Taking antibiotics can lead to problems

In the first article on chronic yeast (candida) syndrome I explained that yeast is a type of fungus that over populates in the gut of the average North American due to their lifestyle. Sugar, yeast (in breads and alcohol), antibiotics, birth control pills and other hormones all provide fuel for this fungus and other bad bacteria which over takes the normal healthy gut flora. This imbalance of too many unhealthy organisms and not enough healthy ones leads to yeast overgrowth and a toxic soup of gut flora that is called "dysbiosis". The most common symptoms I see are digestive complaints included gas, bloating and gastro-intestinal reflux, repeated infections, an overall toxic feeling, fatigue and itchy skin conditions including hives, fungal skin infections and itchy anus. In the second part of this article I will explain how to rid your body of this yeast toxin that depletes the immune system 60% of which is in your gut!
The first step in healing of any condition is to remove the cause if they can be identified. In the case of dysbiosis the main causes are drugs, diet and stress.

Antibiotics is the most common drug that kills off health bacteria in the gut thus making way for the over growth of yeast. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for acne, and infections of all sorts. Naturopathic physicians like to educate people how to avoid antibiotics by catching infections before they get out of hand and using such natural immune enhancing medicines as Vitamin C, echinacea (the number one herb used in the world today), garlic, astragalus and many others. We have treatments for strep throat, bronchitis, acne, bladder and prostate infections, sinusitis, colds, flu, and many others. If in doubt contact your naturopathic physician. There are of course situations where antibiotics are needed but they are over prescribed in our society and that is what we hope to educate people about.

Hormones in the form of drugs are the next most common cause of yeast over growth. The birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy are the most common. Naturopathic physicians use natural less stressful methods. Please contact our office for my article on menopause and information on the cervical cap, a safe effective alternative to the diaphragm for birth control.
After addressing the above issues a candida program is then recommended. If you don’t get rid of the cause the yeast will just proliferate again and you are back at square one. So if you are on the birth control find another method first before embarking on a program.
A candida program consists of three parts: 1. Starving out the yeast by eliminating foods that promote its growth. 2. Recolonizing the gut with healthy bacteria and 3. Flushing out the yeast with a fiber. It is very simple in approach but difficult to follow initially, as there are many diet changes required. The medicines can be taken without the diet, but the results will be disappointing. The length of the program is three months with caution used in the diet afterwards as the yeast can grow back if your old habits are resumed. The foods that are avoided are yeasts, fermented foods and sugars including fruit as they provide fuel for the candida. It usually takes people about two weeks to become comfortable with the changes in the diet recommended and the time required for the body to adjust to the changes. Then you really start feeling better! Following the program for three months lessens the chance of recurrence and your get up and go will stay with you!
To see what level of yeast you have in your body contact the office for a free evaluation and questionnaire.