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TREATMENT
Dr. Orien Truss suggests that Candida overgrowth
occurs during stressful periods or states of lowered immune potential, and is a
common and fundamental parameter associated with food and chemical
hypersensitivities, as well as many other common illnesses. A stool culture
alone is not sufficient for diagnosis, so when any of the common suspicious
symptoms are present he suggests adoption of nystatin therapy along with
dietary control. The patients diet should exclude all simple carbohydrates and
should emphasize a low carbohydrate diet to discourage overgrowth of the yeast
organisms. It is also important to ensure propagation of desirable intestinal
flora by using oral supplements of Lactobacillus Acidophilus (which can be
readily supplied by including plain yogurt in one’s daily food intake);
also advisable is the use of Biotin to prevent conversion of the yeast form of
Candida to its more virulent fungal form. Doses of 500 mg of biotin may be
taken two or three times a day. A high fiber diet is helpful to increase the
transit time of metabolic toxins produced by the organism, and nutritional
supplements are very important to bolster the immune capacities of the patient.
(See last page on Anti-Candida Diet and Supplements) Many patients with Candida
infections that are difficult to treat exhibit food and chemical
hypersensitivities; they should avoid toxic chemicals and should follow a
regime of food rotation and other life-style control measures.
UPDATE AND TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
The foregoing material is a short review of some
generally accepted clinical aspects of the Candida epidemic. In the subsequent
text I will present my original hypothesis with respect to the role of oxygen
and free radical processes in the current surge of Candida infections.
1. Iodine deficiency causing defective free radical
generation.
Most people who do not regularly eat seafood (either
fish or kelp) or use iodized salt have some degree of iodine deficiency; this
can also occur as a result of a low-salt diet. These individuals may become
hypothyroid and hypometabolic, because iodine is an essential ingredient in
thyroid hormone. At the same time they may become more sensitive to yeast
infections, due to inactivity of the myeloperoxidase enzyme, which uses iodine
in cell mediated immune function. The iodine is used by this enzyme to product
iodine-free radicals which are part of the cellular anti-yeast “free
radical artillery”. (3) Previous to the use of nystatin as an antifungal
drug, iodine therapy was successfully used to treat yeast infections; however,
one must be very careful with the dosage. People who are sensitive to various
foods and chemicals are frequently intolerant to iodine and should only use it
in very low dosages.
2. Selenium deficiencies limit cellular immunity
against yeast.
Phagocytes (cells active in cell-mediated immunity)
require selenium for the enzyme glutathione peroxidase function. Peroxidase
activity in phagocytes is higher than in most other tissues (approximately
twice that in red blood cells), and this is reflected in a higher need for
selenium. The glutathione peroxidase system is an antioxidant enzyme system and
is especially critical for phagocytic cell function. It has been experimentally
demonstrated that selenium deficiency selectively causes a predisposition to
yeast infection
(4). Food and chemically sensitive patients should
start with very low doses of selenium - according to a “selenium titration
program” developed by Dr. Alfred Zamm, M.D. and myself.
3. Other varied antioxidant deficiencies.
Antioxidant nutrients include: ascorbic acid, vitamin
E, riboflavin, pantothenate, glutathione, taurine, cysteine and minerals such
as copper, selenium, zinc and manganese, which function as coenzymes such as
superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Antioxidant nutrients and
enzyme defenses are fundamental protectors against all forms of stress. They
are critical during infection. Cysteine is a sulphur containing amino acid,
which acts to internally bind together antibody molecules. Other antioxidants,
including those above mentioned, are especially important with regard to
cell-mediated immune function which requires that cells become activated in
what is called a respiratory burst in which large amounts of iodine radicals,
superoxide and other oxidizing species are directed out from the cell membrane
as artillery to kill invading organisms. Simultaneously the cell generates
antioxidant protection intracellularly to protect itself against the back
diffusion of hydrogen peroxide (protected by the glutathione peroxidase system)
formed from the primary radicals it produced. The primary killing of yeast is
accomplished by these radicals an hydrogen peroxide, and the immune capacity of
the host cells is limited by its ability to produce intracellular antioxidant
defenses to protect itself from the oxidants. This amount to a very simple but
effective method of waging war against pathogens. This phagocytic activity
appears to be the major factor in limiting the spread of infection by
opportunistic fungi. (5) The simple attachment of the hyphae of the yeast
activates the oxidative metabolism of the phagocytes which sets the respiratory
burst in action.
4. Acetaldehyde free radicals damage the host.
Candida albicans also generates large quantities of
acetaldehyde, when in a low-oxygen environment. Low oxygen (hypoxia) eventually
results from any chronically inflamed tissues. Hypoxia may occur in all tissues
in patients with ongoing inflammatory or degenerative conditions. Dr. Truss
suggests (6) that acetaldehyde mediates a good part of the cellular damage that
occurs. Acetaldehyde in the intestinal wall and liver will disrupt intestinal
absorptive processes, as well as impairing the function of lymphocytes and red
blood cells. Acetaldehyde is damaging to host cells by free radical and
peroxidative mechanisms. When yeast cells are limited in oxygen, they are also
more resistant in immune defenses and patient hypoxia is a major contributing
factor to yeast susceptibility (New Zealand Medial Journal, Aug. 10, 1983), for
these two reasons. (7)
5. Excessive production of inflammatory
prostaglandins blamed for recurrent
vaginitis.
At the 1985 annual meeting of the Infectious Disease
Society for Obstetrics-Gynecology, it was reported that cellular immunity to
candida was markedly reduced in those patients who had been diagnosed with
chronic candidiasis. It is speculated that prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory
mediator, was produced by macrophages (part of our cellular immunity) which
interfered with the killing of the candida. In simple terms, chronic
inflammation associated with chronic candidiasis leads to immune suppression by
“over” stimulating macrophage to produce inflammatory prostaglandin
E2. It is likely that excessive free radical damage to macrophage cell
membranes causes activation of the inflammatory series including prostaglandin
E2.
6. Hypoxia, drug therapies, junk food diets, and
nutritional deficiencies are common pathways to illness.
When any inflammatory or other pathological states
such as bacterial infections, are treated with antibiotics (or with cortisone),
the growth of candida is encouraged. Poor diet and nutritional deficiency
conditions also make us more susceptible to yeast infections. The combination
of factors such as previous extended use of antibiotics and/or
immune-suppressive drugs, a diet high in “junk food” or other
nutritional deficiencies, and oxygen deficiency can pave the way for yeast
growth. Earlier theories by great scientists such as Albert Szent-Gyorgyi and
Otto Warburg link anaerobiosis to cancer (reviewed in Beyond Antioxidant
Adaptation) (8). Hypoxia and anaerobiosis are fundamental to all degenerative
illnesses. Our very life processes function optimally with a relatively narrow
range of oxygen tension. Oxygen is the single substance upon which our life is
most dependent; and any stress, whether it be infection or due to toxic
chemicals, emotional stress or physical trauma, will result in a sustained
increase in nondirected and unproductive free radical generation and then a
wastage of oxygen in free radical initiated lipid peroxidation. If the stress
or stressors are not reduced, eventually tissue hypoxia occurs, which then
predisposes the person to any of the degenerative illnesses so prevalent in
civilized countries today.
Like the electrical circuits in our homes, our bodies
are also electrical. Oxygen forms the positive terminal of our cellular
batteries. Electrons (energy) from fresh natural foods provide the current.
Trace minerals, like selenium, zinc, iron, and manganese provide the wiring for
the flow of electrical energy, and our systems must include insulating material
which coats and protects our electron transport machinery. For life, there must
be a continuous flow of electricity,. and adequate oxygen to draw the current.
(9)
In some cases, severe candida infection require
antifungal medications. However, it is of critical importance that the
individual follow strict dietary control together with the appropriate
nutritional supplementation program indicated; also, avoid excess mental and
emotional stress, and attempt to increase tissue oxygenation. Moderate
exercise, yogic breathing techniques, and oxygen generating methods may be
uses. These simple suggestions should, of course, apply to the treatment of all
serious illness.
DIETARY PROGRAM
- Avoid simple carbohydrates - especially any forms
of sugar or refined flour
- Reduce total carbohydrate dietary intake
- Emphasize lean meats and vegetables
- Strict avoidance of yeast containing foods or yeast
derived foods such as cheese, vinegar, dried foods, alcohol, mushrooms, bread
products.
- Avoid fruit juices or very sweet fruits
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
The following supplements are listed in order of
importance. For nutritional help with the problem a person may only need the
first supplement, or may try the first 2 supplements or the first 3 or even
more on the list below.
Green Vegetable Drink - A juiced and dehydrated
green vegetable drink, including wheat grass, barley grass, kamut grass, oat
grass, alfalfa, cracked cell chlorella, broccoli, spinach, parsley, dandelion
greens, kale, cabbage, sea vegetables, digestive enzymes and acidophilus. The
two green drinks that appear most effective are: Pure Green Power™
or Essential Green Nutrients™
Very often symptoms of
candidiasis disappear with only this product..
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Paramicrocidin ( (250 mg) - 1 twice a day for
the first week, 2 twice a day for two weeks, 3 twice a day for three weeks, 2
twice a day for two weeks, 1 twice a day for 1 weeks. This product has been
found clinically effective in killing off both candida and intestinal
parasites, and may be available from several companies under more than one
brand name.
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product availability
Fiber - with all 5 forms of fiber included - 5
to 10 grams per day. Make sure the fiber has no sugar or sugar substitutes, and
if possible is from an organic source.
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availability
Acidophilus - 1 to 3 capsules with each meal.
Keep refrigerated once you have opened the bottle, and keep the cap tightly
closed. When exposed to air at room temperature potency is lost very rapidly.
You may use Kyodophilus which appears able to retain its potency at room
temperature. Or you may go to your local dairy or health food store and get
some liquid acidophilus from the refrigerated section. If you are taking liquid
acidophilus take a tablespoon with each meal.
Biotin - 500 mg. 2 to 3 times per day.
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availability
Multi-Vitamin + Minerals with a full complement
of antioxidants. One of the best we have seen is Ocudyne . Both Multi Vi-Min
and Ocudyne ar hypoallergenic and yeast free.
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availability
B Complex - 2 to 4 times RDA. Super B-Complex
is a yeast free formula and hypoallergenic. BComplex is necessary for digestion
and the metabolism of the nutrients in our food. Candida tends to prevent the
absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
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product availability
Coenzyme Q10 with Tocotrienols in a
base of rice bran oil. A great aid in tissue oxygenation.
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availability
Vitamin C - 1,500 to 5,000 mg. Ester C or
Esterol
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availability
Garlic Capsules - 2 capsules 3 times daily
taken between meals. Kyoilic is an odorless form of garlic that tends to
inhibit infection from candida. The Kyolic suppositories have alo been been
effective against Candida vaginitis
EPA/GLA - an excellent source of essential
fatty acids. Yeast-sensitive people may need to start with either a low dose
cysteine supplement, or use methionine rather than cysteine.
All the above quantities are per day unless specified
as per meal.
Note: The above is not listed as a cure for
this disease condition, but only as a help where nutritional deficiencies or
excesses are part of the problem.
REFERENCES
- Krupp and Chatton: Current Medical Diagnosis and
Treatment; 1982, Lange.
- Truss, Orien: The Missing Diagnosis.
- Levine, S. and Kidd, Parris: Antioxidant
Adaptation: Its Role in Free Radical Biochemistry; 1985, Biocurrents Press, San
Francisco. Spallnolz, T.: Selenium in Biology and Medicine; Aui Publishing Co.,
Inc., 1981.
- Wuepper, Ray: Investiga. Dermatol. 67 7003, 1976
- Truss, Orien: Journal of Orthomolecular
Psychiatry, Vol. 2, 1984.
- Rodex, G.E., et al.: New Zealand Medical Journal,
August 10, 1983.
- Levine, S. and Kidd, Parris: Beyond Antioxidant
Adaptation, Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 1985, Vol. 14, No. 3.
- Levine, S. and Kidd, P.: Manuscript in preparation,
1985, San Francisco.
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