Get Control of Your Health and Your Gut!

Our immune system coordinates a potent defense that consists of the production of specific antibody molecules and lymphocytes, (white blood cells that are also one of the body's main types of immune cells),capable of reacting with and inactivating foreign invaders such as yeasts, funguses, and bacteria, either directly or indirectly through the involvement of cellular inflammatory processes. Inflammation is a normal physiological defense against these pathogen infections and quickly ends under normal circumstances. However, in many chronic conditions, the inflammatory response continues and leads to significant tissue and organ damage. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that the abnormal inflammatory response is closely associated with many chronic diseases, especially in autoimmune diseases.

Pathogens, yeast and bacteria overgrowth may have a negative effect on the body and brain. Candida infection, for example can cause serious problems when children are affected by it. In fact, children can even display behavioral and learning difficulties, irritability and depression, hyperactivity or inattentive behavior as a result. Other symptoms of bacterial pathogen overgrowth may be gas or bloated belly, diaper rash, fungus, unpleasant smelling gas and stools, cravings for sugar or carbohydrates, even night walking or sleep issues, and bedwetting or accidents.*

The four stages of candida and bacteria overgrowth:

1. Gut Symptoms: good bacteria are depleted and the Candida becomes overgrown. This usually happens due to long-term antibiotic use, birth control use for years, and a diet high in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates (like wheat flour). Leaky gut where the bowel’s cell lining becomes more permeable allows the Candida toxins to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body.

2. Vaginal Symptoms: Of course, only women are prone to vaginal symptoms, but I have seen men with genital rashes and men can also get the vaginal equivalent – chronic sinusitis.

3. “Brain fog” or cognitive impairment: difficulty concentrating on and remembering daily tasks.

4. Chronic fatigue: A low-functioning immune system in itself may leave you feeling tired and fatigued. Candida overgrowth is often accompanied by nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B6, essential fatty acids and magnesium. Particularly, magnesium deficiency has been known to cause fatigue.