Using probiotics to prevent or eliminate Candida

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger Editor of NaturalNews.com (See all articles...) Tags: candida, health news, Natural News

(NaturalNews) Probiotics are good for much more than simply enhancing intestinal health and improving digestion; they're also very effective at preventing candida albicans (as you'll see below).

Here you'll find a healthy collection of explanations, supporting quotes and testimonials about the use of probiotics to help prevent or reverse candida. These are compiled from some of the top health authors in the world. Enjoy this knowledge and feel free to share this link with others who may benefit from this information.

Eliminating Candida with probiotics

Everyone's body is host to Candida (Candida albicans). Candida is a type of yeast. Candida is normally kept under control by good health and probiotics. However, Candida overgrowth can occur when the system is challenged or altered. The use of antibiotics can reduce the ability of probiotics to keep Candida at bay. Also, the overconsumption of yeast-feeding foods such as simple carbohydrates, sugars, peanuts, alcohol and milk products can encourage Candida growth.
- Probiotic Rescue: How You can use Probiotics to Fight Cholesterol, Cancer, Superbugs, Digestive Complaints and More by Allison Tannis

In other words, probiotic bacteria are effective in controlling Candida in the mouth, a problem of particular concern for the elderly. The exact mechanism by which probiotics inhibit Candida growth is not fully understood to date. Some suggest the ability of probiotics to produce hydrogen peroxide plays a role; however, in vivo studies suggest that probiotics might prevent Candida growth through multiple mechanisms.
- Probiotic Rescue: How You can use Probiotics to Fight Cholesterol, Cancer, Superbugs, Digestive Complaints and More by Allison Tannis

There are few women who have never had a yeast infection, which is an overgrowth of a bacteria called Candida albicans that is found in the mouth, the intestines, and the vagina. A Candida overgrowth causes vaginal itching, redness, white cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge, and may cause painful intercourse. Normal beneficial bacteria in the gut and vagina (also called probiotics) inhibit Candida. A Candida over-growth is primarily caused by taking antibiotics that kill both beneficial and harmful bacteria and by pH imbalances in the vagina.
- Probiotic Rescue: How You can use Probiotics to Fight Cholesterol, Cancer, Superbugs, Digestive Complaints and More by Allison Tannis

It is often simply not possible to heal kids with 4-A disorders without first healing bowel dysbiosis, which is the root cause of so many of their problems, including Candida overgrowth, leaky gut syndrome, chronic diarrhea and constipation, chronic gut infection, and malabsorption of nutrients. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that promote good digestion, and help control dysbiotic gut flora, such as Candida. Probiotics are abundant in yogurt, but much greater amounts are present in supplements. Probiotics are of special importance for any child who has recently taken antibiotics.
- Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Bock

Antibiotic use changes the bacteria in the vagina and thus promotes the growth of Candida. Antibiotic use reduces the presence of all bacteria, including the beneficial probiotics in the vagina such as Lactobacillus. Antibiotic use causes the vaginal probiotic population to shrink. Then the pH of the vagina increases, due to no lactic acid coming from Lactobacilli to keep it low, and Candida is no longer restricted. Candida can colonize and flourish in such an environment. How do Lactobacilli inhibit and control Candida?
- Probiotic Rescue: How You can use Probiotics to Fight Cholesterol, Cancer, Superbugs, Digestive Complaints and More by Allison Tannis

In review, a Candida condition can be remedied by the elimination of cooked starch and antibiotics, lots of Sunshine on the skin, an increase of oxygen, wholesome raw nutrition, fasting from sugar, adequate dosages of coconut oil, Nature's First Food powder, superfoods, probiotics, prebiotics, specific supplements, special herbs and a rebuilding program with colon cleansing as well as emotional cleansing. Some additional recommendations: Those with Candida should keep a clean house; musty, moldy homes are bad for the Candida sufferer.
- The Sunfood Diet Success System by David Wolfe

Conventional diets high in cooked-starches (bread, baked potato, cakes, cookies, pasta) and diets loaded with refined or hybridized (seedless) fruit sugars both feed Candida. When all this sugar is added into a body whose levels of good intestinal bacteria (probiotics) are low and whose tissues have become acidic due to a prolonged lack of alkaline mineral salts (which come from vegetables and superfoods) in the diet, then Candida proliferates. Those suffering from Candida typically have had a history of antibiotic use.
- The Sunfood Diet Success System by David Wolfe

They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts such as Candida. The best-known probiotic is lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, acidophilus milk and supplements. The scientific community has done a lot of research in recent years to advance our understanding of the function of probiotics and to determine which probiotics are the best for which parts of the bowel. For example, it has been shown that the best probiotics need to be acid and bile resistant.
- The Digestive Awareness Diet: You Are HOW You Eat by John K. Pollard

You can never completely get rid of the "bad" bugs, but you can balance them with "good" bacteria and create a healthy environment that promotes digestion, increases immunity, fights against Candida overgrowth (Candida albicans, or "yeast," is one of the "bad" bacteria), and strengthens the immune system. Yogurt - real yogurt, that is - is a wonderful, rich source of those "good" bacteria. They're called probiotics, which literally means "for life".
- The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

I suggested to Michael that he ask his physician to be tested for Candida. (Convincing the physician to do the Candida test was not easy. Physicians do not generally look for such infections, and his mother had to put considerable pressure on the doctor.) The test did show that Michael had a Candida infection, which he was able to get rid of through natural methods such as taking high-quality probiotics and grapefruit seed extract and by reducing dietary sugar (which was "feeding" the yeast problem).
- Never Be Sick Again: Health is a Choice, Learn How to Choose It by Raymond Francis

Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria (like Candida albicans, or "yeast"), promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. Probiotics also contain enzymes to help break down and digest dairy products like lactose in milk. The best place to find probiotics is in yogurts that contain "active cultures." But you can also increase the content by purchasing a high-quality probiotic formula. (I have several excellent ones listed on my website, www.jonnybowden.com).
- The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

If you suspect you have a serious Candida overgrowth in your intestines, read the book Optimal Wellness by Ralph Golan, M.D. (Ballantine Books, 1995). He covers the subject in detail, and gives an excellent protocol to follow for bringing Candida under control. Grapefruit seed extract, garlic oil and oregano oil are all very effective anti-fungals. It's certainly worth giving them a try before taking a potent antifungal drug. Be sure to take probiotics to enhance your body's production of its own "good" bacteria.
- Prescription Alternatives, Third Edition: Hundreds of Safe, Natural Prescription-Free Remedies to Restore and Maintain Your Health by Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.

To control the proliferation of Candida (yeast), take a quality probiotic supplement. Follow the directions on the product label. Most people with HIV take many powerful drugs that wipe out the essential bacteria that keep Candida under control in a healthy body. Probiotics are also useful for combating diarrhea. If you are allergic to milk, be sure to select a dairy-free formula. To support immune function, consider taking adrenal, spleen, and/or thymus glandular extracts. Take one dose, as directed on the product label, twice daily.
- Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults by Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND

The flowers are the good bacteria (probiotics), and the weeds are things like Candida albicans, bacteria that can result in local or systemic yeast infections. Antibiotics are like powerful weed killers that wind up killing your rosebushes along with the pests. People who are given antibiotics a lot tend to have a much greater tendency to have an imbalance in their gut ecology - it's easier to grow more weeds than it is roses. Probiotics will help offset that unhealthy balance.
- The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.

This leaves yeast, such as Candida which is not affected by antibiotics, to grow unrestrained, proliferating and overrunning the intestinal tract. The consequence is a yeast overgrowth or infection. Such infections can last for years causing a wide variety of symptoms ranging from headaches to digestive problems. Often people have systemic Candida infections without even knowing it. This is why antifungal medications or probiotics should be taken whenever antibiotics are used. A probiotic supports the growth of friendly bacteria but not the disease-causing kind.
- The Healing Miracle of Coconut Oil by Bruce Fife and Jon J. Kabara

These bacteria, also called probiotics, manufacture some of the B vitamins and fatty acids, and they are your defense against yeast {Candida albicans) overgrowth and an almost infinite variety of other hostile bacterial and viral invaders. Candida grows naturally in our small and large intestines, and is harmless as long as balance is maintained. On a steady diet of processed sugars and flours - the preferred foods of yeast - it can grow out of control, resulting in vaginal and gastrointestinal yeast overgrowth (candidiasis).
- Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders by Kenneth Bock

Its juice kills bacteria, parasites, and Candida in the digestive tract. It also normalizes stomach acid production, aids in digestion thus preventing deficiencies, and has been found to benefit food allergy sufferers. One tablespoon of aloe vera juice, twice daily, improves blood sugar levels, and reduces sugar cravings (for those attempting to give up sugar). Probiotics - The most common are: Lactobaciilus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which provide many beneficial functions in the intestinal tract.
- Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, And Stimulants - Dangerous Drugs on Trial by Dr David W Tanton, Ph.D.

A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth. Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of "traveler's diarrhea," caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.
- The Natural Pharmacy: Complete Home Reference to Natural Medicine by Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC

This means that probiotics are also important in the treatment of cancer and allergies, as well as infections caused by viruses, parasites, and yeasts such as Candida albicans, which is responsible for thrush. One research study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 1992 gave women prone to thrush either a live yogurt containing lactobacilli for six months or no yogurt. After six months, those on yogurt were asked to switch to no yogurt, and vice versa. Most of the women on no yogurt dropped out of the study, while those on daily yogurt refused to switch after six months.
- The New Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford

Placebo-controlled studies demonstrated that natural agents have been used successfully to prevent antibiotic-associated bacterial infections and Candida vaginitis (Collins 1980). Few adverse effects have been reported. There is now significant evidence that administration of selected microorganisms is beneficial in the prevention and treatment of certain intestinal infections, and possibly in the treatment of vaginal infections (Jack et al. 1990; Elmer et al. 1996). These are called probiotics and are particularly useful in treating yeast syndrome.
- Disease Prevention and Treatment by The Life Extension Editorial Staff

Steroids such as prednisone, poor digestion, nutritional deficiencies and stress can also kill off these good bacteria, leaving an overgrowth of the bad guys, most of whom are a fungal yeast called Candida albicans. An overgrowth of yeast in the intestines can cause fatigue, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, skin problems, and a long list of secondary symptoms such as headaches, mental fogginess, achy joints and pollen allergies. If you must take antibiotics for some reason, be sure to take probiotics both during and after the course of antibiotics.
- Prescription Alternatives, Third Edition: Hundreds of Safe, Natural Prescription-Free Remedies to Restore and Maintain Your Health by Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.

When the intestines are heated by too much potassium or sulfur-residue foods, flatulence results. A Candida overgrowth or another microbial/fungal imbalance of the digestive tract is occurring. This can be overcome by an organic no-sugar, no-starch diet, probiotics containing: acidophilus, bifidus and bulgaricus, supplemental enzymes (i.e. Beauty Enzymes), more dietary greens, green juices, seeds, seaweeds, superfoods, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, vitamin C (from powdered berries), MSM powder (1-2 tablespoons per liter of water) and garlic.
- The Sunfood Diet Success System by David Wolfe

Goldenseal is also a useful anti-microbial that kills Candida and other bacteria that cause stomach and gastrointestinal disorders. Typical dosage of Goldenseal is 300 to 450 mgs taken three times a day. Since Goldenseal has mild anti-bacterial properties, it may deplete your body of the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Take probiotics when you take Goldenseal to maintain healthy gut flora. Do not take Goldenseal for longer then two weeks at a time. Goldenseal is contraindicated during pregnancy, if you take blood thinners or have a peptic ulcer.
- Your Drug-Free Guide to Digestive Health by Heather Caruso