Whoa-oa-oa, Candida!

The most common Candida fungus out of 200 known species is Candida albicans, already present in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract in the human body. For the majority of people, especially anyone following a healthy diet, exercise and a supplemental program, Candida rests in the system without being noticed. A weakened immune system, stress, or physical injury can be the incentive for fungus to branch out. There are other factors that collaborate with a weakened immune system to activate the overgrowth of fungus - large amounts of carbohydrates in the diet, yeast products, antibiotics, and other medications.

Certain characteristics of the fungus make the human body a perfect host. The fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment and carry a sticky protein in the cell wall, making it easier to adhere anywhere inside the body. To make matters worse, Science Daily reported, "...Candida strains have evolved and ensured their survival by adapting their genetic makeup to respond to changes in their environment. Candida species are the most common cause of opportunistic fungal infection worldwide."

The fungal infection, Candidiasis, is most often caused by Candida albicans, and ranges from a trivial rash to potentially life-threatening systemic infection, affecting the male and female gender alike. These diseases can infect the skin, hair, nails, eyes, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, major organs, musculoskeletal system, and genitourinary tract.

Candidiasis is an infection that can be eliminated by antifungals, probiotics, fiber, and a low-carbohydrate diet. The process may take a number of months or a few years depending on the severity of the infection. Dosage and frequency of antifungal use and consistency of the sugar-free diet is monumental in the time it takes to get rid of the infection.

So, if Candida has found a weakness in the body, it will advantageously mount and continue on this path until the decision to start an all-out war against it is made. Remember, it's easier to reign in Candida before it becomes too prolific.

Patience and Benefits

Supplementation can be a tricky thing. It takes careful planning to start and maintain a supplement regimen. We suggest doing as much research about a company - background information, product certifications, product testing, return policy, and customer service - as would be done on a particular type of product.

Feel comfortable with a company before ordering. Does the company seem to have high standards? Do they seem trustworthy? These can be substantiated by browsing the website and calling the company directly. Once this is established and the company feels like the right company for you, the next step would be to research their products.

Research the products that would be good, everyday supplements like a multivitamin and multimineral, probiotics, fish oil and L-glutamine powder. Start each product at intervals to judge the effects of the product. After a short period of time, these four basics will keep you feeling good by helping a broad range of minor symptoms and maintaining a healthy immune system.

If there are specific conditions to be addressed, wait a few months after starting a few supplements before incorporating another supplement in your daily regimen so the body can tell you what is working well and what may need to be adjusted. Taking too many supplements initially may create problems and become discouraging because there is the potential for a reaction to an ingredient. Eliminating each product over time becomes a long process to determine which ingredient is the cause.

Patience just may be the key to supplementation. Its definately a slow process to ultimately take whats right for you and your specific conditions, however, just think about how long it has taken for you to get unhealthy. And, even though it may take some thought, work and time to get healthy, the future will hold everyday benefits.