By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

First of all let me begin by answering the question, “What is … a yeast infection in a child?” To answer that you must understand a little bit about our digestive system. I am sure some of you have heard of the friendly bacteria that live in our intestinal tract. There are many strains of these organisms. An important one for humans is the Lactobacillus family. The most well known of these is probably Acidophilus. You may be familiar with yogurt containers broadcasting that they contain “live cultures” or “active cultures”. You may have heard that yogurt is a healthy food. Well, this is why. Yogurt contains Acidophilus which is vital for our digestive system to function properly. However Acidophilus does not appear as a major part of the intestinal bacteria until a child is about 7 years old.

Now, there are many different types of these friendly bacteria and an important function of theirs is to prevent an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This balance of friendly to unfriendly bacteria in the intestinal tract is so important that having the correct balance is synonymous with good physical health.

Another, perhaps insidious, organism that lives on our intestinal tract is called Candida Albicans, otherwise known as intestinal yeast. This organism lives as a yeast in our intestinal tracts but can change forms and become a fungus if it is allowed to overgrow. Lactobacillus (a friendly bacteria) normally feeds on Candida, keeping its numbers low. Lactobacillus is commonly found in yogurt, kefir, breast milk, miso (a soybean paste) and other foods. When antibiotics, cortisone medications, birth control pills, chemotherapy and drugs or alcohol are ingested, the Lactobacillus is destroyed and the Candida Albicans may then multiply. It grows like a weed, killing other helpful organisms and helping parasites and other harmful bacteria grow.

Children are now a target for Candida overgrowth. Many are born with it or develop it after their first exposure to antibiotics.

A pregnant woman may experience an increase in Candida growth due to hormonal changes normal to pregnancy. If she already has Candida or is very susceptible, an outbreak may occur in the birth canal. The baby will then contract it and become infected as it passes through the birth canal.

Severe diaper rash, rectal rashes or infections, rashes in the genital area, and colic are the most common symptoms in babies. Thrush, rashes, infections of the ear, nose, and throat, gas, diarrhea or constipation are all possible indicators.

Food allergies are common. These are, in reality, reactions due to the excess yeast growth. Asthma or eczema is also a common indicator of Candida.

When you have a yeast infection in a child, it is very important to use only non-toxic natural substances to kill the yeast overgrowth. Children are not developed physically to handle toxic drugs. The treatment must be gentle. Natural remedies which change the intestinal environment to one that is yeast-killing should be used. Strong herbs which kill yeast and cause toxic waste from dead yeast may be too hard on children. They may become ill as the yeast is dying.

When it is confirmed that the child’s yeast is eliminated through proper testing, Bifidus bacteria must be given to establish friendly protective bacteria. ACIDOPHILUS IS NEVER GIVEN TO A CHILD UNDER 7 YEARS OLD. Acidophilus may cause a child to produce excess lactic acid which can lead to mineral deficiencies, digestive problems, and fatigue.

When the bacteria has been re-introduced, proper testing must be done to determine vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While yeast is still present, Vitamin D, copper, calcium and B vitamins (even yeast-free) can spread the yeast by giving it what it needs to grow. When the yeast is gone, and replaced by friendly bacteria, the child’s digestion will be in good enough shape to digest and use vitamins.

Vitamins are essential in developing the child’s immune system. Vitamins A, C, zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids are vital to keeping a child’s immune system strong so that antibiotics will not be relied on.

The Child’s Diet

A child with yeast must avoid milk and yogurt, as they contain milk sugar. Milk sugar will feed yeast, create congestion, mucus, and weaken the child’s immune system. Candida also feeds on sugar and refined carbohydrates like: white bread, cake, candy, etc. So these foods should be avoided as well.

Hyperactive or Candida?

A child with Candida is often mislabeled hyperactive or learning disabled by misinformed people who seek to put children on dangerous drugs.

Ritalin is a common drug given to hyperactive or learning disabled children. Ritalin has been implicated in the rise of drug addiction and suicide in children. It is highly addictive. It has also been found that children on Ritalin tend to become more involved with other addictive drugs as well. Many times children who have Candida manifest a multiple allergic syndrome. These children display behavioral and learning difficulties due to reactions to foods, chemicals, and preservatives. This situation also has been linked to Candida infection, not the need for these dangerous psychiatric drugs. It has been reported that children who have both behavioral or learning disabilities and Candida infection display a marked reduction of symptoms once the Candida is eliminated.

One study by the Candida Research Foundation showed that out of 167 institutionalized patients, 163 of them had Candida. I personally have seen many patients who were incorrectly labeled as having psychiatric disorders at an early age, who then ended up on dangerous psychiatric drugs; where in reality, the underlying cause was Candida infection and allergies.

If your child displays any of the characteristics or symptoms mentioned here, it is vital that you have the child checked by an experienced practitioner for allergies and Candida. Not only can you spare your family and your child years of hardship, but you can also vastly increase the quality of life by understanding what is happening with your child’s health.

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

Over the last 7 months I have been researching real underlying causes of vaginal infections and chronic intestinal yeast infections. The symptoms of vaginal yeast are fairly well known to most women: vaginal itching, burning along with a frothy white discharge. Sometimes the discharge will be yellow if bacteria are also invading the tissues. Chronic intestinal yeast can cause over 100 symptoms ranging from asthma, skin rashes, flu like symptoms, food allergies, fatigue, brain fog and sweet cravings just to outline a few.

For years I have been developing natural, drug-free herbal, vitamin and nutritional programs that would effectively eliminate yeast from the body and restore energy and immune function.

Several years ago I discovered and proved that many chronic cases of yeast infection (called Candida) were also caused and perpetuated by parasites and worms living in our bodies.

Recently I have made another major breakthrough that may be the solution for those who have not properly responded to anti-yeast therapy in the past.

Yeast cells like parasites live mostly in the regions of the digestive system. They live, eat and reproduce in our small intestines and the large intestines often called the bowel. They feed on bacteria and waste products from our diets that are not properly eliminated. The type of intestinal tract they like is one that is slow moving and that allows foods to remain in the bowel for many days, at least 3 to 4. This way the food can breakdown, mix with bacteria and serve as food for the yeast. When food remains in the bowel too long, it also putrefies, serves as poison and destroys friendly bacteria called acidophilus that normally stops yeast from growing.

Yeast cells and parasites attach themselves to the intestinal lining. They bury themselves into the layers of mucus and old rotting decayed foods that also line the intestinal tract.

Parasites will lay eggs and reproduce in this messy lining. Imagine this as an old, rusty, dirty piece of pipe that has mold and tiny insects living in the rusty cruddy layer lining the pipe.

When the layers of old food and mucus become deep, parasitic and yeast killing herbs or medicine are not able to reach the enemy and kill them. The ones closest to the surface may be killed but the ones that have buried themselves in will escape the treatment.

Further, there are certain diseases of the bowel where “pockets” develop. These are like pouches that balloon out in the intestines where old food and yeast or parasites get trapped and stuck.

These areas begin to become little cities and communities for these harmful organisms. These neighborhoods become very deep with crud build up that parasites and yeast like to live and hide in.

For many years my female patients would tell me that when they became constipated they would be more likely to develop vaginal or bladder infections. I now fully understand why.

When the bowel would become constipated, a sudden build up of these organism will occur. Some of them are able to leak from the bowel into the vaginal and urinary tract causing the infection!

WHAT IS CONSTIPATION?

This is a very good question . In Latin, constipation does not mean that one simply does not have a bowel movement. It means to COMPACT, to jam together. If someone has a bowel movement 3 times a day everyday but it does not seem like the completely emptied out each time, there is a residue left in the bowel which will eventually build up like the crud inside a pipe. Having build-up inside your intestines is the truest definition of constipation. In our office, a simple 5 minute urine test can tell whether or not someone has build up of old crud in their intestines.

THE SOLUTION

The solution to fully get rid of vaginal and intestinal yeast is to fully clean or ream out the intestinal tract and get rid of all the old material that lines the intestines and serves as a home for these infection producing bums! I thought in the past that colonics or colemas, along with the available bowel cleansers from the health food store, would do it. I was wrong. I have had the right ideas but the wrong tools. I recently discovered a bowel cleansing program that works so well I cannot believe it myself. Patients who had done many colonics and bowel cleansing programs from the health food stores have been put on this program by the nutritionists in my center. These patients have reported gobs of old blackened, foul smelling, intestinal shaped material come out through their bowel movements. Many have had worms come out.

Patients have reported seeing peanuts and remnants of foods they ate weeks ago suddenly come out. One patient even tried to convince me he found an old rabbit’s foot and set of car keys that he lost years ago suddenly come out! Well I don’t know about that but I can say that people who thought their intestines were really clean from having done previous cleansing programs and vegetarian diets were horrified to have seen what came out of them. Some very inspired people have taken their old crud out of the toilet and measured how long the pieces were. After several weeks on this program these people reported a total of over 25 feet of old material passed out of their intestines. One man reported over 50 feet!

THE NEW PROGRAM!!

We begin this program by giving people liquid herbs to take that will travel their systems and destroy any yeast that is found throughout. We switch these herbs every few days so that the yeasts do not become immune to them. Next, we put the person on the special bowel cleansers for 2 weeks to start eliminating the old material. Next, we put them on special yeast and parasite killing substances that literally coat, absorb and stick to the lining of the intestinal tract to reach as much of the yeast as possible for another 2 weeks. Then we may return the to the clean out program for another 2 weeks, followed by another 2 weeks of the special killers. We repeat this as many times as necessary until our urine test shows they are clean. At this time we may begin to introduce friendly bacteria and nutrients which boost the immunity of the intestinal tract back up.

Having done this and eliminating the yeast, we can begin a program to correct their vitamin deficiencies and weakened immune system. One women had been on our program for several years and had been only slowly improving. She was immediately put on this program and noticed a dramatic improvement for the first time ever!

Many other complaints have responded to this program as well such as headaches, skin rashes, psoriasis, and arthritic conditions to name a few.

I feel that this program has been an important missing link to the treatment of vaginal and intestinal yeast problems. The simplicity of it is to fully remove them, their food and their real estate from your body!

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

Candida Albicans has become a household word for many health conscious Americans. Candida is a yeast that lives in the human digestive system. It has the ability to change from a yeast and become a fungus. As a fungus it operates in a similar fashion to any other fungus such as athletes’ foot fungus, etc. Candida is kept at low levels by the friendly bacteria that also reside in the digestive tract. The friendly bacteria feed on the Candida, thus a balance in the body is maintained. Modern medicine’s “gift” of antibiotics, birth control pills, cortisone and chemotherapy kill this friendly bacteria as do street drugs, alcohol, and junk food diets.

Once this friendly bacteria has been destroyed, the yeast begins to overgrow and take over the digestive system. Left untreated, it becomes a fungus and grows into a plant-like structure complete with roots. These roots can break through the intestinal walls, allowing the yeast to travel to other areas of the body such as the sinuses, throat, reproductive organs, the lungs and skin just to name a few.

It is capable of producing over 100 symptoms. This makes it extremely frustrating for anyone with this condition to be able to find out or understand what is exactly wrong with them. Billions are spent each year on antibiotics, creams, nasal sprays, unnecessary hospital visits, operations and antidepressants, due to the ignorance and arrogance of the medical profession. It is written in their own journals that antibiotics can cause this condition yet they continue to boldly prescribe them and are resentful when discussing their side effects. One doctor who was backed into a corner on this subject during a radio talk show became hysterical with fear and began screaming: “THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS CANDIDA!”

The symptoms of Candida are so confusing that even a practitioner who wants to know about it can be confused. I truly believe that proper testing is the answer. It is my deep-seated belief that those who want to get well must find a practitioner who offers accurate testing. This way the real problem can be found and not overlooked.

Look over the list of all the possible symptoms Candida can cause and you will see why I so firmly believe that by symptoms alone one can be misled into treating a “major symptom” and miss the true culprit.

SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDA

1. Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke.
2. Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy or moldy places.
3. Athletes’ foot, jock itch, fungal infections on the skin or nails.
4. Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol.
5. Prostitis or vaginitis.
6. Diarrhea.
7. Constipation.
8. Abdominal distention, bloating or pain.
9. Gas or flatulence.
10. Rectal itching or rash.
11. Colic.
12. Diaper rash.
13. Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections.
14. Kidney, bladder infections.
15. Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection).
16. Sinus infections.
17. Joint pain or swelling.
18. Acne.
19. Hives.
20. Rashes.
21. Itching skin.
22. Eczema.
23. Psoriasis.
24. Loss of sex drive.
25. Impotence.
26. Fatigue.
27. Feeling drained.
28. Memory loss.
29. Feeling spaced out.
30. Numbness, burning or tingling.
31. Muscle aches.
32. Muscle pains.
33. Flu-like symptoms.
34. Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation).
35. Cramps or menstrual irregularities.
36. P.M.S.
37. Spots in front of eyes.
38. Erratic vision.
39. Drowsiness.
40. Irritability or jitteriness.
41. Mood swings.
42. Depression.
43. Suicidal feelings.
44. Headaches.
45. Hypoglycemia.
46. Feeling of swelling and tingling in the head.
47. Heartburn.
48. Indigestion.
49. Belching.
50. Intestinal gas.
51. Mucus in the stools.
52. Hemorrhoids.
53. Dry mouth.
54. Sores or blisters in the mouth.
55. Bad breath.
56. Nasal congestion.
57. Nasal discharge.
58. Nasal itching.
59. Post nasal drip.
60. Sore or dry mouth.
61. Sore or dry throat.
62. Cough.
63. Pain or tightness in the chest.
64. Wheezing or shortness of breath.
65. Asthmatic symptoms.
66. Burning or itching eyes.
67. Burning on urination.
68. Ear pain.
69. Ear aches.
70. Ear discharges.
71. Painful intercourse.
72. Food allergies or food reactions.
73. Hayfever.
74. General allergies.
75. Thrush.
76. Hair loss.

As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated.

One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another–a grand tour of the hospital–only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.

Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one’s diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over-tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms.

The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow.

If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast. I believe a better solution is a blood test called a Candisphere, which measures the amount of the toxic protein that the large colonies of Candida release into the blood that are directly causing the symptoms.

Another new test can tell us the following: 1) How much friendly bacteria is present and able to fight the Candida. 2) How much harmful bacteria is present that can weaken the friendly bacteria acting as a friend to Candida. 3) How much harmful bacteria is present that can cause symptoms along with the Candida. 4) How well the digestive system is breaking down and absorbing all the foods we eat. 5) If there if is any inflammation or irritation in the intestines or colon from the Candida. 6) If the Candida has caused damage or leaks in the intestinal walls allowing allergens or toxins to come into the body. 7) How well the immune system in the intestines is working to fight the Candida.

This wonderful new test can help us understand exactly what Candida is doing and what damage it has created. This helps us understand the symptoms and their origin so as to eliminate much of the guessing that could otherwise take place. Candida can be trickier than a used car salesman and more confusing then our current economic problems. You could go crazy trying to figure out what all the symptoms mean and why they happen etc, etc. Please!!! find competent help. Don’t drown in a sea of confusion or yeast!

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

If you suspect that you have Systemic Candidiasis (systemic means the infection has spread to other areas, and is not confined to the bowel or vaginal area), consider carefully the treatment recommended by your health practitioner. 80% of all the treatments I have encountered are either only temporary in reducing symptoms, very toxic to vital organs such as the liver, or would take years to truly handle systemic candida.

Signs of overgrowth and the progression of spreading yeast are very similar in most cases. Gastrointestinal upset, bloating, constipation, itching rectum, burning stool, gas and, cramps are the first sign of overgrowth. This overgrowth has a chance to invade other parts of the body. Since the vaginal tract is close to the anus of a female, this seems to be where Candida first moves. At this stage, vaginal infections or in a male, jock itch is common. At this point Candida seems to move through the tract shared by the reproductive and urinary systems. Most males surveyed who have C. Albicans appeared to have contracted it after oral sex with an infected female. For this reason it is common that males end up with the spores in their lungs.

Candida can also breakthrough the intestinal membrane directly to the blood. This is the least likely yet second major way it becomes systemic.

This is a summary of the reported symptoms of progress of Candida as it goes systemic. This data was compiled from thousands of patients.

1. Fatigue, tired and irritable yet all blood tests values normal.
2. Detached state of mind, memory loss, difficulty concentrating.
3. Adult onset allergy. Kurt Donsbach has found allergies start out as being minor food allergies and they expand to include chemical allergies of all kinds.
4. Extreme Allergy – to the point where practically everything effects the person.
5. The last sign is mental deterioration with depression, delusions, violent and suicidal tendencies.

I would urge anyone who has been treated for Candida who still has any symptoms mentioned here to call our office and ask about the Candisphere test I wrote about last month. It is the only valid test of true over-colonization of C. Albicans.

TYPES OF TREATMENT

The most well known medicine for Candida might be Nystatin. According to the PDR, no detectable blood levels are found following oral administration of the drug at recommended doses. It is, therefore, effective at reducing localized vaginal or intestinal yeast growth, but cannot travel through the blood stream to handle the infections in other areas. Another drug, Nizoral, impairs the productions of ergosterol, a vitamin D like substance, which is vital to the integrity of the yeast cell membranes. This drug is difficult for Candidiasis patients to absorb because proper stomach acid is required to absorb it. Most patients are deficient in stomach acid. Yeast infections sometimes produce symptoms that make people believe they have excess acid. Recent evidence shows this drug may cause serious liver damage or even fatal reactions.

NATURAL REMEDIES

In the natural health field many substances have bean promoted as being able to reduce yeast Infection. I have found that they do create a reduction in symptoms, but cannot destroy a yeast overgrowth in a systemic case. Both undecylenic and caprylic acid are poorly absorbed into the blood stream making them ineffective in systemic cases. Acidophilus is helpful but not in systemic cases. Many herbs, citrus extracts and other substances have been found to create some reduction, but rarely a complete one. The yeast is very adaptive. Yeast sensitivity tests (where an individual yeast is tested to see which remedies will effectively kill it) have shown that the yeast can become resistant to any natural or medical therapy after a month or so of continuous use. I have found, through the brilliant work of Dr. Scott J. Gregory O.M .D., a protocol of several, natural, non-toxic, substances which are extremely effective in handling systemic candida. However, even at that, a special approach is needed to ensure effectiveness. I have found the best results, using four of the twelve or so remedies that I hand picked for the individual, in a rotation. Using one for four days, stopping it, then switching to another for four days, stopping it, then switching to the next and so on, until all four have been run through and then repeating the cycle again and again. The trick is that each remedy has a different chemical action in destroying the yeast. So rotating them exposes the yeast to different forms of attack. It also ensures that resistance to the remedy is avoided because use is not continuous.

THE CONFUSION OF TREATMENT

Many practitioners you may visit for candida treatment will tell you one of four things.

(1). “We must build your immune system”; or (2.) “We must detoxify you”; or (3.) “We must kill your candida”; (4.) “We must balance your metabolism”. Some will tell you they must do all four immediately and put you on sixty products a day. The proper way to handle candida, EBV, HIV, or any such condition is in four steps. They must be done in an exact order and to full completion. If not, the patient is likely to relapse. (1.) Reduce the acute infection. (2.) Detoxify the bowel, liver, kidneys, etc. (3.) Normalize metabolism functions of adrenals, thyroid and other systems. (4.) Rebuild immunity and proper immune response. To do any of these out of sequence is to go appetite over tin cup. How can you rebuild the immune system if the person has a raging infection? If your house were on fire you wouldn’t begin to repair your walls and structures until you put out the fire right?

Other analogies can be made for any of these steps done out of sequence. But I can assure you that if each phase is done, in order and to full completion, the chances are unlikely that the patient will relapse and unlikely that he or she will still have the underlying weakness which led to going on the antibiotic that may have induced the yeast infection to begin with.

My experience is that practitioners concentrate only on one of these four phases and neglect the other three. Look at it again. You reduce the infection first, so you will not produce further toxins, so that your colon or detoxing regime will be finite and effective. You then normalize endocrine function. Many toxins store in the thyroid directly, a good example is mercury. Opening up channels of elimination as in phase two allow for further cellular detox and endocrine function to resume. Since the adrenal glands also have a powerful immune stimulation, (sympathetic innervated immune response), phase three opens up to phase four re-establishing correct immune response. So there you have it. This is the solution and correct path to handling this modern scourge. I wish you well.

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, a Degree in Natural Healing, and a Masters in Clinical Nutrition. He is affiliated with the International Academy of Clinical Nutritionists end the International Academy of Nutrition and Preventive Medicine. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

Candida Albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called “Acidophillus and Bifidus” can use it as food.

When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria the candida cells begin to multiply out of control.

Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints.

Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses.

The true causes of candida are not a mystery. They are also not the same for each individual person. Some people have candida due to a combination of causes. To begin with lets look at the true causes and discuss each.

1. ANTIBIOTICS: Antibiotics are a common cause of candida. Antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply. Anyone who has been treated with antibiotics for acne, major dental work or any condition where antibiotic use has been frequent, more than 1 course of 7-10 days, is a prime candidate for candida.

2. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS OR DEVICE: Oral birth control pills are mostly the hormone estrogen.

Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Several years ago the Great Smokies Medical lab published studies showing that hormones could effect intestinal bacteria.

A common compliant of women on birth control pills is yeast infection. The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter.

It has been observed by David Watts, Ph.D., that copper promotes the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.

3. EXCESSIVE STRESS AND ELEVATED CORTISOL: Stress can cause yeast growth for several reasons. Stress causes the release of certain hormone called CORTISOL . Cortisol can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast. These two reaction tend to happen together as cortisol goes up. This is the exact reason why stress causes candida. Cortisol can be addicting to the body. It raises sugar and relieves inflammation. There have been a few studies that show the body can become addicted to it and try to keep it elevated. There are several simple nutrients that help lower cortisol levels back to normal by telling the nervous system to relax.

4. TAP WATER CONSUMPTION: Common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This will allow candida to grow as covered earlier.

5. PARASITES AND INTESTINAL WORMS: Parasites and intestinal worms are more common then anyone would think. Some researchers have estimated that over 85% of all people living in North America and Canada have parasites. Parasites can be large worm-like creatures or small microscopic organisms. Either type destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.

6. CONSTIPATION: Constipation can be caused by candida. However constipation can also lead to candida. If one does not have candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what candida does best in. The more alkaline the digestive tract the happier the candida becomes.

It does not matter what causes the constipation. Constipation for any reason can easily cause candida.

7. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: Excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Beer can be a particular problem not because of the yeast but because of its maltose content. Maltose is a sugar that is derived from malt. Malt sugar is very potent and can feed yeast cells very quickly. People with candida also tend to develop allergies to all yeast products whether the yeast is healthy or not. This does not mean that hard spirits or wine in excess are any safer. Alcohol should always be used in moderation. Drugs can also cause yeast overgrowth particularly if they disturb the digestive system. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.

8. HYPOTHYROID: Low thyroid is very common in cases of candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. As pointed out earlier, lack of proper digestive secretions can cause reduction of friendly bacteria. Constipation is also common with low thyroid. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in body temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop candida overgrowth.

9. IMMUNE DEFICIENCY: Any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about candida. Most notable are AIDS and CANCER.

Candida can be considered a side effect of these more threatening illnesses.

10. HORMONAL IMBALANCE: It has been long recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth. In order to support friendly intestinal flora, adequate amounts of both hormones are needed. Great Smokies Medical Lab published a paper several years ago which explained how these hormones are essential to the health of friendly bacteria. Any upset in this balance can cause yeast overgrowth. The hormonal imbalance must be corrected after the yeast has been reduced or relapse is sure to occur.

11. EXCESSIVE BOWEL CLEANSING: I am a firm believer in colonic irrigation and bowel cleansing. However, it does happen that one can overdo cleansing. If someone has an excessive amount of colonics without replacing friendly bifidus bacteria that lives in the colon, candida may grow. This is a rare situation, but noteworthy.

12. DIABETES: This is the most difficult case to deal with. It is essential that the diabetes be addressed first and the blood sugar be gotten under control. It is impossible to eliminate candida while the blood sugar is high. There are specific herbs that are anti-fungal and have traditionally been used to lower blood sugar. I developed this protocol 2 years ago and have used it with good results, but I feel that most people should go right on a diabetic protocol to lower their sugar before attempting any candida elimination.

13. The Toxic Metal Connection: Toxic metals show up consistently in the candida patient. They are Mercury, Copper and Arsenic. These metals disable the exact part of the immune system that seeks to control candida! They are often found in ones dental fillings and in tap water. As they pass through the intestinal tract they can stimulate the growth of more candida. Testing for them in done using a stool sample. A stool sample for toxic metals reflects the body’s ability to excrete the metals as the stool via the liver in the primary path of metal excretion; the urine is not a prime outlet for the body to dump metals. The stool also shows how much metal the candida is being exposed to!!!!!!!

Many doctors make the mistake of aggressively chelating or trying to remove metals from the candida patient early in the treatment, thinking that handling the cause will clear it faster. However this only serves to spread the candida. As the huge out pouring of metals move down the intestinal tract it contacts and spread the yeast!!!!!!!!!!

Metal removal must be done after the yeast is gone, in the Biamonte Method we use a substance which binds the metals in the intestinal tract during the early stages of candida elimination, to keep them away from the candida until we can get the patient into the 3rd phase in which the metals can be addressed safely.

14. Antiacids: Any medication that reduces stomach acid levels can cause and overgrowth of Candida. The friendly bacteria, particularly acidophilus release acid by products that control the growth of Candida. The intestinal ph should be between 6.0 and 7.4. If the ph goes higher then 7.4 Candida begins to overgrow and establich colonies.

So here you have the 14 true causes of candida. Candida is becoming a very well known and recognized problem in this country. It has been estimated at 30% of all Americans have candida. In this article we have explored the true causes. If you are interested in candida elimination please call my office.

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

© 1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

To properly detect candidiasis we must understand the nature of the beast. It is normal to find a few candida cells living in your intestines. Antibiotics, cortisone, birth control pills, chemotherapy, improperly done colonics or enemas, in short, anything that disturbs that normal bacteria in your bowel (which normally digests excess candida and other harmful organisms) will allow candida to rapidly multiply. As an organism, it grows in a plant like form, sending roots into your intestinal wall looking for food. These roots bore holes through the intestinal tract causing a condition now known as “leaky gut syndrome”. This means that damage to the intestinal wall is allowing bacteria, bacterial debris, foods, pollens, environmental pollutants and many other materials to pass by the normal protective barriers and enter the body. This, then, causes a host of allergic and digestive complaints (which are incorrectly treated and diagnosed based on the individual symptom). This causes further immune suppression. The candida organism also changes forms if threatened. It can live as a yeast, which will ferment sugar, but not spread to other tissue or cause damage. It can also exist as a fungus,. In the fungal form it will grow very long root like structures and cause damage. It will also travel through the blood stream and reach other tissues. The thyroid, adrenals and ovaries are known to be effected. In the case of endocarditis, the yeast will infect previously damage heart valves or become active after heart surgery.

More commonly candida, is known as the organism which causes vaginal infections. If friendly bacteria in the vaginal area are destroyed, yeast cells quickly multiply causing an infection. Antibiotics and feminine hygiene sprays or powders are the most common killers of friendly bacteria. The discharge is usually thin, watery with white cottage cheese material. Itching and burning are common. Candida can also appear as a fury white growth in the corners of the mouth and tongue. This is called thrush. It may also cause diaper rash, painful swelling of the toes and of the fingernails, jock itch or rash in the groin of a male, and also athlete’s foot. As a living organism, candida feeds on fecal matter in the bowel. Sugars and carbohydrates are its favorite food.

Any food that has undergone fermentation (which breaks down sugars in simple easy to absorb forms) will have had its sugars readily available for the yeast to absorb and feed on. B complex vitamins taken along with carbohydrates or sugars are a perfect food for candida. Vitamin D, calcium and copper all are protective in nature to candidiasis. Vitamin D and calcium strengthens its metabolism. Deficiencies of Selenium, and antioxidants have been found to predispose one to candidiasis, as well as any medication or drug (pot, cocaine, etc.) which can depress the immune functions. Iodine deficiency, which can lower thyroid function and cause inactivity of immune protecting enzymes, has also been implicated as a cause. Hypoxia, which means low oxygen can be among the problems. When in a low oxygen environment candida releases high amounts of toxic substances which damage the intestinal wall and interfere with red and white blood cell functioning. Epstein Ban virus is also a known predisposing factor in chronic candida (CMV, another virus similar to EBV, as well). Most commonly, a person who has numerous deficiencies and stress, will take a medication and the yeast cells will overgrow due to the medication disrupting the balance of good and bad bacteria. Once the good bacteria has been destroyed and the yeast has multiplied, taking the good bacteria can do little good.

Lactobacillus has not been seen to regrow in a bowel which is inhabited by yeast overgrowth. The yeast must first be eliminated before the lactobacillus can regrow.To get an accurate picture of a candida patient’s true condition, three tests are probably required. We now refer to these three as the “trio.” These three are required for complete diagnosis in a woman’s case. The first is a microbiology analysis of the stool. In many cases the stool will not pick up actual traces of candida. This is because candida does not grow in the bowel in a uniform fashion. It does not coat the bowel like rust around a pipe. It grows in streaks and bunches. Due to this, the stool may not have contacted and picked up enough for the lab to find. The true value in the stool test is to determine the balance of the normal flora or “good bacteria”. If the good bacteria is missing then we know candida has an excellent chance to grow.

The stool test can also pick up other harmful bacteria that can work with the yeast.The next test is called a candisphere. This has been found to be the most accurate test to determine if someone has an overgrowth of candida anywhere in the body. It has been found 92% accurate. This is a blood test, different from any other. It will only be positive if the person has a large, abnormal number of candida cells which are causing harm in the body. The third test is called a vaginesis profile. This is a test of the vaginal mucus to detect normal and bad bacteria, candida or any other possible organism which can cause an infection. Also, the many other factors which can predispose someone to vaginal infections are tested. These three tests when used together can spot any possible organism or groups of organisms which may be causing infections. It will locate whether or not they are moving from the bowel to the vaginal area or moving back and forth. They will also explain what predisposed the person to begin with. From all three we can get an idea of where the yeast has more forcefully attached in the body.

For a man, only two of the tests would be needed, we call these the “duo”. The candisphere and microbiology test. When these tests have confirmed the presence of candida overgrowth, 4-5 natural and non-toxic substances can be used to do the following: 1. Alter the environment surrounding the candida to inhibit its growth. This can be done by changing the Ph of the body. 2. Provide more oxygen to the body. This kills the harmful organism. 3. Kill organisms by using substances which digest them. 4. Destroy the membrane of the candida cell. 5. Help the body’s own immune system to attack the yeast without over-stimulating it. After seven days most virus, bacteria and fungal cells begin to resist attack from any remedy. Therefore, they should be taken one at a time for four days and then stopped and another started and used for only four days. Each one should be used in this way. After this is accomplished the intestines should be cleansed, repaired and the proper friendly bacteria put back. This can only be done after enough or all yeast die while on these first two phases, as no one would want to feed an enemy. In the third phase, the body is now ready to accept vitamins without getting ill from them. Many people who get ill from taking vitamins have yeast overgrowth. Now, major deficiencies and imbalances can be addressed. The last phase is to now repair and strengthen the immune system.

The first phase is a bypass of your own immune system. The second is to clean out the old fecal matter the yeast was feeding on, to clean out dead yeast cells, to repair the intestinal damage and regrow the friendly bacteria. The third phase is to address the major deficiencies which exist. The last and most important fourth phase is to repair the immune system and strengthen it so that this problem does not repeat. This process is like a “race” from the first phase to get to the last. The purpose of the first three phases is to get the person in good enough shape so that the immune system can be repaired and the results will be as permanent as possible. If someone moves quickly through the first three phases to the fourth without excessive stress, wrong foods, or lapses in correctly doing the program they will get good results.

Anyone suffering with any abnormal condition of their reproductive system, asthma. bronchitis, earaches, cystitis, diabetes, unexplained confusion or foggy feelings, who also has developed allergies and digestive problems with a general drop in their resistance to colds and infections may have a candida overgrowth as the underlying, hidden cause of their complaints. I myself did not believe in candida some years ago. As a clinical nutritionist I believed more in deficiencies. However, when people did not get the results they should have from my programs and would get strange reactions from taking health building substances, I was forced to look for a reason, and I have found that one out of every three people living in the U.S. has an overgrowth of candida. I hope this data is useful.

REFERENCES

1. Candida Albicans and Oxygen free radical process – Stephen Levine, M.D.
2. Candida Albicans: An unsuspected problem – Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D
3. Epstein Barr virus and its treatment. Michael L. Culbert D.Sc., Robert Bradford D.Sc.
4. Oxygen Immunity, Cancer and Candida Albicans – Stephen Levine Parris Kidd.
5. Holistic protocol for the Immune System – Scott Gregory.
6. Great Smokies Medical Lab

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.

By Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.

In order to prevent relapse of Candida or any chronic viral condition, proper immune function must be restored. After Phase I (killing the yeast or virus), Phase II (detoxifying the body), and Phase III (restoring vitamin and mineral balance and energy) have been completed, the immune system is perfectly set up to be restored.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system is involved in stimulating the immune system. Proper nervous system function depends on many nutrients but particularly “B” vitamins and wheat germ oil. Phase III will reactivate nervous system activity, which will help the immune response stimulated by adrenal gland function.

CHINESE HERBS

Various Chinese herbs have been found to stimulate T cells. These herbs can also stimulate antibody production from B cells. T cells and B cells are essential to immune function. Chinese herbs are excellent to stimulate the immune function.

INTERFERON

This is a protein which is produced by cells infected by a virus. It inhibits the virus’s ability to reproduce and induces resistance to further attack or infection. Both sunlight and the mineral Germanium have been shown to stimulate Interferon.

IMMUNOGLOBULINS

These are antibodies which are produced by B cells. Antibodies attack bacteria, viruses, etc. Omega-3 oils and other fatty acids are important in their production.

ANTIBODIES AND THE LIVER

Copper and Vitamin T (found in sesame oil) are important factors in restoring the liver’s production of antibodies.

THE THYMUS

This is a gland which has been called the master immune gland. If it functions excessively it can reduce adrenal function. Vitamin A, B12, B5, copper and magnesium are essential to its function.

COPPER

Copper works closely with Vitamin C, as does manganese. It is used to attract toxins in the lymph system. It attracts the infection like a magnet and then wrestles it to the ground.

ZINC AND VITAMIN A

Essential to white blood cell production.

VITAMIN C

Essential to white blood cell activation.

THE SPLEEN

The spleen directs white blood cells to areas of infection. It also helps to clean up the mess resulting from infections. It requires iron, B12, folic acid, and Vitamin C.

THE LYMPH GLANDS

Require Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and zinc to form lymphocytes which neutralize infections.

While this is just a basic outline, it does give an idea of what is involved in restoring immune function.

PROTEIN: THE MISSING LINK

In any immune suppressed condition, adequate protein intake is essential. Protein is vital for all of the prior functions described. Low protein diets have been linked to lowered antibody production.

Finding the level of globulin protein in one’s blood test gives a basic idea of one’s immune response. Many of the nutrients described previously can restore globulin production when adequate protein is present. Lowered total white blood cells are commonplace in protein malnutrition. Many Candida sufferers can actually worsen their condition if their diet is low in quality proteins and high in refined sugar.

WHITE DEATH AND CANDIDA

Good old white sugar, besides feeding yeast cells directly, has been found to lower white blood counts. It should be avoided when trying to restore the immune function.

A strong immune system is vital in preventing a relapse of Candida. Keep in mind that this information would never be used to attempt to eliminate Candida; that is what Phase I is for. Since Candida is commonly caused by antibiotic use, strong immune response would be vital in preventing antibiotics use due to reoccurring infections. A strong immune system is also vital in defending the body from yeast cells attempting to overgrow. In the future, a strong immune system will smash any yeast cell that even thinks of causing a riot in your body.

Michael Biamonte

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.

For an appointment, contact our office at:

Michael Biamonte, C.C.N.
139 Fulton St.
Suite 507
New York, NY 10038
(212) 587-2330

©1997 – Current Year: MTB Management, Inc.