Candida Albicans

Little Charlie Hambrook used be a right little terror. When he was referred to me at 3 years of age, his exhausted mother Gill described him as hyperactive, aggressive, clumsy and non-compliant. Apart from his behaviour, he suffered from food allergies, constant colds and eczema. Avoiding certain foods and boosting his nutritional intake had brought about only modest improvement.

Charlie had a history of taking antibiotics and cravings for sugar and yeasty foods such as marmite, so I suspected an infestation of Candida albicans. Although Candida is a common yeast found in most people, it can overgrow in the gut, mouth and vagina, causing thrush, fatigue, constant colds, bowel problems, allergies, hormonal imbalances, skin rashes, joint pain and even emotional disorders.

Such generalised symptoms cannot all be blamed on yeast overgrowth - but in Charlie’s case, after a stools test, it turned out that he had an excess of not one, but three different types of Candida species! Apart from our modern diet, candidiasis is encouraged by poor immunity, antibiotics, oral contraceptives and steroids. Gill Hambrook immediately embarked on an anti-candida programme.

She discouraged fungal growth by avoiding sugar, yeast, cheese, mushrooms and fermented foods - replacing these with fresh vegetables, meat, fish and wholefoods. At the same time, Charlie’s immune system was boosted with nutrients and digestive enzymes while the Candida was targeted with specific herbal anti-fungal supplements. Finally, it was important to supply ”good guy“ bacteria and agents to repair intestinal membranes.

By going on the diet with Charlie and explaining to him in simple terms exactly how Candida behaves, Gill helped him continue with the regime despite occasionally being offered unsuitable foods. The little boy would then check with his mum or refuse items if she wasn’t with him. Despite raising a few eyebrows in her social circle, Gill was fortunate to have the full support of her spouse, G.P. and nursery.

Six months later, Charlie was retested and found to be free of excess yeast. Meanwhile, his behaviour, skin and susceptibility to colds have improved immeasurably. Charlie’s parents are delighted with his progress and have relaxed his dietary regime whilst being watchful of an overload of sweet or yeasty foods.

Gill attributes much of her success to the inspiring ”Beat Candida Cookbook“ by Erica White (Thorsons, £12.99) which provides over 300 recipes and explains in detail what to eat. This is a highly practical book with shopping lists, suggested menus, ideas for packed lunches, alternatives for those with food intolerances and even sugar-free dessert and cake recipes! The book also contains an effective four point plan to attack candidiasis. Candida, the yeast-like fungus with the pretty name is a formidable opponent - with knowledge and consistency it can be overcome.

Martina is a qualified nutritionist practising at The Dolphin House Clinic,  Brighton (Tel: 01273-324790). email: martina@thehealthbank.co.uk

Article first published Brighton Argus.

Copyright 2006 Martina Watts              All Rights Reserved              www.martinawatts.com