August 2012
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
This month, I have another set of questions for YOU.
– Do you crave sweets?
– Do you live in a damp climate?
– Have you had itchy ears or sinus congestion/infections in the last year?
– Do you have food allergies?
– Have you taken antibiotics in the last year?
– Have you had a vaginal yeast infection in the last year?
– Have you had rectal itching, constipation or diarrhea in the last month?
– Do you experience mood swings, lack of focus, memory problems, or unexplained fatigue?
– Have you had a kidney or bladder infection or prostatitis in the last year?
– Do you have muscle or joint pain?
– Do you have persistent heartburn?
– Do you have headaches more than once every three weeks?
– Have you been pregnant in the last year?
– Do you have diabetes?
– Do you have any little white bumps in your mouth or get cold sores/fever blisters?
– Do you have athlete’s foot, jock itch, toenail fungus, or white/yellowish toenails?
If you answered yes to five or more of the questions above, chances are you have an overgrowth of yeast. If you answered yes to eight or more of the questions above you probably have what natural health professionals affectionately call the Yeastie Beasties (a very technical term). I know a lot of you (perhaps the guys, in particular) may be saying “EWW” or expressing some other indication of “I’d really rather be doing anything else besides reading about yeast infections.”. But don’t go away. There’s information here that may answer some of YOUR questions.
Candida albicans is most often the culprit in yeasty/fungal infections. Most of us think of a vaginal infection when we think of a yeast infection, but overgrowth of this organism can wreak havoc all over the body. This “fungusamongus” normally coexists in our mouth, throat, esophagus, intestines, and reproductive tracts with the good bacteria. But sometimes it takes over, gets into the bloodstream, and goes to the area of the body that is weakened.
Now that we have a video-game visual of the invading troops conquering all corners of our anatomy, let’s see why it spreads like wildfire…sometimes.
Fungus is opportunistic, like corporate raiders who swoop in on corporations in trouble. When the immune system is weakened, it takes advantage and takes over. It can be the hidden, underlying cause of many symptoms. The biggest offenders in weakening the immune system are:
PRESCRIPTION ANTIBIOTICS. Yes, it does seem odd. They kill the infection short term – battle won. But because they kill the good bacteria, long term we may lose the war. That’s why Alexander Fleming, who invented prescription antibiotics in 1928, strongly advised taking good bacteria whenever antibiotics were prescribed. Other prescription drugs, like corticosteroids, can destroy good bacteria, as well.
SUGAR, SUGAR, SUGAR. Yep. The S word. I know. This is the point where I have had death threats. Even though they were made in jest, I hope, I have had death threats over mentioning the words sugar and coffee. Back to sugar. Sugar feeds yeast, especially refined white sugar and an excess of other simple carbohydrates. Don’t shoot the messenger.
FERMENTED FOODS. Fermented, yeast foods, like breads, beer, wine, vinegars, and cheeses (especially blue or any aged cheese) can also feed fungus.
HYDROGENATED OR HIGH-HEATED OILS. Fried foods or hydrogenated oils contain chemical alterations of the original oil. The body does not recognize these altered substances and reacts in many negative ways.
The bottom line is to avoid antibiotics when possible (like when you have a virus since antibiotics only work on bacteria) and eating antibiotic free meat. Also avoiding fermented foods and hydrogenated, fried foods will help.
The supplements that are the most potent in fighting the yeasty beasties are Probiotic 11, Yeast/Fungal Detox, High Potency Garlic, Caprylimmune, Pau D’arco, Tea Tree Oil, and Caprylic Acid.
Hot Tip: If you’d like to read more about this topic, The Yeast Connection by Dr. William Crook, is an excellent choice. He has also written many other books on the topic, like a cookbook and one written just on women’s issues.
Next month… Going green (And it’s NOT what you think.)
*******
Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
Ask Doctor Marty 