Chuckie: So, Doctor Bill, what’s up with Candida?
Dr. Bill: Candida is a form of yeast, and these “infections” are sometimes called “yeast infections.” There has been a rise in yeast infections, mainly due to two things: one, the huge amount of sugar consumed by the population these days, and two, the use (some would say, over-use) of antibiotics. Antibiotics are literally “anti” (against), “bio” life, in other words they kill things! Now, most of the time, properly used, antibiotics kill bacterial infections, and that is good. However, there are good bacteria in your gut called probiotics. (Pro=”for,” Bio=”life”) In other words, these good bacteria promote a healthy life, and healthy digestion… their presence also keeps the amount of yeast infections down. The problem with antibiotics is that they kill off the good bacteria in your gut as well as the bad! Then, you are “ripe” for a yeast infection… especially if you eat a lot of sugar, the perfect growth medium for the yeast!
Chuckie: Ouch! So, what can we do?
Dr. Bill: Well, take it up with your healthcare professional, but you can fight yeast naturally with a combination of diet (cut out sugar!) And, anti-candida herbal treatments like Pau De Arco. Probably the easiest way to take Pau De Arco is in tea. Teabags are available from many online pharmacies and supplement stores. Caprylic Acid (or Octanoid Acid) is an anti-fungal agent found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. It is available in capsules, and is very beneficial in fighting off a Candida infection. Also beneficial, is probiotic capsules that will then replace the probiotics that have been “killed off” in your gut! If at all possible, try and find probiotic capsules that are “enteric-coated” so that they will make it through the digestive tract, and to the intestines, where they are really needed!
Chuckie: Are there symptoms of yeast infection?
Dr. Bill: Some of the symptoms include: abdominal gas and bloating, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, cravings for alcohol, anxiety, cravings for sweets, inability to think clearly or concentrate, hyperactivity, mood swings, diarrhea, constipation, hyperactivity, itching, chronic pain and many more! I know it sounds like a “catch-all,” but that it why it so often goes undiagnosed! It is particularly responsible for stopping the progress of someone losing weight! That is one reason Dr. Atkins had a whole chapter of his book on low carb dieting that covers just this one issue!
Chuckie: Well, thank for the info, Doc!
