Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/127015
WHAT IS CANDIDA? Candida albicans is a yeastlike organism that lives naturally in small amounts in your mouth, gastrointestinal tract and skin. The body's natural defense against fungal and yeast infections is the production of friendly bacterial flora that keeps it in check. It is controlled by a properly functioning immune system and "friendly" bacteria. However, if the number of friendly bacteria is decreased, the immune system is weakened or other conditions for yeast proliferation occur. Candida albicans may shift from a yeast to a fungal form and start to invade the body and cause a multitude of health problems. WHAT IS COLITIS? Colitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the colon, sometimes associated with abdominal bloating or cramping, loose stools, chronic diarrhea and constipation. Certain people can inherit a genetic mutation that may predispose them to develop colitis. Some forms of colitis may be caused by infection through bacteria, viruses, fungus or other parasites. The most frequent cause, in my experience, is the overgrowth of candida as discussed above. To heal the colon, alternations in diet is critical with the removal of the "trigger foods" such as gluten-containing foods, dairy, peanuts, corn, sugar, etc. Dietary changes along with digestive enzymes and probiotics have helped greatly to improve or eradicate colitis in many people. The Importance of Probiotics The word probiotics – also called intestinal flora, good bacteria, micro-flora – means "for life" whereas antibiotics means "against life". Your life depends upon your GI tract being populated by friendly bacteria. A healthy intestine contains bilIn the yeast state candida lions of friendly bacteria – including up to 400 differis a non-invasive, sugar-ferent species. Incredibly, the beneficial bacteria outnumber the cells menting organism, while in of our body by 100 fold! fungal state it is invasive and can produce rhizoids, very long root-like structures. Rhizoids can penetrate mucosa or intestinal walls, leaving microscopic holes and allowing toxins, undigested food particles and bacteria and yeast to enter the bloodstream. This condition is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome and that is one of the causes of food and environmental allergies. The good micro-flora in your intestine can provide a protective effect only when a proper balance is maintained. If your normal bacteria become depleted or the balance disturbed, potentially harmful bacteria can overgrow causing digestive and other health problems. These harmful bacteria are known as pathogenic bacteria and they have the ability to cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or abdominal pain if not kept in check by the beneficial bacteria. Health-promoting effects of beneficial bacteria include stimulation of the immune system, reducing gas problems, improved absorption of essential nutrients, even synthesis of vitamins. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria produce compounds that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the production of harmful bacteria. Also note that beneficial bacteria help us to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, fight cancer and even promote resistance to foodborne pathogens. In contrast pathogenic effects of harmful bacteria include diarrhea, infections, liver damage, cancer, heart and circulation problems, diabetes and intestinal putrefaction. Abby's Magazine - May/June 2013 | Page 19