Candida Syndrome is the result of intestinal Candida Albicans overgrowth. Candida is a fungus of the yeast category that normally inhabits our digestive system: the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract. Candida is a normal part of the bowel flora (organisms that naturally live inside our intestines and are not parasitic). Our immune system, together with "friendly" bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, B. bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and L. salivarius, etc.), is suppose to keep Candida under control. However, if the number of friendly bacteria is decreased (antibiotics, pesticides, etc.) in relation to the number of Candida, the immune system is weakened and if other conditions for yeast proliferation occur (diet high in sugar, improper pH in the digestive system, stress) Candida albicans will shift from yeast to mycelial fungal form and start to invade the body. In the yeast state Candida is a non-invasive, sugar-fermenting organism, while in fungal state it is invasive and can produce rhizoids, very long root-like structures. Rhizoids can penetrate mucosa or intestinal walls, leaving microscopic holes and allowing toxins, undigested food particles and bacteria and yeast to enter the bloodstream.

This condition is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome, one more name for food and environmental intolerances. “Leaky gut" is created from an unfavorable increase in intestinal permeability. Undigested macromolecule food particles and toxins are allowed to pass directly into the body creating a host of problems. This creates havoc with the immune system when these particles trigger an immune response sensitizing the individual to normally harmless molecules. When this happens, the Candida has become systemic and the individual is suggested to have become "environmentally sensitive," responding to various harmless inhalants in the environment that the person is exposed to as well as various foods. These reactions do not always create typical allergic symptoms. Because of the strain on the immune system to break these undigested molecules down, the body's ability to defend against Candida may be further weakened, creating a cycle.

Another factor that may contribute to Candida proliferation in the intestines is the use of antibiotics. It is common knowledge that antibiotics, especially over a period of time or with repeated uses, will eliminate much of the normal microbes of the gastrointestinal tract. It is recognized by the medical community as a whole that as a result of the elimination of the normal flora defense mechanism, yeasts are allowed to grow excessively in the gut. Antibiotics, which are powerless against yeasts, but destroy bacteria, allow yeasts residing in the gut to grow unregulated.

The use of steroids (cortisones), birth control pills, antacid and anti-ulcer medications (Tagament, Zantac, Pepcid, Axid, etc.), are also very important contributing factors since Candida proliferates rapidly in the presence of these substances. Modern day diets extremely high in sugars are also blamed for the condition. Because sugars are rapidly metabolized by fungi, especially yeasts, they prevent the growth of friendly bacteria. In fact, eliminating sugars from the diets of various individuals has been demonstrated to be of equal importance with antifungal therapy, although it certainly can not replace it.

The controversy over the existence of Candida is due to several factors. The major argument against the elimination of normal flora causing yeast proliferation is the theory that eventually your intestinal normal flora will return to normal after stopping antibiotics and yeast proliferation will "just go away." No conclusive studies have been performed demonstrating this.

However, “life studies” show that this natural return does not usually happen.

The second argument is that "yeast in the intestines is normal and harmless." The statement is that, "yeast can be recovered from the stool of healthy individuals." However no mention has been made of the effects of proliferated yeast in the intestines and what amount is normal. No conclusive studies have been performed demonstrating that intestinal yeast proliferation is harmless. In fact, studies have shown the exact opposite. As any woman who has had a vaginal yeast infection knows, it can certainly create quite a problem.

The contributing factor to the reluctance of the medical community as a whole to accept the syndrome is the lack of an absolute definitive scientific proof of the Candida/human interaction. There has also been an extreme lack of complete widely published case reports of those who have been cured with anti-yeast therapy. The treatment has preceded some of the research, but its success in many individuals is proof in itself of the Candida/human interaction.

As listed in Dr. Crook's books, The Yeast Connection and The Yeast Connection and the Woman:
Please note that these symptoms may seem vast and broad ranging. It is the presence of multiple symptoms and not a single symptom that may be an indicator of Candida. The following symptoms from Dr. Crook's book have gone beyond what research has commonly shown symptoms of Candida to be to provide a broader range of possibilities.

· Fatigue or lethargy
· Feeling of being drained
· Depression or manic depression
· Numbness, burning, or tingling
· Headaches
· Muscle Aches
· Muscle weakness or paralysis
· Pain and/or swelling in joints
· Abdominal Pain
· Constipation and/or diarrhea
· Bloating, belching or intestinal gas
· Women - Troublesome vaginal burning, itching or discharge
· Impotence
· Loss of sexual desire or feeling
· Endometriosis or infertility
· Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities
· Premenstrual tension
· Attacks of anxiety or crying
· Cold hands or feet, low body temperature
· Hypothyroidism
· Shaking or irritable when hungry
· Cystitis or interstitial cystitis

Other Symptoms include:
· Drowsiness
· Irritability
· No coordination
· Frequent mood swings
· Insomnia
· Dizziness/loss of balance
· Pressure above ears...feeling of head swelling
· Sinus problems...tenderness of cheekbones or forehead
· Tendency to bruise easy
· Eczema, itching eyes
· Psoriasis
· Chronic hives (urticaria)
· Indigestion or heartburn
· Sensitivity to milk, wheat, corn or other common foods
· Mucous in stools
· Rectal itching
· Dry mouth or throat
· Mouth rashes including :white" tongue
· Bad breath
· Foot, hair, or body odor not relieved by washing
· Nasal congestion or post nasal drip
· Nasal itching
· Sore throat
· Laryngitis, loss of voice
· Cough or recurrent bronchitis
· Pain or tightness in chest
· Wheezing or shortness of breath
· Urinary frequency or urgency
· Burning on urination
· Spots in front of eyes or erratic vision
· Burning or tearing eyes
· Recurrent infections or fluid in ears
· Ear pain or deafness
· Inability to concentrate
· Skin problems (hives, athlete's foot, fungous infection of the nails, jock itch, psoriasis (including of the scalp) or other chronic skin rashes)
· Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, or bloating)
· Symptoms involving your reproductive organs
· Muscular and nervous system symptoms (including aching or swelling in your muscles and joints, numbness, burning or tingling, muscle weakness or paralysis)
· Recurrent ear problems resulting in antibiotic therapy
· Respiratory symptoms
· Lupus
· Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit Disorder
· Recurrent yeast infections in women.

Back to Top

Physical
· High sugar foods will drastically increase your symptoms. - This is a primary diagnostic tool.
· Inflammation of the hair follicles (candidiasis folliculitis) of various parts of the body (feet, legs, arms)
· Extreme lethargy
· Diarrhea, chronic gas, abdominal cramps alleviated by bowel movements. Perhaps labeled with the term "irritable bowel syndrome."
· Lactose intolerance
· Anxiety, Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder
· Allergies and allergy symptoms, chemical sensitivities
· Panic attacks
· Sinus problems
· Eye fatigue
· Muscle weakness and bone pain
· White tongue and a white coating
· Psoriasis/seborrhea/dermatitis/dandruff, dry, itchy skin
· Rectal itching
· Frequent yeast infections in women
· Frequent urination
· Swollen lips/face
· Symptoms worse after waking
· Facial rash
· Avoiding food helps to alleviate symptoms
· Hives
· Chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and conjunctivae.

Psychological
· Feeling of being intoxicated which leads to a "hangover feeling"
· Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Back to Top

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose , treat, cure, or prevent any disease.