Candida albicans. Are you familiar with the term? It is a fungal form of life, similar to plants (think mushrooms) but of a different kingdom. C. albicans is a resident in the gut of every person on this planet, and should be present in it's yeast, or dormant, form. But when your body is out of balance C. albicans morphs into it's mycelial, or fungal, form. The dreaded yeast infection cometh. It is estimated that perhaps 80% of the population suffers from this type of infection, although personally I think the percentage is higher.

Why is that? Well, your body is a prime piece of habitat for billions of microscopic organisms. Disturbing to think about I know, but an established fact. It's consistently warm and wet, plus it provides a steady supply of food. Because of this it is very much coveted by many single celled and some multi celled creatures. And much like lions fighting for their territory, or humans scrapping over borders, these critters protect their turf. Usually there is a balance, the ones we've evolved with (lactobacillus, acidophilus, etc...) keeping the others in check by denying them space.

Or at least, that's how it should be.

But of course, that's not how it is when you have a yeast infection. What changes this balance is antibiotics. You get sick, you take your meds, and in the process unwittingly open the door for C. albicans to sweep through your system, not to mention resistant bacteria and viruses. You see, antibiotics are indiscriminate killers, knocking off whatever bacteria (but NOT viruses or fungi) comes in their path. Good or bad, it doesn't matter. And guess who's left on the prime patch of real estate just itching to multiply? That's right, the bad guys.

Once this has happened (as it has to just about everyone) your body is out of balance. Unless you took a course of probiotics right after the antibiotics you have a systemic C. albicans infection.

Maybe you've noticed you're tired these days. Or have severe allergies. Or chronic yeast infections...down there. Symptoms of a systemic C. albicans infection include, but are not limited to:

-digestive problems (think constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc...)

-acne, rashes

-autoimmune disorders (lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc...)

-depression

-allergies

There's more, but I think you get the picture. Many of the things people accept as "just part of life" are in fact due to a systemic C. albicans infection, as unrelated as they may seem.

And just being infected isn't the end of the story here. Our modern lifestyle promotes yeast growth - less sleep, more alcohol, sugar, dairy, and refined foods. All of which are like fungal steroids. Being infected is bad enough, but you certainly don't have to turbo charge it!

So why isn't there a well known once-and-for-all cure out there? Well, let me tell you as a former medical industry insider...uhh, kind of. I worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep for a whopping 5 months before I quit due to what I perceived as a business code of questionable ethics. The reasons why systemic C. albicans infections are under diagnosed (or undiagnosed) are simple. First, there is no money in curing a patient, only in relieving symptoms. That way, when the symptoms return so does the patient and his/her money. Second, the safe, natural ways to treat yeast infections are unpatentable, and therefore unprofitable....at exorbitant margins, anyway. That's why natural cures for systemic C. albicans infections, though they exist, are largely unpublicized.

Moving on. If you're reading this chances are you have, or have had, a yeast infection. The symptoms are fairly straightforward - an itchy, swollen vulva, a burning sensation, painful intercourse, and the ultimate red flag; thick off-color discharge, coupled with a memorable odor. The first thing you must do is go to your doctor to determine what kind of organism is causing you the trouble. A yeast infection shares symptoms with many other more serious infections, so you must first definitively determine what ails you. Once you have ruled out the the others and your doctor tells you it's a yeast infection you can proceed. You could go get your prescription filled, take care of it for the time being, and wait patiently for the next, inevitable round.

Or you could take a chance on something new, and less industrial grade. Better for your body and the planet.

Regardless of what you choose when the time comes I urge you to try something natural...something that won't damage your liver/kidneys in the process.

Think about it. If and when the time comes, choose wisely. Remember, it's your health.

So here's to a happy healthy life~