This article has been reproduced with the permission of ReNew Life.  The article was written by Brenda Watson, LMT/CT - the founder of five ReNew Life Clinics.

Detoxification of Parasites & Candida

After many years in the field of detoxification, and after my own personal journey from poor health back to good health, I have found some "tried and true" methods that have proven effective in the quest for optimum health.  These include diet, cleansing and rebuilding programs that are used successfully throughout the fields of functional or alternative healing practices.

Understandably, no on likes to consider the possibility that their body may be a host of Parasites.  Additionally, the digestive tract is generally not considered a polite subject for conversation.  You've heard people laughingly say "What he doesn't know can't hurt him" but the wise person knows that, "The trust shall se you free."  If you or someone you knows suffers from illness related to Parasites or Candida, I would do you a disservice not to discuss it openly with you. So here I go.

During my early years in this profession, I worked with fasting and juicing programs.  These programs seemed to alleviate symptoms on a short term basis but as soon as the client returned to normal eating habits they became symptomatic again with constipation, fatigue, bloating, gas and so son.  It was formerly believed that the body would detoxify on it's own if given a period without the "stress" of digestion, but recent research shows that body detoxification requires nutrient support and therefore simple fasting is not the most effective method.

Modern research has indicated that the real problems behind digestive and related disorders are Parasites and Candida, which represent a growing epidemic, affecting between 25% and 50% of Americans, according to many studies.

What is Candida?

Candida Albicans, a common yeast, is part of the regular flora (bacteria) in the digestive tract.  In a normal state they live in a healthy concentration of one Candida to one million other bacteria.  Due to various modern-day factors, this yeast can grow wildly out of correct proportion.

Yeast overgrowth related disorders may then develop, such as yeast infections, rectal itch, constipation, bloating, skin problems, and many others.

With long term infestation, this Candida yeast shifts into a fungal form which develops roots, called rhizoids, that can grow into the intestinal wall.  These rhizoids cause the intestine to become porous, which allows toxins and undigested proteins and carbohydrates to flow out of the bowel and to be absorbed into the body and blood stream.  This condition is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

The next step in this vicious cycle is when the immune system of the individual makes antibodies (proteins) which attempt to neutralize the Candida overgrowth.  These antibodies can cause the body to become hypersensitive to certain foods and molds, and can create a wide variety of food allergies.  They can also interfere with hormonal activity and cause nutritional deficiencies. These factors, combined with poor eating habits, stress and environmental toxins create a very hospitable environment for Parasites.

What are these parasites?

A parasite is a plant or animal that lives on or in another species and derives it's sustenance from the host, while contributing nothing to the host's survival, and generally causing it harm.  Human Parasite are for the most part either microscopic, as in the protozoa group, or are visible as in hookworms, roundworms and pinworms.  Both types of parasites coexist well with yeast and can find a happy home in the warm environment of your digestive system.  Bodies with impaired digestion and weakened immune systems lack proper amounts of enzymes such as pepsin and digestive agents like hydrochloric acid, both of which help kill parasites.  Clinical research indicates that is someone has Candida, they probably also have Parasites.

What causes Candida and Parasites?

• Repeated antibiotic use is the most common cause of yeast overgrowth.  A healthy intestinal bacteria balance suppresses the overgrowth of yeast.  When antibiotics destroy this healthy flora, Candida is free to proliferate.

• Birth control pills and cortisone drugs commonly cause Candida overgrowth as a side effect

• Over consumption of sugar and refined carbohyrdrates greatly affects the balance of good flora in the in the intestinal tract.  The lack of good quality food in one's diet compromises the immune system, which helps yeast and parasites to flourish.

• Vaginal yeast and parasites can be transmitted from an infected partner.

• Higher Progesterone levels seem to enhance yeast growth, so women with Candida may see increased symptoms premenstrually or during pregnancy.

• Water is a primary source of parasite infection.  Even filtered water can contain microorganisms (giardia & cryptosporidium).

• Food that is poorly prepared or eaten raw, such as undercooked meats and unclean vegetables and fruits.

• Pets can often transmit parasites

• Travel outside the US

How Do I Get Rid of Candida & Parasites?

1. CHANGE YOUR DIET to one that will not encourage growth of Candida. Eliminate fruit and fruit juices, sugar, honey, fructose, maple syrup, cheese and dairy products.  Soy sauce, mushrooms, breads with yeast, baked goods, and peanuts should also be eliminated.  Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages.

2. EAT PLENTY OF VEGETABLES AND GOOD LEAN PROTEIN.  Soups and stews are excellent.  Substitute yeast-free millet bread and gluten-free grains such as corn, millet, quinoa and teff.  Use Stevia as a sweetner.  Snacks should include: pumpkin seeds (raw), sunflower seeds (raw) and oil-free conr chips.  Use raw almond and raw cashew butter and vinegar-free salad dressings.  Granny Smith apples are the only fruits permitted.

3. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER (1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight, every day).  Drink herbal teas and sweeten with Stevia.

4. REESTABLISH GOOD FLORA in your intestinal tract with acidophilus and bifidus supplementation.

5. ENHANCE YOUR DIGESTION with enzymes after each meal.

6. CLEANSE YOUR SYSTEM with herbs that help to reduce Candida and Parasites

7. TREAT the whole person.  Emphasize a positive change to a healthier diet rather than focusing on restrictions.  Plan meals well in advance.  Eat fresh, nutritious foods and get plenty to exercise and sleep.  As part of the cleansing process, adjust your life, relationships and work in an effort to reduce stress.