Candida / Dysbiosis

Many digestive symptoms can be caused by an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the colon. Healthy, normal people have between 5 to 7 pounds of bacteria in the colon necessary for digestion and vitamin production (vitamin K especially). Antibiotics kill most bacteria, including the good bacteria in the colon, and can result in overgrowth of fungus (or candida). Birth control pills, heavy sugar consumption, steroids and other medications can have a similar effect. Harmful bacteria and yeasts create toxins (aldehydes) and crowd out beneficial bacteria. Excess toxins overload the liver, which has far reaching implications in the body, including lowered immunity. Byproducts of the harmful bacteria and yeasts irritate the lining of the intestine, increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Leaky gut has been suspected to cause many different allergies. In fact, according to research published in the Lancet (April 7, 2001;357:1076-1079), if an expectant mother takes probiotics (“good” bacteria), it reduces the chance of allergies developing in her child.

Dietary modification and supplements (especially probiotics and anti-fungal herbs) can restore the normal balance of bowel flora and address symptoms such as fatigue, mental cloudiness, pain, frequent urination/urinary tract infections, insomnia, PMS, weight gain, skin issues, headaches, constipation, diarrhea and many others. Acupuncture can help strengthen immunity to expedite dietary treatment.