Fw: HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue

[Guest guest]

Here is a good article on candida. Has anyone had experience with Diflucan? Love, Anita HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue Health Sciences Institute e-Alert **************************************************** May 24, 2005 Why am I getting this? **************************************************** BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR NEXT BATHROOM BREAK... This amazing new 4-Phyto alternative could be the answer to prostate health FAST & FOREVER... Succeed with an all-natural solution Strengthen your sex glands instead of sabotaging your manhood Promote healthy urinary flow Armor your prostate Keep reading: http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/666353/0/ **************************************************** Dear Reader, If you could take a highly magnified look around your gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, you might not want a second look. It wouldn't be a pretty picture. At virtually every moment there's a widespread battle being waged between good bacteria and bad bacteria. And when the bad guys go on a winning streak, the resulting imbalance can cause a multitude of health problems. When bad bacteria thrive, yeast-like fungi called candida albicans thrive as well. I recently received an e-mail from an HSI member named Celvin who says his poor digestion, insomnia, dry skin, severe itching and lack of concentration have all been attributed to a case of candida. Celvin asks, "Do you have a product or can refer me to one that can eliminate the problem? Ordinary probiotics don't do the job. I use no refined foods, only organic, no yeast or fermented foods for the past four years and no sugars, except stevia and blended whole fruits. For the past two years the itching is the worst symptom and I've spent a lot of money trying to solve the problem myself" Celvin is on the right track with his probiotic use. But as we'll see, that's only one part of an important three-part process. When all three parts are combined, Celvin may feel like the cavalry has ridden in to the rescue. -------------------------------------------- A monster -------------------------------------------- When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., about candida (also known as "systemic candidiasis" or "systemic yeast"), he described it as a "monster problem." But he adds that about 90 percent of candida cases can be successfully treated with a methodical approach that includes a diet "that is far better than what most Americans eat anyway." Dr. Spreen: "The most susceptible victims of systemic yeast tend to be women who have had some combination of (or long single experiences with) birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, repeated courses of antibiotics, systemic steroids, high-sugar diets or illnesses that involve extended bouts of diarrhea (and also vomiting). Antibiotics kill of the 'good guy' bacteria in the gut, allowing the 'bad guy' yeast to take over. Then other illnesses or systemic stresses give the yeast a little extra nudge each time they occur, slowly increasing the influence of the yeast until symptoms occur. "Probiotics (e.g.; L. acidophilus, bulgaricus, bifidus bacteria or combinations) are MANDATORY for re-establishing a more nearly normal gut environment. That said, it's almost never successful by itself. "Effective treatment of yeast involves three separate approaches: 1. Kill the 'bad guys'; 2. Make the gut environment receptive for re-introduction of 'good guys'; 3. Re-introduce the 'good guys'. (Again, I have rarely, if ever, seen #3 alone to be effective.) "Killing the bad guy yeast can be done with natural agents: caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, and others. However, I found that the prescription drug Diflucan (fluconazole) was so effective, and with so few toxicities, that I came to use it often. Sporonox (itraconazole), a newer drug in the class, is also effective, as is ketoconazole, an older one (there are others). The class has some history (especially ketoconazole) of liver stress in susceptible individuals, but I never saw it with Diflucan (nor heard it reported, ever, by a single physician treating with it, though liver function should be tested from time to time). The original drug used was Nilstat (nystatin), which works, but not as well, as it only kills in the GI tract (it has to be used orally, as given systemically it's toxic)." -------------------------------------------- Fixing the environment -------------------------------------------- Setting up the GI tract to be receptive to reintroduction of probiotics can be somewhat involved. Dr. Spreen stresses that candida patients MUST follow a strict diet: "Yeast seem to have a defense mechanism that makes the patient crave sugars (as that's what yeast grow best on). Sugars and refined starches must be curtailed...sometimes even natural sugars, depending on the person. High protein, or Atkins-type, diets work well here, since yeast do very poorly trying to use proteins. "In addition, step 2 (fixing up the gut environment) can involve additional supplements, such as garlic extract, Pau d'Arco (Taheebo) tea, and a cute little item called FOS (Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides). The last one is a fairly sweet-tasting (half as sweet as sugar) agent that acidophilus can eat and grow well with, while yeast can't metabolize it at all (or very poorly). "I wish there were a simple 'take this pill and you're cured' approach, but alas I haven't seen it to be the case. If I had to pick a fast-track routine I'd drop the simple carbs out of the diet and add Diflucan, hoping that the acidophilus got in there from yogurt (plain, active culture only). That's a cheaper approach, but not uniformly effective." -------------------------------------------- Not in the cookbook -------------------------------------------- In Celvin's e-mail, he notes that one of the worst aspects of candida is "the misdiagnosis or superficial treatment by doctors (the brush off) of the problem, with the comment that everybody has some form of it and it should be nothing to lose sleep over." Dr. Spreen agrees that most doctors don't give candida its rightful due. He says that conventional medicine regards the condition as a non-diagnosis. "It doesn't fit neatly into the cookbook medical categories - 'curable' by some single miracle drug - so...it doesn't exist. Many patients end up being told the symptoms are 'in their head,' and they really need 'counseling,' or some other form of psychiatric treatment. More than once I've had a patient literally break down crying when I tell them they are physically, chemically, sick and that it's not 'in their head.' "The problem stems from two things: First, the problem can have a HUGE list of symptoms. Modern medicine doesn't recognize that a single condition can be responsible for such a wide variety of complaints. Plus, true 'candidiasis' is considered only to exist in very rare situations of severe immune compromise, such as AIDS or post-chemotherapy for cancer, etc. So the attitude is: Go get some Prozac, and get out of my office." For more information about candida, Dr. Spreen recommends two books on the topic: The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough by G. Crook The Yeast Syndrome: How to Help Your Doctor Identify & Treat the Real Cause of Your Yeast-Related Illness by P. Trowbridge Neither book is new, but as Dr. Spreen puts it, "The content is forever." Both are available on amazon.com. **************************************************** FINALLY! SOMETHING OTHER THAN GLUCOSAMINETO PROMOTE JOINT FLEXIBILITY What if you could continue to roll out of bed without feeling stiff and sore? Or sit down to write a simple thank-you note. Keep swinging that golf club, sitting through a movie, or spending the afternoon gardening without paying for it the rest of the day . . . or the entire week? Scientists in New Zealand discovered a new alternative in the fight to keep joints healthy... Let’s face it – today’s typical glucosamine and chondroitin supplements don’t work for everyone. Leaving thousands to face the prospect of aging joints – with not much more than drugs or surgery to look forward to. Now, there’s a new natural alternative... It's time to maintain your mobility and freedom - for many painless years to come. Visit below to find out more: http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/644890/0/ **************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. **************************************************** ...and another thing Can you guess how many people die each year due to gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? Keep in mind, NSAIDs are mostly non-prescription pain killers that include aspirin and ibuprofen. According to Reuters news service, about 16,000 deaths are attributed to GI bleeding linked with NSAID use yearly. This is a familiar refrain, but I have to repeat it: If a dietary supplement were to cause more than 300 deaths every WEEK, it would be outlawed in a heartbeat. It would vanish. But aspirin? Ibuprofen? No problem. They're produced by giant drug companies. A few deaths? Well shucks, you have to break a few eggs to make omelets, right? I came across this NSAID statistic in a Reuters article with a surprising headline: "Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding." Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School reviewed medical records for nearly 550 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. They found that ongoing use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) posed approximately the same risk for GI bleeding as NSAID use. But guess what? This isn't news. Not to an Eli Lilly spokesperson who told Reuters that GI bleeding is already noted in packaging for Prozac (the popular SSRI made by Lilly). And while that may be true, I believe that this is the first indication that SSRIs may create a bleeding risk similar to NSAID use. (No specific SSRI brands were singled out by the Northwestern report.) In yesterday's e-Alert ("Red Threads" 5/23/05) we saw how saffron may be as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression. Just one little difference: SSRIs may cause GI bleeding, while saffron has been used for centuries to TREAT digestive problems and inflammation. SSRIs also don't give Spanish paella a savory, exotic flavor. To Your Good Health, Health Sciences Institute **************************************************** THROW YOUR GLASSES AWAY FOR LIFE! In less than eight weeks you could be reading without your glasses or contact lenses...and without surgery or strenuous eye exercises. Now, thanks to an exciting program developed at the internationally acclaimed Cambridge Institute for Better Vision, you may be able to discard your glasses - for life! http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/504/0/ **************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. **************************************************** Tap into the minds of other health-conscious readers like yourself at the new HSI health forum: http://www.healthiertalk.com Sources: "Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding" Reuters, 5/16/05, reuters.com **************************************************** Copyright ©1997-2005 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. **************************************************** Before you hit reply to send us a question or request, please visit here http://www.hsibaltimore.com/faqs.html **************************************************** If you'd like to participate in the HSI Forum, search past e-Alerts and products or you're an HSI member and would like to search past articles, visit http://www.hsibaltimore.com **************************************************** To learn more about HSI, call (203) 699-4416 or visit, http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/297/0/ **************************************************** If you want to end your HSI e-Alert subscription or you need to change your e-mail address, please follow theinstructions below. Your changes will be effective immediately. However, if you do not follow the instructions below and simply hit reply instead, we may not receive your request and cannot assure you that it will be completed. **************************************************** Please note: We sent this e-mail to: ANITA KESSLER because you subscribed to this service. Manage your subscription: To end your HSI e-Alert subscription...visit this address: http://www.ezimages.net/remove/index.cfm?memberid=2376519 To change your e-mail address...visit this address: http://www.agoramail.net/changeEmail.cfm?id=2376519 To mange your subscription by mail or for any other subscription issues, write us at: Order Processing Center Attn: Customer Service P.O. Box 925 Frederick, MD 21705 USA

[Guest guest]

I have a lot of experience with Diflucan. It is Dr. Leu’s anti-yeast drug of choice. For some people Nizoral works better but most respond well to Diflucan. Diflucan is hard on the liver so you don’t want to take it for long periods of time. Despite what most GYNs believe, one dose of Diflucan is not enough. Dr. Leu prescribes it for 10 to 21 days at a time, depending on how bad the candida problem is. Most GYNs recognize it as a vaginal problem only when actually it is a systemic problem.

Kenda

Here is a good article on candida. Has anyone had experience with Diflucan? Love, Anita

HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue

HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue

Health Sciences Institute e-Alert

****************************************************

May 24, 2005 Why am I getting this? <http://www.hsiealert.com/email_why.html>

****************************************************

BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR NEXT BATHROOM BREAK...

This amazing new 4-Phyto alternative could be the answer to prostate health FAST & FOREVER...

Succeed with an all-natural solution

Strengthen your sex glands instead of sabotaging your manhood

Promote healthy urinary flow

Armor your prostate

Keep reading:

http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/666353/0/

****************************************************

Dear Reader,

If you could take a highly magnified look around your gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, you might not want a second look. It wouldn't be a pretty picture. At virtually every moment there's a widespread battle being waged between good bacteria and bad bacteria. And when the bad guys go on a winning streak, the resulting imbalance can cause a multitude of health problems.

When bad bacteria thrive, yeast-like fungi called candida albicans thrive as well. I recently received an e-mail from an HSI member named Celvin who says his poor digestion, insomnia, dry skin, severe itching and lack of concentration have all been attributed to a case of candida.

Celvin asks, " Do you have a product or can refer me to one that can eliminate the problem? Ordinary probiotics don't do the job. I use no refined foods, only organic, no yeast or fermented foods for the past four years and no sugars, except stevia and blended whole fruits. For the past two years the itching is the worst symptom and I've spent a lot of money trying to solve the problem myself "

Celvin is on the right track with his probiotic use. But as we'll see, that's only one part of an important three-part process. When all three parts are combined, Celvin may feel like the cavalry has ridden in to the rescue.

--------------------------------------------

A monster

--------------------------------------------

When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., about candida (also known as " systemic candidiasis " or " systemic yeast " ), he described it as a " monster problem. " But he adds that about 90 percent of candida cases can be successfully treated with a methodical approach that includes a diet " that is far better than what most Americans eat anyway. "

Dr. Spreen: " The most susceptible victims of systemic yeast tend to be women who have had some combination of (or long single experiences with) birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, repeated courses of antibiotics, systemic steroids, high-sugar diets or illnesses that involve extended bouts of diarrhea (and also vomiting). Antibiotics kill of the 'good guy' bacteria in the gut, allowing the 'bad guy' yeast to take over. Then other illnesses or systemic stresses give the yeast a little extra nudge each time they occur, slowly increasing the influence of the yeast until symptoms occur.

" Probiotics (e.g.; L. acidophilus, bulgaricus, bifidus bacteria or combinations) are MANDATORY for re-establishing a more nearly normal gut environment. That said, it's almost never successful by itself.

" Effective treatment of yeast involves three separate approaches: 1. Kill the 'bad guys'; 2. Make the gut environment receptive for re-introduction of 'good guys'; 3. Re-introduce the 'good guys'. (Again, I have rarely, if ever, seen #3 alone to be effective.)

" Killing the bad guy yeast can be done with natural agents: caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, and others. However, I found that the prescription drug Diflucan (fluconazole) was so effective, and with so few toxicities, that I came to use it often. Sporonox (itraconazole), a newer drug in the class, is also effective, as is ketoconazole, an older one (there are others). The class has some history (especially ketoconazole) of liver stress in susceptible individuals, but I never saw it with Diflucan (nor heard it reported, ever, by a single physician treating with it, though liver function should be tested from time to time). The original drug used was Nilstat (nystatin), which works, but not as well, as it only kills in the GI tract (it has to be used orally, as given systemically it's toxic). "

--------------------------------------------

Fixing the environment

--------------------------------------------

Setting up the GI tract to be receptive to reintroduction of probiotics can be somewhat involved. Dr. Spreen stresses that candida patients MUST follow a strict diet: " Yeast seem to have a defense mechanism that makes the patient crave sugars (as that's what yeast grow best on). Sugars and refined starches must be curtailed...sometimes even natural sugars, depending on the person. High protein, or Atkins-type, diets work well here, since yeast do very poorly trying to use proteins.

" In addition, step 2 (fixing up the gut environment) can involve additional supplements, such as garlic extract, Pau d'Arco (Taheebo) tea, and a cute little item called FOS (Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides). The last one is a fairly sweet-tasting (half as sweet as sugar) agent that acidophilus can eat and grow well with, while yeast can't metabolize it at all (or very poorly).

" I wish there were a simple 'take this pill and you're cured' approach, but alas I haven't seen it to be the case. If I had to pick a fast-track routine I'd drop the simple carbs out of the diet and add Diflucan, hoping that the acidophilus got in there from yogurt (plain, active culture only). That's a cheaper approach, but not uniformly effective. "

--------------------------------------------

Not in the cookbook

--------------------------------------------

In Celvin's e-mail, he notes that one of the worst aspects of candida is " the misdiagnosis or superficial treatment by doctors (the brush off) of the problem, with the comment that everybody has some form of it and it should be nothing to lose sleep over. "

Dr. Spreen agrees that most doctors don't give candida its rightful due. He says that conventional medicine regards the condition as a non-diagnosis. " It doesn't fit neatly into the cookbook medical categories - 'curable' by some single miracle drug - so...it doesn't exist. Many patients end up being told the symptoms are 'in their head,' and they really need 'counseling,' or some other form of psychiatric treatment. More than once I've had a patient literally break down crying when I tell them they are physically, chemically, sick and that it's not 'in their head.'

" The problem stems from two things: First, the problem can have a HUGE list of symptoms. Modern medicine doesn't recognize that a single condition can be responsible for such a wide variety of complaints. Plus, true 'candidiasis' is considered only to exist in very rare situations of severe immune compromise, such as AIDS or post-chemotherapy for cancer, etc. So the attitude is: Go get some Prozac, and get out of my office. "

For more information about candida, Dr. Spreen recommends two books on the topic:

The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough by G. Crook

The Yeast Syndrome: How to Help Your Doctor Identify & Treat the Real Cause of Your Yeast-Related Illness by P. Trowbridge

Neither book is new, but as Dr. Spreen puts it, " The content is forever. " Both are available on amazon.com.

****************************************************

FINALLY! SOMETHING OTHER THAN GLUCOSAMINE

TO PROMOTE JOINT FLEXIBILITY

What if you could continue to roll out of bed without feeling stiff and sore? Or sit down to write a simple thank-you note. Keep swinging that golf club, sitting through a movie, or spending the afternoon gardening without paying for it the rest of the day . . . or the entire week?

Scientists in New Zealand discovered a new alternative in the fight to keep joints healthy...

Let’s face it – today’s typical glucosamine and chondroitin supplements don’t work for everyone. Leaving thousands to face the prospect of aging joints – with not much more than drugs or surgery to look forward to. Now, there’s a new natural alternative...

It's time to maintain your mobility and freedom - for many painless years to come. Visit below to find out more:

http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/644890/0/

****************************************************

To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert.

****************************************************

....and another thing

Can you guess how many people die each year due to gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Keep in mind, NSAIDs are mostly non-prescription pain killers that include aspirin and ibuprofen. According to Reuters news service, about 16,000 deaths are attributed to GI bleeding linked with NSAID use yearly.

This is a familiar refrain, but I have to repeat it: If a dietary supplement were to cause more than 300 deaths every WEEK, it would be outlawed in a heartbeat. It would vanish. But aspirin? Ibuprofen? No problem. They're produced by giant drug companies. A few deaths? Well shucks, you have to break a few eggs to make omelets, right?

I came across this NSAID statistic in a Reuters article with a surprising headline: " Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding. " Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School reviewed medical records for nearly 550 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. They found that ongoing use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) posed approximately the same risk for GI bleeding as NSAID use.

But guess what? This isn't news. Not to an Eli Lilly spokesperson who told Reuters that GI bleeding is already noted in packaging for Prozac (the popular SSRI made by Lilly). And while that may be true, I believe that this is the first indication that SSRIs may create a bleeding risk similar to NSAID use. (No specific SSRI brands were singled out by the Northwestern report.)

In yesterday's e-Alert ( " Red Threads " 5/23/05) we saw how saffron may be as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression. Just one little difference: SSRIs may cause GI bleeding, while saffron has been used for centuries to TREAT digestive problems and inflammation.

SSRIs also don't give Spanish paella a savory, exotic flavor.

To Your Good Health,

Health Sciences Institute

****************************************************

THROW YOUR GLASSES AWAY FOR LIFE!

In less than eight weeks you could be reading without your glasses or contact lenses...and without surgery or strenuous eye exercises. Now, thanks to an exciting program developed at the internationally acclaimed Cambridge Institute for Better Vision, you may be able to discard your glasses - for life!

http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/504/0/ <http://www1.youreletterscom/t/150577/2376519/504/0/>

****************************************************

To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert.

****************************************************

Tap into the minds of other health-conscious readers like yourself at the new HSI health forum: http://www.healthiertalk.com <http://www.healthiertalk.com/>

Sources:

" Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding " Reuters, 5/16/05, reuters.com

****************************************************

Copyright ©1997-2005 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission.

****************************************************

Before you hit reply to send us a question or request, please visit here http://www.hsibaltimore.com/faqs.html

****************************************************

If you'd like to participate in the HSI Forum, search past e-Alerts and products or you're an HSI member and would like to search past articles, visit http://www.hsibaltimore.com <http://www.hsibaltimore.com/>

****************************************************

To learn more about HSI, call (203) 699-4416 or visit, http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/297/0/

****************************************************

If you want to end your HSI e-Alert subscription or you need to change your e-mail address, please follow theinstructions below. Your changes will be effective immediately. However, if you do not follow the instructions below and simply hit reply instead, we may not receive your request and cannot assure you that it will be completed.

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ANITA KESSLER

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Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment.

" Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world. " - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)

[Guest guest]



Dearest Anita;

Thank you so much for this excellent material. I used to take Diflucan, but I cannot take it while I'm on Coumadin (blood thinners). It worked much better for me than Nystatin. My burning tongue is such a mystery, but my doctor thinks that I have Sjogrens! My face burns violently when I'm out of my comfort zone.

Take care...love always....Lea

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~```````````

HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue

HSI e-Alert - Riding to the Rescue Health Sciences Institute e-Alert

****************************************************

May 24, 2005

Why am I getting this?

****************************************************

BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR NEXT BATHROOM BREAK... This amazing new 4-Phyto alternative could be the answer to prostate health FAST & FOREVER...

Succeed with an all-natural solution Strengthen your sex glands instead of sabotaging your manhood Promote healthy urinary flow Armor your prostate Keep reading: http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/666353/0/ **************************************************** Dear Reader, If you could take a highly magnified look around your gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, you might not want a second look. It wouldn't be a pretty picture. At virtually every moment there's a widespread battle being waged between good bacteria and bad bacteria. And when the bad guys go on a winning streak, the resulting imbalance can cause a multitude of health problems. When bad bacteria thrive, yeast-like fungi called candida albicans thrive as well. I recently received an e-mail from an HSI member named Celvin who says his poor digestion, insomnia, dry skin, severe itching and lack of concentration have all been attributed to a case of candida. Celvin asks, "Do you have a product or can refer me to one that can eliminate the problem? Ordinary probiotics don't do the job. I use no refined foods, only organic, no yeast or fermented foods for the past four years and no sugars, except stevia and blended whole fruits. For the past two years the itching is the worst symptom and I've spent a lot of money trying to solve the problem myself" Celvin is on the right track with his probiotic use. But as we'll see, that's only one part of an important three-part process. When all three parts are combined, Celvin may feel like the cavalry has ridden in to the rescue. -------------------------------------------- A monster -------------------------------------------- When I checked in with HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., about candida (also known as "systemic candidiasis" or "systemic yeast"), he described it as a "monster problem." But he adds that about 90 percent of candida cases can be successfully treated with a methodical approach that includes a diet "that is far better than what most Americans eat anyway." Dr. Spreen: "The most susceptible victims of systemic yeast tend to be women who have had some combination of (or long single experiences with) birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, repeated courses of antibiotics, systemic steroids, high-sugar diets or illnesses that involve extended bouts of diarrhea (and also vomiting). Antibiotics kill of the 'good guy' bacteria in the gut, allowing the 'bad guy' yeast to take over. Then other illnesses or systemic stresses give the yeast a little extra nudge each time they occur, slowly increasing the influence of the yeast until symptoms occur. "Probiotics (e.g.; L. acidophilus, bulgaricus, bifidus bacteria or combinations) are MANDATORY for re-establishing a more nearly normal gut environment. That said, it's almost never successful by itself. "Effective treatment of yeast involves three separate approaches: 1. Kill the 'bad guys'; 2. Make the gut environment receptive for re-introduction of 'good guys'; 3. Re-introduce the 'good guys'. (Again, I have rarely, if ever, seen #3 alone to be effective.) "Killing the bad guy yeast can be done with natural agents: caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract, and others. However, I found that the prescription drug Diflucan (fluconazole) was so effective, and with so few toxicities, that I came to use it often. Sporonox (itraconazole), a newer drug in the class, is also effective, as is ketoconazole, an older one (there are others). The class has some history (especially ketoconazole) of liver stress in susceptible individuals, but I never saw it with Diflucan (nor heard it reported, ever, by a single physician treating with it, though liver function should be tested from time to time). The original drug used was Nilstat (nystatin), which works, but not as well, as it only kills in the GI tract (it has to be used orally, as given systemically it's toxic)." -------------------------------------------- Fixing the environment -------------------------------------------- Setting up the GI tract to be receptive to reintroduction of probiotics can be somewhat involved. Dr. Spreen stresses that candida patients MUST follow a strict diet: "Yeast seem to have a defense mechanism that makes the patient crave sugars (as that's what yeast grow best on). Sugars and refined starches must be curtailed...sometimes even natural sugars, depending on the person. High protein, or Atkins-type, diets work well here, since yeast do very poorly trying to use proteins. "In addition, step 2 (fixing up the gut environment) can involve additional supplements, such as garlic extract, Pau d'Arco (Taheebo) tea, and a cute little item called FOS (Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides). The last one is a fairly sweet-tasting (half as sweet as sugar) agent that acidophilus can eat and grow well with, while yeast can't metabolize it at all (or very poorly). "I wish there were a simple 'take this pill and you're cured' approach, but alas I haven't seen it to be the case. If I had to pick a fast-track routine I'd drop the simple carbs out of the diet and add Diflucan, hoping that the acidophilus got in there from yogurt (plain, active culture only). That's a cheaper approach, but not uniformly effective." -------------------------------------------- Not in the cookbook -------------------------------------------- In Celvin's e-mail, he notes that one of the worst aspects of candida is "the misdiagnosis or superficial treatment by doctors (the brush off) of the problem, with the comment that everybody has some form of it and it should be nothing to lose sleep over." Dr. Spreen agrees that most doctors don't give candida its rightful due. He says that conventional medicine regards the condition as a non-diagnosis. "It doesn't fit neatly into the cookbook medical categories - 'curable' by some single miracle drug - so...it doesn't exist. Many patients end up being told the symptoms are 'in their head,' and they really need 'counseling,' or some other form of psychiatric treatment. More than once I've had a patient literally break down crying when I tell them they are physically, chemically, sick and that it's not 'in their head.' "The problem stems from two things: First, the problem can have a HUGE list of symptoms. Modern medicine doesn't recognize that a single condition can be responsible for such a wide variety of complaints. Plus, true 'candidiasis' is considered only to exist in very rare situations of severe immune compromise, such as AIDS or post-chemotherapy for cancer, etc. So the attitude is: Go get some Prozac, and get out of my office." For more information about candida, Dr. Spreen recommends two books on the topic:

The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough by G. Crook The Yeast Syndrome: How to Help Your Doctor Identify & Treat the Real Cause of Your Yeast-Related Illness by P. Trowbridge Neither book is new, but as Dr. Spreen puts it, "The content is forever." Both are available on amazon.com. ****************************************************

FINALLY! SOMETHING OTHER THAN GLUCOSAMINETO PROMOTE JOINT FLEXIBILITY What if you could continue to roll out of bed without feeling stiff and sore? Or sit down to write a simple thank-you note. Keep swinging that golf club, sitting through a movie, or spending the afternoon gardening without paying for it the rest of the day . . . or the entire week? Scientists in New Zealand discovered a new alternative in the fight to keep joints healthy... Let’s face it – today’s typical glucosamine and chondroitin supplements don’t work for everyone. Leaving thousands to face the prospect of aging joints – with not much more than drugs or surgery to look forward to. Now, there’s a new natural alternative... It's time to maintain your mobility and freedom - for many painless years to come. Visit below to find out more: http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/644890/0/ **************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. **************************************************** ...and another thing Can you guess how many people die each year due to gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? Keep in mind, NSAIDs are mostly non-prescription pain killers that include aspirin and ibuprofen. According to Reuters news service, about 16,000 deaths are attributed to GI bleeding linked with NSAID use yearly. This is a familiar refrain, but I have to repeat it: If a dietary supplement were to cause more than 300 deaths every WEEK, it would be outlawed in a heartbeat. It would vanish. But aspirin? Ibuprofen? No problem. They're produced by giant drug companies. A few deaths? Well shucks, you have to break a few eggs to make omelets, right? I came across this NSAID statistic in a Reuters article with a surprising headline: "Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding." Researchers at Northwestern University Medical School reviewed medical records for nearly 550 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. They found that ongoing use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) posed approximately the same risk for GI bleeding as NSAID use. But guess what? This isn't news. Not to an Eli Lilly spokesperson who told Reuters that GI bleeding is already noted in packaging for Prozac (the popular SSRI made by Lilly). And while that may be true, I believe that this is the first indication that SSRIs may create a bleeding risk similar to NSAID use. (No specific SSRI brands were singled out by the Northwestern report.) In yesterday's e-Alert ("Red Threads" 5/23/05) we saw how saffron may be as effective as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression. Just one little difference: SSRIs may cause GI bleeding, while saffron has been used for centuries to TREAT digestive problems and inflammation. SSRIs also don't give Spanish paella a savory, exotic flavor. To Your Good Health, Health Sciences Institute ****************************************************

THROW YOUR GLASSES AWAY FOR LIFE! In less than eight weeks you could be reading without your glasses or contact lenses...and without surgery or strenuous eye exercises. Now, thanks to an exciting program developed at the internationally acclaimed Cambridge Institute for Better Vision, you may be able to discard your glasses - for life! http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/504/0/ **************************************************** To start receiving your own copy of the HSI e-Alert, visit: http://www.hsiealert.com/freecopy.html Or forward this e-mail to a friend so they can sign-up to receive their own copy of the HSI e-Alert. **************************************************** Tap into the minds of other health-conscious readers like yourself at the new HSI health forum: http://www.healthiertalk.com Sources: "Anti-Depressants May Cause Internal Bleeding" Reuters, 5/16/05, reuters.com **************************************************** Copyright ©1997-2005 by www.hsibaltimore.com, L.L.C. The e-Alert may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. **************************************************** Before you hit reply to send us a question or request, please visit here http://www.hsibaltimore.com/faqs.html **************************************************** If you'd like to participate in the HSI Forum, search past e-Alerts and products or you're an HSI member and would like to search past articles, visit http://www.hsibaltimore.com **************************************************** To learn more about HSI, call (203) 699-4416 or visit, http://www1.youreletters.com/t/150577/2376519/297/0/ **************************************************** If you want to end your HSI e-Alert subscription or you need to change your e-mail address, please follow theinstructions below. Your changes will be effective immediately. However, if you do not follow the instructions below and simply hit reply instead, we may not receive your request and cannot assure you that it will be completed. **************************************************** Please note: We sent this e-mail to: ANITA KESSLER because you subscribed to this service. Manage your subscription: To end your HSI e-Alert subscription...visit this address: http://www.ezimages.net/remove/index.cfm?memberid=2376519 To change your e-mail address...visit this address: http://www.agoramail.net/changeEmail.cfm?id=2376519 To mange your subscription by mail or for any other subscription issues, write us at: Order Processing Center Attn: Customer Service P.O. Box 925 Frederick, MD 21705 USA Opinions expressed are NOT meant to take the place of advice given by licensed health care professionals. Consult your physician or licensed health care professional before commencing any medical treatment. "Do not let either the medical authorities or the politicians mislead you. Find out what the facts are, and make your own decisions about how to live a happy life and how to work for a better world." - Linus ing, two-time Nobel Prize Winner (1954, Chemistry; 1963, Peace)