Healthy with Jodi

White

Curb Carb Cravings! Healthy Glucose Control

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    Control Pre-Meal CapsulesTM
    30 servings $38.95

    Self-control now comes in a capsule

    Benefits:
    * Can help curb cravings and reduce appetite
    * Neutralizes starches found in processed carbohydrates
    * Can support stabilized blood glucose
    * May enhance mental alertness, endurance and stamina

    * Helps you feel satisfied faster and takes the edge off your cravings
    Purium`s CONTROL Pre-Meal CapsulesTM are specifically designed to help you eat less and reduce the impact of simple carbohydrates and sugars, lessening the possibility that your body will convert them into fat. It is a great addition to any weight loss regimen.
    Instructions: Take two capsules three times per day (approximately one hour prior to meals) with 8oz of water or, take two to three capsules prior to any fatty meal or dessert followed by 8oz of water.
    Interesting Facts:
    * Nopal (Opuntia Streptacantha): promotes weight loss by absorbing water and providing a feeling of satiety. It has a positive effect on blood sugar and helps reduce the appetite and control carbohydrate cravings. It can also reduce cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fats from the body, and aids digestion by absorbing toxins from the bowel as well as increasing the rate at which food passes through the system.
    * Garcinia Cambogia (fruit): inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver and promotes an increased availability of glycogen in the liver, thus sending a “full” signal to the brain sooner.
    * Green Tea Extract: Extract: research has found that green tea increases the amount of energy spent by the body and holds promise as a treatment for obesity and other weight problems.
    * American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Dr Lin Yutang, a Chinese research scientist who spent a lifetime learning about ginseng, summed up his work by saying that, “The magic tonic and building qualities of ginseng are the most enduring, the most energy-giving, restorative qualities known to mankind, yet it is distinguished by the slowness and gentleness of its action.”
    * White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus Vulgaris):

    Final word from Dave:
    Drawing from the wisdom of ancient culture, we have put together a product for the ages. From the shaman we take Opuntia, from Chinese medicine – Green Tea, from Ayurvedic – the garcinia cambogia, and the power of White American Ginseng and the newly discovered effect of the amazing white kidney bean. Brought together to give you the ultimate in CONTROL, self control, appetite control, glucose control, energy and most importantly, your weight.
- Dave Sandoval

    What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

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      Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

      Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroid gland inflammation (thyroiditis) and the most frequent cause of decreased thyroid hormone production hypothyroidism. It results from an autoimmune disorder, an attack on the thyroid gland by a person’s own immune system.
      The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that lies flat against the windpipe in the throat. It produces the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) and plays an important role in controlling the body’s metabolism.
      With Hashimoto thyroiditis, the thyroid becomes enlarged, called a goiter. Thyroid gland tissue is slowly destroyed by white blood cells called lymphocytes that move into the thyroid gland and by one or more thyroid autoantibodies. This causes a progressive decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.
      About 1 in 1,000 people are diagnosed annually with Hashimoto thyroiditis, and the number has been increasing over time due to improvements in diagnostic techniques. This disorder can affect anyone at any age but occurs most commonly in women who are between 30 and 50 years of age. The ratio of women to men diagnosed with the disease is 20 to 1. People with a family history of thyroid diseases or with other autoimmune diseases, especially type 1 diabetes or adrenal insufficiency are at increased risk.
      Those affected by Hashimoto thyroiditis may not have any symptoms for several years, but eventually most will experience some degree of hypothyroidism that worsens over time.

      Signs and Symptoms
      Constipation
      Depression
      Dry skin
      Fatigue
      Forgetfulness
      Increased sensitivity to cold
      Menstrual irregularities, heavy and excessive bleeding
      Muscle and joint pain
      Muscle weakness
      Sluggishness
      Thinning hair
      Weight gain
      For pregnant women, increased risk of miscarriage

      Tests
      Testing is done to evaluate the health of the thyroid, diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis, and monitor treatment.
      To determine whether the thyroid is functioning properly and for monitoring thyroid function and hormone production, one or more of the following blood tests may be done:
      Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – typically elevated in hypothyroidism
      Free T4 – often decreased in primary hypothyroidism
      Total or Free T3 – sometimes decreased but may be within the normal reference range, so is not as useful as free T4
      Additional tests may be used to detect autoantibodies directed against the thyroid and to help diagnose Hashimoto thyroiditis:
      Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO, see Thyroid Antibodies) – this test detects the presence of autoantibodies against a protein found in thyroid cells. A high value usually indicates autoimmune damage to the thyroid due to disorders such as Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves disease.
      Antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) – if positive, may indicate Hashimoto thyroiditis; while thyroglobulin antibodies are often positive, they are not as sensitive or specificas anti-TPO so they are not routinely ordered.
      People with a very mild form of Hashimoto thyroiditis may not have thyroid antibodies present in their blood.
      Treatment
      There is no cure for Hashimoto thyroiditis, but the disorder is manageable. No treatment is required when thyroid hormone concentrations (T4 and T3) are normal and the affected person is not experiencing significant symptoms. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is typically necessary, however, when thyroid hormone production becomes significantly decreased and symptoms begin to emerge or worsen. Those with Hashimoto thyroiditis are closely monitored, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy is initiated and/or adjusted as necessary.

      https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000371.htm

      Understanding Auto Immune disorders

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        Who understands auto immune disorders and how they affects us and our loved ones?  Here is a brief overview of what it is and a link if you want to research correct information further.

        When an intruder invades your body—like a cold virus or bacteria on a thorn that pricks your skin—your immune system protects you. It tries to identify, kill, and eliminate the invaders that might hurt you. But sometimes problems with your immune system cause it to mistake your body’s own healthy cells as invaders and then repeatedly attacks them. This is called an autoimmune disease. (“Autoimmune” means immunity against the self.)

        Autoimmune diseases can affect almost any part of the body, including the heart, brain, nerves, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, lungs, kidneys, glands, the digestive tract, and blood vessels. The classic sign of an autoimmune disease is inflammation, which can cause redness, heat, pain, and swelling. How an autoimmune disease affects you depends on what part of the body is targeted. If the disease affects the joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis, you might have joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function. If it affects the thyroid, as in Graves’ disease and thyroiditis, it might cause tiredness, weight gain, and muscle aches. If it attacks the skin, as it does in scleroderma/systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it can cause rashes, blisters, and color changes.

        Many autoimmune diseases don’t restrict themselves to one part of the body. For example, SLE can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, nerves, blood vessels, and more. Type 1 diabetes can affect your glands, eyes, kidneys, muscles, and more.

        KEY WORDS

        Acquired immune system. The part of the immune system that develops as a person grows. It employs antibodies and immune cells to fight harmful substances.

        Antibody. A special protein produced by the body’s immune system that recognizes and helps fight infectious agents and other foreign substances that invade the body.

        Antigen. A foreign substance that triggers the production of antibodies when it is introduced into the body.

        Autoimmune disease. A disease that results when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.

        Corticosteroids. Potent anti-inflammatory hormones that are made naturally in the body or synthetically (man-made) for use as drugs. They are also called glucocorticoids. The most commonly prescribed drug of this type is prednisone.

        Diabetes, type 1. A condition in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, making it impossible for the body to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults.

        Graves’ disease. An autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. This causes such symptoms as nervousness, heat intolerance, heart palpitations, and unexplained weight loss.

        Immune system. A complex network of specialized cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

        Thyroiditis. An inflammation of the thyroid gland that causes the gland to become underactive. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight gain, cold intolerance, and muscle aches.

        Vitiligo. A disorder in which the immune system destroys pigment-making cells called melanocytes. This results in white patches of skin on different parts of the body.

        The National Institutes of Health (NIH)—The Nation’s Medical Research Agency—includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH visit:

        https://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/

        Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? (One Ingredient Is Linked to Gut Destruction)

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          Disturbing side effects of chewing gum.  Alternative bad breathe ideas and reasons why you should rethink putting gum in your mouth.
          Gut Destruction

          Chewing gum manufacturers have been turning to an ingredient called titanium dioxide for years. Now used in nanoparticle form, this extremely tiny metal compound is posing some serious emerging health threats. This is probably the scariest reason to avoid gum.

          Generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, this compound is often used in nanoparticle form to create a bright white pigmentation in paints, plastics … and chewing gum. (2) It’s also found in tons of other foods, like candies and powdered white sugar (donuts!) and even bread. Although it’s allowed on store shelves and considered safe, scientists are starting to paint a different picture.

          In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal NanoImpact shows that nano-titanium oxide ingredients like titanium dioxide can severely impact gut health. Researchers exposed small intestinal cells to a meal’s worth of nanoparticles over four hours (acute exposure) or three meal’s worth over five days (chronic exposure). What they found is a bit shocking.

          Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the diet:

          Weakened the intestinal barrier
          Slowed down metabolism
          Triggered inflammation
          Weakened the gut’s defense against pathogens
          Blocked nutrient absorption of key nutrients like iron, zinc and fatty acids
          The nanoparticles actually blunted the effectiveness of the small intestines’ microvilli. Microvilli are tiny projections that jut off of small intestinal cells and work to absorb nutrients our bodies need to survive. (3)

          People also face this type of titanium dioxide exposure through toothpaste, and it’s even sometimes used to created a smoother texture in chocolates and to create a brighter appearance in skim milk.

          In 2012, Arizona State University found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles turned up in five percent of products tested, including Twinkies and mayonnaise samples. Under public pressure, Dunkin Donuts stopped using nano-titanium dioxide in its donuts’ powdered sugar in 2015.

          “To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles,” — Gretchen Mahler, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York. (4)

          Beyond that, many chewing gum products contain emulsifiers to retain flavor and keep gum from sticking to your teeth. (5) The trouble is, many emulsifiers act almost like detergent in your digestive tract, throwing off the natural balance of your gut flora. In fact, research in lab animals suggests certain emulsifiers used as food additives could contribute to colon cancer development.

          Is Chewing Gum Bad? More Reasons to Stop

          Migraines

          For children and adolescents dealing with vicious migraines and tension headaches, the natural solution could be right under their noses: Stop chewing gum. A small study published in Pediatric Neurology discovered that nixing gum led to significant improvements in 26 out of 30 adolescents in the study. Amazingly, 19 of them experienced complete headache resolution. No pills, no treatments — they just stopped chewing gum. (6)

          If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a migraine naturally, your gum habit is a great place to start. In tweens and teens, common proven headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hot weather, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, skipping meals and menstruation. Now we can add gum to the list. Researchers aren’t sure if it’s the artificial sweeteners or a TMJ issue related to gum and headaches, but the good news is we can stop many headaches with this simple step. (7)

          Sinister Sweeteners

          You’d expect fake sweeteners like aspartame in diet soda, but chewing gum? Come on! Different chewing gum companies turn to ingredients like aspartame, sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, acesulfame K, sucrolose and xylitol. Some actually use multiple fake sweeteners in a single gum product.

          These ingredients are linked to serious health issues like tooth decay, liver fat buildup, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, lymphoma, kidney tumors and more. Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, is among the most common artificial sweeteners detected in breast milk. That’s troubling, since the ingredient is also linked to thyroid dysfunction. Sucralose harms the gut, throwing off healthy levels of enzymes and disrupting the microbiome. (8)

          While xylitol and sorbitol may seem more natural, these processed sugar alcohols aren’t absorbed well by the body and cause an allergic reaction for those who have a sensitivity to it. And then there are the digestive sugar alcohol and xylitol side effects, including bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. And get this: Its laxative effect is so pronounced that it’s actually part of the chemical makeup for many over-the-counter laxatives.

          Special note to dog owners: Xylitol and other sugar alcohol-based sweeteners are life-threatening toxins to dogs. Be mindful of breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts and other foods when your pets are around. (9)

          Better Bad-Breath Fighters & Gum Alternatives

          Bad breath is a good excuse to reach for gum, but as you can see, the side effects are bad news, especially for your gut. Luckily, there are better ways to cope. After ruling out potential underlying issues for bad breath, you can turn to these things to naturally improve your breath:

          Eat parsley.
          Drink enough water, especially tap into the benefits of lemon water.
          Learn how to safely tap into peppermint oil benefits.(Not recommended for young children.)
          Learn about oil pulling with coconut oil.
          Avoid grains and added sugars.
          Final Thoughts on ‘Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?’
          American played a huge role in spreading the popularity of chewing gum all around the world.
          However, today’s ingredients include fake dyes and flavors. But perhaps most concerning is nanoparticle-sized titanium dioxide, an ingredient used in everything from gum, candy and bread to paint and plastics.
          Nano-titanium dioxide helps create a vibrant white color, but scientists now show that it can impact small intestinal cells in a way that blocks absorption of key nutrients, slows the metabolism, increases inflammation and weakens the gut’s ability to protect against dangerous pathogens.
          Chewing gum is also linked to migraines and tension headaches in children and adolescents.
          There are still some chewing gum companies that rely on old-fashioned, real-food ingredients, but they are sometimes harder to come by.

          Source: www.draxe.com

          Golden Milk: Fight Inflammation Naturally

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            Golden Milk
            Dairy Free, Soy free, Gluten Free, 
            Happily serves 1

            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

            1 Cup Almond or non dairy nut milk
            1 TBSP Coconut oil
            1 tsp Turmeric
            1/4 tsp ground ginger
            1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
            1/8 tsp white pepper (or black)

            Optional: scoop of Collagen

            Mix all ingredients together, whisk, or nutria bullet or shaker bottle. You can drink warm or cold. Great for inflammation, muscle, and immune support if you add the collagen.

            Potassium Info & Top Ten Foods highest in this essential nutrient

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              Potassium Rich Foods-Top ten

              Potassium is an essential nutrient used to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
              Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is a required mineral for the function of several organs including the heart, kidneys, brain and muscular tissues.
              Potassium also plays an important role in keeping the body hydrated and works with sodium to support cellular function with your bodies sodium-potassium pump.
              Potassium deficiency symptoms can include severe headaches, dehydration, heart palpitations and swelling of glands and tissues.
              Also, potassium deficiency can lead to:
              * Fatigue
              * Irritability
              * Muscle cramps
              * Weight gain
              * Increased blood pressure
              * Cellulite buildup
              The main culprits that can cause low levels of potassium are endurance cardiovascular exercise without proper hydration, vomiting, diarrhea and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.
              Unless you are on dialysis, or have a special condition, overdose of potassium from natural sources is very rare.
              The RDA for potassium is 4700 mg/day.
              Keeping in mind Sodium should be 2300mg.
              Think Double potassium for your sodium intake!
              Consuming these 3 servings of this high potassium foods list daily to ensure optimal levels of potassium.
              Top 10 Potassium Rich Foods List
              1) Avocado. 1 whole: 1068 mg (30% DV)
              2) Spinach. 1 cup: 839mg (24% DV)
              3) Sweet potato. 1 medium: 952 mg (27% DV)
              4) Coconut Water. 1 cup 600 mg (17% DV)
              5) Kefir or Yogurt 1 cup: 579 mg (15% DV)
              6) White Beans ½ cup: 502 mg (15% DV)
              7) Banana 1 large: 422 mg (12% DV)
              8) Acorn squash 1 cup: 899 mg (26% DV)
              9) Dried apricots ½ cup: 755 mg (22% DV)
              10) Mushrooms 1 cup: 428 mg (27% DV)

              Potassium Health Benefits
              Cramps
: One of the main benefits of consuming high potassium foods is decreased muscle cramping and improved muscle strength.  Muscle cramps are a common side effects of low potassium levels.  This can happen if an athlete becomes dehydrated and isn’t consuming enough potassium rich foods before and after exercise.
              Reduced Risk of Stroke
: Several observational studies have found that those with high potassium levels experience a lower risk of stroke. The health benefits of potassium are likely through reduction of blood pressure combined with a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
              Alleviation of High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): 
Studies show that a diet high in potassium, especially potassium from fruits and vegetables, lowers blood pressure. This is especially true if the increase in potassium foods is not accompanied by an increase in high sodium foods.
              Reduced Cellulite Appearance
: One of the main causative factors of cellulite buildup is fluid retention.  Most people consume far too much sodium and not near enough potassium.  Sodium brings nutrients into your cells where potassium helps flush excess waste out of your cells.  For this reason, if you reduce sodium intake and start consuming potassium rich foods you can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

              Osteoporosis Protection
: Several studies have found a relation between increased bone density and increased intake of dietary potassium. These studies were true even for post- menopausal women and older men.

              https://draxe.com/top-10-potassium-rich-foods/

              NanoGreens Plus Probiotic

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                NanoGreens Plus Probiotic
                BioPharma Scientific
                300grams $54.95

                What makes nanogreens + probiotics different?
                *Green powder mixed with DE111 Probiotic
                *UTI Health Support
                *Pouch Form -> Nitrogen Flushed
                *5 Billion CFU dose after 2+ years
                *DE111 Probiotic does not require special storage conditions like many other probiotics.
                *Oral administration of Bacillus Subtilis DE111 helps digest and convert sugars and fats, and helps maintain glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
                Vegan
                Vegetarian
                Gluten Free
                All Natural
                Non-GMO
                Probiotic
                Kid Friendly
                How To Enjoy: Mix one scoop of nanogreens + probiotic with 6-8 oz of cold water, milk or juice. For best results, use shaker cup. Children under 12 should take 1/2 serving.  Refrigerate after opening.

                Servings Per Container: 30

                Serving Size: 10g (1 scoop)
                Amount Per Serving
                Calories … 45
                Calories from Fat … 10
                Total Fat … 1g
                Total Carbohydrate … 7g
                Dietary Fiber … 2g
                Sugar … 2g
                Protein … 2g
                Vitamin A … 2500IU
                (as Beta Carotene)
                Vitamin C … 30mg
                Sodium … 20mg
                Potassium … 130mg
                DE111®
                Bacillus subtilis … 5 billion CFU
                Greens Blend … 2250mg
                (Proprietary)
                Organic Barley Grass Juice, Spiruline, Chlorella
                Phytonutrient Blend … 360mg
                (Proprietary)
                Green Tea Extract, Silybin (from Milk Thistle), Grape Seed Extract, Blueberry, Cranberry, Raspberry, Tart Cherry, Pine Bark Extract, Organic Broccoli, Tomato, Organic Carrot, Organic Spinach, Organic Kale, Bilberry, Elderberry, Pomegranate, Blackberry
                Quercetin/Rutin … 100mg
                50/50
                Organic Rice Bran Soluble … 2081mg
                Raspberry Extract … 50mg
                (20% Ellagic Acid)
                Organic Aloe Vera Powder Extract … 30mg
                (100:1 freeze dried)
                Fruit & Vegetable Blend … 930mg
                (Proprietary) (freeze-dried, low temperature dried)
                Organic Apple, Organic Carrot, Organic Mango, Organic Lemon, Organic Sweet Potato, Organic Peach, Organic Parsley, Organic Kale, Organic Broccoli, Organic Spinach, Organic Leek, Organic Cabbage, Beet, Organic Cranberry (Quinic Acid 6%)
                Organic Acerola Cherry Powder … 175mg
                (17.5% AscorbiC Acid)
                Green Tea Extract, White Tea Extract … 100mg
                (decaffeinated 50% Polyphenol)
                Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract … 70mg
                (15% Resveratrol)
                Oat Beta Glucan … 1500mg
                Cinnamon Blend … 50mg
                (Proprietary)
                cinnamon Extract 8%, Organic Cinnamon Bark Powder
                Milk Thistle … 50mg
                (20% Silymarin)
                Marigold Extract … 50mg
                (5% Lutein with Zeaxanthin)
                Dunaliella Salina Extract … 100mg
                (Natural Carotenoids)
                Enzymes … 40mg
                (Plant-based)
                Alpha Amylase, Bromelain, Cellulase, Galactosidase, Glucoamylase, Hemicellulase, Lipase, Papain, Protease
                Lecithin … 1000mg
                (non GMO)
                Lycopene Extract-10% … 25mg
                (from tomato)
                Organic Lemon Peel Powder … 25mg
                Organic Quinoa Sprout … 90mg
                Artichoke Extract … 20mg
                (5% Cynarin)
                Organic Atlantic Kelp Powder … 20mg
                (laminaria Digitata, 0.4% Iodine)
                Stevia Leaf Crystals … 200mg
                (Stevia Rebaudiana)
                Other Ingredients: Natural Flavors (Plant Based), Citric Acid, Soy Phospholipds.

                Protein Collagen Pancakes

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                  Protein Collagen Pancakes
                  Gluten Free, Dairy free
                  Happily serves 2-3

                  ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                  2 Free Range Pasture raised eggs
                  1 egg white
                  1/8 Cup melted Coconut oil
                  1/4Cup Coconut flour
                  2 scoops Bone Broth Protein Powder
                  Dash cinnamon
                  1/8 tsp Himalayan sea salt

                  Liquid Bone broth or water to thin (I only needed about a TBSP)
                  Stevia if desired sweeter

                  Whisk eggs and oil together thoroughly.
                  Stir in coconut flour, protein powder and Himalayan sea salt and allow to sit for 5 minutes
                  Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
                  Once hot, drop batter into cast iron skillet, cook until bubbles form on one side, flip and repeat.
                  Serve Hot

                  Allergy Testing Explained

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                    Allergy testing At a Glance

                    I’m all about questions and explaining why. When we understand “Why” we do things, programs or guidelines become easier to follow and results tend to be easier to maintain when education is behind our actions.  Let me help you stop the guess work and customize your eating and supplement plan so you can be the best version of yourself you can be!!!

                    Formal name:
                    Allergen-specific IgE Antibody Test
                    Why Get Tested?
                    To help diagnose allergies; sometimes to monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy (desensitization) treatment
                    When to Get Tested?
                    When you have symptoms such as hives, dermatitis, nasal congestion, red itchy eyes, asthma, or abdominal pain that your health care provider suspects may be caused by an allergy
                    A Sample is Required
                    A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or finger prick at home test.

                    No Test Preparation Needed

                    What is being tested?
                    Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a class of antibody (immune protein) associated with allergic reactions. It is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE in the blood in order to detect an allergy to a particular substance.
                    IgE is an antibody that functions as part of the body’s immune system, its defense against “intruders.” When someone with a predisposition to allergies is exposed to a potential allergen such as food, grass, or animal dander for the first time, that person becomes sensitized. The person’s body perceives the potential allergen as a foreign substance and produces a specific IgE antibody that binds to specialized mast cells in the skin, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal tract, and to basophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream. With the next exposure, these attached IgE antibodies recognize the allergen and cause the mast and basophil cells to release histamine and other chemicals, resulting in an allergic reaction that begins at the exposure site.
                    Each allergen-specific IgE antibody test performed is separate and very specific: honeybee versus bumblebee, egg white versus egg yolk, giant ragweed versus western ragweed. Groupings of these tests, such as food panels or regional weed, grass, and mold panels, can be done. Alternatively, the health practitioner may pick and choose selectively from a long list of individual allergens suspected of causing a person’s allergies.

                    When is it ordered?
                    One or more allergen-specific IgE antibody tests are usually ordered when a person has signs or symptoms that suggest an allergy to one or more substances. Signs and symptoms MAY include:

                    **Fatigue is number one symptom!**
                    * Hives
                    * Dermatitis
                    * Eczema
                    * Red itchy eyes
                    * Coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing
                    * Itching and tingling in the mouth
                    * Asthma
                    * Abdominal pain or vomiting and diarrhea
                    * Bloating, excessive gas
                    * Skin breakouts
                    * Sluggish
                    * Stomachache, discomfort within 30 mins of eating
                    * Trouble concentrating, brain fog

                    A test may also be ordered occasionally to help evaluate the effectiveness of immunotherapy or to determine whether a child has outgrown an allergy.

                    Sources:
                    American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
                    Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: What are allergies?
                    American College of Allergy, Asthma,
                    American Academy of Family Physicians: Food Allergies
                    Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)
                    Nemours Foundation: All About Allergies
                    American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: What is Allergy Testing
                    American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Allergy Testing
                    National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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

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                      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.