Candida And Nutritional Therapy by Sarah Twomlow

When Sophie came to our practice; she was tired and listless, and complained of recurrent bouts of thrush and a general feeling of ‘apathy’. Sophie had been to her GP for treatment but this seemed ineffective.

Other symptoms included; a white coating on the tongue, bad breath, headaches and fatigue, cravings for sweet foods, bloating and discomfort, mood swings and premenstrual syndrome and constant nasal congestion.

Sophie was already taking a lot of prescription medication and did not wish to take anymore.

• Inhalers for asthma
• Antibiotics for chest infections - her fourth prescription in the last six months
• Contraceptive pill

A detailed health assessment revealed a Candida overgrowth which had depressed the immune system causing frequent infections.

Candida albicans is a common yeast that normally co exists with the beneficial bacteria in our intestines. Under certain conditions however, a candida overgrowth can occur, causing damage to the wall of the intestines, leading to immune reactions and the symptoms Sophie was experiencing.

Contributing Factors

Sophie is a self employed, busy massage therapist, with a hectic and unpredictable daily schedule. Sophie is very client led in her approach and responded to her client’s schedules rather than creating her own. This made regular eating patterns and mealtimes a bit of a hit and miss affair.

Sophie regularly skipped meals and resorted to quick snacks in between appointments. Massage therapy is physically demanding, and without an adequate supply of nutrients, Sophie would often experience energy slumps during the day. Throughout the day, Sophie regularly resorted to sugary snacks and drinks for an energy boost, and often craved carbohydrate foods in the evening. After a stressful week Sophie would often drink large quantities of alcohol to unwind.

• ·Sugars and other refined simple carbohydrates encourage yeast overgrowth
• Sugar lowers immune function
• Candida produces toxins such as acetaldehyde that can weaken the immune system
• Alcohol such as red wine contains acetaldehyde
• Antibiotics and steroidal drugs depress levels of beneficial bacteria
• Oral contraceptives alter hormones that can increase yeast overgrowth

Treatment Protocol

Sophie was placed on a personalised dietary and lifestyle programme for six weeks with supporting DTECTA supplements.

• Anti-Candida diet – eliminating all sugar and refined foods products including alcohol
• Lifestyle changes – time management techniques
• DTECTA ‘Optibac’ – a multi strain probiotic with vitamin C and magnesium, to replenish the beneficial bacteria throughout the whole of the digestive system, and to strengthen immune function.

Six weeks later Sophie reported considerable improvements particularly in digestive health and energy levels. Sophie no longer experienced bloating and digestive discomfort and her cravings for sweet foods had reduced. We followed the same dietary protocol for another 6 weeks but changed the DTECTA Optibac for:

• DTECTA ‘Immunox’ – a probiotic & antioxidant that supports the body’s resistance to infection. Immunox also contains the natural anti fungal agent, grape seed extract that helps to eliminate and keep candida at bay.

Twelve weeks later Sophie’s overall immune health had improved greatly, with less reliance on her asthma inhalers, no further chest infections or thrush and the white coating on her tongue had completely disappeared. Sophie had also noticed an overall improvement in mood and her premenstrual symptoms were now ‘manageable’.

Copyright 2008 Sarah Twomlow Dip ONT. Optimum Nutritional Therapist. Email | Phoenix Nutrition

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