Monthly Archives: March 2017

Colon cleansing, Digestive Enzyme, Fivelac, Threelac, Thyme Formula

Beating the Beastly Yeast: how to tackle Candida the natural way

If you live in the United States and, while watching, hearing or reading the news, you perk up whenever health issues are mentioned, you’ll surely be aware of the drug-resistant illness that in the last few weeks has infected more than 75 people in the US1. Affecting – and potentially damaging – the bloodstream, wounds and ears, it’s predicted (in the very worst case scenario) to cause organ failure, especially for the most ‘at risk’ category; among them diabetics, premature babies and those on paralysis or with weak immunity1.

That’s because it’s an outbreak of Candida auris, one of the broad family of Candida yeasts, many of which (should they get out of control when inside the human body and result in ‘Candida overgrowth’) can cause serious ongoing health issues. In fact, since 2013, outbreaks of Candida auris have been reported in 14 separate countries, including the UK – yes, it’s not just a nasty thing confined to the US, unfortunately1.

Candida – the beastly yeast?

Highlighting these recent infections of this particularly unpleasant Candida strain shows just how common it doing us ill actually is – in fact, so common is Candida that on occasions most people probably don’t realise it’s the cause for them feeling below par or very ill. A wide array of Candida species (the most common of which is probably Candida alcibans2, 3) can cause us real trouble if they’re allowed free roam in our bodies – potentially fungal infections like candidiasis, candidemia and oral flush4.

Yet the truth is that when the Candida levels in your body (most pertinently in the skin and the mucous membranes of the gut and vagina) are kept in check, thanks to a healthy immune system, Candida is very rarely a problem. Indeed, different strains of Candida are among the organisms that a new-born baby will acquire from their mother via birth or through breastfeeding or early food5 – moreover, one specific species, Candida cylindracea, supports effective digestion owing to the positive enzymatic properties and pH levels it possesses6.

Candida overgrowth – symptoms and causes

However, should Candida be allowed to run riot in parts of your body and multiply to the extent it results in overgrowth, perhaps the most immediate consequence is that it’ll imbalance and disrupt the body’s gut microbiota. This is when the balance of bacteria in the intestines tips hazardously in favour of ‘bad bacteria’ and harmful micro-organisms like Candida over ‘good bacteria’ and health-preserving probiotics.

As a result of this then, Candida overgrowth effects can regularly include gastrointestinal (and gastrointestinal-related) issues like abdominal pains, indigestion and excessive gas; irritability, tiredness and trouble concentrating; anxiety and mood swings; skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and acne; oral or vaginal thrush7 and promotion of leaky gut syndrome8. Moreover, overgrowth can see Candida-derived problems occur all over the body, thanks to the yeast potentially infecting the blood, genitals, skin and the throat and oesophagus9, 10.

But what about the causes? Well, some of the most common and guilty of Candida promoters are:

  • Weakened immunity – unfortunately, a large number of medical conditions and medications can weaken the immune system11, 12, 13
  • Antibiotics – attack all bacteria (‘good’ as well as ‘bad’), thus upsetting the gut microbiota balance and allowing Candida to thrive4
  • Diabetes – a hallmark of diabetes, high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia), inhibits the immune system and the digestive and urinary systems4, 14
  • Alcohol – chronic alcohol drinking can lead to the growth of certain Candida species
  • Other potential causes include kidney failure and haemodialysis treatment; organ transplantation; poor diet and pregnancy15, 16

Tackling Candida

Thankfully, should you suspect – and especially if you have it confirmed by a medical professional – that you’re suffering from Candida overgrowth, there’s certainly something you can do about it. Your best advised treatment is a natural remedy – and why not in the shape of easy-to-take and highly effective supplements? All three of the following and many more are available through The Finchley Clinic (indeed, check out the ‘Candida Cleansing’ section of our website for all the Candida supplements we sell)…

Threelac

Threelac – a probiotic that’s revered for managing candida and yeast infections, containing three forms of spore-forming lactic acid bacteria that work to purge your intestinal tract of parasites and dysbiotic microorganisms; also highly recommended is its sister product Fivelac.

Active-Digestive-Enzymes

Active Digestive Enzymes – actually designed to be taken in conjunction with Threelac and may help a Candida-focused cleanse by improving food absorption to reduce the amount of ‘food’ such parasites feed on in the tract.

thyme-formula

Thyme Formula and Thyme Formula A – botanical products specifically designed to help manage Candida overgrowth throughout the body.

 

References:

1. Whyte C. ‘Deadly, drug-resistant Candida yeast infection spreads in the US’. newscientist.com. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2125283-deadly-drug-resistant-candida-yeast-infection-spreads-in-the-us/. 20 March 2017.

2. Kim J. and Sudbery P. ‘Candida albicans, a major human fungal pathogen’. J Microbiol. April 2011; 49 (2): 171-7.

3. ‘Candidiasis’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/. Last update: 6 Oct 2016.

4. ‘Candida infection of the skin’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000880.htm. Review date: 12 July 2014.

5. Jenkinson H. F. and Douglas L. J. ‘Chapter 18 Interactions between Candida Species and Bacteria in Mixed Infections. Polymicrobial Diseases’. Washington (DC): ASM Press. 2002.

6. Fieker A., Philpott J. and Armand M. ‘Enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic insufficiency: present and future’. Clin Exp Gastroenterol. 2011; 4: 55–73.

7. Global Health Trax. ghthealth.com. 2016.

8. Schulz J. and Sonnenborn U. ‘Yeasts in the Gut: From Commensals to Infectious Agents’. Dtsch Arztebl Int. Dec 2009. 106 (51-52): 837–842.

9. ‘Yeast Infections’. Medline Plus. https://medlineplus.gov/yeastinfections.html.

10. Aubyn G. and Tagoe D. ‘Prevalence of vaginal infections and associated lifestyles of students in the University of Cape Coast, Ghana’. Asian Pac J Trop Dis. Aug 2013; 3(4): 267–270.

11. Maksymiuk A. W., Thongprasert S., Hopfer R., Luna M., Fainstein V. and Bodey G. P. ‘Systemic candidiasis in cancer patients’. Am J Med. Oct 1984; 77 (4D): 20-7.

12. Fichtenbaum C. and Aberg J. ‘Candidiasis and HIV’. HIV InSite. http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-05-02-03. Feb 2006.

13. ‘Medications that Weaken Your Immune System and Fungal Infections’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/infections/immune-system.html. Last update: 25 Jan 2016.

14. Casqueiro J., Casqueiro J. and Alves C. ‘Infections in patients with diabetes mellitus: A review of pathogenesis’. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. Mar 2012; 16 (Suppl1): S27–S36.

15. ‘Invasive Candidiasis Risk & Prevention’. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/invasive/risk-prevention.html. Last update: 2 March 2016.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements, Immune health, Leaky Gut, Women’s health

Leaky Gut – What is It and How Should You Treat It?

What is it?

Many health practitioners believe leaky gut syndrome – or intestinal permeability – can happen when undigested particles pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream1.

Leaky gut can be caused by:

  • Candida overgrowth and dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance in the gut)1
  • Chronic stress1
  • Poor diet1
  • Toxin overload1.

What happens?

These undigested objects – toxins and germs – cause inflammation and affect the gut wall’s permeability (‘leaky gut’), initiating an immune response1. Leaky gut has been closely associated with the following conditions:

  • Adrenal fatigue2
  • Arthritis2
  • Autoimmune disease2
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome3
  • Depression and anxiety2
  • Eczema (and other skin issues)2
  • Hypothyroidism2
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)2
  • Nutrient malabsorption2.

What can you do?

Diet

First of all, you’re advised to reduce or – better – avoid sugary foods and gluten. Instead, consider introducing into your diet:

  • Anti-inflammatory foods – beets, blueberries, bok choy, broccoli, celery, chia seeds, coconut oil, flaxseeds, ginger, green leafy vegetables, pineapples, turmeric and walnuts4
  • Fermented vegetables – kimchi, kvass and sauerkraut2
  • Omega oils – linseed oil and Omega 3:6:9 Balance oil
  • Raw cultured dairy – amasai, kefir, yogurt and some butters and cheeses2.

Supplementation

And why not consider supplements?

The Finchley Clinic provides the following food supplements which can help ease leaky gut and reduce food intolerance:

  • Aloe Gold Natural (1,000ml and 485ml) – may help healthy digestion, immunity and skin
  • Colostrum Plus (120 capsules) – also for gastritis, intestinal candida and food allergies
  • Glutamine (100g, 200g and 90 capsules) – ideal for healing troubled guts
  • Mindlinx (60 capsules) – supports healthy function of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Permatrol (90 capsules) – includes intestinal-supportive nutrients like L-glutamine, N-acetyl glucosamine and probiotic bacteria
  • Restore (32floz, 16floz and 8floz) – works to restore the tight junctions of the gut
  • Slippery Elm Intensive (75g) – also contains gamma oryzanol, licorice, marshmallow and aloe vera extracts, combining to support gut permeability.
Kidney cleanse, Kidney Health

Keep your kidneys cleansed: how to look after these crucial organs

Many of us know what the different organs in the abdominal region of the body do. The stomach holds food; the intestines see food progress as it’s processed; the liver critically helps remove toxins and the pancreas produces crucial enzymes and hormones like insulin. Fine; but what do the kidneys do? And, to that end then, why’s it so important we look after them? Our kidneys are those two bean-shaped organs that sit either side of the spine against the back muscles of the upper abdominal cavity – and they do a number of very important things. In removing waste from the blood, they help balance the body’s fluids (via regulating sodium, water and acidity/ alkalinity balance) and create urine – in other words, waste water to be let out of the body1. Moreover, in carrying out their wider functions, the kidneys are also responsible for the regulation of the hormones and enzymes that manage blood pressure.

Unhealthy kidneys mean an unhealthy you

Taking into account the above then, you certainly don’t need to be a genius to realise that maintaining good kidney health is pretty darn important to ensure your body runs as effectively as possible – and you yourself remain fit and healthy. But just in case you’re not convinced, here are some of the things that, should your kidneys get into trouble, will ensure you get into trouble too:

  • Kidney stones – the obvious one; a far from unusual urinary tract disorder that at least one in 10 people in the US alone suffer from2
  • Kidney disease – can be caused by both high blood pressure and diabetes; more US citizens die from it than from prostate and breast cancer combined2
  • Body water imbalance – a symptom of toxic kidneys, it appears to contribute to the likes of stress, paranoia, muscle shakes and even panics attacks. 

Cleansing means healthy kidneys

So how can you keep your kidneys – and, in turn, of course – yourself as healthy as possible? Well, helping your kidneys to cleanse themselves of all the toxins and harmful micro-organisms that might find their way into them is your best course of action. Through cleansing you can ensure, among many other things, they purify your blood effectively – some estimates say up to 60 times a day. But don’t worry; it doesn’t require anything painful or drastic – in fact, the best way to do a cleanse is to focus primarily on diet, consuming the right foods and drink and eschewing non-kidney-friendly ones. First off, staying hydrated is hugely important, as so often when it comes to keeping healthy. That means drinking plenty of pure, filtered water each day2. On top of this, you should look to eat:

  • Leafy, raw vegetables2, while organic fresh fruit rich in low-sugars is also recommended like apples and grapes (the latter comprise antioxidants to support detoxification and are well known for helping to flush out the ‘system’)
  • Nuts and seeds, cinnamon, olive oil and berries2 – especially cranberries as they contain quinine, which becomes hippuric acid in the body and aids removal of urea and uric acid from the kidneys
  • And be sure to get some exercise outdoors and take in the fresh air2

You should avoid:

  • Consuming too much alcohol and caffeine (or better, cut them out entirely) and try to quit smoking2
  • Eating a lot of rhubarb and chocolate – like it or not, they can may help your calcium oxalate levels to rise, supporting kidney stone formation.2 

Supplements for cleansing

In some cases, you may find it difficult to alter your diet exactly as you’d like to include the aforementioned kidney-cleansing foods. Help is at hand, though, via natural supplementation that supports and thoroughly promotes the process. For example, the following kidney supplements can be bought through us at The Finchley Clinic, along with many more:

Green Magma

 

Green Magma (Barley Grass Powder) – great for cleansing the kidneys, detoxifying the body and maintaining its acid/ alkaline balance, this product constitutes a genuine ‘green food’ (it’s grown in the fertile soil of Japan)

ORËA

 

 

ORËA (formerly ZNatural) – taken daily, it can successfully detoxify and cleanse the body, permeating the kidneys and other organs, blood, glands and cellular tissue and supporting the body’s own natural immune defence and disease resistance systems

Dandelion Formula

 

Dandelion Formula – helps the kidneys to stimulate urine production and, containing as it does the likes of turmeric and ginger, it may also help healthy liver function; alternatively you may opt for High Strength Ginger, which in addition to aiding the kidneys may also relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhoea and stomach cramping.

References:

1. Healthline Medical Team. ‘Body Maps – Kidneys’. Healthline.com. http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/kidney. Last reviewed: 12 Dec 2014.

2. Global Healing Center. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/renaltrex-kidney-cleanse.html#4.