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Candida Albicans is a single celled, fungal yeast that is impossible to keep out of the body. Normally, it does no harm, because probiotics (good gut bacteria) like acidophilus keep it in check. When probiotics are destroyed, however (by birth control pills, antibiotics, steroids, extreme stress etc.), Candida can grow out of control in the gut, or even become systemic and travel throughout the body.
Candida presents problems because it produces chemicals that are toxic to the body. When it grows out of control, changing shape from a round single celled organism into an elongated shape called a mycelia, these flood the body, and cause wide varieties of discomfort.
The Candida can also grow out of control in the intestinal tract, causing continuous inflammation and giving off toxins. A severe infection can almost block the gut by growing like a sponge for several feet through the intestines. In serious cases the fungus can form a solid, encrusted mass.
The inflammation and toxins put a strain on the immune system, weakening the body's defences to other problems. So the body is burdened by the antigens and toxins produced by the Candida, and the wide variety of symptoms that make up Candidiasis become apparent.
For many years, Candida control was limited to anti-fungal drugs and herbs, both of which have limitations. First, anti-fungal drugs may cause liver damage. Second, Candida can develop a resistance to anti-fungal medications. Third, their method of killing the yeast increases the amount of toxins released by the yeast, triggering 'die off' reactions that many people find unbearable.
Because Candida's cell wall is made largely of cellulose, cellulase enzymes can digest it, which kills the yeast without causing die off. These enzymes are entirely safe, and Candida cannot become resistant to them. In addition, they work very quickly; within 3 days for common localised yeast infections, and within six to thirty days for more systemic problems.
Remember, dietary sugars, pharmaceutical drugs, and chlorinated water may trigger renewed outbreaks of Candida.
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