900 – 10 lbs per capita

1985 – 124 lbs

2000 – 160 lbs

What happens to our immune systems at the holidays?

Like from Halloween through Christmas?

These are  ALL candy – centric holidays!

Here’s how it works.

Lots of sugar = lots of colds and flu. This is immune dysfunction.

Lendon Smith Author of Feed Your Kids Right shared that sugar, white flour and all that snicky snacky stuff as “anti-nutrients”

Why?

Because sugar and white flour deplete nutrients to metabolize them, specifically they deplete nutrients needed for immune function. Sugar slows down the white blood cells swimming through the blood stream needed to devour germs, viruses, bacteria, parasites, cancer. Pretty dangerous stuff that sugar.

Sugar Feeds Candida Yeast. Candida are those nasty yeast organisms that grow rampant when given anti-biotics, steroids, or when the balance of the gut is disturbed even by a bout of diarrhea. These yeasty things attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and over time often poke holes in the lining leading to a syndrome known as leaky gut. Those with leaky gut develop all kinds of odd health challenges; everything from environmental sensitivities, food allergies, or headaches. Many conditions of illness and discomfort stem from an unhealthy gut.

Guess what candida’s favorite food is ?? Sugar and white flour.

Sugar depletes B Vitamins. B’s are essential for the brain,the nervous system, behavior and balanced hormones.

Sugar causes the body to become more acidic. Some say this promotes inflammatory illnesses. We are an inflammed society.  Sugar and it’s empty calories contributes to excessive weight gain, dental decay, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, osteoporisis, arthritis

Sugar is just terrible for the digestive track. It literally depletes minerals. ( calcium, chromium, magnesium and zinc ). Sugar reduces the production of digestive enzymes, leads to allergies and immune system issues.

Sugar makes you old. Sugar sticks to proteins, changes their properties and interferes with their ability to function. It compounds heart disease, high blood pressure, cataracts, arthritis and artherosclerosis

above info sourced from nutritionist barb lagoni

candy mosaic flickr image

The Benefits Of Friendly Bacteria And Candida

I was personally diagnosed with Candida in 1996.  Yeast infections, reduced immune function and a very hyper sensitivity to fragrances had me feeling ill all the time.

I was first introduced to the concept of Candida, it’s pervasiveness and how most medical professionals do not address this health concern at a local lecture given by pediatrician Linda P. Rodriguez, M.D. The symptoms and personal health history she described had me fit the profile of someone who had Candida.  My recovery took 4 months. I made changes, I stuck with the rigor of the diet restrictions and I used my supplements as was suggested. I got well.

In those days high quality probiotics (acidopholus/bifidus aka friendly bacteria) was unheard of.  Products that were on the market were expensive, required refrigeration, were often outdated and mishandled. No one could guarantee live beneficial bacteria past manufacturing, as a matter fact only one company today can make that claim.

Many confused supplemental probiotics with the benefical enzymes found in yogurt. Yogurt companies forgot to tell you that these friendly bacteria were destroyed by the acids of the stomach.  Hmmmm – not much good if your restorative friendly bacteria source was from eating yogurt.

The goal once a high quality probiotic is encapsulated is that the beneficial enzymes have to withstand any heat, light, air and the acid of the stomach.  Additionally it also has to go to the right place in the colon. Once there it has to reliably deliver the good stuff – the good guys.  The much needed friendly bacteria can then multiply and conquer the bad guys.

Introducing the most profound pearl of probiotics on the planet. This pearl uses a patented triple encapsulated technology. Three layers of which protect and deliver acidopholus/bifidus to the colon. Guarunteed.

Not only does Candida benefit from this product/pearl so do many digestive health disorders.I believe all health starts with the colon, if it’s toxic, congested or loaded with Candida – this effects the rest of our health.

*If you have a history of:

Antibiotic usage , especially broad spectrum drugs

Birth control pills or steroids

Mood swings or irritability

Cravings for sweets, breads and alchohol

Problems in moldy areas or on muggy days

Sensitivity to perfumes, chemical odors, etc.

Being really bothered by tobacco smoke

Athletes foot, fungus infections of nails and skin

Repeated pregnancies

 

Are an infant with:

Diaper rash that is worse in the skin folds

Thrush or white patches on the inner cheeks of the mouth

A white coated tongue

Excessive genital touching

Frequent ear infections

 

Have children with:

Thickly – coated or patchy, white tongue

Red ring around anus or rectal area

Itchy genital area leading to frequent touching

A chronic hair or foot odor

Bloated abdomen and bowel complaints

Frequent infections particularly of the ears and tonsils

Muscle aches and weaknesses

 

Or are an adolescents or an adult with:

Frequent fatigue, lethargy and drowsiness

Frequent infections

Frequent feelings of “spaciness”

Poor memory

Inability to make decisions

Bloating, belching, or intestinal gas

Muscle aches and weakness

Recurrent skin problems

Pain and or swelling in joints

Depression

Abdominal pain

Loss of interest in sex

Endometriosis or infertility

Prostatis or impotance

Anxiety attacks or frequent crying

PMS

Mucus in stools

Rectal itching

Constipation and /or diarrhea

Excessive vaginal discharge or itching

Pelvic pain

Burning or white coated tongue

Rash or blisters in mouth

Dizziness/loss of balance /incoordination

Pain or tightness in your chest

Spots in front of your eyes

Blurred vision

 

You may have Candida!

Specific tips on yeast reduction preparations, diet restrictions, supplement recommendations and tips on creating a non – toxic environment are available by appointment.

 


floral clematis candida flickr image credit

Candida And Nutritional Supplements

Nutrition Supplementation For Yeast Cleansing and Control

Below is a list of nutrients and herbs that are part of a candida cleanse and rebuilding.  Note that there are phases. The entire program is 12 weeks.

Not all nutritional supplements are created equal.  Results will vary if using a brand of lesser quality.

Cleansing Phase – First Week

Alfalfa – provides essential trace minerals, digestive enzymes and chlorophyll, all of which help cleanse the body. Also improves joint pain and allergy symptoms.

Fiber - helps get yeast and other toxins out of the body.

Laxative – a natural herbal laxative which helps gently cleanse the intestine, remove toxins and promote regularity.

Friendly Bacteria (acidophilus – bifidus ) – recreates proper balance of intestinal flora - pearls only.

Purified Water  - pure water gets toxins out of the blood stream.

Then Add:

Initial Rebuilding Phase – Three Weeks

Multi-Vitamin - nutritional insurance provides nutrients and minerals on a daily basis in proper balance.

Vitamin C-helps with immunity, allergies, and environmental sensitivities.

Immune System Support - proprietary blend of nutrients that support immune function.

Calcium/Magnesium-helps with nervousness, distractability, anxiety attacks, muscle cramps and insomnia.

Omega 3′s (essential fatty acids derived  from fishoil ) – helps with muscle and joint pain, cold hands and feet and skin eruptions.

GLA (essential fatty acid derived from borage seed  – helps with hormonal imbalances, mood swings, concentration, libido, depression and anxiety.

Then Add:

Final Rebuilding Phase – Last Eight Weeks

Soy Protein – helps stabilize blood sugar, improves concentration and provides consistant energy

B Complex -helps with mood swings, stress, cravings, anxiety, digestive problems and irritability

above sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have referenced to assist those who feel they may have candida.

Candida Cleanse Diet Restrictions

Yeast Reduction – yeast control diet

The second step in controlling a yeast overgrowth is to stop feeding the yeast. There are many variations of a yeast control diet but this one works the best! Optimal results will be achieved by following this diet strictly for 8-12 weeks at the same time as you take the antifungal preparations. If you cheat, it just takes longer for you to get well!

The following foods should be avoided completely during the course of the diet:

Sugar, honey, maple syrup,mollasses, corn syrup and all other concentrated sweets.

Vinegar, including mayonaise, mustard, ketchup and prepared salad dressings.

Aged or fermented products e.g. cheeses, soy, pickles, miso, tempeh, etc.

Alchohol, especially beer and wine

Peanuts and peanut butter

Mushrooms

Dairy Products

Fruit juices and dried fruits

Commercial nuts

Margarines, heated oils and fried foods

Chemical additives, preservatives and dyes

Some people also need to avoid foods that contain yeast, including breads made with yeast as they have become “allergic” to all forms of yeast.

For the first three weeks of the diet  eat the following foods freely:

Protein – foods including lean meats, fish, chicken, turkey and eggs

Low-carbohydrate vegetables including: all kinds of green leafy vegetables including asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, brussel sprouts, bell peppers, okra, green beans, zucchini and summer squash, spinach

Butter and olive oil as needed

For the remainder of the diet gradually add several of the following complex carbohydrate and vegetables and foods including:

potatoes, yams, beets, eggplant, dry beans and peas, millet, oats, corn, wheat, quinoa, pasta, couscous, sweet potato, carrots, artichokes, avocado, rice, buckwheat, barley, rye, amaranth, rice cakes, cereals and tortillas

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have candida.

Four Steps To Correct Yeast Overgrowth

Four Steps to Correct Yeast Overgrowth

1. Decrease the amount of yeast in the body by using antifungal preparations
2. Stop feeding the existing yeast by limiting the foods and drugs that cause the yeast to multiply.
3. Rebuild the immune system through a nutritional supplementation program
4. Create a non – toxic environment in your home to decrease candida – related symptoms.

Yeast reduction – anti fungal preparations

The first step in resolving a yeast overgrowth in your body is to destroy the excessive yeast. There are several different products that have been used successfully to kill the yeast including:

Nystatin
A drug available by prescription only, that when taken orally coats the membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and kills the yeast with which it comes in contact with. Powdered nystatin is preferable to tablets because the pills don’t dissolve in time to coat the areas in the sinus, mouth throat, esophagus and stomach which also may be affected. However, the powder does need to remain refrigerated.

Caprylic Acid
Many physicians, especially naturopathic doctors use caprylic acid products as the main antifungal agent in a yeast control program. Caprylic acid is a long-chain fatty acid naturally occurring in coconut that is toxic to yeast. Most health food stores stock a variety of caprylic acid products

Homeopathic Remedies
There are a variety of homeopathic Candida remedies which kill yeast. Some are available directly from Homeopathic Physicians; others are available from health food stores

Garlic
Garlic, a medicinal herb, contains two potent antifungal agents – allin. A precursor to allicin and haeoni, the stronger of the two.  Most commercially available garlic tablets or capsules do not contain adequate quantities of the antifungal agents because they are destroyed by cooking or processing. However, this corporation does make a garlic tablet in which the antifungal agents are still potent. It works best if you take one or two tablets at the same time you use one of the other antifungal preparations.

sourced affectionately from a brochure by Gemma Gorham 1997, a document I have used to assist those who feel they may have candida.