Quelling Candida: An Internal Balancing Act

By Joan Friedrich, Ph.D., C.C.N.

An opportunistic fungus

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. When C. albicans overgrows in the body, it can cause illnesses such as thrush and candidiasis. Mycologists are finding more and more cases of C. albicans overgrowth, along with overgrowth of other pathogenic fungi, in patients. Much of this may be due to greater use of antibiotic drugs, poor diet and nutrient deficiencies, increased exposure to toxins, and stress. Each of these factors contributes to greater disturbances in the body's inner ecology and lowers immune resistance.

Candida ordinarily exists harmlessly in the body. It was originally considered to be a problem only in infants (in whom it may appear as thrush), people who are debilitated or women (in whom it often manifests as vaginitis). Now, however, a growing number of physicians believe candida overgrowth is involved in many common gastrointestinal and genitourinary problems.

Although there are more than 80 species of candida, C. albicans is one of the most commonly treated in clinical settings and most widely discussed in clinical literature. Technically, C. albicans is a mold and yeast fungus. Since it lacks chlorophyll, C. albicans is unable to produce its own food through sunlight-induced photosynthesis. Hence, it must depend upon a host organism such as the body for nourishment.

Medical advances are helping researchers more fully understand the complexities of inner ecology, including the interrelationship between candida and various body systems. For example, vaginal candidiasis appears to occur concomitantly with C. albicans in the large intestine. When this occurs, successful treatment of vaginal overgrowth also requires addressing the health and balance of the large intestine.

It is when candida species, particularly C. albicans, have the opportunity to proliferate beyond their normal numbers that trouble can result. Increased levels of candida often initiate the proliferation of long root-like structures (mycelia or rhizoids) that penetrate mucosal membranes, creating microscopic breaks in the normal mucosal boundary of the gastrointestinal tract. The resulting perforations permit antigens -- foreign substances and toxins such as candida and its toxic acetaldehyde byproducts, and incompletely digested dietary proteins -- to leak into the bloodstream, which in turn creates antibody release and inflammation.

Leaky Gut

Intestinal permeability, called "leaky gut syndrome," is a common but poorly recognized problem linked to ecological disturbances. It is a polysymptomatic syndrome that causes individuals to experience a wide range of problems including allergic responses, mood swings, depression, agitation, joint and connective tissue pain and inflammation, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, and skin problems, to name a few. Long-term "leakiness" may also predispose an individual to autoimmune responses such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Leaky gut is linked to factors that predispose an individual to intestinal microflora imbalances and gut wall lining irritation. These factors may include antibiotics; steroids; common over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin; abdominal X-rays; malnutrition or maldigestion; intestinal infection; stress; or foods that irritate the gut. Eliminating candida requires addressing the body's ecological balance, gut integrity and overall immune strength.

Candida Management

One key factor in candida management is maintaining a healthy and sugar-free diet. Researchers agree that candida feeds on sugars. Sugary foods, especially packaged and processed foods, should be avoided.

Yeasted foods also should be avoided for at least the first one to two weeks of therapy. Although food yeast is different from candida, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to yeasts in general. The candida control program that some doctors recommend includes low-carbohydrate vegetables; fish, meat, poultry and eggs; unprocessed nuts, seeds and oils; whole grains (in moderation) and purified water.

Natural remedies

Although diet is the most important aspect of candida management, a number of popular natural products enhance yeast elimination and correct dysbiosis and leaky gut. Most nutritionists and physicians effectively use a wide range of products to help their patients. Some of the most typically recommended are:

• Garlic (Allium sativum)
  Studies show that in addition to its strong anti-microbial properties, garlic can inhibit candida by damaging the structure and integrity of the yeast cell wall.
  
• Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
  Barberry is a valuable anti-microbial herb with anti-diarrheal properties. (Note: Pregnant or lactating women should not take barberry.)
  
• Pau d'arco
  The South American herb is known for its anti-infective qualities. Its primary active components -- lapachol and xyloidine -- have demonstrated anti-candida effects.
  
• Fatty Acids
  Fatty acids have anti-microbial and anti-fungal benefits. Two commonly occurring fatty acids recommended for their therapeutic benefits include caprylic acid and undecylenic acid.
  
• Oregano (Oreganum vulgare L.)
  Commonly used as a strong aromatic seasoning, oregano contains a variety of substances that supply anti-fungal and anti-mycotic effects.
  
• Citrus Seed Extract
  Citrus seed extract has natural anti-microbial properties. Although it is caustic and requires dilution for safety and effectiveness, it has been shown to significantly inhibit candida and, to a lesser degree, some strains of bacteria.

Bacteria balance

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus bulgaricus are three of the most common protective strains of bacterial flora. Research now shows that certain strains of L. acidophilus produce hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct that may play a role in the maintenance of microbial balance. Bacillus laterosporus is a single-cell life form that naturally occurs in our food chain and is found in small amounts in the intestinal tract. Plants use this organism found in the soil, then pass it along to us in their food parts or through animals who feed on them. Its action may rid the body of candida overgrowth and may soon be the focus of greater study.

Fructo-Oligosaccharide (FOS) is a microflora enhancer originally used as a low-calorie sweetener. Although it is a soluble fiber found in relatively high amounts in artichokes, onions, garlic, burdock, shallots, wheat, barley and bananas, it is difficult to achieve significantly high therapeutic amounts solely through the diet. Therefore, commercial FOS products are often helpful.

Intestinal Support

L-glutamine is an amino acid known for its benefits as an intestinal fuel. It is an important nutrient for maintaining normal gut barrier function, as research shows that L-glutamine increases IgA levels in the gut. IgA is the most abundant immunoglobulin in normal function of the intestines.
N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) is a precursor required for the manufacture of mucosal glycoproteins that line the intestinal membranes. The glycoprotein layer protects the underlying tissues from exposure to enzymes, acid and bacterial assault while providing an absorptive surface. Although the synthesis of NAG begins with L-glutamine, many individuals with bowel irritation and dysfunction are unable to make proper conversions to produce sufficient amounts of this protective mucosal product. NAG, taken as a supplement, appears to be effectively absorbed and incorporated into this protective mechanism while also acting as a growth promoter of friendly flora and providing blocking action against the adherence of C. albicans.

Although primarily emphasizing gut and yeast-related balance, therapy should also enhance immune strength and provide antioxidant protection during detoxification for long-term immune maintenance. A program including glutathione, N-acetyl-cysteine, milk thistle (Silymarin), B-complex, and a full range of antioxidants can further help the liver in the detoxification process.

It goes without saying that lifestyle modification is important, because it immediately affects immune strength. Addressing our mental, physical and spiritual needs is vital to maintaining long-term health.