Candida is a yeast organism which resides naturally in the intestinal tract. Its purpose is to assist in the digestive process by helping to break down food. When this organism proliferates and grows out of control it can enter the bloodstream and organs. Symptoms of candida overgrowth can include: fatigue, sugar cravings, red or blotchy skin, chronic digestive problems, TMJ, ringing in the ears, stomach cramping, yeast (and other fungal) infections, allergy like symptoms, foggy thinking, high and low mood swings, depression, and hair loss.

The tendency among physicians to treat all and everything with antibiotics is a prime cause for candida overgrowth. Antibiotics do not differentiate between good and bad bacteria in the intestinal tract. If you do need to take a course of antibiotics always take a pro-biotic supplement. Please ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take the two concurrently so they do not cancel one another out.

Kundalini Yoga is very effective in building ones immune system. Any and all of the yoga sets on our DVDs will help build your defenses. Yoga Cleanse-Lighten Up & Purify can be very helpful. You also might want to try our Immune Booster segment on our Yoga House Call DVD.

For chronic candida, we also suggest coming at this from a different angle which will create a new energetic template Please try to do the So Darshan Chakra Kriya Meditation for 31 minutes a day for 40 days or more. You can find a description for So Darshan Chakra Kriya under S in this Health Archive. This works on physically strengthening the Navel Chakra and revitalizing the internal organs and digestive system. A strong Navel Center creates a purifying fire in the body which neutralizes all impurities. There are most often emotional issues as well which contribute to health challenges. We feel that this technique will help you resolve the core issues of your life.

Please be patient with the physical process of healing this condition. In chronic cases, once the immune system has been compromised, it can take 1–3 years of doing all the right things to get back to a place of balance. As you may know, killing the candida too fast, can create a toxic condition in the body so the best thing to do is to just be proactive and live a consistently healthy lifestyle, continuing to do the kinds of things we recommend here.

It is important to cut out sugar and other high glycemic foods (fruits and even carrots are to be avoided now), coffee, dairy products, chemical additives, bread and pasta, and yeast. The operative term here when symptoms are pronounced, is cut out, not just cut down.

Garlic is an anti-fungal substance, as is cinnamon, and oil of oregano, and grapefruit seed extract,

A probiotic supplement as mentioned above is very important when treating candida. We often sprinkle probiotic powder into our smoothies. You can also eat probiotic foods such as unpasteurized sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir. Kombucha or probiotic beverages can also be helpful.

Disclaimer: The advice we give is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Please consult your physician before beginning any exercise program or nutritional protocol.