Dr. Salerno talks about systemic yeast, also known as Candida and its relationship to weight loss:
“Amy came to my office by referral from another diet doctor. She had been on a low carb diet but her weight loss had stalled out and she was feeling depressed. Lately she had been craving sugar, but she associated this with a vacation where everything seemed to go South for her.
Her other symptoms included diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, insomnia, and frequent lower abdominal pain, especially after eating. She had seen a succession of doctors, including a gastroenterologist, who told her she had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and recommended a high-fiber diet.
Like many women with similar problems, Amy had tried several regimens without success. She was really feeling bad. She had started out well in a weight loss program, but it had stalled out and she still had about 45 pounds to lose. But with the added problems of sugar cravings, fatigue, bloating, and pain, she had about given up.
I believed that Amy was suffering from systemic yeast or Candida, often accompanied by dysbiosis which is an imbalance of the bacteria in the intestines secondary to parasites, yeast overgrowth, environmental or food sensitivities.
We did a conventional work-up on her including a stool test which did, indeed, reveal the presence of systemic yeast and imbalanced bacterial flora — the true underlying causes of her symptoms and the reason her diet was no longer working.
Systemic yeast can be a difficult problem for women and men, but when Amy adhered to The Silver Cloud Diet, along with supplements, and some IV vitamins, we conquered her yeast, cleared her symptoms, and she lost weight!”
-Dr. John Salerno
What is Candida?
Candida albicans is a fungal organism that is present in everyone’s intestinal tract. It is normally kept under control by the immune system and by beneficial intestinal bacteria.
This balance is upset when these bacteria are destroyed (often by antibiotics), when our immune function is impaired (stress or illness), or when we develop environmental or food sensitivities.
Then, Candida begins to proliferate and invade and colonize our body tissues. It most commonly appears as a vaginal yeast infection or as oral thrush. But candida albicans can also spread inside the body and become a systemic problem.
How does candida albicans affect the body?
When Candida proliferates, it changes from simple, relatively harmless form to an invasive form, with long root-like structures that penetrate the intestinal lining. Penetration can break down the boundary between the intestinal tract and the circulatory system.
This may allow introduction into the bloodstream of many substances which may be systemic allergens, poisons, or irritants. Partially digested proteins may enter the blood through the openings created by Candida (called leaky gut syndrome), which explains why individuals with Candida also often display a variety of food and environmental allergies.
Along with weight gain and the inability to lose weight, some other side effects of Candida include fatigue, lethargy, weakness, dizziness, muscle pain, respiratory problems and chemical sensitivities to name a few.
Candida is very common in men, as well as women, who often present with symptoms of gas and bloating.
Treatment of Candida
Dr. Salerno uses dietary changes and supplements to treat Candida.
Because candida albicans feed on sugar and carbohydrates, The Silver Cloud Diet is a good basic diet to follow to rid yourself of a systemic yeast problem. The diet is high in whole foods, with plenty of vegetables, protein, and natural fat, and virtually no simple sugars or processed carbohydrates.
Along with dietary changes, Dr. Salerno also uses two specially formulated private-label supplements for the treatment of Candida. The ingredients in Yeast Factor help to eliminate Candida and its related effects by supplying natural herbs, some used for centuries, with antifungal and antibacterial properties. Probiotic Factor, is formulated with Saccharomyces boulardii, a proven potentiator for good bacteria that removes pathogens from the gut. This action enables a more effective probiotic presence, encouraging a healthy environment for vitamin uptake and immune support.
