Did Holiday Splurges Get to Your Gut?
If you over-indulged in holiday treats
this past season, you may find it's catching up with
you with candida symptoms of gas, bloating, carb craving, yeast
infections, or worse. Intestinal overgrowth of Candida albicans is an extremely common condition and one that is difficult to
treat. This type of yeast form has long, root-like tentacles that
can penetrate the intestinal wall and destroy the membrane
system. This allows for toxins to leak into the bloodstream,
causing the aforementioned symptoms and aggravating preexisting
conditions. Also, a compromised intestinal wall allows
undigested dietary proteins to absorb, which can cause allergies
and environmental hypersensitivities.
Candida overgrowth is becoming more prevalent due to
a multitude of factors including: the over-prescription of
antibiotics, which wipes out the good bacteria and allows
Candida to flourish; overexposure to heavy metals and toxins;
hormonal imbalances caused by xenoestrogens, phthalates, and
other hormone-mimicking chemicals; excessive use of antacids;
stress; impaired immune function; and dietary indiscretion (too
much processed food and sugar).
Candida's virulent nature combined with these factors makes
eradicating yeast difficult, however, there are many effective
anti-Candida products on the market, including two NEEDS
favorites, Fungal Defense and Tanalbit.
FUNGAL DEFENSE
Candida cleanse products are available in many different
formulas, with some being quite strong or too complicated to
use. Fungal Defense, from Garden of Life, is a great solution for
those new to a candida regimen. This product is designed for a
15-day cycle, with the addition of a probiotic blend to maintain
gut health. It may also be considered for long-term maintenance.
This multi-herb
blend combines
Syrian oregano,
sweet basil,
lemongrass,
olive leaf extract,
cinnamon bark,
yucca, and garlic
juice with protease
and cellulase
enzymes. These herbs help create an intestinal environment
that is inhospitable to yeast cells, while the enzymes help break
down the cell residue, decreasing the toxic "die-off " reaction
(i.e., headaches, fatigue, or worsening of symptoms) in the gut.
TANALBIT
Tanalbit, from Intensive Nutrition, contains condensed plantderived
tannins, which are powerful anti-fungals. They work
by binding to the surface of the yeast, thus preventing the yeast
from adhering to the intestinal wall membrane and colonization
(replication of the yeast), while leaving the healthy probiotic
bacteria intact.
Tannates must be
complexed with
proteins (present
in the casein) to
survive the gastric
environment and
to prevent gastric
irritation. The
protein releases
the tannates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where they can
become active.
Plant tannins occur naturally in our diet, lending flavor,
color, and protection to plants. Red wine grapes contain
tannins that give it color and a slightly bitter or woodsy taste.
The redwood tree also has tannins in its bark, protecting the
tree from fungus and disease, and giving the bark its rich red
color.
The tannins in Tanalbit are derived from Swedish Birch
bark and are concentrated to make them effective against
GI fungus. Casein is an important ingredient in this formula
because it protects the tannins in the capsule. The casein
found in Tanalbit is purified, so that 90% of potential
allergens are removed, therefore making it useable by those
who are lactose intolerant. It also contains zinc, which acts
as an activator of the complex of tannates, as well as lotus
rhizome extract and l-proline.
