DearPharmacist » Fatigue

More Support for Candida Sufferers Part 3

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:45:55 +0000

This column is the third (and final) in the series I promised you for the subject of yeast overgrowth (Candida albicans) which can cause many diseases. Thousands of you have written and although there were many good queries, here are the two most frequently asked questions I received, along with my answer.

What are Candida die-off symptoms and how can I minimize the discomfort? Candida die-off is also known as the Herxheimer reaction. As large amounts of yeast die, the organism dumps it’s toxic contents into your system, thereby overloading your detoxification pathways. This causes some pretty challenging symptoms including brain fog, intense sugar cravings, fatigue, headache, joint and muscle soreness, gas/diarrhea, blurry vision, irrational anger or flu-like symptoms. Itchy, irritated, inflamed skin is quite common, and maddening. One of the most comprehensive formulas I have found is Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis Plus which contains Brazilian propolis (bees make it) along with flax oil, prebiotics, probiotics, vitamin E and a powerful body-cleanser called astaxanthin. The combination can be soothing for anyone with irritated skin.

Enzymes that help break down the yeast and rid the body of toxic by-products can be enormously helpful for individuals experiencing Candida infection and/or die-off reactions. The formula that I recommend for this is Enzymedica’s Candidase which is sold at health food stores nationwide. It contains cellulase which is an enzyme the body needs (and does not make) which kills yeast by destroying the cell wall, composed of cellulose. Candidase also contains protease, known worldwide to support the body’s healing process by getting rid of yeast and immune complexes which cause illness and inflammation.

What foods should I avoid and how should I eat?

-Anything with sugar, because sugar is food to fungus.

-Anything made with yeast such as bread, muffins, pastries, etc.

-All grains and starches (at least at the outset of your diet) such as pasta, rice, corn, wheat, quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, oats and barley.

I recommend the diet plan outlined by one of the world’s leading authorities on fungus, Doug A. Kaufmann, who wrote eight books on it! He’s also the host of one of the most popular holistic health shows in America, “Know the Cause.” Doug has researched the subject of fungus-induced disease and mycotoxins for decades and helped millions of people get back to health so I always tell people to follow his Phase One diet plan explained in The Fungus Link and eat recipes in the book, Eating Your Way to Good Health which he authored with Jami Clark, RN. There are free recipes and television programs about Candida archived at his website, knowthecause.com. Check out candidasupport.org and for more healthy recipes try Candida Albican Yeast-Free Cookbook by Pat Connolly.

Did You Know?

United States health officials are warning doctors and patients about Lamictal, a drug used to treat bipolar and seizure disorders. Apparently, there is some evidence that suggests it may cause aseptic meningitis.

Candida Treatments and Tests Part 2

suzy — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:43:42 +0000

Dear Readers,

Last week I answered a question for a person who kept going to the doctor and being told that nothing was wrong with her. She did some reading and learned that her symptoms were tied to a fungus and started to self-treat. This is part 2 in the series I promised you regarding her story of Candida albicans. My first article is now posted on my website (dearpharmacist.com) and I’ve also posted a link to teach you how to do a saliva test at home to see if you have Candida. Up to 85 percent of people do. There are also stool tests available from Genova and Metametrix Labs.

Candida albicans is one of many yeast organisms that is natural to the human gut flora. For many people, especially those who take medications routinely, or eat processed foods and sugar, the gut flora loses it’s camp of healthy micro-organisms, and the Candida (or other pathogens) take over. Most often people get thrush, jock itch, vaginal yeast infections and chronic fatigue to go with a lot of GI distress (you name it). Once the yeast leaves your digestive tract, you get sicker and may develop cystitis, headaches, itchy skin, PMS and anxiety or depression. The other ‘diseases’ that Candida (it’s toxic break down products) cause are numerous, and were outlined in last week’s column.

To regain health, you must first destroy the offender. The absolute best way to kill Candida is to stop ingesting fast food, or anything processed or containing sugar. Eat more raw food (think salads, juicing, fresh veggies) and lean proteins. If you don’t eat meat, supplement with hemp or rice protein shakes. Ease up on carbs, and no refined white bread, white rice or white sugar. No more white!

Doctors can prescribe nystatin, an anti-fungal drug that stays in the gut and kills Candida. Diflucan (fluconazole) is a medication that works systemically (in your blood). There are OTC formulas available for all of you. With any anti-Candida protocol, there could be a “die-off” reaction (you get worse before getting better) so give these products a chance.

Phytofuge- This contains a fabulous blend of botanical herbs that work synergistically to improve the health of your digestive tract. The product contains Pau D’Arco, wormwood, black walnut, and undecylenic acid, all of which have anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal effects. Buy it online, or ask your health food store or physician to acquire for you.

CandidaClear by NSI- Another blend of incredible anti-Candida herbs and vitamins including grapefruit seed, garlic, caprylic acid and biotin. I found this one at vitacost.com

Probiotics- These replenish gut flora with healthy strains of bacteria. The following have a nice blend of strains and are sold nationwide: Pro-Bio, Kyo-Dophilus, Culturelle, Pearls IC, Probiotic All-Flora, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics 12.

Pancreatic enzymes- An overlooked, but absolutely crucial step in improving gut function by helping you digest food. You may also need betaine hydrochloride, a natural digestive acid.

Drug Mugging Effect of Medication Leaves You Tired and Depressed

suzy — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:16:26 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I’m 31 and the only medication I take is Camilla (birth control pills) and occasional ibuprofen for menstrual cramps. Today, the doctor prescribed Synthroid (for my fatigue and low thyroid ) and Paxil because I cried when I told him how badly I felt.

–H.W. Miami, Florida

Answer: Welcome to the medication merry go round, grab a prescription and hold on for your life. I’m going to let you in on a little secret… many physicians today are still unaware that estrogen-containing drugs like birth control actually mug your body’s natural stash of B vitamins and minerals and the depletion can cause fatigue, hypothyroidism, heart disease and mood instability. It occurs because certain medications are drug muggers of nutrients that are essential in the body to manufacture healthy thyroid hormone and brain neurotransmitters.

As a pharmacist who dispenses these drugs, I have almost come to expect that women who routinely use oral contraceptives will eventually become fatigued, overweight, depressed and uninterested in sex. When you replenish what the drug mugger steals, you might avoid getting ‘diagnosed’ with some new illness, and subsequently medicated. Here’s what I would take if I was prescribed a synthetic hormone like birth control or menopausal medication:

-B-complex be cause it contains some B6 and folic acid to help produce happy brain chemicals

-Iodine to help you build thyroid hormone

-Probiotics to replenish intestinal flora which protects your immune system

-Minerals because they are rich in magnesium to help you make brain chemicals and hormones.

-I3C or DIM which is a broccoli extract which appears to protect against breast cancer

There are thousands of drug muggers. Statin cholesterol meds mug coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is needed to prevent weakness, fatigue, leg cramps, memory problems, and heart trouble. Some diabetic drugs mug your stash of B vitamins, particularly B12 and a B 12 deficiency can cause nerve pain confusion, mouth/tongue sores and depression. Antibiotics wipe out your beneficial intestinal flora leading to diarrhea, cramps, fatigue and lowered immunity. It’s imperative that your healthcare team understand the simple principle that drugs can deplete vital nutrients from the human body. This unique perspective is the basis for my second book, Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine from Stealing the Life Out of You which is sold at my website and on Amazon.

Readers Alert:

The nice people at the Corn Refiners Association asked me to clarify a possible misperception in my October 3rd post about why you should cut way back on high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in your diet. I did not intend to imply that because too much HFCS can cause high insulin blood levels, and because there is a link between high insulin blood levels as a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, that therefore consumption of HFCS is itself a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. There is absolutely no data in the scientific literature that makes that connection. I do stand by my statement that you should cut out as much HFCS from your diet as possible – because (just like sucrose) it promotes obesity– but not because it is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

Thyroid Hormone Help. How To Boost Your Thyroid Naturally

suzy — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:40:13 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I’m very tired and weak without my thyroid medicine. Now, I’m concerned about the thyroid shortage and worried that there will not be medication for me. What else can I do? M.K., Gainesville, Florida

Answer: There will always be thyroid medication, don’t worry. While this is all getting sorted out by the manufacturers and the FDA, let me assure you that it’s possible to create more thyroid hormone naturally. You can also make your cells more sensitive to circulating thyroid hormone.

The active version of thyroid hormone is called T3 and it makes you feel “awake.” The inactive hormone is called T4. In order for you to feel well, have energy and burn carbs and fat, your body must be able to convert T4 to T3. It’s pretty easy to do. Low thyroid (T3) can cause depression, weight gain, brittle nails, cold sensations and thinning hair.

Low thyroid (T3) will trigger your brain to produce some TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which shouts at your thyroid gland, “Make more T3, we don’t have enough!” When the gland makes some more T3, the TSH hushes up. It’s a complex feedback loop, but that’s the gist. With that in mind, here’s some more advice that can help you regain healthy thyroid levels:

Iron: You need sufficient levels of iron to make thyroid hormone and to get it into your cells where it works. Women with a heavy monthly flow often run short on iron. You can measure iron stores (called “ferritin”) with a simple blood test.

Trace Minerals: They help you convert T4 to T3 and include zinc, selenium and chromium. These minerals double as antioxidants which means that they do good housekeeping on your cells and protect the thyroid gland from destructive free radicals. It’s an inexpensive fix, take “chelated” minerals or drink green food supplements that contain marine-derived compounds.

Iodine: Another trace mineral that is absolutely critical in making thyroid hormone and also in protecting against breast cancer. It’s shocking but white bread often contains bromine which can cause iodine deficiency and interferes with thyroid functioning. So iodine is helpful to your thyroid, bromine is not.

Ashwagandha: In animal studies, this herb stimulates more T3 production. Additionally, it nourishes tired, stressed adrenal glands. This causes your stress hormone cortisol to come down, and it may help you lose belly fat.

Guggul: You get a lot of bang for your buck with guggul because it helps you make more T3, it can lower cholesterol/triglycerides and it may relieve joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Insulin: When serum insulin is high, thyroid hormone can’t work well. You can bring insulin levels down by exercising and taking various supplements which I outlined for you in a prior column (now posted at my website, www.DearPharmacist.com).

Did You Know?

Essential oils should be avoided for ten days following chemotherapy administration.

Hope for Folks Who Grind Their Teeth & Feel Fatigued

suzy — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:52:58 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

You mentioned in your column that B5 has been used to help people who grind their teeth. How much vitamin B5 should be taken? Thank you.
R.B., Lodi, California

Answer: Vitamin B5, also known as pantethine and pantothenic acid, turns into Coenzyme A in the body. The nutrient is absolutely essential for proper adrenal function, so if you grind your teeth and also happen to feel frazzled and tired, you will get a lot of bang for your B5 buck. See, B5 is necessary to produce adrenal hormones so that your “coping glands” (adrenal glands, scientifically speaking) can handle the stress better. A deficiency of B5 has been linked to high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, exhaustion, infection and a slow healing of wounds. We also know that B5 is a powerful lipid nutrient to lower triglycerides. It supports heart function, energy and carbohydrate metabolism.

One more thing, if you take an acid-blocking drug such as Nexium, ranitidine, omeprazole or Protonix, or routinely use antacids, you should take the vitamin at least two hours before or after your other medication. The reason is that these acid-blocking drugs are “Drug Muggers” of B vitamins and this may contribute to deficiencies of your B vitamins. To see how that manifests in the body, please refer to my book, Drug Muggers: How To Keep Your Medicine From Stealing the Life Out of You!

As for bruxism, the condition where people unintentionally grind or clench their teeth, pantethine could help, but not always. I won’t give you false hope. Sometimes people who grind their teeth suffer from facial nerve damage, improper alignment of teeth, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome). See your dentist about these conditions.
If you are chewing through those rubber mouth guards like a termite on wood, there’s hope. First of all, if you drink alcohol, stop. Alcohol strips your gut and prevents you from absorbing nutrients, especially B vitamins. This may solve your problem entirely. Also, consider magnesium. A deficiency can cause bruxism, according to research. You could safely take pantethine and magnesium together.
Dosages for magnesium vary. I would get either magnesium chelate, glycinate or aspartate, and take about 150 to 250 mg once or twice daily. Magnesium is also known to ease depression and panic attacks and lower blood pressure. Because magnesium has an effect on the heart (albeit a good effect), please get your doctors’ blessings. Also, see your dentist routinely.

Carnitine Good For Memory, Muscles and Energy

suzy — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:02:14 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I heard about a special supplement called acetyl-L-carnitine which affects memory and thinking. Could this really help?
S.W., Schaumburg, Illinois

Answer: Yes, acetyl-L-carnitine may enhance memory and thinking, but it also is used for weight loss, muscle aches and pain and fatigue. We’ll get to that later. Because our “smart” drugs for memory problems, dementia and Alzheimer’s only work short-term and have side effects, natural treatments such as acetyl-L-carnitine are becoming popular.

One important point, acetyl-L-carnitine is the activated form of L-carnitine, both of which are widely available in health food stores. But don’t get confused, the “acetyl” form is considered superior because it makes more of that famous brain messenger “acetylcholine” which influences mental performance. The more acetylcholine you have, the more brain power you have and the less chance of your developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s more food for thought. This special supplement works wonders from the neck down also. In fact, without sufficient amounts of this amino acid, the body cannot burn fat very efficiently resulting in unwanted weight gain. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers use acetyl-L-carnitine to help energize the body and relieve sore achy muscles. Now this is not an all-in-one magical supplement, but if offers people another option and it is well tolerated by most.

Healthcare practitioners suggest 500 mg three times a day, though some studies suggest doubling that dose might be even better. A course of 8 – 12 weeks is recommended, at which point you can lower the dose or stop it altogether, of course under your doctors supervision. Other supplements touted to energize IQ and protect the brain, include alpha lipoic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, vinpocetine, ginkgo and phosphatidylserine

Taking Vitamin B12 Can Improve Many Health Conditions

suzy — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:58:23 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

I receive an injection of Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) every month. I’m not even sure why. Can you tell me what this is for?
H.H., Newark, New Jersey

Answer: The most important job for B12 is to make sure that cells in the body divide properly and carry the right gene information. This powerful “B” vitamin has a strong affinity for nerve and brain tissue making it useful in treating neurological conditions such as depression, Chronic Fatigue Immuno Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Alzheimer’s Disease. Studies have also shown that B12 can prevent smokers from developing mouth/throat cancer. Since B12 lowers homocysteine levels in the blood, it protects against heart disease. Lots of drugs deplete B12 from the body including most antibiotics, anti-ulcer drugs, diabetic and gout medication, potassium, cholestyramine and oral contraceptives.

Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, weakness in the arms and legs, sore tongue, low appetite, depression, confusion, disorientation, poor balance or numbness and tingling in the hands/feet. Traditional blood testing for B12 levels does not always identify a deficiency. A better indicator of B12 levels is through a urine “methylmalonic acid” test, which can identify B12 deficiency, even when blood levels are perfectly normal.

The important thing with B12, whether a deficiency shows up or not, is that it is really hard to overdose on it. People can safely supplement 1 to 2 thousand micrograms per week and usually do well. This type of dosing would obviously require medical supervision. This is why the USRDA’s standard of 6 micrograms per day is useless when it comes to advancing health. Vitamin B12 is available in naturally from beef, liver, blue cheese, clams, flounder, herring, liverwurst, mackerel, milk, oysters and sardines.

I don’t know anybody that eats a lot of this. Plus, B12 is not absorbed well from the GI tract -especially if you are older- making injections the best choice for replenishment. The type of B12 matters though, I feel that “methylcobalamin” is a much better version of B12 than “cyanocobalamin” because it nourishes the nerves better. The “cyano” form requires a lot of work from your body and according to studies, it is not as effective as “methyl” B12. I’ve written an entire chapter on B12, and the proper forms and dosages. For more on this, see the chapter entitled, “Methylcobalamin” in my other book, Drug Muggers.

Skullcap Used for Muscle Pain and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

suzy — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 16:00:37 +0000

Dear Pharmacist,

Have you ever heard of skullcap?
D.S. Boca Raton, Florida

Answer: Yes, it’s a sleep remedy that is also known as “Mad-Dog Weed.” In a few small studies, this herb showed properties that were helpful in people who suffered a stroke. This agent is most often found in combination with other sedating herbs like valerian or hops since on its own, it has questionable value. Skullcap should never be mixed with alcohol, prescribed sedatives or any over-the-counter sleep aids since the effect can be additive.

Skullcap was used by nineteenth-century medical practitioners to treat conditions that today we call chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It seems to help with pain in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Dosages vary according to the concentration of the extract, so follow directions on the label of the bottle that you purchase and only use if you have your physician’s consent.