When clients come to see me, the very first test I do before any other is a Candida Albicans screening. A Yeast overgrowth in the intestinal track is linked to so many ailments that it absolutely must considered as a potential root before looking at more specific health problems. I have had many clients come to me with all matter of ailments but once we got the Candida under control, most of the other problems slowly disappeared. If you think you may have a Candida overgrowth, look at the list of symptoms below and add up how many apply to you.
Symptoms may include:
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Constipation
Cramps and/or Menstrual Irregularities
Depression
Diarrhea
Endometriosis
Erratic Vision
Fatigue/Lethargy
Feeling "spacy" or "unreal"
Feeling of being "drained"
Hemorrhoids
Impotence
Jock itch or athletes foot
Loss of sexual desire
Muscles aches
Muschle weakness
Nail fungus
Numbness, burning or tingling
Pain and/or swelling in joints
Persistent vaginal burning or itching
Poor memory
PMS
Prostatitis
Spots in front of the eyes
Unusual vaginal discharge
These are some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with a Candida overgrowth. If you have 3 or more of these symptoms and you would consider them "severe", then you should definitely consider a good probiotic for a minimum of 1 month or until the symptoms disappear. Now I want to be clear about my definition of a "GOOD PROBIOTIC". First of all, it must require that it be refrigerated for best potency. Second, it must have at least 10 Billion Viable Cells. Third, it should have multiple strains of bacteria to be most effective. Fourth, buy only a reputable brand. As with all supplements, you get what you pay for. My current favourite is "UDO's CHOICE Hi-Potency Bowel Probiotic" which has 70 Billion viable cells or "UDO's CHOICE Super-8 Hi-Potency Probiotic" which has 30 Billion viable cells. Udo's products are not cheap, but they are among the best out there. You can visit http://udoerasmus.com/products/1_index_en.htm to find locations or ask at your favourite health food store for the products they recommend. Another product to consider is Grapefruit Seed Extract (note: not grape seed) which has tremendous antifungal properties. This comes in a tincture which you can put under your tongue (super YUCK!!) which is the most effective way, or you can buy it in capsules if the taste is too much for you. You can also apply the tincture directly to nail fungus or athlete's foot.
If you develop diarrhea after starting the probiotic, reduce the dosage but continue taking it because this is a sign that it is working. Also add 2 tbsps of ground flax seed daily to your diet. This will help transport toxins out of the body and add bulk to the stool. Also ground flax seeds help good bacteria to flourish in the intestine.
If you would like to do a full Candida screening and/or receive more specific recommendations for your individual ailments, you can visit my website and fill in the "Contact" form and I will get back to you as soon as possible. http://myhealthybalance.com/Contact.html
Showing posts with label flax seed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flax seed. Show all posts
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Acne - What Helps and What to Avoid
As most people know, hormones play a significant role in acne. Acne is NOT caused by uncleanliness but rather by overactive oil glands caused by hormonal fluctuations. Many people will use harsh chemicals treatments, wash the face excessively, which can be extremely irritating and lead to redness and infection of the blemishes. Excess yeast in the system can be another underlying cause of acne so using antibiotics can further aggravate the problem by causing an imbalance of bacteria in the intestines leading to a yeast overgrowth.
A natural treatment plan for acne emphasizes dietary changes. The second biggest contributor to acne is poor nutrition. Fat, sugar and processed foods accelerate skin inflammation and acne. Other considerations are stress reduction, detoxification, natural hormone balancing and identifying potential allergies.
What Helps:
DARK GREEN & ORANGE VEGETABLES: These are full of beta-carotene which helps maintain and repair the skin. It is best to eat them raw or lightly cooked.
FLAXSEEDS: Consuming ½ cup per day will provide plenty of fiber for proper elimination as well as useful essential fatty acids. Take with 8 ounces of water.
NUTS & SEEDS: Almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are good choices for skin-healthy vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
GOOD QUALITY PROTEIN: Beans, lentils, peas, eggs and fresh cold-water fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring and salmon.
PLAIN YOGURT: The good bacteria in yogurt can help combat yeast overgrowth in the intestines.
ZINC: This is one of the best minerals for the treatment of acne as it promotes skin healing. Take 50mg 2 times per day.
SAW PALMETTO: Blocks excessive DHT of the sebaceous glands and is effective for both men and women. Take 160mg/day
DANDELION ROOT: Supports the liver, which may be overtaxed with toxins. It also acts as a gentle laxative and can help with waste removal. Take 300-500mg/day
MILK THISTLE: Also supports liver detoxification. Take 200-250mg/day
OIL OF OREGANO: Destroys yeast overgrowths associated with acne formation. Take 500mg twice a day or use the liquid form under the tongue (it tastes horrible but works)
COLLOIDAL SILVER: This solution should be in every medicine cabinet. It is has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Dab it onto pimples twice daily (also use on any cuts or abrasions and they will heal very quickly and likely not get infected)
TEA TREE OIL: Apply a solution of 5% tea tree diluted in water by dabbing on blemishes. Test a small area of your skin first for irritation.
GREEN FOODS: Chlorella, spirulina and other seaweeds and grasses support skin healing and detoxification.
What to Avoid:
JUNK & PROCESSED FOODS: Of course, this recommendation applies to everyone, but the toxins in these foods will lead to more acne.
SUGAR: Sugar encourages oil production and is a food source for bacteria and yeast. Artificial sweeteners.
POTENTIAL ALLERGINS: Wheat, dairy, sugar, chocolate and corn are common allergins that can trigger acne. Try an elimination diet to see if symptoms improve.
CAFFEINE: Tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks may aggravate skin conditions.
A natural treatment plan for acne emphasizes dietary changes. The second biggest contributor to acne is poor nutrition. Fat, sugar and processed foods accelerate skin inflammation and acne. Other considerations are stress reduction, detoxification, natural hormone balancing and identifying potential allergies.
What Helps:
DARK GREEN & ORANGE VEGETABLES: These are full of beta-carotene which helps maintain and repair the skin. It is best to eat them raw or lightly cooked.
FLAXSEEDS: Consuming ½ cup per day will provide plenty of fiber for proper elimination as well as useful essential fatty acids. Take with 8 ounces of water.
NUTS & SEEDS: Almonds, walnuts and pumpkin seeds are good choices for skin-healthy vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
GOOD QUALITY PROTEIN: Beans, lentils, peas, eggs and fresh cold-water fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring and salmon.
PLAIN YOGURT: The good bacteria in yogurt can help combat yeast overgrowth in the intestines.
ZINC: This is one of the best minerals for the treatment of acne as it promotes skin healing. Take 50mg 2 times per day.
SAW PALMETTO: Blocks excessive DHT of the sebaceous glands and is effective for both men and women. Take 160mg/day
DANDELION ROOT: Supports the liver, which may be overtaxed with toxins. It also acts as a gentle laxative and can help with waste removal. Take 300-500mg/day
MILK THISTLE: Also supports liver detoxification. Take 200-250mg/day
OIL OF OREGANO: Destroys yeast overgrowths associated with acne formation. Take 500mg twice a day or use the liquid form under the tongue (it tastes horrible but works)
COLLOIDAL SILVER: This solution should be in every medicine cabinet. It is has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Dab it onto pimples twice daily (also use on any cuts or abrasions and they will heal very quickly and likely not get infected)
TEA TREE OIL: Apply a solution of 5% tea tree diluted in water by dabbing on blemishes. Test a small area of your skin first for irritation.
GREEN FOODS: Chlorella, spirulina and other seaweeds and grasses support skin healing and detoxification.
What to Avoid:
JUNK & PROCESSED FOODS: Of course, this recommendation applies to everyone, but the toxins in these foods will lead to more acne.
SUGAR: Sugar encourages oil production and is a food source for bacteria and yeast. Artificial sweeteners.
POTENTIAL ALLERGINS: Wheat, dairy, sugar, chocolate and corn are common allergins that can trigger acne. Try an elimination diet to see if symptoms improve.
CAFFEINE: Tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks may aggravate skin conditions.
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