Ron and Pam Anderson

Principle for Optimum Health: Do not ignore symptoms…do not be presumptuous regarding your health. If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.

"You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. And the Lord will take away from you all sickness, and none of the evil diseases of Egypt which you knew will He put upon you, but will lay them upon all who hate you." (Deuteronomy 7:14-15, Amplified Bible)

Candidiasis (aka yeast) is a fungal infection most commonly caused by Candida albicans. Normally, candida is a harmless fungus found in the moist linings of the body: mouth, throat, intestinal tracts and genitals. It generally co-exists with other bacteria that inhabit the body. However, there are certain conditions that can enable candida to greatly increase in number, resulting in harmful condition known as Candidiasis. The possible factors that can put one at risk for candidiasis are: long-term course of antibiotics, as well as other pharmaceutical medications, including chemotherapy agents and oral steroids; iron deficiency; pregnancy; recent illness; pH imbalance from slightly acid to more alkaline and/or a weakened immune system. Stress reduces normal production of stomach acid, thereby enabling a candida outbreak in the stomach. Candida should never be found in the stomach, and as a result, food will not be properly digested before entering the small intestines (much to the liking-and feeding-of Candida).

Because Candidiasis (yeast) can infect different parts of the body, different symptoms can occur. Symptoms of candidiasis are varied, too numerous to list all possibilities in this article. Some of its most common symptoms are: bad breath, constipation, chronic infections, depression, fatigue, food cravings, gas, headaches, adrenal and thyroid problems, hiatal hernia, indigestion, insomnia, mental confusion, discomforting odors, panic attacks and menstrual issues. It also may present as a vaginal infection causing discharges, itching and severe burning sensations. In the mouth, it can appear as white sores/ulcers on the tongue, gums, on the inside of the cheeks and can create sores/ulcers around dentures.

Candida is opportunistic. When given the opportunity for growth, it multiples quickly. A candida infection can enter the blood stream from its point of origin, thus spreading its infection to other parts of the body. This spreading of a candida infection can further weaken an all ready compromised immune system, increasing the likelihood of additional physical discomfort and/or illness. Orally, Candida is known as thrush. Vaginally, it is called vaginitis. Candida's effects are too numerous to list at this time, but to name a few: food allergies, athlete's food, ringworm, jock itch and diaper rash. People who are debilitated or have been diagnosed with chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer are more prone to candidiasis.

There are options for treating candidiasis-medical, natural or integrative. Please consult with the healthcare provider of your choice regarding possible treatment options.

It is your health…your life…live responsibly!

Until next time, Beloved Reader, it is my prayer that you prosper in all things and be healthy in all aspects of life - body, mind and spirit! (Personalized for you from 3 John 1:2)