When Probiotics Reshape the Course of Autism

Autism is a very challenging condition for families that have to deal with it. I cannot imagine the many hurdles that parents of autistic children would have to overcome daily.   I know that there had been many families that have looked into many different ways to manage Autism and for most of them, probiotics probably have come into the conversations every now and then.

There had been a LOT of talk about probiotics helping modern health problems and one of those modern problems is Autism. 

A recent article posted on the Autism Daily Newscast has touched on the connection between Autism and probiotics. With all that probiotics can do for our gut health, ADN mentions this...

Researchers have successfully treated autistic-like symptoms in mice, and while they have not yet recommended widespread use of probiotics for the treatment of autism, they are hopeful. In the meantime, many parents are trying probiotics in the hopes that they can make a difference for their children.

Of course, not all probiotics are the same. There may be companies riding the wave of probiotic hype these days and it's important to really find a good quality probiotic. Eating  the probiotics in yogurt has been found to be insufficient when it comes to targeting modern health problems via gut health. You simply have to consume large amounts of it in order to get the result that you need.

Because there are many products available in the market today claiming to offer probiotic benefits, one must make an informed decision in order to get only the best quality probiotic for one's child. Many parents who have placed their children with such quality probiotics have seen a tremendous difference for their child.

A last note to consider when choosing a probiotic for your child is to find one that does not only have the good bacteria in it, but one that also contains enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins in it to help promote optimal gut health.


Read More: http://www.autismdailynewscast.com/how-do-probiotics-work-in-treating-autism-symptoms/5802/laurel-joss/

Why You Fail with New Year Resolutions and What To Do About It

We are approaching another new year!!! Wow, 2013 seemed to have passed us by rather quickly. What happened to our 2013 New Year's Resolution? Is it time to make another one yet again?! YIKES!

Okay, before you go crazy about this, rest assured that you're not the only one who failed to follow your New Year's resolution. Statistics show that most people who do put out a New Year's Resolution end up forgetting about them by the middle of the year. People just don't have the same motivation that they started the new year out with.


When it comes to these New Year Resolutions, though, most people write down a list that involves resolutions for a better HEALTH. Guess what the #1 undefeated New Year's resolution is... People want to LOSE WEIGHT!


That's right. The Top 1 Resolution for 2014 is actually losing weight! And this has been the same last year and the year before that, as well as the years before that! It seems like people KNOW they want to get to a better state of health by losing weight, but majority of those who do want it simply cannot achieve what they want to do for their health in the new year.


What exactly is wrong with New Year resolutions? Why is it that more than half of those who make them ALWAYS fail to keep at it in the new year? Well, here are some reasons listed around the web:

1. New Year resolutions are often simply just a LIST of declarations and intentions of what one thinks one should do in the coming year. Resolutions usually don't include a PLAN OF ACTION in it.

2. No motivation and commitment because of a lack of ACCOUNTABILITY and SUPPORT. 

3. Most resolutions are driven by hype rather than a real "Why" factor.

4. No action, simply because there was not a clear solution to the problem that one thinks one should deal with.

~~~
Does all this mean we simply must forget about setting goals for the New Year, then? That we might as well NOT think about the things we should do in the coming year? OF COURSE, NOT!

We are just simply looking into this to identify WHERE we can properly approach our New Year resolutions and HOW we can approach them that will make us ACCOMPLISH something in 2014.

So what's one got to do? Simply keep these thoughts in mind...

1. Don't simply make a list of intentions. ADD A PLAN OF ACTION. If you want to "lose weight" in the New Year, add a plan of action to it. What are you going to do to start losing weight? Are you going to cut back on sugar, quit pop, start exercising on Mondays? Or are you going to get on a diet program? Which program? (By the way, watch this before starting one.)

2. Put out your plan of action in public! Let your family and friends know. Gather your support system! Find people who want to achieve the same things as you do and use each other as accountability partners! Get a trainer, get a coach, get someone to help you on your journey!

3. Figure out a "WHY" factor. If you listed "losing weight" or "quit smoking," figure out your WHY factor. Why do you want to lose weight? Get to the bottom-most reason. If you say, I want to fit in smaller-sized clothes... WHY? And if you say, because I want to feel and look good for myself... WHY? And you'd say because I really need to get healthy... WHY? and you'd say, because I owe it to my family to still be around to live life with them. Find the deepest WHY FACTOR for your goals!

4. Last, but definitely not the least, ACT ON IT. Find a way to begin your journey toward your goal. If you wanted to save more, start with $1 a day... or $5 a week... or $10 every two weeks. You don't have to do the big things right away. You just gotta START with something somewhere. If you want to lose weight, start with cutting down on pop during lunch time... or cut down on pop on MWF... or cut down one day a week. If you want to exercise more start with walking every afternoon for 30mins... or walking every TTS for 30mins... or walking on Saturdays for 30mins. JUST START somewhere.

Perhaps the most important thing we can do is to really SIT DOWN and PLAN on what we want to do for the first month, second month, third and up to the middle of the year. Come Summer time, we usually find another reason to get motivated with our goals, especially health goals again because of the beach and of vacations. PLAN everything before you put your best foot forward. We are better off with a good plan taken in small steps than going after something in strides only to later fail because we didn't have a plan to begin with.

I pray that whatever your goals are for the New Year, you will NEVER FORGET that we make all the plans in the world for ourselves but it is the LORD who will direct our steps. Lift up EVERYTHING you want to do in the coming year to Him and FOR HIM. You'll get far with His Grace and power, more than you can ever get doing it all by yourself. 

I wish you and yours ENOUGH for 2014. :)

Why Plexus Slim is truly an EASY Weight Loss System to Stick To

Okay, so many people are now starting to let the dust of the holiday craze settle. The new year is about to roll in and REALITY will soon slap all of us in the face... WE NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT! (lol)

Yep, most people will write their New Year's resolution and will include.... drum roll, please... LOSING WEIGHT as their #1 resolution.

Well, a weight loss program won't really help if it's too complicated, too tedious and too strict to follow. Thankfully, there's the Plexus Slim program that we ALL can stick to and love. Here's how easy it is...

 

 

So, how easy was that? People have been losing weight successfully with Slim and so many people experienced even more success with their total HEALTH status reshaped. This is an amazing system that so many love. If you're looking for a REAL solution to your weight problem. Get yourself on the Plexus Slim & Accelerator+ System!

You can visit www.YourPlexusHealth.info to order yours today.

The Link Between Candida and Eczema

Candida and Eczema

It may not be logical for many in the medical community today to link Eczema to gut health, but this has a lot to do with being symptom-free. Gut health is primarily maintained by the balance of the normal flora in our gut. This normal flora is comprised of the microorganisms that are normally found in our bodies.

Probiotics are what we call our good bacteria. They are normally found in the small and large intestines of a healthy individual. They are a very important part of our digestion and assimilation of nutrients, as well as helping our body process and remove irritants and toxins. The population of our good bacteria, however, can fluctuate with our exposure to stress, oral contraceptives, antibiotics and sugary diet. 

These good bacteria maintain a healthy intestinal wall permeability, which only allows nutrients and healthy substances to be reabsorbed into the blood stream. 

Unfortunately, when an imbalance occurs because of conditions mentioned above, our good bacteria will become depleted and another member of the normal flora will notoriously overgrow and wreck havoc to our gut health and entire immune system. Candida will then become the fungus that causes an increase in our gut permeability leading to a condition called "Leaky Gut".

When this occurs, toxins and irritants will now be easily absorbed via the intestinal walls and will lead to the rest of the immune system to react to their presence in the body. Once our immune system responds to an irritant internally, it will send response cells to where these irritants are found and will cause the inflammatory response to ensue.

Probiotics to the Rescue

Probiotics is perhaps the most crucial part of managing Eczema. The balance in our internal environment as well as in the gut must be achieved in order for the chronic inflammation to subside.


Remember, if there is not sufficient mucosal barrier in our gut wall, then food and environmental antigens can cross over into the blood stream. This then can habitually activate the immune system and lead to its hyperactivity--a hallmark of Eczema conditions.

Watch this clip to understand the vital role that your Gut Health plays in your overall wellness.

Eczema: The Itch That Keeps On Itching

You would probably agree with me when I say that Eczema has become more prevalent today than it was years ago. I remember back in my college days when only a few individuals, including myself, suffer from a recurrent or chronic skin rash that is usually located on skin folds and which was diagnosed to be "Skin Asthma."

It initially appears as a contact dermatitis of some sort. The skin area would be red and some small, elevated rash will appear. It's not all over the body, though. The rash occurs in patches over skin folds--like the antecubital space (space opposite the elbow where they draw your blood from), or the back of the knees. They often also come up in and around the armpit area or on an area over the legs. Some babies would also appear to have it as diaper rash.

Today, most of those who present with these symptoms are diagnosed to have "Eczema". This condition is a form of chronic inflammation of the skin. The term eczema actually refers to a set of clinical characteristics. Classification has been unsystematic, but the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) published a position paper in 2001 which simplifies the nomenclature of allergy-related diseases including atopic and allergic contact eczemas. The most common classification include:

• Atopic dermatitis -- an allergic disease believed to have hereditary components and often runs in families whose members also have asthma. An itchy rash is particularly noticeable on the head and scalp, inside of elbows, back of knees, head and scalp, and buttocks.
• Contact dermatitis -- caused by an allergen or irritant. This condition is reversible, so long as the causative substance is avoided or removed from one's environment.
• Xerotic eczema -- a condition very common in older population, it is characterized by dry skin that becomes so serious it turns into eczema. It worsens in dry winter weather, and limbs and trunk are most often affected.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis -- is a condition sometimes classified as a form of eczema that is closely related to dandruff. It presents as a dry or greasy peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, and face, and sometimes trunk. This condition is harmless except in severe cases of cradle cap in infants.

Insufficient (and dangerous) Topical Management

The cause of Eczema is unknown and over the years treatment has been geared to controlling the symptoms by relieving inflammation. The most common form of treatment is the use of corticosteroids over the areas that present the symptoms. Corticosteroids were found to bring about rapid improvements topically, but this form of management have greater side effects.

Prolonged use of topical corticosteroids is thought to increase the risk of side effects, the most common of which is the skin becoming thin and fragile (atrophy). High-strength corticosteroids used over a large area in the body may become absorbed and cause an immunosuppressive action which further leads to other major skin infections.

This is something parents of today should be well-informed about because as many more cases of Eczema comes up in society at present, most of those affected belong to the younger population. Caution must always be used as long-term and prolonged widespread coverage of corticosteroids can create side effects that are permanent and resistant to treatment.

Eczema simply doesn't go away with just topical management. It takes care of the symptoms of itching and inflammation but it will not prevent the recurrence of it at a later time.

Hope for the Itch

With the help of modern research findings, Eczema sufferers find it a blessing to know that there is actually hope for long-term relief for the condition. Although further studies still need to be made, recent research has shown that Eczema is more than just skin deep. 

The condition that afflicts many is actually more of a systemic immunological response to toxins and antigen within the body.  The most significant research finding in relation to Eczema is that of a person's immune health from the gut. This missing link has been found when research on infants and newborns revealed that there is a lower risk of developing Eczema in those who are breastfed by moms taking probiotics. 

Antibodies are handed over to babies during breastfeeding and they initially attributed the immune health of babies to this. But research findings show that it was significantly different when it comes to moms taking probiotics while breastfeeding. The reason being is that these probiotics help develop gut health which in turn help boost the immune system's ability to ward off irritants.

Gut Health begins Here
I want to end this post with a recommendation for a probiotic that I personally trust. Gut health is not just about replenishing good bacteria, but also about managing the condition that wrecks havoc to the environment of the gut in the first place. A probiotic that only replenishes the gut community is doing just HALF the work it needs to heal the gut. Without natural enzymes and components that help manage the fungal overgrowth of Candida, there will be no way out of the vicious cycle of impaired gut health.

Click on the image below to learn more about a probiotic that I personally love and trust because of it's two-part, specifically targeted approach to gut health.

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23083673
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/02232012probiotics-help-prevent-eczema/

Your Periodontal Health and Candida

Say "Aaaaah..."

According to the American Dental Association, Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque contains bacteria that produce harmful toxins. If teeth are not cleaned well, the toxins can irritate and inflame the gums. You can help prevent plaque and periodontal disease by brushing your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

But did you know that there is another way to promote periodontal health on top of just regular brushing and flossing? The use of Probiotics has been proven to significantly improve periodontal health.

The Hidden #Candida Link

Unhealthy gums are seen by easy-bleeding tendencies when you brush or floss. Even if you regularly care for your teeth that way, the presence of a Candida overgrowth in the body may place your periodontal health at risk.

Our oral cavity has mucosal surfaces that maintain the moist environment within. It is believed to be the primary oral reservoirs of Candida species. These species can also coaggregate with bacteria in the subgingival biofilmand adhere to epithelial cells (the cells of the mucosal lining of our mouth). This interactions allow Candida to invade gingival tissues and allow for microbial colonization that contributes to the progression of oral health problems. Candida in our oral mucosa also produce high levels of exoenzymes which adds to the development of Periodontitis - a chronic inflammatory condition of the gums.

#Probiotics to the Rescue

Various clinical research and studies show that probiotics significantly improve the #periodontal health of individuals suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis. This is simply related to the eventual management of Candida overgrowth - the missing link in modern health management. Probiotics had been shown to also help with Halitosis (or Bad Breath). Halitosis is actually caused by volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) produced by bacteria that colonizes the oral cavity, and studies have shown that probiotics help inhibit the production of VSC, which in turn improve the periodontal condition.



Sources:

http://www.wellnessresources.com/studies/candida_and_periodontal_problems/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3134041/
http://jos.dent.nihon-u.ac.jp/isuue/177.pdf 
 

The NEW DANGER of NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Minor Pain Reliever, MAJOR Side Effects

The most common run-to medication of society today for most minor to moderate aches and pains are the group of medications called NSAIDs or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Over the years, these group of pain killers were used and recommended as the option for managing chronic pain and discomfort, as opposed to putting patients on long-term steroids. 

Part of the package of taking NSAIDS had always been the MAJOR side-effects that accompany the drug family. Many doctors already exercise caution when considering them for the relief of chronic pain because these drugs are also known to increase the risk of ulcers and serious bleeding in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. 

A new study, however, shows that NSAIDs increase the risk of heart attack. Those who have had a previous cardiovascular episode, especially, may DOUBLE their risk of having another episode of myocardial infarction or a cardiac arrest if they are on NSAIDs therapy.

There had been two new studies that add to the growing evidence that increased cardiac risk from Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is NOT limited to the Cox-2 agents.

The first study, published in the British Medical Journal, studied over 9000 patients who had suffered heart attacks, and examined their usage of NSAIDS. They found that the risk of heart attack was INCREASED for patients who were taking NSAIDs by as much as 20 - 50%! In this study, the association with a higher risk of heart attack was especially significant for ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), and rofecoxib (Vioxx) - but there was at least a trend toward increased risk for all NSAIDs.

The second study was reported at the 2005 meetings of the European League Against Rheumatism scientific meetings in Vienna, Austria. Investigators reported similar findings in the largest study of NSAIDs reported so far - tracking over 1 million patients with arthritis treated with NSAIDs.

Sources:

http://heartdisease.about.com/od/reducingcardiacrisk/a/NSAIDS.htm

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/high-doses-common-pain-drugs-heart-attack-study-article-1.1358645

http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20120910/common-painkillers-risky-after-heart-attack

AN ALTERNATIVE PATH:

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Please visit this link to learn more about the Plexus Fast Relief System.

Talk About Intolerance!!!

Gut Level Intolerance

Naaah... I'm not talking about the other "intolerance" issue here. What I am talking about is much deeper as it occurs in our guts! 

Have you ever heard of LACTOSE Intolerance? Yep! It's that condition where individuals who have it cannot properly digest food items that contain lactose. LACTOSE is a sugar that's naturally found in milk and other dairy products. An enzyme called "lactase" is necessary to break down this kind of sugar. However, some individuals don't produce enough lactase and thus, leave them vulnerable to lactose. 

The symptoms of Lactose Intolerance are easy to identify, though they vary greatly. These symptoms oftentimes occur between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consuming dairy products. Some may experience mild symptoms and others might experience very severe ones. 

What to look for...

The usual GI symptoms accompany Lactose Intolerance. Bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach ache may be manifested a few minutes to a couple of hours after ingesting dairy products.

 These symptoms occur always immediately after ingestion of dairy products. If you have symptoms sporadically throughout the week and have not consumed any dairy, then your GI issues may be caused by something else other than Lactose Intolerance.

Pay close attention to your food labels. Anything that might have lactose could trigger the symptoms accompanying lactose intolerance. Eliminating these things from your diet or substituting it with a Lactose-free item may greatly help prevent any intolerance episodes.

What Scientists Say

A July 1999 article submitted to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition by researchers at the Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital in Montreal, Quebec indicates that the benefits of probiotics for lactose intolerance may depend on the specific species of lactobacilli -- other than L. acidophilus -- as well as the duration of exposure to the probiotic. Researchers concluded that while probiotics may benefit people with lactose intolerance, prebiotics -- which NCCAM describes as food ingredients that encourage "growth or activity" of microorganisms already in your intestines -- may ultimately be more effective.

Probiotic Supplement Cautions

Probiotics in cultured and fermented foods and beverages such as yogurt, tempeh, miso and soy drinks, have been consumed for centuries, NCCAM points out. Probiotic supplements, on the other hand, are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as dietary supplements, not drugs. Dietary supplements cannot claim to treat or cure a specific condition. NCCAM states that probiotics research is still in the early stages, and far more studies need to be conducted to determine the health benefits and safety of probiotics, especially in children and the elderly population. Before you take probiotic supplements for lactose intolerance, talk with your physician.

Sources:

http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/2013/07/03/5-signs-you-might-be-lactose-intolerant/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/250580-probiotics-dairy-intolerance/#ixzz2Y907yqhC

Looking Past Joint Pain

Looking beyond joint pain

Most of us oftentimes dwell on the problem of pain in our bodies. Wherever and whenever we feel a certain degree of discomfort, we tend to concentrate on that particular problem and attempt to deal with it in a focused, microscopic way. 

Today's modern medical intervention for pain is also zone-specific to where the discomfort is felt. When we begin to feel pain on our hips, attention would be geared to developing a pharmacological approach to relieving that particular pain. Anti-inflammatories and other pain medications will then become a part of life when joints begin to "act out."

Arthritis of both small and big joints is usually treated with either of the following: medications to relieve pain, physical therapy to facilitate movement and prevent debility and perhaps, in late-stage conditions, surgery.

This modern day treatment and intervention will only add-up to many other medications that one is already taking for another zone-specific, micro-focused problem. The results maybe a fair management of pain and slowing of the progress of the problem, but it doesn't really deal with the root cause.

Our joints impressively carry the weight of our bodies.  The more weight we gain along the way, the harder we require our joints to work in supporting our structures.

Small weight changes make a big difference because joint forces in the hips and knees increase about 3 times that weight with normal walking. This means that 10 pounds of extra body weight is felt by the knees as an EXTRA 30 pounds!

Linking Joint Pain to Obesity

Although it is true that there are skinny people who get arthritis and there are heavy people with good joints, it is important to consider that the chance of developing joint problems is strongly associated with our body weight. People with a high BMI (Body Mass Index) tend to develop arthritis at a much younger age. An obese person has a 60 percent higher risk of getting arthritis than people who maintain a normal body weight. Research has recently shown that younger individuals are increasingly resorting to knee replacement surgery, which is an intervention initially geared to the elderly population.

One study examined the factors contributing to total knee and hip replacements in people between the ages of 18 and 50. Remarkably, 72 percent of those who underwent joint replacement surgery were obese.

Adding insult to injury

It is important for us to understand that pressure and stress on our joints are not the only factors that contribute to the development of arthritis in obese individuals. We have seen in a previous post that obesity is also connected to chronic inflammation in our body. This chronic inflammatory response leads to the breakdown of tissues in any local area that it is present.

If that be the case, the increased risk of obese individuals getting arthritis is no longer just at 60%, but maybe even more. The internal environment of the body which becomes altered with obesity leads to many disturbances that will eventually be manifested in various health problems, joint  pain included.

Studies have shown that a weight loss of 11 pounds decreases the risk of developing knee arthritis by 50%! Losing weight has been shown to have a dramatic effect on the relief of joint pain. Although it may not reverse the damage that has been done to a joint in your body, losing weight is always a good idea to better our health. 

~~~ 
If you are someone suffering from joint pains and obesity, you might want to look into the natural and healthy solutions available through Plexus products. Click here for more information.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20120130/does-obesity-cause-pain
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/arthritisresearch/p/obesity.html

Connecting the Dots of Obesity and Inflammation

Connect-The-Dots

There is a very stark connection between many diseases, chronic illness and that of uncontrolled cellular inflammation. Everything from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and many autoimmune-related conditions have this factor in common.

Tracing the dots back to its first few levels may bring you smack dab in the middle of Obesity as it is now known to present a low grade inflammatory response within many of the body's tissues. It has always been known that being overweight is detrimental to our health, but it wasn't until recently that the known mechanisms were identified. Scientists have started to unravel the mystery of obesity's link to premature death. Although there is still much to learn, it is valuable to understand the known effects of chronic inflammation, as obesity is now becoming an epidemic in the U.S.!

Inflammation: Chronic dangers

Our bodies, by design, has been created with a protective response that leads to the eradication of foreign harmful microorganisms and the repair of tissues. This normal response is called Inflammation. When inflammation becomes  chronic, as in the case of obesity, chemical mediators involved in the various cellular activities, change in dynamics which cause a progressive state of decline.

Fat cells are now considered an immune organ that secretes numerous immune modulating chemicals. Visceral fat, in particular, is associated with the low grade inflammation that seems to contribute to a pathologic feature for metabolic disease through insuline resistance and the promotion of atherosclerotic build-up in our blood vessels. This effect becomes more pronounced when high levels of visceral fat is combined with physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and advancement in age.

Substances called adipokines are a group of peptides  (cell-to-cell signaling proteins) secreted by adipose (fat) tissue. These influence the metabolic process and contribute to proper function. However, the low grade inflammation associated with obesity causes disturbance in their secretion and funtion, and research has identified changes in what we call adiponectin, leptin, and resistin that exhibit harmful effects upon the body in obese individuals.

Adiponectin is a hormone made by fat cells which acts as an anti-atherogenic agent which helps prevent the development of atheroschlerotic plaque in blood vessels, as well as slows the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary velles. It has been shown that high visceral fat reduces adiponectin concentrations.

Leptin is another hormone that is made by fat cells which works in conjunction with the brain's hypothalamus as it regulates energy metabolism and balance. It has been currently praised as having cardioprotective benefits among its other roles in metabolism. Leptin concentrations become adjusted in obesity and contribute to insulin resistance.   

Resistin, another adipocyte-derived hormone, is thought to represent a link between obesity and diabetes. It is believed that serum levels of resistin increases with obesity. There has been a connection found between the rise of resistin levels in the body and that of insulin resistance.

The imbalance which takes place may be the foundation for the accelerated endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance associated with  obesity and the comorbid disorders of metabolic disease. Although more research is needed to clearly delineate the particular relationships, it seems evident that the low grade inflammation caused by obesity and visceral fat lead to the premature development of disease. Individuals with central adiposity, poor blood lipid profiles, hypertension, and/or insulin resistance should seek assistance to prevent further health detriment. 




Sources:
http://www.ncsf.org/enew/articles/articles-ObesityandInflammation.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resistin 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11201732
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=10875

 

Testing For Candida Overgrowth

Testing 1, 2, 3...

Candida albicans is a yeast organism that is part of our "normal" flora in the body. They are commonly found in the skin or mucous membranes. As mentioned in my previous post, Candida is harmless when the body's internal environment is balanced. But there are many factors in today's medical approach to managing health problems that push this homeostasis to the limits, and may even leave it imbalanced.

Overgrowth of candida is caused by stress, use of antibiotics, steroids and oral contraceptives. The medical doctors of today who acknowledge the problem of Candida overgrowth attest that anyone who has a significant history of using the above mode of treatments will most likely have candida overgrowth.

This overgrowth in the gut then leads to a myriad of symptoms in today's modern health problems.

Although the use of antibiotics is a determining factor for current Candida overgrowth, there are several ways to diagnostically identify the presence of Candida overgrowth in a person's body.

1. The (Controversial) Candida Spit Test

         

The Candida Spit Test is the most common, yet controversial, test you'll encounter when talking about Candida Overgrowth. It is a very simple test that one can perform at home and this is how you perform it.

                     The candida saliva test has been around for years and has been the run-to test for most practicing naturopath. But there are whispers and raised eyebrows that accompany this test as some do not believe it as a reliable test for Candida. There are people who pass the test but do have candida overgrowth, and some that don't really have candida overgrowth could show a positive in this test. Some say this test was solely made up by a health company that sells candida overgrowth treatment.

                 Although there are a lot of controversies behind this test, the Saliva test is accepted by some medical doctors to test for candida overgrowth. The reason behind the reliability of the test is that Candida overgrowth changes the consistency of the mucus secretions in the body as they overgrow in the areas that are lined with mucous membranes. Candida overgrowth changes the consistency of the mucus making it result in the above pictures if you do have the condition. It may not be the most reliable test there is for Candida, but it is a test you can perform nevertheless.

2. Gluten Intolerance Test

The NY Times recently published an article about being "Gluten Free" whether we need it or not. There are a number of individuals who are intolerant to gluten and are sensitive enough to exhibit adverse gastrointestinal reactions when they take in gluten in their diet. The Gluten Intolerance Test is used to identify this problem by showing an increase in "gut permeability."

Electron microscopy shows that yeast mycelium are capable of penetrating the gut lumen and contributing to gut leakage. The end result of such an occurrence is the passage of macromolecules, including but not limited to gluten. The presence of gluten antibodies in a blood serum test, therefore are more apt to prove yeast induced gut permeability than gluten sensitivity.

3. Candida Antibody IgG

4. Candida Antibody Panel (measures IgA, IgG, IgM antibodies against Candida albicans)

Symptoms related to Candida overgrowth are generally caused by an overstimulation of the immune system. When the immune system overacts, it produces elevated antibody levels which can be measured with a blood test.

The Candida IgG Antibody Test is a good starting point for anyone who things that Candida is causing a past or current infection. An elevated IgG antibody to Candida albicans is suggestive of a past or current Candida infection.

An elevated IgA antibody level is suggestive of a Candida albicans infection in you mucus membranes. An elevated IgG antibody level will identify a past or ongoing infection. An elevated IgM antibody level will identify a current, acute infection (generally after you were first exposed).

Normal levels will be <30 or undetectable. 

***This information is for educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any way. This site does not replace the services of licensed health care professionals and all site users should consult with a physician regarding their health concerns.




Sources:

http://www.knowthecause.com/index.php/doug-s-blog/1434-gluten-test-is-a-fungus-test
http://www.accesalabs.com/toxin

What You Need to Know About the Link Between CANDIDA and OBESITY

A rising concern

There is an important link between Candida overgrowth and the problem with obesity that we see in our world today. Studies already begin to indicate that candida is an underlying cause of many chronic illnesses that manifest with seemingly unrelated symptoms and syndromes that are extremely hard to diagnose when viewed as separate individual clinical manifestations.

In today's world, obesity has reached epidemic proportions. Over two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and one in three Americans is obese.

It is, perhaps, becoming a cliche already to mention that fluctuating weight is detrimental to our overall health. But as a health professional myself, it is always important to point out the many factors to consider when we speak of obesity and being overweight.

Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity,"* the risks for the following conditions also increases:

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

 Not only that, but obesity has a far-ranging negative effect on our overall health, which includes a psychosocial effect. Stanford hospital explains...

In a culture where often the ideal of physical attractiveness is to be overly thin, people who are overweight or obese frequently suffer disadvantages. Overweight and obese persons are often blamed for their condition and may be considered to be lazy or weak-willed. It is not uncommon for overweight or obese conditions to result in persons having lower incomes or having fewer or no romantic relationships. Disapproval of overweight persons expressed by some individuals may progress to bias, discrimination, and even torment.

 The Vicious Cycle

Researchers have found that problems with Candida albicans in the stomach probably are part of the cause of several serious gastrointestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel syndromes. It may even be what causes obesity.

Studies on rats also found that Candida appears to make intestinal ulcers worse and keep them from healing. And since rats and human digestion aren't very different, this is most likely a picture we can see in humans as well.

These Candida-related GI problems lead to what we call a "LEAKY GUT SYNDROME." It's not what you are picturing in mind right now. It is actually a condition which increases the permeability of our intestinal mucosa. Normally, it allows for nutrients from our digested food to be absorbed into the bloodstream. But with a "leaky gut," whatever is in the intestines, Candida toxins and all, can be absorbed and go directly into the bloodstream, which in turn is circulated elsewhere in the body.

It's amazing how studies have shown that the Leaky Gut Syndrome has been linked to skin problems, food allergies, depression, autism and heart disease! All of this, by the way, can be caused by Candida in the digestive tract.

But how does that relate to obesity? Well, it all starts with the leaky gut syndrome creating food allergies and sensitivities. It has been found in studies that Candida can actually cause changes in the lining of the digestive tract in mice to case these food sensitivities. 

These sensitivities can in turn lead to cravings and indigestion, and a more systematic problems related to inflammation. People will tend to NOT feel full after a meal and the food sensitivities may cause problems in ingesting  a more regular, healthy diet.

TODAY'S PROBLEM: Because Candida overgrowth is usually masked by undiagnosed symptoms and syndromes (a group of clinical manifestations), the most common approach to intervention in the medical community today is to only often treat SYMPTOMS rather than the underlying cause.

When inflammatory conditions occur, there is a greater tendency that we will be undergoing antibiotic treatments for it which will add more insult to the injury as it kills the good bacteria in our gut and leads to a further imbalance in the normal flora in our bodies, allowing for Candida overgrowth.

Unless we deal with the grassroot level cause of modern day's health problems, we may never get out of the vicious cycle of Candida overgrowth. Things will just get worse overtime. 

Here are some further good reads on Candida overgrowth and its connection to many of today's health problems:
Crook, William G. MD (1999) The Yeast Connection Handbook. Square One Publishers. ISBN-0757000606

Mercola, Joseph, M.D. (2008) Total Health. eBook. Download Now!

Hemway, Francine (2006) Beauty and the Yeast Beast. Self Published. ISBN-0978623401

Lipski, Elizabeth (1998) Leaky Gut Syndrome. McGraw-Hill. ISBN-0879838248 

Martin, Jeanne Marie (2000) Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Three Rivers Press. ISBN-0761527400 

Sources:

http://stanfordhospital.org/clinicsmedServices/COE/surgicalServices/generalSurgery/bariatricsurgery/obesity/effects.html

http://www.candida-care-plus.com/candida-and-obesity.html

http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/what-causes-obesity.html

Know Your HIDDEN Enemy

A cunning enemy

Candida albicans. There are the diploid fungus that grows both as yeast and filamentous cells and a causal agent of opportunistic infections in humans. Most of the time it exists as oval, single yeast cells, which reproduce by budding.



Most yeasts do not produce mycelia (a mass of branching, threadlike hyphal filaments), but Candida has a trick up its sleeve. 


Normal room temperatures favour the yeast form of the organism, but under physiological conditions (body temperature, pH, and the presence of serum) it may develop into a hyphal form.


C. albicans lives in 80% of the human population without causing harmful effects, although overgrowth of the fungus results in candidiasis (candidosis). 
To infect host tissue, the usual unicellular yeast-like form of C. albicans reacts to environmental cues (very low good bacterial flora, for example) and switches into an invasive, multicellular filamentous form.

Tough defenses

The Candida's cell wall is what makes it a tough enemy to beat. β-glucan forms a fibrous network visible by scanning electron microscopy of the inner surface of walls and forms amorphous components (without any clear shape, form or structure) as well. Chitin is essential for insolubility of the wall, and the mannoproteins are highly glycosylated polypeptides, often 50 to 95% carbohydrate. They add to the cell wall integrity and non-permeability. 

Fungal adhesion to the mucus membranes in our body is a prerequisite for colonization, and infections are characterized by the invasion of surrounding epithelial cells. Although candida infections are usually seen in immunocompromised patients, recent studies have shown that even individuals with functioning immune systems can have their chronic health problems traced back to these opportunistic organisms. 
There is a need for everyone to be made aware of this hidden enemy that could just be the grass root level cause of the many modern health problems we have today.

 

 

 

Source:

http://jb.asm.org/content/180/15/3735.full#sec-7

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165311/