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Candida No-More
By Jennifer Morganti-Nissen, N.D.

One of the most common concerns that N.E.E.D.S. customers discuss with our Wellness Educators are their difficulties associated with Candidiasis albicans, or intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Sugar-feeding Candida produces illness in a number of ways. Its long, root-like tentacles penetrate the intestinal wall, destroying the membrane system. This allows for toxins to leak into the bloodstream, causing symptoms and aggravating pre-existing conditions. Also, a compromised intestinal wall allows undigested dietary proteins to absorb, which can cause allergies and environmental hypersensitivities.

This penetration can then introduce Candida into the bloodstream. From there, it has access to all body tissues and can produce various gland/organ dysfunctions and a weakening of the entire system, lowering resistance to other diseases.

This condition is becoming more prevalent due to a multitude of factors including: the over-prescription of antibiotics, which wipes out the good bacteria and allows Candida to flourish; over-exposure to heavy metals and toxins; hormonal imbalances caused by xenoestrogens, phthalates, and other hormone-mimicking chemicals; excessive use of antacids; stress; impaired immune function; and dietary indiscretion—too much processed food and sugar.

Candida’s virulent nature combined with these factors makes eradicating yeast difficult, however, there are many effective anti-Candida products on the market. To simplify the decision-making process, the Wellness Department advises using the following supplements in conjunction with an appropriate anti-Candida dietary regime. The benefit of using this protocol is the use of two products that attack the yeast in different ways, making it more difficult for the candida to survive.

To reduce or eradicate Candida/yeast overgrowth, Formula SF-722 from Thorne Research and Candex from Pure Essence Labs provide a particularly effective one-two punch. Formula SF-722 contains undecylenic acid derived from castor bean oil, which prevents yeast cells from multiplying. If you have a reaction (abdominal cramps, pain, flu-like symptoms), then stop taking the product for one day and start again at a lower, more comfortable dose. Candex’s enzyme base helps kill Candida by destroying the cell wall.

In any Candida protocol, it is important to properly eliminate yeast and its “die-off” (the toxic residue released when Candida fungus dies) from the body. FiProFLAX Fiber, from Health From The Sun, is composed mainly of flax seed fiber, which absorbs the die-off and assists with elimination of toxins. It also provides pre-biotics to feed the healthy probiotics. And to ensure the proper replacement of healthy intestinal flora, Nutri Needs’ probiotic, Flora Biotic 16, helps replace healthy bacteria into the intestinal tract and create an unfriendly environment for the Candida.

Many clients have found this protocol to be an effective way to squelch yeast proliferation. The key to success is patience and following the plan with diligence.

Another protocol that has worked for many is the Candida Purge Program outlined by Attogram Corporation. This program, in conjunction with a modified diet, consists of the following combination of supplements mixed with water once or twice daily:

CAPROYL® VEGETABLE OIL

Extracted from coconut oil and oleic acid (in safflower oil), this liquid caprylic acid constitutes the fungicidal component.

BENTONITE MAGMA

Bentonite must be in a liquid form to exert optimal effect; powders or tablets must be converted to a liquid in the digestive system, reducing its efficiency, since Bentonite does not mix easily with water.

PSYLLIUM POWDER

The key ingredient in obtaining the necessary gelled consistency, which slowly moves caprylic acid through the intestinal tract. (The psyllium husks absorb water and form the gel, retarding the absorption of the fungicidal caprylic acid.)

Most psylliums are husks only and sold solely for their laxative effect, providing only minimal intestinal cleansing action. The psyllium seeds in the Attogram product, on the other hand, retain their inherent hardness, thereby scraping away the accumulated fecal build-up on the colon wall. This action gradually, gently removes the Candida breeding ground from the intestinal wall.

For more information on the proper timing and dosage of supplements in these protocols, please contact our Wellness Counselors. Also, if you experience sugar cravings, bloating, headaches and/or fatigue, and suspect yeast is the cause of your symptoms, we encourage you to email or call us to request a complimentary Candida assessment questionnaire.

About the author
Jennifer Morganti-Nissen, N.D., received her Naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, and has worked in the dietary supplement industry for over 10 years. Dr. Morganti-Nissen is the Director of Education for N.E.E.D.S., Inc.