OT - INFO ON CANDIDA PLUS CHECKLIST

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WHAT IS CANDIDA?

The yeast Candida albicans is usually harmless yeast that lives in

small numbers in the digestive tract (and in the vaginal tract in

women). Its growth is usually controlled by the friendly bacteria in

our intestines and acidity (pH) level, and by our immune system. What

contemporary medical doctors often don't recognize is that candida

can grow and colonize in the digestive tract, producing toxins that

are absorbed in the bloodstream. This can wreak havoc on our immune

systems, hormonal balance, and virtually every system in the body.

Contemporary physicians do recognize local candida infections, such

as vaginal yeast infections. What causes candida yeast infections?

The use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, steroid medications, and

sugar consumption. These drugs can destroy the bacteria in the

intestines that keep candida growth in check. Candida yeast produce

toxins that harm the intestinal lining, which can then allow normally

excluded larger molecules to be absorbed through the lining and into

the bloodstream. These large molecules could be partially digested

foods. Your body doesn't recognize these molecules and your immune

system reacts against them. That's why people with candida react to

foods, chemicals, and other things in their environment. Health

conditions such as diabetes, impaired immune system, or impaired

liver function can predispose to candida yeast overgrowth.

Candida Questionnaire:

Health History

Have you taken " broad spectrum " antibiotics for two months in total

in a year? They are used for respiratory, urinary, and other

infections, and kill " good bacteria " while they kill the bacteria

responsible for the infection. This group includes Keflex,

ampicillin, amoxicillin, Bactrim, Sepra, and Ceclor.

Have you taken tetracyclines or other antibiotics for acne for one

month or longer?

Have you taken birth control pills for over two years?

Have you taken prednisone or other cortisone drugs for over two weeks?

Do your symptoms worsen when you are exposed to perfume, paint fumes,

cigarette smoke, insecticides, or other chemicals?

Have you ever been troubled with stubborn or recurring vaginitis,

prostatitis, or other problems affecting your reproductive organs?

Are your symptoms worsening on damp, muggy, humid days or when you

are in a moldy place?

Have you had a persistent or severe case of athlete's foot,

ringworm, " jock itch " or other chronic fungal infection of the skin

or nails?

Do you crave sugar, bread, or alcoholic drinks?

Symptom Checklist

• Tired or lethargic

• Poor memory

• Feel drained, depleted or exhausted

• Feel " spacey " or " unreal "

• Difficult to make simple decisions

• Numbness, burning, tingling

• Stomach pain

• Joint pain or swelling

• Muscle aching or weakness

• Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching

• Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or

discharge

• Prostatitis

• Impotence

• Loss of sexual desire

• Endometriosis or infertility

• Menstrual irregularity or cramping

• Anxiety attacks or crying

• Cold hands and feet, feel chilly

• Irritable or shaking when hungry