Candidiasis is the condition that develops from an overgrowth of Candida Albicans. It has been reported that everybody has a certain normal level of this fungus, typically found in the digestive system (intestines). A healthy level of candida albicans is kept in check by friendly floral bacteria in the intestines, such as Lactobacillus sporogenes, bacillus subtills or streptococcus faecalis

Candidiasis - The Disease That Does Not Exist?
Candidiasis is an epedemic that is occuring across North America. However, the modern medical community does not recognize this problem, because there is no place for it in the current medical model of the human body. How can a simple yeast run rampant throught a human host and cause wide scale catastropy? Nonsense, they say! Well, the existence of a candida problem is only denied by those that are not up-to-date on recent medical, microbiological and biochemical literature. The evidence is out there, and denial of the facts does not prove that the problem doesn't exist. Perhaps the worst of all are those that recognize that there might be some problem, and attempt to solve it by developing pharmaceutical drugs and convince doctors to prescribe them to everyone with the smallest of symptoms...creating more side effects than the cause it is suppose to cure. History is full of examples of this; the oversubscription of antibiotics (perhaps what got us here today), ulcer medication, and now the purple pill, guaranteed to eliminate erectile disfunction, even if you don't have it. Only under rare circumstances (such as new born babies diagnosed with candidiasis....it happens quite a lot!) should medicine be prescribed for this ailment. Rest assured that the medical community will eventually recognize the existence of Candida-related illness and yeast overgrowth....just as they recognized the association of scurvy to Vitamin C deficiency, and peptic ulcers to the bacterium helicobacter pylori.

How Does Candida Harm My Body?

You now know that Candida Albicans can manifest itself into a mycelial form, thereby expanding at a prolific rate and extending itself throughout the entire body. But you may be asking HOW? How does it do this?. Well, now that you have a visualization of the fungus itself, let's draw an important connection back to the human body. The above description explains why people with an overgrowth of yeast can become very ill and are often difficult to treat, but it doesn't explain how many of the tissues and cells become weak and infested. In the fungal state of Candida albicans, the organism can produce rhizoids, very long root-like structures, and extensions of the thallus of a fungus. Rhizoids can penetrate mucosa or intestinal walls, leaving microscopic holes and allowing toxins, undigested food particles, bacteria and yeast to enter the bloodstream. Once this process has started, many physical and psychological imbalances begin to develop. As the condition matures, it is not uncommon for an individual to experience many side effects of this aliment. Psychological imbalances include depression, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, lack of memory, and irritability. The physical imbalances are many, and far reaching: they include diarrhea, constipation, oral and vaginal thrush, joint pain, skin rashes, fungus growth on the hands and feet (toe fungus), pain during urination, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, autism, vaginal yeast, crohn's disease, jock itch, colitis, migraine headache, acne, and leaky gut syndrome, just to name a few.

Perhaps one of the simplest methods of determining if you have Candida is to take our candida Saliva Test. It is a FREE, simple and quick method of determining whether or not your symptoms might be caused by an overgrowth of candida albicans. To take the FREE Candida Test go here!

We also encourage you to complete a Candida Questionnaire. We are in the process of putting one on our website. In the meantime, however, we recommend that you obtain a copy of "The Yeast Connection Handbook" by William G. Crook, M.D. It contains the full Candida Questionnaire, as well as very insightful information on candida overgrowth. You can also purchase this book from our website Order section.

What Causes Candidiasis?

Most infections of the mucous membranes in the area affected by candidiasis are common in people who have a normal immune system. This is because its growth is controlled by the natural bacteria that is present in some organs. When an antibiotic treatment destroys too many of the bacteria or in cases where the bodies resistance is lowered this fungus can multiply and grow. Thus, it tends to be much more common or persistent in those with diabetes, pregnant women due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, women taking birth control pills and those with AIDS. However, anyone that has a history of taking broad-spectrum antibiotics (tetracyclines such as Sumycin®, Panmycin®, Vibramycin®, Minocin®, or other such antibiotics for acne, respiratory, urinary or other infections) for a month or longer, or for shorter periods four (4) or more times within a one-year span, are typically very vulnerable to candida overgrowth. Individuals that have also taken prednisone, Decadron®, or other such cortisone-type drugs orally are also susceptible. There are many other reasons that account for an overgrowth of candida, and as each day passes, the medical community is learning more about this very subject.

So, what is Candida? It is intestinal flora gone toxic!!!

1. Document all of your symptoms. Refer to Dr. Crook's Candida Questionnaire for assistance in identifying many symptoms that you might not realize could be related to Candidiasis;
2. Determine your body's pH level. We sell pH strips that you can use to monitor and track your pH level throughout the program; and
3. Start Your Daily Log Book: Go out an purchase a wire-bound log book and begin recording your daily activities. Refer to the following website link for a sample daily log book entry: http://www.1stcandidacure.com/logbook.html

This phase consists of performing a full cleanse of the digestive system, including the stomach, liver, gall bladder and colon. This step consists of using unique cleansing products and digestive aids (such as Active Enzymes and LHB Capsules). We will be expanding on this topic at a later date, and encourage you to check our website and/or contact us at support@1stcandidacure.com for further details on this phase of the program.

In Step 2 we've shown you the importance of establishing a balanced pH level. Now that you're well on your way to renewed health, it is important to target pH Balancing and to eliminate free radicals created by an array of candidates. A balanced pH level essential to enable your body's fluids to maintain a state of alkalinity, necessary for healthy lifestyle and overall well being. This step involves the controlled use of Coral Complete, Daily Vita Plus, Mega Minerals Plus, pH strips and other unique products specifically focused at balancing an individuals entire body. We will be expanding on this topic at a later date, and encourage you to check our website and/or contact us at support@1stcandidacure.com for further details on this phase of the program.

1. Oxygen Elements Plus and Exercise: Candida Albicans and other fungi do not thrive in a high-oxygen environment. Use of a daily oxygen supplement can strengthen the body's resistance to candida overgrowth. Aerobic exercise is also and important and effective antifungal therapy. Simply exercising regularly can create a higher oxygen level in one's body. However, for those that suffer from serious effects of fungal infections (joint pain, lethargy, bed ridden, etc), and are physically incapable of exercise without aggravating the symptoms, we recommend taking an oxygen supplement, such as Oxygen Elements Plus
2. Aloe Vera Juice: it has been known for a long time that Aloe Vera Juice has many antimicrobial properties. Loaded with antioxidants, enzymes and a long list of phytochemicals with immune system-boosting properties, it can aide greatly in keeping fungi under control. When choosing an effective Aloe Vera Juice, be sure to check its MPS units (methanol-precipitated solids). Juices with at least 10,000 MPS per litre are good.
3. Berberine is an alkaloid, found in a number of clinically important medicinal plants (herbs), including goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis), barberry (berberis vulgaris) and Oregon grape (berberis aquifolium). Known to fight Candida and parasite overgrowth, it also normalizes intestinal flora. Berberine stimulates the immune system, soothes inflamed mucous membranes and helps fight and prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is very well tolerated and generally has no side effects. Berberine-containing plants are used medicinally in virtually all-traditional medical systems, and have a history of usage in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine dating back at least 3,000 years. Berberine's most common clinical uses include bacterial diarrhea, intestinal parasites, and ocular trachoma infections. The therapeutic dose of berberine for conditions responsive to oral supplementation is typically 200 mg two to four times daily.
4. Betaine and pepsin hydrochloride: these as well as other stomach acidifiers such as glutamic acid and stomach bitters dissolve Candida and fungi in the stomach. It should be noted that antacids and acid suppressing drugs (such as cimetidine and ranitidine) lead to fungal infections because they eliminate the fungal-protective effect provided by hydrochloric acid. Therefore, if you have a history of taking heart burn medication, such an event may have lead to the establishment of candidiasis. Too much, or excessive acid, however can cause severe heartburn and lead to gastritis or peptic ulcer disease, commonly known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Therefore, it is difficult, but important, to find the correct balance. As a result, consider consulting a physician or natural care practitioner and have the necessary tests taken to determine your need for acid supplementation. One of the tests is known as the CSDA (comprehensive stool and digestive analysis). If you believe you suffer from low stomach acidity, most naturopaths recommend starting the treatment by taking one (1) capsule of betaine and pepsin hydrochloride (10 grains) with a large meal. If this is tolerated, then increase to two (2) capsules at the next large meal. If tolerated, keep increasing at the same rate to a maximum of six (6) capsules per large meal, or to the point where a warm sensation is felt in the stomach. This warm sensation means that you have taken more than the amount of acid required for digesting the meal's protein. During the next large meal, take less than the dose that produced the warm sensation and remain at that dosage until the warm sensation returns. Your next steps should be to repeat this procedure, decreasing accordingly, until such time that you are on one (1) capsule per large meal until it too produces the warm sensation. At that point, you should STOP the treatment, and your stomach should be healed enough to secrete adequate amounts of acid on its own. Small meals will require proportionately lower doses. When you take more than two (2) capsules per meal, it is recommended to take the capsules at five (5) minute intervals if possible. In most adults, it is estimated that the entire treatment will take about three (3) months, on average. During this time, it is best to avoid dairy products and foods containing gluten (all grains except rice), as it is a sensitivity to these two food categories that is often the reason for low stomach acidity in the first place.
5. Biotin is one of the B-complex viatmins and is an essential nutrient that is required for cell growth and for the production of fatty acids. Biotin is necessary for the metabolism and release of energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats and is essential for the proper utilization of the other B-complex vitamins. Biotin contributes to healthy skin and hair, and may play a role in preventing hair loss. Biotin is essential for gluconegenesis and fatty acid synthesis. Diabetics may also benefit from Biotin. Besides hair loss, a deficiency of Biotin may also cause eczema, dermatitis, skin disorders, heart and lung problems, anaemia, fatigue, mental depression, muscle pain, conjunctivitis, high blood cholesterol, loss of appetite and nausea. However, it is in the prevention of Candidiasis where Biotin plays a vital role. Biotin inhibits the conversion of the benign yeast form of Candida to the invasive mycelial form. A primary source of Biotin is the healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. Because these are often compromised by a Candida Albicans overgrowth, candida sufferers are particularly prone to a Biotin deficiency. From "Candida, The Symptoms, The Causes, The Cure" by Dr. Luc DeShepper "in order to avoid the spreading to the bloodstream, and thus giving the opportunity for the yeast cells to invade almost all of the organs, the interruption of the vicious cycle is a must and a priority. According to Dr. Luc De Shepper, "Biotin is the weapon in our hands. Biotin taken in the amount of at least 3 Milligrams will cut the transformation cycle from the yeast to the fungus form". A therapeutic dose of Biotin 5 mg. per day should be taken. Any amount below 3 milligrams may prove ineffective in preventing the conversion cycle.
6. Caprylic acid is a naturally occurring antifungal fatty acid, derived from coconut oil, and it works primarily at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. From a chemical composition, caprylic acid is an anti-fungal, eight carbon, short chain fatty acid preferred by many doctors over the prescription drug Nystatin for the control of Candida Albicans. Its anti-fungal effects have been proven in both clinical trials and in-vitro studies. Although not fully agreed upon, the most common postulation is that caprylic acid dissolves the cell membrane of yeast, thereby causing changes in fluidity and permeability that leads to membrane disaggregation. It is believed that Candida migrate into the mucosal wall of the intestines. With its lipotrophic (fat solubility) properties, caprylic acid can penetrate the mucosal cells and thereby be an effective treatment for intramucosal candida. Since caprylic acid is fat soluable, it is recommended that dietary fibre from natural sources (such as salad oil or butter) or essential oils (flax seed, fish oil such as omega 3 and omega 6-EPA fatty acids, etc) be included at meals when taken. If possible, take caprylic acid in a sustained release formula for better absorption and distribution.
7. Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus (PROBIOTICS) are friendly bacteria, and normal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. Their presence is one of the body's natural defenses against fungal invasion. Excellent dietary sources of these probiotics include yogurt and other cultured dairy products. These bacteria may also be obtained from nondairy sources in both powder and encapsulated forms. It is estimated that over 400 species of bacteria inhabit the digestive tracts of healthy individuals, and that intestinal flora (ie live bacteria) make up approximately 30 percent of fecal mass. While many of these bacteria are friendly, some of these bacteria, however, are hostile and can cause disease. The probiotic bacteria combat against harmful bacteria that produce putrefactive and carcinogenic toxins. When harmful bacteria are allowed to dominate the intestinal track, essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes cannot be produced at the level necessary for daily maintenance of your body. In essence, then, the level of harmful substances increases and is absorbed back into your body, causing an array of health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and abnormal immunity. The best known of the probiotics are the lactobacilli, a number of species of which (acidophilus, bulgaricus, casei, and sporogenes) reside in the intestine in a symbiotic relationship with other organisms. Lactobacilli are essential for maintaining gut microfloral health. There are many benefits to taking probiotic supplements. These include just a few of them: (a) they weaken antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and attack new types of pathogens (supergerms) and infections in immuno-compromised people requiring treatment; (b) they manufacture B vitamins (biotin, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, and B12) and vitamin K; (c) secret lactase, an enzyme required to break down lactose in milk; (d) act as anticancer factors, especially for bladder and bowel, by inhibiting bacteria that convert nitrates into nitrites and secrete carcinogens; (e) enhance bowel function and elimination; (f) reverse diarrhea conditions; (g) prevent skin conditions, including acne; (h) reduce levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; (I) fight stress and food cravings; (j) help eliminate bad breath; (k) oppose putrefactive bacteria such as bacteroides, found in a meat-rich diet; and (l) treat allergies, eczema, psoriasis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, diverticulitis, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, other chronic infections, and autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, alopecia areata and scleroderma. A safe and effective dosage for most individuals is 5 to 10 billion viable L. acidophilus, L. casei GG, or B. bifidum organisms daily. Dosages in excess of 10 billion viable organisms can produce gut distrubances. Probiotics are inhibited by high simple sugar intake, a refined diet, caffeine, alcohol, chlorine, tobacco, prescription antibiotics, steroids, vaccinations, and x rays. There is also evidence that the milk protein casein, as well as antibiotics, both found in most commercially available dairy products, can also inhibit growth. The best known natural sources of probiotics are cultured dairy products including yogurt, acidophilus milk, buttermilk, and kefir.

We welcome your comments and input. This program is based on things that we've learned over time, and comments from people like you are vital to its success. While it may be impossible to create "The Perfect" Candida Cure program, we are making the effort to collect valuable information and share it with everyone that is suffering from this condition. Your input is invaluable and we welcome your feedback. Please contact us via email at support@1stcandidacure.com to share your thoughts and ideas. Thank you.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Health Canada or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individuals should always consult their physician or family doctor before taking any medication or dietary supplement. Note that information provided, without modification, is copyright by Global Health Trax.