Healthy with Jodi

Trouble sleeping? Help your support your gut while you aid the sleep process, naturally

    GI Guard PM
    Protocol for life balance
    60 capsules $32.00

    Maintains Healthy Mucosal Integrity
-With PepZin GI®, Melatonin, L-Tryptophan & B Vitamins
-Nighttime GI Support*
-A Dietary Supplement
-Vegetarian/Vegan
    GI Guard™ PM is a nutritional formula with PepZin GI®, Melatonin, amino acids, and B Vitamins designed to help maintain the strength and integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier.* GI Guard™ PM features PepZin GI®, which has been shown in clinical studies to promote a healthy stomach lining and to support proper gut repair processes.* Melatonin, a potent free radical scavenger, is known to exist at high levels in the gut, where it exerts its protective effects against oxidative stress throughout the gastrointestinal tract.* Melatonin also helps support healthy gastric pH levels, normal pepsin production in the stomach, and helps to regulate proper intestinal motility.* B Vitamins and Amino Acids, such as L-Tryptophan are necessary for Melatonin synthesis.

    Servings Per Container: 30
    As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 capsules 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, or take as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

    Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
    Amount Per Serving
Vitamin B-6 … 25mg 
(from Pyridoxine HCl)
Vitamin B-12 … 50mcg 
(as Cyanocobalamin)
Folic Acid … 800mcg
Zinc … 14mg 
(from PepZin GI®)
PepZin GI® … 75mg 
(Zinc-L-Carnosine Complex)
L-Carnosine … 57mg 
(from PepZin GI®)
Melatonin … 6mg
L-Tryptophan … 200mg
L-Methionine … 100mg
Trimethylglycine … 100mg 
(TMG)
Taurine … 100mg

    Other Ingredients: Cellulose Powder, Cellulose (capsule), Silica and Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source).
    Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens. CAUTIONS/INTERACTIONS: Do not drive or use machinery for 4 to 5 hours after taking melatonin. Theoretically, concomitant use of melatonin with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedative drugs might cause additive sedation. Melatonin may interact with anticoagulant/anti-platelet medications, antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetes drugs, anti-neoplastic agents and other drugs. If you are taking any prescription medications or if you have glaucoma, consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

    New Year’s Resolutions Revisited…

      Metabolic Progress Basic Ideas for healthy living

      Nutrition
      Eat the meals when hungry, not by the clock. Snack in between meals, usually 2x a day. No carb feasting.
      If you are trying to lose weight, most likely you are not “Hungry” 6 times a day, Learn to listen to your body.

      Exercise
      Walk for 45 minutes, 5 times a week (3 days of interval training and 2 days of steady weight training).

      Sleep
      Go to bed 15 minutes earlier this week.
      Your goal is to get at least 7 hours of restive sleep per night. Integrate meditation as needed to achieve this goal.

      Stress Management
      Do a Relaxing Breath at least twice a day. (If you don’t like bathing then do a foot soak/bath.)
      Find activities you enjoy doing, and schedule 3 hours each week and do them.

      Detoxification
      Take five baths per week with Epsom salt and soothing music. Each bath should last at least 15 minutes.
      Buy ORGANIC FOODS
      Stick to grass-fed, pastured protein and eggs, and wild-caught fish as much as possible.
      Avoid GMOs and MSG
      Drink clean water

      Turmeric Curcumin

        Turmeric Curcumin 1000mg
        Patient One MediNutritionals
        60 capsules $21.25

        Promotes normal inflammatory response while also supporting joint, immune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular function
        Promotes immune system function
        * Supports brain and joint health
        * Promotes healthy liver, gall bladder and digestive function
        * Free radical scavenging properties
        * Supports cardiovascular function
        * Black pepper included for enhanced absorption
        Unique Properties
Curcumin, a polyphenol nutrient found in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has beneficial effects for nearly every organ system in the body. Used for its medicinal effects for centuries and extensively studied, Curcumin has been shown to help maintain the bodys normal inflammatory response while also supporting joint, liver, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular function. To enhance the normally poor bioavailability of curcumin, our potent formula also contains black pepper extract that promotes rapid absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
        Key Ingredients
        Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Patient One Turmeric Curcumin combines the benefits of both whole Turmeric root and Turmeric extract (standardized to 95% curcuminoids), along with black pepper extract for enhanced absorption.
        Curcumin is the orange pigment in turmeric (the primary ingredient in curry) and has been studied for its effective therapeutic outcomes acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, immuno-modulatory activities and even in wound healing. Research suggests support for joint, eye, GI tract, liver, prostate and nerve health.

        Curcumin supports production of B and T cells which is useful for promoting proper immune function. It also supports production of bile and enzymes that digest sugars and fats. This helps to maintain cholesterol levels within normal range. Turmeric supports intestinal flora and the mucus membranes of the body, including those of the digestive tract. As such, it may be beneficial after a course of antibiotics and for those with unbalanced intestinal flora. It also helps protect the stomach against excess acid and is used for its soothing effect on the mucosa of the gut.
        Black Pepper Extract (as BioPerine®)
It has been found that the therapeutic effectiveness of curcumin is often limited due to its poor absorption from the GI tract. When taken orally only traces appear in the blood, whereas most of the dose is excreted though the feces. Our formula includes BioPerine®, a patented extract derived from the common black pepper fruit that contains the alkaloid piperine. Black pepper has been shown to enhance the bioavailability and promote absorption of curcumin both in pre-clinical studies and in studies on human volunteers.
        Research
        * Several studies have illustrated curcumins hepatoprotective effects, leading researchers to suggest its use in protecting the liver from exogenous insults from environmental toxins.
        Servings Per Container: 60
        Take 1 capsule daily, preferably with a meal, or as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
        Serving Size: 1 capsule
        Amount Per Serving
Turmeric Complex Proprietary Blend … 1000mg
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) (root) and Turmeric Extract (Curcuma longa) (root) (Standardized to contain 95% Curcuminoids) 
BioPerine® Black Pepper Extract … 5mg
(Piper nigrum) (fruit) (Standardized to contain 95% piperine)
        Other Ingredients: vegetable cellulose (capsule), rice powder, l-leucine
        This product is free of milk, egg, fish, peanuts, crustacean shellfish (lobster, crab, shrimp), soybeans, tree nuts, wheat, yeast, gluten, corn, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors and preservatives. This product is free of ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
        BioPerine® is a registered trademark and patented product of Sabinsa Corporation

        References
        * Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, et al. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med 1998 May;64(4):353-56. [PMID: 9619120]
        * Jagetia GC, Aggarwal BB. “Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin. J Clin Immunol. 2007 Jan;27(1):19-35. [PMID: 17211725]
        * Funk JL, Oyarzo JN, Frye JB, et al. Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. J Nat Prod. 2006 Mar;69(3):351-55. [PMID: 16562833]
        * Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53. [PMID: 19594223]
        * Ng T, et al. Am J Epidemiol. 2006;164:898-906.
        * Sun AY, Wang Q, Simonyi A, et al. Botanical phenolics and brain health. Neuromolecular Med. 2008;10(4):259-74. [PMID: 19191039]
        * Neelofar K, Shreaz S, Rimple B, et al. Curcumin as a promising anticandidal of clinical interest. Can J Microbiol. 2011 Mar;57(3):204-10. [PMID: 21358761]
        * Epstein J, Docena G, MacDonald TT, et al. Curcumin suppresses p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, reduces IL-1beta and matrix metalloproteinase-3 and enhances IL-10 in the mucosa of children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Br J Nutr. 2010 Mar;103(6):824-32. [PMID: 19878610]
        * Ukil A, Maity S, Karmakar S, et al. Curcumin, the major component of food flavour turmeric, reduces mucosal injury in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis. Br J Pharmacol. 2003 May;139(2):209-18. [PMID: 12770926]
        * Holt PR, Katz S, Kirshoff R. Curcumin therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study. Dig Dis Sci. 2005 Nov;50(11):2191-93. [PMID:16240238]
        * Lal B, Kapoor AK, Asthana OP, et al. Efficacy of curcumin in the management of chronic anterior uveitis. Phytother Res. 1999 Jun;13(4):318-22. [PMID: 10404539]
        * Xie L, Li XK, Takahara S. Curcumin has bright prospects for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Int Immunopharmacol . 2011 Mar;11(3):323-30. [20828641]
        * Martins CV, da Silva DL, Neres AT, et al. Curcumin as a promising antifungal of clinical interest. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 Feb;63(2):337-39. [PMID: 19038979]
        * Mythri RB, Harish G, Dubey SK, et al. Glutamoyl diester of the dietary polyphenol curcumin offers improved protection against peroxynitrite-mediated nitrosative stress and damage of brain mitochondria in vitro: implications for Parkinsons disease. Mol Cell Biochem. 2011 Jan;347(1-2):135-43. [PMID: 20972609]
        * Ravindran J, Prasad S, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin and cancer cells: how many ways can curry kill tumor cells selectively? AAPS J . 2009 Sep;11(3):495-510. [PMID: 9619120]
        * Goel A, Aggarwal BB. Curcumin, the golden spice from Indian saffron, is a chemosensitizer and radiosensitizer for tumors and chemoprotector and radioprotector for normal organs. Nutr Cancer. 2010 Oct;62(7):919-30. [PMID: 20924967]
        * Choi H, Chun YS, Shin YJ, et al. Curcumin attenuates cytochrome P450 induction in response to 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin by ROS- dependently degrading AhR and ARNT. Cancer Sci. 2008 Dec;99(12):2518-24. [PMID: 19018768]
        * Zhang, Dong Wei, Chuang Fang Huang, Chang Fu Yang, Ren Zuo Liu, Ji Feng Wang, Jian Zhao Niu, and Dieter Bromme. “Antifibrotic Effects of Curcumin Are Associated with over Expression of Cathespins K and L in Bleomycin Treated Mice and Human Fibroblasts.” Respiratory Research. Respiratory Research, 2011.
        * Davis, J. Mark. “Curcumin Effects on Inflammation and Performance Recovery following Eccentric Exercise-induced Muscle Damage.” Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. American Physiological Society, 2007.
        * Karlstetter, Marcus, Elena Lippe, Yana Walczak, Chistoph Moehle, Alexander Aslanidis, Myriam Mirza, and Thomas Langmann. “Curcumin Is a Potent Modulator of Microglial Gene Expression and Migration.” Journal of Neuroinflammation. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2011.
        Warnings
        If pregnant, nursing, have gall stones or gall bladder disease, consult your healthcare practitioner before taking this product. Individuals taking medication, especially blood thinners or cancer treatment, should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner. Discontinue use and consult doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

        Selenium for your Thyroid Health

          Selenium Health Benefits and the Best sources

          Do you have an under active Thyroid? Are you getting the vitamins and minerals needed to support the process?  Here is some info on why Selenium is important to the process.  Soaking your nuts and seeds for best absorption will help your already stressed out body.

          Antioxidant Protection
          Selenium is required for the proper activity of a group of enzymes called glutathione peroxidases. (sometimes abbreviated “GPO” or “GPx” for a glutathione peroxidase enzyme.) These enzymes play a key role in the body’s detoxification system and they also provide protection against oxidative stress. (Oxidative stress is physiological circumstance in which there is excessive risk of oxygen-related damage to the body.) Of the eight known glutathione peroxidase enzymes, five of them require selenium.
          In addition to the activity of glutathione peroxidase, selenium-containing enzymes are involved in recycling of vitamin C from its spent form back to its active one, allowing for greater antioxidant protection.

          Support Normal Thyroid Function
          A selenium-containing enzyme is responsible for transforming a less active thyroid hormone called T4 into the more active T3. As you’ll see below in the Relationship with Other Nutrients section, selenium and iodine work together to keep thyroid function strong and consistent.
          Like the antioxidant protection issue, this is not just an esoteric concern. Researchers have been able to induce problems with the thyroid gland in just two months of a low-selenium diet.
          Probably, if you’ve read about food sources of selenium, you’ve read about Brazil nuts as a strong source of the mineral. Depending on where they are grown, this is likely to be true—one ounce of Brazil nuts may contain as much as 10 times the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendation for selenium intake.
          Other exceptionally selenium-rich foods include oysters, clams, liver, and kidney. Each of these foods is likely to contain double to triple the DRI in a serving.
          Fish and shellfish make up an outsized proportion of our excellent and very good sources. After these come other animal meats, many of which fall in the very good category. Close behind are whole grains and seeds, both of which are well-represented in our good selenium sources category.
          http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=newtip&dbid=144&utm_source=daily_click&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_email

          Urinary tract Info and Suggested Natural healing approach

            Urinary tract Info:
            Commonly also call bladder infections. There is a disturbance in the bacterial flora that protects the urinary track and anabiotic’s lead to reoccurring infections.

            Doubling probiotics such as L. Acidophilus is highly recommended. At least 20 billion CFU’s. 50-100Billion CFU’s would be more beneficial and HIGHLY recommended.

            Acidity levels are too high in the body when the pH is disrupted there is fermentation of vaginal glycogen to lactic acid. Alkalinity is Key, must add more Green into the diet. ORGANIC EATING is SO Very IMPORTANT!!!

            Eliminating of dairy, yeast, and soy products are recommended to rebalance pH. Limiting grains, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, and refined carbohydrates.
            At least 64 oz water a day. Decaffeinated tea counts as water. Eliminate food allergens. Allergy Blood work is your best Road map to gut and immune support and healing.  Blood Tests are available and easy!

            Recommended foods:
            Use healthy cooking oil such as olive oil (don’t heat olive oil) or coconut oil.
            Eat Less red meats and more lean meats such as fish, but no soy.
            High fiber foods include beans root vegetables such as yams or sweet potatoes and psyllium husk.
            Antioxidant rich foods including vegetables like bell peppers and squash.
            **Fruit in the morning including cranberries, blueberries,and cherries. If you’re going to drink juice make sure that it is unsweetened. Please eat your fruit, better for you unless you are juicing. Best for digestion if fruit is first thing in the morning and by itself or for your first snack, eaten alone.**

            Recommended Vitamins:
            Probiotics and digestive enzymes ALWAYS!! Double if taking antibiotics!
            Multi Vitamin
            Vit D: 2000-4000 IU
            Fish oils 1000mg and or Flax seed, 3x a day. Could go up to 6000mg
            Super Greens
            Amino Acids
            Vit C: 1000mg a day
            Grape seed oil 100-300mg
            Magnesium 200-300mg 3x a day
            Zinc: 30mg a day

            Recommended Botanicals:
            Cranberry
            Aloe Vera: up to 32oz per day
            Gotu Kola is great extract tea to help balance pH. 60-120mg
            Uva Ursi ( upland cranberry or bearberry) is a powerful antiseptic herb.
            Dried leaves or tea: 1.5-4.0 (1-2 tsp)
            Goldenseal herb has antimicrobial agents. Dried root or tea: 1-2g

            Other herbs that are recommended: green tea, cats claw, milk thistle, and reishi mushroom.

            NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange

              NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange
              BioPharma Scientific.
              $46.65

              HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FORMULA
              1000 IU of Vitamin D
Good Source of Fiber, Pineapple Orange
              SuperFood SOLUTION™. NanOmega3™
Heart, Brain & Vision SuperFoodlifesDHA™.

              HEALTHY BRAIN, EYES, HEART
SuperSorb® DELIVERY
              DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
              NET WT. 12.7 OZ (360g)
              More Info:
Omega-3s are essential for fatty acids (EFAs) for supporting:
* heart health
* joint health
* healthy skin
* maintenance of normal blood lipids
* healthy brain function
* healthy eyes (retina)
* immune health
* general health and wellness
              Truly a breakthrough functional food formula, NanOmega3 provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) from both:
-ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, from specially stabilized, organic MeadowPure™ golden flaxseed and
-DHA oil (lifesDHA™ from Martek) derived from plant marine algae, with
-Synergistic vitamins E, D3, folic acid, B6 and B12.

              Supplemental Facts:
SuperSorb® is BioPharma Scientifics registered name for its enhanced delivery systems wherein highly bioavailable forms of micronutrient and microencapsulation are utilized to help maximize nutrient absorption.
              In order to ensure correct usage of BioPharmas high potency formulas, BioPharma sells only through licensed healthcare practitioners.

              Servings Per Container: 30
              SUGGESTED USE:
Mix one [1] scoop (12 g) with 6-8 ounces of cold water, juice or milk to taste. Shake or blend briskly. Enjoy one (1) to two (2) times a day unless otherwise directed by your health professional. Children under 12 take 1/2 serving. NanOmega3 is scientifically formulated to taste great with BioPharmas entire SuperFood Solution™ line. For a wealth of SuperFood Smoothie/Shake recipes, ask your health professional for a copy of The SuperFood Solution™ Users Guide.
              Refrigerate after opening.
              Benefit:
YES:
*Great tasting, instant mixing
*Made with organic flax
*Vegan & non GMO
*Low net carb
*Low peroxide value (pv)
*Fortified with Vitamins D, E, & B
              NO:
*Fishy tastes, smells or toxins
*Fish oil “burps”
*Animal or fish products
*Eggs, dairy, wheat, yeast, soy, gluten
*Artificial flavors, MSG, or glutamate peptides

              Serving Size: 12g (1 scoop)
              Amount Per Serving
Calories …57
Calories from fat …122
Total Fat …2.5g / 4% DV
Saturated Fat …Total Carbohydrate …7g / 2% DV
Dietary Fiber …2.5g / 10% DV
Sugars …1g
Protein …1g
Vitamin D3 …1000 IU / 250% DV
(cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E …30 IU / 100% DV
(d-alpha tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B6 …1mg / 50% DV
(as pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
Vitamin B9 …2000mcg / 50% DV
(as folic acid)
Vitamin B12 …85.5mcg / 1, 425% DV
(as cyanocobalamin)
Calcium …21mg / 2% DV
Iron …425mcg / 2% DV
Magnesium …22mg / 5% DV
Sodium …5mg / <1% DV
Potassium …36mg / 1% DV
Total Omega-3 …1100mg #
Omega-3/DHA …100mg #
Omega-3/Linolenic Acid …1000mg #
Omega-6 …300mg #
Lignans …50mg #
Turmeric …70mg #
Stevia Leaf Crystals …70mg #
(stevia rebaudiana)
              * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2, 000 calorie diet.
# Daily Value not established.
              OTHER INGREDIENTS: Meadow Pure™ Omega-3 Ultra Golden Flax™ with Marteks DHA oil derived from marine algae, Natural Flavors (plant based), Rice Bran Soluble fiber*, Vitafiber™ (isomalto-oligosaccharides from non-GMO corn and/or potato starch), Rice Malto-dexrin*, Xanthan Gum, Natural Curcumin Color (plant based).
              *Organic ingredients
              IMPORTANT:
Best if stored in cool, dark conditions. After each use close tightly and refrigerate immediately. Contains an oxygen absorbent packet to preserve freshness.
              Pregnant and nursing mothers, anyone taking prescription medications, or prior to any surgical procedures, inform their healthcare practitioner and/or pharmacist before taking this or any other dietary supplement.

              Yeast Flora Support

                OrthoFlora Yeast Support
                Protocol for Life Balance
                90 Capsules $22.00


                With Pau D’Arco, Oregano Oil, Black Walnut & Caprylic Acid
-Supports Healthy Balance of Intestinal Flora*
-A Dietary Supplement
-Vegetarian / Vegan
                OrthoFlora Yeast Support™ is a unique formula with nutritional and traditional herbal ingredients that may help to support a healthy balance of intestinal flora.* Candida albicans is a naturally occurring yeast that typically resides in the gut as part of the normal gut flora. It is well known that a proper composition of intestinal organisms is critical to healthy digestive and immune system function, as well as for the support of proper detoxification processes.* Although OrthoFlora Yeast Support™ is not meant to clear Candida albicans from the gut, it can help to support a healthy balance of intestinal flora, a healthy immune system, proper detoxification, and overall digestive well-being.

                Servings Per Container: 45
                As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules twice daily with food or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

                Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
                Amount Per Serving
Calories … 10 
Calories from Fat … 5 
Total Fat … 0.5g
Saturated Fat … 0.5g
Trans Fat … 0g 
Total Carbohydrate … 1g
Biotin … 2mg (2, 000 mcg)
Magnesium … 45mg
(from Magnesium Caprylate)
Caprylic Acid … 500mg 
(from Magnesium Caprylate)
Pau D … 300mg
Black Walnut … 300mg 
(Juglans nigra L.)(Hull)
Oregano Oil Powder … 200mg 
(Origanum vulgare)(min. 1.75% Volatiles)
                Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Garlic (bulb), Olive Leaf, Cat’s Claw Root, Wormwood Herb, Silica, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source) and Cellulose Powder.
                Contains tree nut (walnut hulls).
                Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish or shellfish ingredients.
                Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
                CAUTIONS AND INTERACTIONS: Ingredients in this product may interact with hormonal medications such as insulin. If you are taking medications or if you are pregnant/nursing, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use. May cause mild transient gastrointestinal discomfort.

                ProOmega-CoQ10

                  ProOmega-CoQ10 1000mg
                  Nordic Naturals
                  60 softgels $38.95
                  120 softgels $69.95


                  -Double-strength EPA+DHA for more omega-3s in fewer soft gels plus 100mg 
ubiquinone-form CoQ10
-Synergistic heart support
-Promotes brain and neurological health
                  ProOmega CoQ10 provides the same powerful EPA+DHA formula as our ProOmega, with 
the added heart health benefits of CoQ10. This formula helps supply the heart 
with the ATP it needs, and protects heart tissue from oxidative stress and 
damage.

                  Servings Per Container: 30
                  Two soft gels daily, with food, or as directed by your health care professional or pharmacist.
                  Serving Size: 2 soft gels
                  Amount Per Serving: 
Calories …20
Calories from Fat …18
Total Fat …2.0g
Saturated Fat …0.1g
Trans Fat …0g
Coenzyme Q10 …100mg
                  Total Omega-3s …1280mg
EPA …650mg
(Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
DHA …450mg
(Docosahexaenoic Acid) 
Other Omega-3s …180mg
                  Ingredients: purified deep sea fish oil (from anchovies and sardines), soft gel 
capsule (gelatin, glycerin, purified water, caramel color, natural lemon flavor), coenzyme Q10, beeswax, d-alpha tocopherol, rosemary extract (a natural 
preservative)
                  No gluten, milk derivatives, or artificial colors or flavors. Non-GMO.

                  10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth & What To Do About It

                    by Dr. Amy MyersApril 4, 2013
                    You might be wondering: What on earth is candida?

                    Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your mouth and intestines. Its main job? Helping out with digestion and nutrient absorption.

                    But when overproduced, candida can break down the wall of the intestine and penetrate the bloodstream — releasing toxic by-products into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems, from digestive issues to depression.

                    How do you get candida overgrowth?

                    The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. However, a few factors can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                    Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
                    Consuming a lot of alcohol
                    Taking oral contraceptives
                    Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles)
                    Living a high-stress lifestyle
                    Taking a round of antibiotics that killed too many of those friendly bacteria
                    What are common symptoms of candida?

                    Skin and nail fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
                    Feeling tired and worn down, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
                    Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
                    Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis
                    Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
                    Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
                    Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
                    Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
                    Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
                    Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
                    How do you test for candida overgrowth?

                    Blood test

                    You’ll want to start by checking your levels for candida antibodies called IgG, IgA, and IgM. This can easily be done through most medical labs, and high levels can clue you in to an overgrowth of candida.

                     

                     

                    How do you treat candida overgrowth?

                    To successfully treat candida, you need to do three things: stop the yeast overgrowth, build up the friendly bacteria, and heal your gut so that candida can no longer enter your bloodstream.

                    First step: getting rid of the candida overgrowth, which mainly requires switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.

                    Sugar is what feeds yeast. So start by eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms — such as candy, desserts, alcohol, and flours. At the same time, cut back to just 1 cup a day of the more complex carbohydrates, like grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta, and potatoes. This will help prevent the candida from growing and will eventually cause it to die.
                    I also recommend eliminating all fermented foods. That’s because, while it’s common knowledge that fermented foods help to feed the good bacteria, most people don’t realize that bad bacteria feed off of these foods as well.

                    Still, using diet alone could take three to six months before the candida is back under control. So, I often recommend that my patients use an anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan or Nystatin, for at least a month.

                    If you are self-treating, you can also take a supplement of caprylic acid. Caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil, basically “pokes holes” in the yeast cell wall, causing it to die.

                    And while some people recommend using herbs like oil of oregano, I don’t recommend it since it can also kill the good bacteria.

                    Next, you should rebuild the good bacteria that typically keep your candida population under control. Taking anywhere from 25 to 100 billion units of probiotics on a regular basis should help to reduce the candida levels and restore your levels of good bacteria.

                    Finally, heal your gut. Eliminating inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract — and introducing foods that help — will prevent candida from working its way through your body, and dramatically improve your overall health.

                    Want to find out if you have candida overgrowth? Consider seeing a functional medicine doctor who is trained in detecting and treating candida.

                    More information below: This article has been updated as of November 1, 2016 by mbg editorial to include new studies, information, and data on candida.

                    Is candida a fungus?

                    Yes, yes it is. More specifically, candida is a yeast. There are many different forms of candida, but Candida albicans is the main species colonizing the human body.

                    Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body without causing problems, but imbalance in the microbiome can lead to candida overgrowth. When there is disruption of the delicate balance of the good and bad bacteria, Candida albicans will take over, leading to common conditions like oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and diaper rash. If you have ever taken antibiotics, you were probably warned by your doctor about the risk of developing a yeast overgrowth—this happens because the antibiotics can wipe out your gut bacteria, good and bad, creating an environment that is ripe for yeast and fungi to take over.

                    Is candida a yeast infection?

                    Technically yes, candida is a yeast infection but this warrants clarification. When most people say “yeast infection” they are referring to a vaginal yeast infection but the candida symptoms and causes we are discussing here pertain to the gut. Typically, yeast overgrowth is treated using antifungal medications, but these medications can have unpleasant side effects and it’s common for the yeast overgrowth to return as soon as you stop taking them. For example, many women suffer from chronic yeast infections because they medicate without completely understanding the connection between the microbiome and yeast balances in the body. Changing the yeast infection recurrence, like with candida, often requires a lifestyle or dietary change.

                    Not to mention, like antibiotic resistance, microbiological resistance to these conventional antifungal drugs is becoming problematic and it’s causing researchers to start looking for alternatives. Which is all the more reason to educate yourself and try to understand your yeast issues on a deeper level.

                    How candida affects your gut

                    I know, I know, you’ve heard this a million different times, but while yeast infections and diaper rash are well-known conditions and generally easy to spot, when overproduced in the gut, candida will break down the walls of our digestive tract and penetrate the bloodstream. When left untreated, it’s more dangerous than you think.

                    Candida can also be toxic to the system. Essentially, when candida breaches the intestinal barrier and enters the bloodstream it releases toxic byproducts—including acetaldehyde—into your body. Acetaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen and is responsible for “hangover” symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and liver damage—definitely not something you want floating around in your body in large quantities.

                    Candida and leaky gut

                    If you are thinking this sounds a lot like leaky gut, you are already ahead of the game. The connection between candida and leaky gut is intricate. A leaky gut creates the perfect environment for candida to multiply, pass through the intestinal lining, and enter the bloodstream along with the undigested food particles. This is characteristic of leaky gut syndrome. Meanwhile, candida itself can colonize the gut and damage the intestinal lining. If you have one, you’re probably more likely to have the other. They can also exacerbate each other, creating a situation where your gut health quickly snowballs into dis-ease.

                    Candida, the liver, and detox

                    Similar to leaky gut syndrome, candida overgrowth releases toxins into the bloodstream that must be filtered by the liver. If there are too many toxins due to candida overgrowth, it can overload the liver and interfere with its ability to do its job. This means over toxicity and trouble maintaining blood sugar levels, storing vitamins and minerals, and regulating hormones.

                    The connection between candida and the liver explains why many of the symptoms of candida overgrowth—like irritability, fatigue, and brain fog—are similar to those of an overburdened liver. It also explains why many candida cleanse or diet programs include liver support supplements and detoxification support.

                    Candida and inflammation

                    Candida overgrowth, leaky gut, an overburdened liver, and the physical and mental symptoms they create can trigger the immune system to react, causing chronic inflammation. Inflammation can manifest itself in uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain, skin rashes, or brain fog and can eventually lead to autoimmune disease.

                    The relationship between candida, the liver, inflammation, and gut health is extremely complex, but it’s helpful to remember that everything in the body is connected. Different organs rely on and interact with each other. Adopting a holistic approach instead of treating each symptom individually will give you the best chance at achieving optimal health. This is a perspective that is often missing in the conventional medical approach, leaving many people bouncing from one specialist to another, with a bunch of symptoms they can’t quite connect.

                    Causes of candida

                    The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. The bad news is that many different factors can disrupt the delicate gut balance and can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                    Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Carbohydrates and sugar act like food for yeast and feed candida overgrowth in the gut.
                    Consuming a lot of alcohol. Most alcohol is fermented and contains sugars that will also feed the yeast.
                    Taking oral contraceptives. The birth control pill can disrupt the bacterial balance in the microbiome.
                    Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like kombucha, sauerkraut, vinegar, and pickles). These foods often contain yeast or have small amounts of alcohol that is produced during the fermentation process.
                    Living a high-stress lifestyle. Stress can slow down digestion and trigger inflammation.
                    Taking a round of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with harmful bacteria which sets the stage for Candida albicans to take over.
                    Taking corticosteroids. Drugs like Prednisone, commonly used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, or arthritis are known to cause yeast infections in humans.
                    A weakened immune system. As you may know, a good portion of the body’s immune system resides in your gut. A compromised immune system puts you at a higher risk for gut imbalances and candida overgrowth.
                    Candida overgrowth and asthma

                    Essentially any medication, food, or lifestyle factor that disrupts the body’s natural environment can change the balance of the gut and set the stage for candida. Certain chronic diseases, like asthma, may require frequent antibiotic use and daily inhaled steroids, creating a perfect storm of factors that can lead to yeast overgrowth. If you have a chronic inflammatory condition that requires medication, it might be wise to see a functional medicine practitioner to see what you can do to counteract the effects of these drugs.

                    If you are someone who suffers from frequent colds, sore throats, or sinus issues, it’s important to note that antibiotics are one of the most prevalent causes of candida overgrowth, and also one of the most unknown. Remember that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections and should only be taken when necessary. Overprescribing antibiotics is a big problem in Western healthcare system and they can have negative effects on the microbiome, which dampens your immune system, leading to a greater susceptibility to the same conditions they are meant to treat.

                    At home candida test: the simple spit test

                    There are a few different tests for candida and none of them are error-proof, so it’s important to consider your symptoms when trying to determine if candida might be a problem for you. If all of your tests come back negative but you suffer from many of the symptoms of candida, you can always try making the recommended diet and lifestyle changes and see how you feel.

                    This do-it-yourself candida spit test lacks scientific backing, but many candida experts suggest it as simple, free, no-risk starting point. It works like this: when you wake up in the morning get a clear glass of water, before you brush your teeth or drink anything gather some saliva in your mouth and spit into the cup. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then observe what you see. If your spit looks particularly cloudy, or you see small white projections coming out of the saliva, it could be a sign that you have candida and you might want to try one of the more established tests mentioned above.

                    Candida cleanse: foods to avoid when you have candida

                    Sugar

                    Cut down on sugar. It’s important to note that this includes many salad dressings and condiments and even natural sweeteners like honey, coconut sugar, and agave. This can be a difficult adjustment, even if you are mindful of your sugar intake, completely eliminating sugar can leave you with strong cravings and feeling irritable.

                    Sugar has a strong effect on your body and brain and cutting it out can be difficult. Scientific research has shown that high glycemic index foods are linked to strong hunger and food cravings.

                    Carbohydrates

                    Many foods containing carbohydrates, especially complex ones, are not inherently bad for you. But when you are fighting yeast its very important to cut off its food supply completely, or it could take longer to get your symptoms under control. It’s a challenging lifestyle change, expect some slip ups and don’t beat yourself up.

                    Candida-friendly foods

                    At this point you might be wondering what you are able to eat. Nuts and seeds, avocado, vegetables, lean protein, and stevia for sweetener will be your allies on this candida diet. To help you get an idea of the daily routine of the candida diet we have provided a day’s worth of meal examples.

                    Candida diet: best foods for candida

                    Breakfast: for breakfast try unsweetened coconut yogurt with strawberries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and almonds. This will include lots of healthy fats and keep you feeling full until lunch.

                    Lunch: try a big leafy green salad and make a dressing using olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Top it with quinoa for some protein.

                    Dinner: grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables are all candida friendly.

                    Snacks: try making homemade guacamole and eat it with raw veggies or flaxseed crackers. Hardboiled eggs or mixed nuts are also great snacks on the candida diet.

                    Still not sure where to begin? Check out these 8 Recipes For The Candida Diet where we give you some great recipes that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

                    Candida diet: foods to eat when you have candida

                    While it is important to eliminate certain foods, it can also be beneficial to incorporate candida-fighting foods into your daily routine. Thankfully, there’s a long list of delicious foods that have strong antifungal properties.

                    Raw Garlic

                    Garlic is one of the best options for fighting yeast, one study showed that garlic oil was able to penetrate the cellular membranes of Candida albicans and very successfully disrupt the normal activity and functioning of the yeast.

                    Coconut oil

                    In a study conducted at Tufts University, coconut oil was suggested as the first effective dietary approach to fighting candida.

                    Olive oil and cinnamon oil

                    A recent study exploring alternatives to conventional antifungal medications demonstrated that olive oil and cinnamon oil both successfully combatted candida isolated from bloodstream infections.

                    Lemon

                    Citrus fruits have long been known for their antiseptic qualities and can help prevent the formation of biofilms (a film of bacteria that adheres to a surface).

                    Wild salmon

                    This excellent source of omega-3s can help fight fungal infections.

                    Ginger

                    Ginger was recently suggested as a natural antifungal option to during a time when many fungi are becoming resistant to conventional antifungal medications

                    Apple cider vinegar

                    It’s the only vinegar allowed on the candida diet, as it contains minerals that will help fight against yeast.

                    Cloves

                    Cloves have long been used in traditional medicine systems to fight a wide variety of ailments, including fungal infections.

                    Probiotics, prebiotics and supplements for Candida

                    Adopting the right diet is arguably your most important tool when fighting candida.

                    Diflucan and Nystatin are only available through your doctor, so if you are self-treating, another great supplement to fight candida is undecylenic acid. This is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is thought to be even more effective than caprylic acid in fighting yeast and helping to maintain a healthy microbiome.

                    When choosing a probiotic, here’s a tip: pick a good quality probiotic that includes the lactobacillus strain, as some studies have shown it to be particularly effective at fighting yeast.

                    If you are suffering from any of the GI conditions listed above, probiotics can even more important to maintaining your good health. Some studies suggest that prebiotics and probiotics will start to be included in the standard treatment protocols for inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis because of their ability to help control symptoms and exacerbations.

                    Fiber supplementation is also frequently suggested in candida treatment plans. Yeast overgrowth occurs in the digestive tract and its important to flush out those areas and keep things moving. This limits the amount of time the candida has to colonize and cause damage. Some good fiber supplements include acacia fiber or even raw chia seeds taken regularly. Fiber is also prebiotic, helping probiotics do their jobs better.

                    You can also consider herbal remedies with antifungal properties. Ayurvedic experts recommend valerian, wormwood, and mugwort. There are also plenty of probiotic foods and fun teas that can be easy to add to your daily routine.

                    What is candida die off?

                    It’s possible that in the beginning of your candida-fighting mission, you will experience something called candida die-off. This is similar to the flu-like symptoms you can experience when you start a detox program. While this is largely unstudied and unquantified from a yeast standpoint, the Herxheimer reaction is a byproduct of metabolic processing. (Most research here has been done on patients with syphillis. As your body gets rid of toxins and the yeast dies, your symptoms may get worse before they get better. Like any detox, start out slowly, drink a lot of water, rest, and if symptoms are too uncomfortable, ease up on your anti-candida regime or adopt a gentler approach. Keep the faith that you will start to feel better, look for signs like more restful sleep, well balanced blood sugar levels, and more mental clarity.

                    How to heal your gut after having candida

                    Once you have the yeast under control—which can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months—you can start slowly adding different food groups back into your diet.

                    However, it is important to continue to avoid inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract. Remember, the strong relationship between candida and leaky gut? Many people with candida overgrowth also have a leaky gut and that can put them at increased risk of food sensitivities. You want to make sure you are not continually disturbing the intestinal lining as it tries to heal.

                    Foods like sugar, coffee, grains, alcohol, dairy, and starchy plant foods can all be very irritating to the intestinal lining and increase the risk of candida getting out of control again. Limiting or avoiding them might be wise, and make sure that if you do consume them, you pay attention to how you feel afterwards.

                    If you are thinking that this guide was helpful, but it is just too complicated an endeavor to take on by yourself, consider seeing a functional/integrative medicine doctor, or holistic Nutritionist.

                    Most integrative/functional medicine providers are trained in detecting and treating candida and many will even advertise candida as one of the conditions they are able to treat. Some facilities and providers even have specific candida treatment and prevention programs in place.

                    Can candida overgrowth cause adrenal fatigue?

                    In case you needed another reason to adopt a self-care routine, stress management can be one of the most important tools in fighting candida. Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that causes inflammation, which slows your ability to digest and inhibits your immune system. This is a problem because along with your good gut bacteria, your immune system works to keep candida in check. When your stress response interferes with your digestion it can pave the way for candida to overproduce. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms to deal with daily stress can be a very important tool in the prevention and treatment of candida overgrowth.

                    A word on exercise: although exercise can be a great stress-reliever it can also initiate the body’s stress response and lead to the release cortisol. Mild exercise like walking or gentle yoga, at least for the initial stages of the diet as they can lower cortisol levels. Yoga and meditation can be helpful tools for fighting candida. They will decrease stress and activate relaxation pathways in the brain and body. If you are worried about sticking to the diet, meditation and yoga can help you detach from the challenges and refocus your energies on healing from candida.

                    Yoga poses to help with detoxification

                    Yoga can help heal candida overgrowth Here are a few different types of poses to try if you’re battling candida.

                    Twisting poses are known to help with digestion and detoxification, as they massage the abdominal organs. Here are a few twisting yoga poses to try while you’re fighting candida:

                    Seated spinal twist
                    Supine spinal twist
                    Standing twists
                    Inversions revive our energy and help with blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification, among other things.

                    Simple variations to prep for handstand or headstand
                    Restorative poses (first pose in this sequence)
                    Headstand
                    Breathwork activates our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure, helping with respiratory conditions, and also re-energizes us.

                    Fish -Which ones should You stay away from? Safe fish List

                      Here is a List of Fish that you should NEVER eat.

                      Most people think that fish is always a healthier option.  Between over fishing, and contamination, our fish ‘eating options’ have definitely changed.  I will start with a list of ‘should not’s’ and follow with a list of better options.

                      Should Not Eat

                      1. Tiliapa
                      2. Atlantic Cod
                      3. Atlantic Flatfish (halibut, flounder…)
                      4. Caviar
                      5. Chilean Seabass
                      6. Eel
                      7. Farmed Salmon (Atlantic or Wild Caught)
                      8. Imported Basa and Swai
                      9. Imported Farmed Shrimp
                      10. Imported King Crab
                      11. Orange Roughy
                      12. Shark
                      13. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
                      14. Swordfish
                      15. King Mackerel
                      16. Grouper
                      17. Sturgeon

                      Better Options

                      1. Atlantic Mackerel
                      2. Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon
                      3. Pacific Sardines
                      4. Sablefish/Black Cod
                      5. Tuna
                      6. Albacore or Skipjack

                      This is just a list for a quick read.  The full article is located on Dr. Axe’s page.

                      www.ewg.org

                      More interesting information about fish.