The Candidasis/Leaky gut/Diabetes connection

I know this will seem a bit off-topic, but I want to talk about Candiasis, a nasty little syndrome caused by Candida Albicans.
Years ago I went to an Alternative medicine seminar sponsored by a friend who was an MD and became a naturopathic physician. She was talking about Candida and at one point she laced her fingers saying that finally the intestine lining opens up [as she pulled her fingers apart showing holes between] and allows food to bypass normal filtering and pollutants go directly into the blood stream.

Yesterday I heard about Leaky Gut syndrome and since I don’t actually leak I figured I was home-free on that one, Until I checked the internet and found out what Leaky Gut really is, Yikes!

Leaky gut syndrome
When the digestive tract (also known as the intestinal mucosa) is inflamed, you can develop what is called a "leaky gut". This means that large food molecules, endotoxins and xenobiotics can pass straight into the bloodstream and be presented to the liver for detoxification. They should not be in the blood - so the immune system reacts to them, immune complexes are formed and these complexes travel to the liver where they are broken down. This places an enormous burden on the liver, stressing its detoxification capability. As a result these substances may be partially processed and accumulate in the liver and fatty (adipose) tissue. Research in recent years has uncovered the important connection between the health of the human body and the integrity of the gut wall. It is now well established that inflammation of the intestines and a resultant increased permeability of the intestinal mucosal wall has a connection with conditions such as infection, food allergy, Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, dermatological conditions, colitis, or auto-immune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s syndrome, eczema and other ‘allergic’ disorders).

It doesn’t mention IBS but it has to be involved, I’m sure of it.

Candiasis
Summary: Candidiasis is a fungal infection produced by a species of Candida Fungi, particularly Candida Albicans. Candida fungi normally reside harmlessly in various parts of the body. If the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract becomes seriously depleted the candida proliferate and can produce root like structures which damage the villi along the intestinal tract leading to a 'leaky gut'. There are many causes of candidiasis cited, such as: repeated antibiotic use, poor diet, steroid medications, birth control pills, malnutrition, cytotoxic drugs. Symptoms of candidiasis include: chronic fatigue, depression, yeast infections, bloating, joint or muscle pain, genital itching, hyperactivity, athletes foot, hair loss.



There’s more
Candida Albicans is a normal part of the gastrointestinal tract and a healthy person can have millions of the little scamps living in their digestive systems.
“If the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract is reduced by antibiotics, pesticides, chlorine or if the person's immune system has been weakened by illness (particularly by AIDs or DIABETES) malnutrition or certain medications (such as corticosteroids or anti cancer drugs) THE CANDIDA FUNGI CAN DRAMATICALLY INCREASE IN NUMBERS CAUSING NUMEROUS SYMPTOMS. Also poor diet, alcohol and incorrect pH in the digestive system can cause candida to proliferate and invade the body.
Symptoms
Chronic fatigue, depression, yeast infections, abdominal bloating, constipation or diarrhea, brain fog, poor memory, confusion, mood swings, chronic joint or muscle pain or weakness, allergies, hair loss, athlete's foot, recurring ear or sinus infections, nail ridges, nail fungus, flatulence, nasal congestion, indigestion/ heartburn, eczema, dark circles under eyes, bad breath, itchy scalp, constant coated tongue, skin fungus infections, genital itching, worse symptoms in damp, moldy or muggy places, sensitivities to environment, low blood sugar, carbohydrate, sugar or vinegar cravings, impotence, prostatitis, night sweats, persistent cough, hyperactivity, hyperthyroidism.“

So there you have it, Diabetics are really susceptible to an increase in the nasty fungi, and have multiple problems associated with it. Just checking over the symptoms I think I have most, prostatitis excepted of course.
I believe I’ve had Candidiasis since I was overloaded as a child with antibiotics, I know since I turned 40 I’ve had an extreme sensitivity to environmental issues, Prescription meds, Voc gases, and many food additives. No doctor wanted to treat me because I won’t take antibiotics, I have multiple allergies, and I honestly believe

I know what’s harmful better than he does.
Since the Diabetes manifested in the last few years everything has escalated, I need to get rid of this diabetes so I can get rid of the candidiasis, and get rid of the Leaky gut/IBS.

So, here’s the plan, Stan, I’ll be starting a Liver cleanse very soon to help my liver function properly while I fast [three days? Four?], then I’m taking Neem regularly to get rid of the Diabetes.

I’ve fasted before and I find it wonderful, sure I’ll think about NOTHING but food for the first three days, but soon I’ll just feel great and have lots of energy. When you fast all the energy your gastrointestinal system uses up can be used to do something else. I’m always amazed at how energizing it is to not be digesting ALL the time.

Then I’ll be taking this again:
CANDIDATE
The effective herbal treatment for candidiasis, candida, and yeast infections
Prevent topical Candida infections such as thrush and promote the growth of healthy probiotic flora in the digestive tract. Candidate achieves lasting control of Candidiasis and its symptoms.
Eradicate the fungal overgrowth at its source and help to balance and restore intestinal health, without unwanted side effects
CANDIDATE
Treat Candidiasis and systemic yeast infections
Eliminate excessive Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract Prevent recurring thrush, Athlete's Foot, Dobey's Itch and other yeast infections Encourage digestive and intestinal health Regain lost energy caused by Candida overgrowth Relieve digestive disorders like indigestion, gas, heartburn and 'Leaky Gut' Syndrome Prevent depression, anxiety and mood swings related to Candida overgrowth Reduce sugar cravings related to Candidiasis Help to lose stubborn weight

The good news today is that my blood glucose levels are down to the 1teens or below. YAY!

And I’ll be still taking these:
Complete Liver Cleanse~Stimulates bile flow, rids the liver of toxins.

Milk thistle-liver improvement-detox

grape seed antioxidant

Ester C- Absorbed 400% faster than regular Vitamin C

Coral Calcium

Chromium-improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels

zinc-healing-development, reproduction, digestion, respiration and proper brain, nerve, vision and immune function

B-complex

Cinnamon to regulate blood glucose levels

flax seed oil- antioxidant- also for digestion

Psyllium plus-digestion

Bilberry-eye health-diabetic vision support

Alpha lipoic acid for Liver healing; antioxidant


If you want to get in touch with me I'm at
webriter@verizon.net
Katy Brezger.








SOURCES
(1) Dr. Sandra Cabot, THE LIVER CLEANSING DIET
http://www.liverdoctor.com/04_leakygut_syndrome.asp

(2) LEAKYGUT.CO.UK/LEAKY GUT SYNDROME
http://www.leakygut.co.uk/Candidiasis.htm