What is Candida albicans?

Candida albicans is a type of fungus (although commonly referred to as a yeast) that is normally found in the gastrointestinal tract, the vagina, urinary tract and on the skin. In a healthy individual, the presence of other friendly bacteria and a healthy immune system help keep levels of Candida low. It is an opportunistic organism: once its environment is imbalanced due to decreased healthy bacteria, lowered immunity, high stress, cell damage etc, it can easily multiply and overgrow. Candida and its toxins are absorbed by the body, causing Candida or yeast infection either locally or systemically.

Having Candida overgrowth can make you more vulnerable to other infections and heavy metal toxicity (ie mercury) because the overgrowth lowers the immune system and the fungus easily binds to toxic metals.

Conventional medical treatment simply kills the Candida (along with other friendly bacteria) with antifungal or antibiotic medication. However, if the underlying cause for overgrowth still exist, you'll soon develop another "yeast infection".

Naturopathic medicine recognizes Candida Related Complex (also commonly referred to as "yeast syndrome", "Candida overgrowth" or simply as "Candida") as a real medical condition that can affect healthy individuals. Note: Conventional medicine will only formally diagnose Candidiasis in those with compromised immune systems (such as in AIDS or cancer).

CRC is quite common with general symptoms such as:

• Vaginal, skin or oral yeast infections that are itchy, with white curd-like discharge with underlying skin redness
• Eczema, acne
• "Feeling sick all over", fatigue, headaches and general muscle aches, PMS
• Allergies, poor immune system (catch colds and get infections easily, poor wound healing),digestive complaints
• Depression, poor concentration, decrease sexual interest or functioning

Your health history is also significant in determining if you have CRC:

• Frequent or chronic anti-biotic use
• Use of birth control pill or steroids or cortisone
• Use of acid lowering medication or diagnosis of digestive disorder such as Crohn's, Celiac, Irritable Bowel Syndrome etc
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• History of chronic or recurring infections (other than Candida)
• High carbohydrate diet or sugar cravings
• History of diabetes or blood sugar problems
• Presence of mold or mildew in your house
• Intimate contact with someone with an active Candida infection

CRC is diagnosed by a full medical intake, the results of a completed Candida Questionnaire, and if necessary, performing a comprehensive stool and digestive analysis.

Treating Candida Related Complex requires a comprehensive approach. I will work with you to recognize the severity of your symptoms and identify the contributing factors such as diet, environment, medications etc. Then, an individualized plan will be prescribed that will:

• Reduce the Candida overgrowth
• Detox your body & support your immune system
• Replenish the friendly flora and restore the natural balance within your body
• Prevent future susceptibility