Yeasts are single-celled forms that reproduce by budding, whereas molds form multicellular hyphae (filament tails). Dimorphic fungi grow as yeasts or spherules in vivo, as well as in vitro at 37C, but as molds at 25C. Dimorphism is regulated by factors such as temperature, CO2 concentration, pH, and the levels of cysteine or other sulfhydryl-containing compounds. Regardless of their shape or size, fungi are all heterotrophic and digest their food externally by releasing hydrolytic enzymes into their immediate surroundings (absorptive nutrition). Fungi can use a number of different carbon sources to meet their carbon needs for the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Oxidation of sugars, alcohols, proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides provides them with a source of energy. Differences in their ability to utilize different carbon sources, such as simple sugars, sugar acids, and sugar alcohols, are used, along with morphology, to differentiate the various yeasts. Fungi require a source of nitrogen for synthesis of amino acids for proteins, purines and pyrimidines for nucleic acids, glucosamine for chitin, and various vitamins. Depending on the fungus, nitrogen may be obtained in the form of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, or organic nitrogen; no fungus can fix nitrogen. Most fungi use nitrate, which is reduced first to nitrite (with the aid of nitrate reductase) and then to ammonia.
Generally, either low temperature or pH favors the development of budding yeast. Our human ideal basal temperature of 98.6 degrees F. has a purpose. It is just a tad higher than favored by strep and the yeast families, namely, Candida species. This is why it is so vital to support the thyroid. High copper is also one indicator of Candida for it suppresses thyroid function. Other substances such as biotin, cysteine, serum transferrin, and zinc are said to stimulate dimorphism (changing forms from yeast to fungus) in this yeast. Experiments designed to test the biotin-yeast hypothesis have demonstrated that the concentration of simple sugars in the culture medium is the only reliable variable to directly determine the form Candida cells will take. Below a certain sugar concentration, the yeast remain single-celled, and stay in the gut. When sugar concentration rises above a certain threshold, the organism becomes fungal, and tends to enter the blood and thrive in moist warm areas including the brain. (Importance of some factors on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. Vidotto V; Picerno G; Caramello S; Paniate G; Mycopathologia, 1988 Dec, 104:3, 129-35).
Sugar also kills the bacteria that control Candida. Further, a serving of cake and ice cream or a large bottle of sugary, soft drink will reduce the immune function by 50% for up to five hours—make that all day for those who indulge their sweet tooth several times a day. Remember, sugar promotes Candida, with its multiple problems (yeast grows 200 times faster), and sugar can actually make the child drunk and giggly! In fact, 50 years ago, Dr. Sandler proved that sugar causes polio and other viral infections due to this loss of immune function. (Diet Prevents Polio, by Benjamin P. Sandler, M.D., and published in 1951 by The Lee Foundation for Nutritional Research, Milwaukee, WI). Is it any wonder that our kids harbor several chronic viral infections? Our goal is to strengthen the body and weaken the infectious agent. Eliminating simple sugars and starches with a high glycemic rating does this most effectively. Sugar and starch in excess are deadly poison to these beautiful children. You wouldn’t give them arsenic would you?
Yeast species like Candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce neurotoxins, and most autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical pellagra and beriberi. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B6, will interfere with the production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that control behavior—so normal brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth is unlikely.
Just the elimination of Candida has been found to cure or alleviate a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, asthma, joint pains, and migraine. A multitude of symptoms such as “heartburn” and reflux; diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation; year-round nasal congestion; pounding heart; palpitations; paroxysmal atrial tachycardia; mitral valve prolapse; edema; cold, sweaty hands and feet; dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation); PMS; endometriosis; vaginitis; muscle soreness, tenderness, aching, stiffness, weakness, and cramping (probably due to decreased blood flow); easy fatigability; dry skin; acne; anorexia; a red circle of rash around the anus; and virtually all psoriasis often disappear when an anti-yeast regimen is instituted. Mentally, there may be irritability, a tendency to anger, fears, panic attacks, an impending sense of doom, worry, depression, and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. There may be trouble concentrating and remembering, indecisiveness, and being fuzzy or dull-headed. There may be extreme hunger or sugar cravings that may be chronic or periodic. Hypoglycemia is common, with its weakness, fatigue, shaking, anxiety, headache, and sleepiness. Another symptom of Candida: internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by beer, bread, pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when one reacts adversely to taking vitamins orally. To this, add a high sensitivity to yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads, beer, mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort when in bathrooms, basements, areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc.
Of great seriousness is the subgroup with severe intolerance to virtually all chemicals including food, drugs, and inhaled chemicals. One third of these suffering Multiple Chemical Sensitivities have been found to have low T-cells (a class of white cells in which are the helper and suppressor cells). Any and all the above symptoms, if present, may vary in degree and intensity. In addition to diagnosis by the above symptoms, on arising, obtain a glass of water and spit a mouthful of spit (quite a lot) in the water. Observe it for a while. If the sputum begins to grow “legs” or if it settles to the bottom, you likely have Candida. Do not take lightly indications of Candid overgrowth, but set up an effective anti-Candida program as suggested elsewhere in this paper. (Note: Good Housekeeping and Heloise have determined that regular vinegar kills molds at 90% and bacteria at 99.9% efficiency.)
Persistent candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, respectively (Quig, unpublished observations). Additionally, tyrosine manufacture in the body can be interfered with and nearly shut down by exposure to certain herbicides, which are commonly used in agriculture, and often abused in lawn care. Exposure to any of these, or any other halogenated compounds, can really muck up our thyroid highways, and even give false-normal lab tests. Dioxin and thyroxine are chemical cousins, and dioxin can plug itself into receptor sites meant for the thyroid hormone and block the real thing, or worse yet, turn things off or to yet another function. Low tyrosine levels will mean low epinephrine neurotransmitters and low T4 hormone levels (hypothyroidism).
There are 3-types of Candida infection: Superficial (most common) - characterized by inflammation of tissue linings, i.e., skin, GI tract, pharynx, upper and lower respiratory tract; Locally invasive—i.e., pneumonia, cystitis, and esophagitis, the most common being ulcerations of the intestinal, respiratory or genito-urinary tract; and Systemic—an invasive infection, characterized by lesions of the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, lung, brain, and other organs.
We have to hypothesize that Candida, in the moment it is attacked by the immunological system of the host or by a conventional antimycotic treatment, does not react in the usual, predicted way, but defends itself by transforming itself into ever-smaller and non-differentiated elements that maintain their fecundity intact to the point of hiding their presence both to the host organism and to possible diagnostic investigations. The Candida’s behavior may be considered to be almost elastic: when favorable conditions exist, it thrives on an epithelium; as soon as the tissue reaction is engaged, it massively transforms itself into a form that is less productive but impervious to attack—the spore.
“Treatment of the latter (Candida) with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of liver detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g., casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus, fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for toxicity in PST kids. Further, the first order of implementation is restoration of digestive function with betaine HCl, pancreatin, and bile acids, as needed, to replace the normal output of stomach acid, pancreatic fluid, and bile. There is growing evidence of the efficacy of re-inoculation with favorable species of Lactobacilli. Feeding of non-absorbed fermentable carbohydrate like fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin stimulates growth of the genera Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These forms of carbohydrate are found in onion, garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, and wheat. Long-chain Inulin can be selected to feed only the good bacteria while starving out the bad ones. Inulin, being non-digestible, reaches the colon where healthy Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli use it as food. This lowers the pH level in the colon, creating an unfavorable environment for unhealthy bacteria such as E.Coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Clostridium. Insoluble fiber lowers yeast, Clostridia, Staphylococcus, and Proteus in stool cultures and lowers output of ammonia and phenols. Additionally, FOS prevents germs and parasites from attaching to the digestive tract.
Zinc deficiencies have been frequently noted in women
suffering from Candidiasis (Michaud E & Feinstein A., Prevention Magazine’s
30-day immune power program. Rodale Press,
Another important consideration is Metabolic Typing based on the understanding that genetic inheritance defines metabolic individuality, and metabolic individuality defines nutritional requirements. This is why what works for one person, doesn’t work for another with the same problem. There will never be one diet or nutritional approach for a given problem that works for all people. The essence of this article on Candida overgrowth is the understanding that Candida is not the problem. The problem is a compromised immune system that fails to control the Candida. This is the reason that so many people fail to rid themselves of Candida overgrowth. They limit their approach to trying to kill off the Candida, but when the protocol is stopped, the Candida overgrowth problem comes right back again, or it is replaced by equally damaging overgrowth of Clostridia or Klebsiella. The only real, final solution is to restore efficiency to the immune system, a task that can speeded by addressing individual nutritional requirements through defining one’s Metabolic Type.
Metabolic Typing provides a scientific means of identifying individual nutritional requirements based on the determination of the individual’s “metabolic type”. Once the metabolic type is determined, a diet and supplementation program can be recommended to meet individual nutritional requirements, thus providing an ideal means of restoring proper biochemical balance.
There are several things to consider in a state of candidiasis: a) The inflammatory response must be treated; b) Lactobacillus count needs to be increased in order to keep Candida in check; c) The immune system needs strengthening, which decreases adherence ability; d) Antibiotics, steroids, and other immune-suppressing drugs, along with simple carbohydrate foods (eat foods with a low Glycemic Index Rating) should be avoided; e) Digestive secretions should be increased; f) Nutrient deficiencies should be reversed; g) Liver function should be optimized to increase ability to filter toxins; h) Mercury and other heavy metals must be removed.
Caprylic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It
is readily absorbed in the intestines. Standard dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mgs
with meals, and it is totally lethal to Candida. It is available over the
counter and appears to be equal to Nystatin™ in effectiveness. However, it
is not known to produce the sensitivity side-effects of the Nystatin™ drugs.
Of the caprylic acid products on the market, CAPRYSTATIN, KAPRICIDIN-A and
ORITHRUSH, when used together, appear to be the most effective by virtue of
their capacity to address the entire digestive tract. These three products
are available from Ultra Life / Synergistics,
A most interesting version of Caprylic Acid is Caprol™ (www.wholeapproach.com), containing liquid caprylic acid (3600 mg per oz) and oleic acids. It is a broad-spectrum, anti-fungal agent against Candida albicans and other fungi. The Japanese Niigata University School of Medicine stated, “The fungicidal effect of caprylic acid on Candida albicans was exceedingly powerful...Caprylic acid exhibits the most remarkable fungistatic and fungicidal properties of all normal saturated fatty acids with even numbered carbon atoms studied.” Two decades later, a Canadian, Andrew Gutauskas, B.S. Pharmacy, discovered that the benefits of caprylic acid are further enhanced when its transit through the intestinal tract is slowed. Caprylic acid must exert its fungicidal effect in the intestinal tract or not at all. The longer it can react the better.
Unfortunately, caprylic acid is a substance that is normally quite rapidly absorbed by the intestinal tract and routed directly to the liver where it is quickly metabolized. For this reason, the quite powerful caprylic acid has little anti-Candida effect, both intestinally and systemically. This fact, however, is significantly altered if its absorption can be slowed, allowing it to remain in the intestine for a longer period of time in order to complete its fungicidal mission. In this program, caprylic acid acquires its needed sustained-release properties from gel, formed by the mixture of Caprol™, colon cleansers, and water. This thick gel traps the caprylic acid and slows its transit through the colon. In this gelled state, caprylic acid does not escape into the liver and no adverse reactions to this gelled form of caprylic acid have been reported, even among individuals who previously reacted to other caprylic acid products.
Oleic acid, the second acid ingredient in Caprol™, is found naturally in olive oil. It, too, has significant CRC battling effects. Candida albicans can convert, or mutate, into a disruptive mycelial form with root-like tentacles that allow the new harmful fungi to penetrate the mucosa (or lining) of the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream. From there, the fungi easily gain access to other parts of the body. Oleic acid follows the mycelial, root-like tentacles of Candida albicans to the base of the root and kills it there. Oleic acid also hinders any additional conversion of Candida albicans yeast into its mycelial fungal form. This program is a bit expensive, but after a month or two, one could change to a less costly method of containing the Candida, like Yeast Avenger™ and probiotics.
The reason for sure failure of treatment is the misunderstanding of how important it is to remove these sugars and starches from the diet. It is important to remember that sugars are sugars, whether from natural sources or from processed cane sugar (sucrose). Antifungal drugs will not be successful without removing sugars from the diet. This includes all sweetened drinks and sodas, fruits and fruit drinks, corn syrups, and other high sugar (high glycemic) containing products. Studies have emphasized the fact that Candida ferments and rapidly proliferates in the presence of simple sugars. Not only is this the case, but research has shown that sugars dramatically increase the ability of Candida to adhere to epithelial mucosa cells and may be one of the most important factor in the chronic states of gastrointestinal Candidiasis (Saltarelli). Further, sugar kills the controlling bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus and suppresses the immune function.
Complex carbohydrates/polysaccharides (starches) and even disaccharides (sucrose - table sugar, (milk sugar), sometimes fructose (fruit sugar), et al, can pass far down the gastrointestinal tract before they are broken down into glucose molecules and absorbed. Ninety-five percent of African-Americans cannot tolerate lactose, and many others also lack the enzyme (lactase) needed to break down lactose into glucose and galactose. This sugar is then broken down in the intestines by bacteria, and the results can be gas, bloating, and intestinal distress, or by taking the enzyme lactase, it can be a source of B-vitamins and other nutrients, if proper bacteria are available. Lactose doubles the amount of calcium available from a bonemeal supplement.
Candida supposedly resides and proliferates far down the gastrointestinal tract, but when lacking HCl production in the stomach, they will move up into the small intestine. Complex sugars and polysaccharides can therefore be made available to Candida throughout the gastrointestinal tract (Chan). High protein diets and elimination of sugars and concentrated starch will help avoid this. Small amounts of lactose from fermented sources may actually be helpful for it establishes the slightly acid state preferred by the Acidophilus but not by the “ Bad Guys”. In dysbiosis, it is vital that there be a source of lactic acid required by the “Good Guys” of the gut, so when casein free, if you cannot tolerate goat yogurt, you must supplement Sacromydes boulardii that can make lactic acid from any carbohydrate.
Thus, in regard to questions about Ambrotose®, Candida cannot use long-chain carbohydrates directly, and the sugars of Ambrotose® are not broken down into glucose. Studies with Ambrotose® showed phagocytosis (ingestion) of Candida by macrophages was enhanced and the kill rate was increased from approximately 6% to 95%—Stanley S. and Doris L. Lefkowitz, Ph.D.s., Proceedings of Fisher Institute for Medical Research, Vol. 1, No. 2, February 1999. Additionally, concerning glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG—one of the conditionally essential sugars found in Ambrotose®): numerous studies have shown that glucosamine, a derivative of chitin from fungal cells, has the ability to prevent the binding of Candida to epithelial mucosa cells (Saltarelli). It has also been suggested to directly aid in restoration of the mucosa.
Ambrotose AO™ in vegetable capsules contain twice as much Ambrotose Complex™ (no fillers, thus no rice content) Phyt•Aloe® (Phytonutrients from mature, vine-ripened vegetables, also sold separately), and a synergistic blend of antioxidants [Mtech AO Blend™ of Mixed tocopherols, Quercetin, Resveratrol (from grape skins), green tea polyphenols, and whole-food vitamin C and flavons (from Australian Bush Plum grown by Aborigines). The plum has 50 times the vitamin C of citrus fruits. The whole plum is used, thus it has all its valued nutrients including the entire vitamin C molecule with accompanying flavons, not just ascorbic acid]. Ambrotose AO™ is 100% whole food! The best antioxidant supplement of 91 tested provided approximately 5375 ORACo activity units from labeled dose (most supplied far less, partly due to oxidation in storage), but the Mtech AO Blend™ found in 2 capsules of Ambrotose AO™ guarantees 17,250 units! Normally, one will not need additional vitamins E and C, nor will Pycnogenol™, grapeseed extract, or any other antioxidant be needed other than minerals, such as selenium. This should cut costs significantly. Additionally, all this added value (the Antioxidant blend with twice the Ambrotose Complex™ plus 1/6th capsule of Phyt•Aloe®) for only $7.80 more than for a bottle of Ambrotose®! The 240-capsule bottles are priced so there is no increase in monthly cost!
For comparison, tests show that adding five additional servings of fruits and vegetables, for a total of 10 servings providing double the potential antioxidant power, increased serum antioxidant capacity an average of only 13%, but the Mtech AO Blend™ found in two capsules of Ambrotose AO™ increased serum antioxidant levels 37%! In the referenced test (McBride 1999b), James Joseph also found that rats fed a specific combination of high ORAC substances exhibited brain cells that were twice as responsive as those of unsupplemented rats (based on a series of neurological tests), and that in aging rodents, the compound enhanced memory-associated neuronal signaling and general brain activity. For the seriously ill, I recommend that an additional amount of Advanced Ambrotose™ Bulk Powder be taken with two or more capsules of Ambrotose AO™.
Another powerful anti-fungal is iodine (in higher doses, it seems to be anti-viral also), but it is much weaker and milder than chloride as an anti-fungal. Its reduction below the RDAs may well be a cause of a higher rate of fungal infections like schizophrenia, asthma, IBD, arthritis, lupus, etc. Modern day dietary reduction of table salt with iodine is a negative factor. Do the iodine test, and restore iodine to normal level. To restore needed chloride without the sodium of table salt, consider magnesium chloride or potassium chloride. Supplement HCl with each meal to improve digestion and immune function, and to drive Candida back into the area normal to them.
Pasteur and others found that lethal strains of bacteria could be rendered harmless if other benign bacteria were given simultaneously. High intake of Lactobacillus Acidophilus GG [20 billion count, as supplied by Culturelle™ (Klaire Laboratories), available from VRP at 775-884-1300 (and from Kirkman) but said to contain 15 PPM casein, or Pro-Culture Gold™ (Kirkman Labs), guaranteed casein free], or Theralac™ [www.theralac.com, (800) 926-2961] is sometimes an effective way to replace these, and can be one means of controlling the Clostridia family of bacteria (as well as the Candida), some of which are unaffected by broad spectrum antibiotics! These good bacteria work primarily by exclusion and by environmental changes in the gut creating a favorable lactic-acid, living space for themselves. Other bacteria and Candida prefer alkaline. Unfortunately, the acidophilus usually convert lactose from milk, and without milk they cannot do their thing. To reestablish these, one must provide some source of lactic acid. Many lactobacillus species do not ferment lactose—Lactobacillus GG primarily ferments fructose; so, provide Fructose Oligosaccharides (FOS), and the Lactobacillus GG will use it to make lactic acid. DAN! doctors also recommend S. boulardii, a yeast that excludes Candida and ferments any carbohydrate to produce lactic acid, and reduces some of the other gut organisms that produce glucuronidase, an enzyme that blocks Phase II detoxification.
Another way to encourage recolonization found very effective by Dr. David Williams (Alternatives Newsletter) is the use of Lactic Acid Yeast wafers (Standard Process Laboratories, available from your health practitioner) containing a blend of ingredients including a mycelium type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that converts all forms of carbohydrate into lactic acid. According to Dr. Williams, these wafers are effective in controlling diarrhea. I am informed that it includes corn. We have seen elsewhere that some have an excess of lactic acid in the blood, so this should be used in that case with consent of your health practitioner. Further, it includes active Baker’s Yeast, and some believe that is a negative when fighting Candida. According to Dr. Kurt W. Donsbach, who has successfully treated Candida at his clinic for many years, eating yeast is not a problem. It may well be a positive way to restore balance when taken with a good probiotic, but again, consult with your practitioner.
The majority of celiac, IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s sufferers have unusually high anti-Saccharomyces Cervisiae antibodies. In essence, that means they are very allergic to baker’s/brewer’s yeast. (The same yeast that is used to produce HepB antibodies for the vaccine.) They also have high antibodies to transglutaminases. These are common fungal enzymes produced by many species, including Candida, Saccharomyces, and Aspergillus.
Soil-based organisms (SBO) found in Nature’s Biotics (800-713-3888) have given tremendous benefits including a supply of GLA, and activation of nearly all the immune defense systems, specifically the activation of three antibodies: IgM, IgG, and IgA that are highly effective against fungi, harmful viruses, and bacterial pathogens. It is said to stimulate not less than 16 of the 20 types of alpha-interferon, and the production of the powerful systemic antioxidant enzyme SOD. The enzymatic activity of SOD increases the efficiency of energy production within the cells, allowing them to nourish and repair themselves at a more efficient and effective rate. There are very few food sources for SOD, so this is a valuable attribute of SBO, Spirulina, Ambrotose AO, and phytosterols (beta-sitosterols) as found in M--------h’s P--------S and S------------T (Yefim Sosonkin MD, and Professor Isaac Sosonkin, Ph.D. have this to say, “Sitosterols raise superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, which are basic to lifespan... The SOD is involved in the first step of the process against free-radical activity….” Beta-sitosterol is a highly effective anti-inflammatory.
Taking probiotics on an empty stomach, with a little
bicarbonate of soda water (1/4 teaspoon in 4 oz of water), will help them
make the journey safely. The Bifido Bifidus should also be supplemented when
concerned with Candida. The T--------c™ mentioned above and M----------h’s G---------o
(12 billion count) provides both Acidophilus and Bifidus. Use of a digestive
enzyme can greatly improve overall results. Next time Flagyl™ is suggested,
use L. Acidophilus, SBO, and enzymes, and skip the fluoride and the side
effects (nausea, headaches, disorientation, and a metallic taste in the
mouth). Fluorides are cumulative toxins. Approximately one-half remains in
the body! One study of fluoride in drugs found that fluorinated steroid was
more detrimental to IQ than the nonfluorinated steroid; in particular,
reading comprehension; arithmetic calculation, and short-term working memory
deficits were greater. New research from the
I realize that such drugs are occasionally necessary, but I am concerned by a reported 85% increase in drugs for children in the last five years. There has been a six-fold increase in drugs like Prevacid™, Nexium™, and Prilosec™ for upset stomach. These largely stop digestion! Only 30% of drugs being prescribed for children have been tested and approved for children! Don’t turn to drugs first. They should be the last resort.
It is interesting to note recent research that shows that babies normally get their first gulp of Mother’s bacteria as they travel down the birth canal. Normally, this has meant a dose of Lactobacillus and Bifido bacteria that stake out the first claim to the gut environment, and the baby’s developing the immune system accepts these early invaders. Modern medicine is altering this. For babies born by cesarean section, the first gut inhabitants are common hospital bacteria such as Streptococci and Clostridia, and this may make it very hard to get them displaced later. Additionally, Mothers with autoimmune diseases may themselves not have the “right” balance of bacteria in their gut, birth canals, and milk, and this may affect their children adversely. According to Dr. Hulda Clark, Clostridium is the tumor-making bacteria that supply the DNA, the toxic amines, and also isopropyl alcohol, which will eventually contribute to malignancy. The net results of Strep infection are depletion of vitamin K, decreased glutathione, decreased sulfhydryl protein levels, overstimulation of the immune system, increased TNF alpha (that triggers Tourette’s syndrome, facial tics, OCD, and Schizophrenia), potential autoimmune responses, and inflammatory reactions against the GAGs in the GI tract.