Do you suffer from skin problems, like acne?
Are you struggling to lose weight (and you feel like you are really healthy)?
Do you feel lethargic and tired all the time?
Do you crave sugar, breads, and starches? Do you feel highs and lows associated with “carbs”?
Do you feel bloated after eating fruit? Do you feel like you are in a fog after consuming clean foods like fruit?
If so… read this.
The Immune System
Within the body, there exist little armies of antibodies, and white blood cells. These microscopic armies defend the body from enemy substances that are looking to harm, or weaken, the body’s immune system. When the immune system is strong, these tiny armies are able to recognize and eliminate these enemies, before they are capable of causing the body damage.
A strong immune system means a healthy body.
How does it work? These armies line the mucous membranes, which line the interior cavities and passageways, of the body. The mucous membranes are the equivalent are like our own Great Wall, keeping invaders from penetrating further into the body, and jumping into the blood stream.
Clean blood means a healthy immune system.
Directly below the delicate mucous membrane, exist mucus-secreting glands. In order to protect the fragile membranes, these glands secrete a coating of sticky mucus. When foreign substances, like bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and toxins try to break through the mucous membrane, the mucus acts as a repellent, entrapping the unwanted material in its sticky goo.
Mucus is actually a “shield” if you will. Too much mucus is a problem.
When toxins, yeasts, and other such enemies, known as antigens, attempt to invade the mucous membrane, the antibodies come to the body’s defense.
It is common that the mucous membranes house a variety of yeasts, as well as, good bacteria. Yeast thrives in warm, damp and dark places and therefore is commonly abundant in the digestive tract, and vaginal area. Amongst the yeast, and friendly bacteria, also exists: unfriendly bacteria, toxic yeasts, viruses, and other various enemy substances.
When the body’s immune system is functioning optimally, these unwanted substances are not able to surpass the Great Wall, and thus cannot penetrate deeper into the tissues, or blood stream.
It is kind of like having a garden. There will always be a few weeds, but as long as those weeds are kept under control, they will not pose a problem. The moment they get the opportunity though, those weeds will get out of control and overtake your beautiful garden. It’s like the ivy that swallowed your grandma’s house, or ahem, castle….
The overgrowth of ivy is similar to how yeast is capable of colonizing, and causing destruction in the intestinal tract. If there are ample amounts of healthy bacteria in the body (you, plucking the weeds), it can keep the Candida (ivy) to a manageable minimum. The problem with antibiotics is, they kill off the good bacteria in the body.
Antibiotics do not affect toxic yeast, otherwise known as Candida Albicans. In fact, antibiotics have been shown to prevent the body’s resistance to the invasion of Candida. With the help of antibiotics, yeast can multiply at a rapid pace. As the yeasts multiple, they release toxins. These toxins circulate throughout the body, and further depress the immune system.
Birth control pills, cortisone, and other drugs like prednisone, corticosteroids, acne medication, and antibiotics, stimulate yeast growth. These medications fight to kill off the toxins that are acting to weaken the immune system but they also deplete the body’s reservoir of friendly bacteria. Without the help of friendly bacteria, the body does not have the ability to resist the colonization of Candida albicans, and it becomes an endless battle for the body to rid itself of the unwanted toxins (Candida).
Other factors, such as, hormonal changes, pregnancy, as well as diets rich in sugars, and products containing yeast, also contribute to the colonization of Candida Albicans. When there is an overgrowth of yeast in the body, the immune system becomes weakened.
Nutritional deficiencies, emotional stress, environmental molds, and chemical toxins, also help to decrease the optimization of the immune function, which in turn, help to increase the production of Candida.
A weakened immune system can manifest itself in a number of unpleasant ways. Signs of a weakened immunity are, but not limited to:
- Feeling depressed, tired, or lethargic
- Having bad skin
- Having headaches, poor memory, feeling irritable or unable to concentrate
- Feeling inappropriately drowsy
- Feeling numb, or having tingling muscles, or muscle weakness
- Lacking coordination
- Reoccurring vaginal yeast infections, or urinary tract infections
- Having athletes food, jock itch, or other fungi infections of the skin
- Having persistent digestive problems like: indigestion, bloat, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea
- Nasal congestion, recurrent sore throats, cough, fluid in your ears
- Pain or swelling in your joints
- Pain or tightness in the chest, spots in front of your eyes, blurred vision
- Overweight, or feeling the inability to lose weight
If these symptoms are more noticeable, or tend to flare on damp days, or when exposed to molds, or foods that promote yeast growth, it is quite probable that one of the factors contributing to the weakening of the immune system is Candida albicans.
A clean, well-combined diet and superior digestion is essential for fighting off Candida.
That being said, people with Candida should not consume sugar (raw honey, Agave, fruit, and dried fruit included), nor should they consume foods with yeasts (breads, pretzels, etc.), or foods that are susceptible to molds (peanut butter, white mushrooms, cheese). Candida feasts on sugars, yeasts, and molds—this includes wine, and chocolate too (boo, I know- but this is the least of your worries).
If you are overweight, have skin problems, and/or have a history of antibiotics, hormone supplementation, and/or crave, or are affected by sugar—it is highly probable that an overgrowth of Candida is a culprit. No reason to panic though, Candida is VERY common. In fact, with all of the sugary, yeasty products we consume today, in addition to the high percentage of people that have a past, or present history of taking drugs (medicinal, and/or recreational), I predict that Candida is probably a top cause of most illnesses today… We just haven’t wanted to realize how important a healthy diet is.
For more on what to eat for superior health, check out My Philosophy. Additionally, take a probiotic (good bacteria) supplement regularly. It also may greatly help to invest in products such as Candex, or Candi-gone.
Last mention of contest!
**** Oh! and one more thing… just because you are going to try to start avoiding sugary foods, does not mean you can’t have your cake and eat it too! I have found Stevia to be an enormous help in weening anyone off of sugar. My favorite brand is NuNaturals NuStevia. Right now you can enter to win two awesome products– my favorite being the Vanilla Stevia, because I love adding it to my raw coconut ice cream, pudding, tea, latte, and hot cocoa and coffee. Contest ends tomorrow, Tuesday (08/17/2010) at midnight, and winners will be announced on Wednesday the 18th! (4) of my readers will win a package of Stevia (50) packets, in addition to my fav Vanilla NuStevia. Hurry! Spread the word, retweet, and then post a comment telling me you retweeted to increase your chances of winning! Click here to enter!****
Additionally, here are some more low-sugar treats to savor! I personally love dark chocolate.
I have definitely found that I feel better since staying away from added sugars:-)cc
hi, is this how i enter to win the nunaturals stevia?? i really want to try this! ive been having the issues you mentioned above and the initial thought by my doctor was that i might have fructose malabsorbtion, so i definitely need a sugar substitute!! please pick me
oh gosh! Silly me! I totally did not include the link! Enter here!
Nice site with helpful information. I have been researching how to get natural remedies for yeast infections. Finding good information about candida and yeast infections can be tough. I search all over the internet to find good content and good products.
Thanks
Marty
ps: I have some helpful articles on my site as well here: Cadida Yeast
It’s interesting that you say no chocolate, cheese or wine and Natalia Rose allows that on her Detox 4 Women diet. I thought that was odd that she allows that as I know the sugar in the chocolate and wine and the mold in the cheese contributes to candida. Another place you differ is that she does not allow nuts and you do. I am wondering how long we would have to be so strict on the diet before the yeast is under control. And also, does candida cause food sensitivities? Thank you for your blog posts.
Yes, Natalia does allow for chocolate, cheese, and wine… if this is the worst one is doing, and then only doing so in moderation… If one is enjoying these foods VERY moderately it will certainly not the biggest concern. Natalia leaves these foods in so her clients do not feel too restricted– and it was written for a more mainstream audience. I do the same with my own clients. I would hate to create a regimen for someone that they were not able to follow.
Nuts can be highly susceptible to mold, as can seeds, but one the biggest problems with them is that most people have a hard time just stopping at a few (nor do they combine properly), and they are very dense. The denser something is, the more likely it is to help Candida grow (as it will stay in the system longer/more likley to turn rancid, etc).
As you know from Natalia– all cheese is not created equally. For any person I would only suggest raw sheep and goat… which I failed to point out in this post, but do so in My Philosophy. this maight be fine for some people in moderation. It depends on whom I am speaking to.
Candida can cause a whole slew of problems, including food sensitivities.
I am sure how long one needs to be on a strict candida diet only because it completely depends on the case (degree of Candida overgrowth, severity of symptoms, history of medication), what foods they are still enjoying, and what supplements/probiotics thay are taking. It will vary from person, to person. Most everyone has Candida in minute amounts…
-Lauren
[...] Candida especially, is very common in women, and results from an imbalance of healthy bacteria and probiotics to keep toxics yeasts and bacteria at bay. [...]
[...] Tips: Cut as much sugar from the diet as possible, focusing only on natural sugars found in plant foods. Unfortunately fruits, and honey (raw too) aid in helping Candida to flourish. Looking for sweet? Try Stevia. My personal favorite is NuNaturals brand Alcohol free products, but there are other brands out there too. For further recommendations, I highly suggest you read this article. [...]
[...] (including table sugar), from your diet (or if you suffer from a sugar sensitive ailment like Candida or diabetes) I recommend NuNaturals [...]
[...] after you eat bread? Fruit? “Carbs”? Read more about the debilitating affects of Candida here, and how to combat [...]
[...] Vinegar, even our more popular balsamic vinegar, is highly acid forming. It is not a beauty food and therefore does not lend itself in creating a youthful, clear complexion, and radiant glow. Additionally, vinegar helps to create an environment in which Candida can thrive. Candida is often associated with acne (article). [...]