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What is Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is a condition that is caused by the unchecked growth of candida albicans, a fungus similar to yeast, in the body, most commonly in the mouth, intestines, or vagina. Recently, candidiasis has become a hot issue of discussion regarding health. Digestive problems, fatigue, and vaginal yeast infections can all be caused by candidiasis. While there is controversy over whether to diagnose the condition as a “disease,” or as a “syndrome,” and over what qualifies as a true case of candidiasis, there is no denying that it is a widespread and troublesome problem in this country.
Reducing Candida
There are several causes for yeast-cell overgrowth. These include weak immune systems; medications such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, and chemotherapy; and excessive consumption of certain foods such as yeast products, sugar, and alcohol. Oriental medicine believes that these foods cause imbalances in the spleen, allowing for the production of phlegm and creating an environment in which yeast can thrive.
To stop or treat the overproduction of yeast, traditional Chinese medicine attempts to restore balance to the body’s Yin and Yang. Too many yeast cells and too much bacteria are both imbalances. When imbalances arise, our health suffers.
Triple Burner
The Triple Burner is one of the body’s six Yang “organs,” and is made of three parts. The first section, the Upper Burner, includes the heart and lungs. The second section, the Middle Burner, includes the spleen and the stomach. The third section, the Lower Burner, includes the liver, intestines, bladder, and kidneys. The Upper Burner fills the body and spreads food “essences.” The middle burner receives energy, converts it, and expels the waste. The Lower burner filters liquid, and allows for the excretion of urine.
From a traditional Chinese perspective, candidiasis is caused by spleen malfunction, and therefore Middle Burner malfunction. The spleen’s job is to convert food and liquid into Qi and Blood. Qi and Blood health are incredibly important, as the two act as the true fuel of the body. An unhealthy spleen will lead to unhealthy Qi and Blood, and an unhealthy body. Damp Heat builds up in Lower Burner areas, allowing yeast to flourish. An infection known as thrush may appear in the mouth, or you may develop genital itching, white vaginal discharges, or vaginitis.
Although candidias is is mainly a Middle Burner issue, it may very well spread to the Upper and/or Lower burner as well, if left untreated in the early stages. If left untreated, Upper Burner related issues such as thrush and coughing, and Lower Burner related issues such as vaginal infections may occur. For this reason, it best to detect and treat candidiasis early on.
The Two-Step Treatment Plan
When treating candidiasis, traditional Chinese Medicine uses a two-step plan. The first step is cleansing, and the second step is tonifying.
Since an over abundance of phlegm and toxins is the cause of the yeast production, it makes sense that the first step to treatment would be to cleanse the body of these wastes.
Although it is common to attempt to solve the problem through dietary change, this is often a slow and ineffective treatment. It is recommended that a combination of Acupuncture, herbal products such as Damp Heat Clearing Formula and Coptis Formula, and a proper diet be used. These three together will work to effectively reduce dampness, heat, and phlegm, the factors which combine to allow yeast to grow.
Tonifying is the second step. This involves repairing bodily damage, after the cleansing. Balance will be restored to the body, and recurrence of candidiasis in the future will be prevented.
Dietary Recommendations
Foods to stay away from include bread, cheese, vinegar, soy and barbeque sauce, black and white fungus, mushrooms, crackers, pretzels, cereal, miso, tempeh, canned and pickled vegetables, and fermented beverages such as beer and root beer. Yeast-based medications like chloromycetin, tetracyclines, mycin, and penicillin should be avoided, as should yeast-based supplements for Vitamin B. All of these work to proliferate the spread of yeast.
It is suggested that you eat foods that are yeast-free and easy to digest. These include, noodles, grains, white rice, and non-yeast bread. It is also recommended to eat foods that are known to cleanse the system of phlegm, such as the Daikon radish. Certain yellow-coloured foods such as winter squash, yams, and pumpkins are good to eat, as well. They are used to improve the strength of the spleen and the spleen meridian.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]