Debra Pugh Column: Candida can cause joint, nerve, muscle pain 03-30-2008
Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 29, 2008
Have you ever had pain in your joints, muscles or nerves that does not go away? You might have been like me and tried many different kinds of medications but only to find disappointment of no relief from the pain. There could be something going on inside your body that you are not even aware exists called Candida.
Yeast and Arthritis
There are more than 100 symptoms of Candida, and pain in the joints, nerves and muscles is included. Doug Kauffman, author of the "Fungus Link," explains that as the yeast multiplies it can release poisons called mycotoxins which can travel by the blood to the joints and cause "arthritis" symptoms, gout and rheumatoid symptoms. Kauffman explains that Candida has been demonstrated to have nearly 100 different powerful toxins that can attack nervous tissues, muscles, bones and joint tissue. This causes the immune system to not work properly and all of a sudden a person cannot fight off infections that a normal strong immune system would ordinarily conquer. No wonder the person can feel "sick all over." The vicious cycle continues until it is interrupted by the appropriate treatment.
What is Yeast?
There are several different kinds of organisms living in the intestinal tract. The human body has both "good" bacteria and harmful "bad" bacteria. Candida Albicans is a type of yeast that likes to live in the digestive tract. The yeast doesn't cause any health problems when there is the correct balance in the body.
Dr. William Crook, author of the book, "The Yeast Connection," explains that when the system gets out of balance, the yeast creates a lot of problems and they become our enemy instead of our friend. When antibiotics, cortisone, birth control pills, chemicals in food, chemotherapy, drugs and foods with lots of sugar or alcohol are ingested, the "good bacteria" is destroyed. Then the Candida takes advantage of the situation and starts to multiply and kills other helpful organisms. As it continues to grow, it releases a large number of toxins that seep out from the intestines into the rest of the body, which weakens the immune system and allows health problems to occur.
Improvement of Health
Doug Kauffman explains that lactobacillus acidolophilus is one of several good bacteria that live in the small and large intestines. These "friendly" bacteria help to restore normal flora to the intestinal tract. They compete with and help control the Candida overgrowth. They also produce chemicals that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria and keep yeast and fungi under control.
Eating yogurt with these friendly bacteria or taking supplements of acidolophilus and lactobacillus can also help to improve the balance of the good bacteria. (The brand that I take is equal to eating 20 yogurts!) There are also supplements that kill the Candida. You can also see a doctor for medication to kill the Candida.
If you are like I was and suffered from pain for years that could not be treated with medications, heat, ice, massage, etc., you might do more research on the topic of Candida. (For recommendations see a health food store or call or e-mail me at firstname.lastname@example.org) Once this balance between the "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria is restored, many of the health problems can improve.
(Debra Pugh of Abernathy is a personal fitness trainer and certified nutritionist. Contact her at 806-298-5504 or DebraPugh@windstream.net)