Is There An Autism Yeast Infection Link?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Evans]Rachel Evans

The exact cause of autism is unknown with theories ranging from the result of immunization, genetics, or a combination of both.  However, latest findings have demonstrated that there may also be an autism yeast infection link. 

So what does yeast have to do with autism?

Studies show that autistic children have different 'gut flora' when compared to non-autistic children.  Generally, healthy "good" bacteria are at work throughout the digestive tract to keep the digestive system operating normally.  However, repeated doses of antibiotics (as would be prescribed, for example, for a regular childhood ear infection), or even exposure to common childhood diseases such as chicken pox, can destroy a large amount of the necessary gut flora, permitting Candida - an aggressive and opportunistic yeast infection - to grow and flourish.

Even in children who have not suffered from many common childhood diseases or who have not recently been prescribed antibiotics, there remain other ways for Candida to take hold in the body.  It is believed that general environmental factors may also be contributory factors. Exposure to toxins in the air a child breaths and the water he drinks, as well as genetic factors - for example, if a child's mother is prone to yeast infections, this may be passed on to the child - and a diet high in sugar all open up a child to a greater risk of Candida overgrowth.

Researchers now believe that there may be an link between autism and yeast infections which occurs when the Candida multiplies and changes the workings of the digestive tract, releasing a multitude of toxins into the body.  The brain and the rest of the body's systems - such as the digestive system - are strongly linked.  Therefore, disturbances within the digestive tract may have a direct impact on the brains functioning leading to a worsening of autism symptoms.

A study performed by researchers from the Center for the Study of Autism in Oregon treated autistic children for a yeast overgrowth. They demonstrated that once gut flora levels returned to normal, the children showed a decrease in hyperactivity and self-stimulatory behavior, as well as better eye contact and more restful sleep. There was also evidence of increased concentration and improve verbal abilities.

When treating yeast infections it is important to note that if the anti-fungal treatment is halted too early the yeast is likely to return, and it may be more aggressive, having developed some resistance to the drugs that had been used to treat it.  Generally, the recommendation is for an autistic child to proceed with antifungal therapy for a minimum of six months in order to maintain improvements.

However, with use of antifungal therapy, drugs are only one half of the battle. Diet plays an important role in reducing yeast in the system, especially when it comes to sugary foods.  Sugar is among the worst dietary contributors to Candida overgrowth, as yeast can flourish 200 times faster when sugar is available within the body.  So for anti-fungal treatments to be most effective it is recommended that your child follow a restricted diet that eliminated all sugars and any foods that contain yeast, which include bread products, cheese, and mushrooms.

The Autism Research Institute (ARI) founder, the late Dr. Bernard Rimland MD believed that in most cases, Candida is not the singular cause of autism.  However his own research led him to conclude that a "small but significant" proportion of autistic kids - between 5% and 10% - will improve when properly treated for Candida.  For more information on whether yeast infection autism treatment is suitable for your child speak to your physican.

Grab your free copy of Rachel Evans' brand new Autism Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you and your family find out about [http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com?source=ez]autism and diet and for information on tackling an [http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/autism.html?source=ez]autism yeast infection please visit [http://www.essential-guide-to-autism.com/blog/2008/01/17/is-there-an-autism-yeast-infection-link/]The Essential Guide To Autism.

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 How to Follow an Anti Candida Probiotics Program
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jane_Symms]Jane Symms

If you or someone you know has candida, probiotics may have been suggested.  But what are they and how can they help?  There have been many clinical studies carried out which are able to show that the use of probiotics can help not only to prevent and treat many common ailments, but also improve the environment in the gastrointestinal GI tract so that candida overgrowth can be suppressed.

“Live” food has grabbed the attention of the public, with large advertizing budgets being spent to sell probiotics drinks, foods and supplements – But do we really understand what they are and how they can help candida symptoms?  The probiotics that can be purchased usually use contains Lactobacillus as well as Bifobacterium and Acidodophilus, which are used to repopulate the good bacteria found in the intestinal tract and digestive system.  It is important that you have high levels of microbes in the body, as they help to suppress the bad bacteria, and reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection.  There are hundreds of types of microbes that live in the human GI tract and keeping a healthy balance is critical to maintaining a healthy immune system and ensuring our digestive process are efficient.

The “good” bacteria, which is present in our gut, and in probiotic food supplements, are able to keep yeast infections, including candidiasis suppressed as they release a anti-fungal enzyme which can fight the effects of Candida.  It is also a good strategy to increase the levels of fiber being eaten, as well as eating foods that contain chlorophyll, as these are also beneficial to a healthy GI and the removal of a yeast infection.  If you do not like the idea of taking food supplements, then a natural way to boost the “good” bacteria in the GI tract is to eat live yogurt.  Yoghurt is produced using the same form of bacteria that that can be found in a person's stomach and their intestines.  Eating live yogurt will help bolster the healthy microbe levels in the stomach to protect a person against the growth of Candida and other yeast infections.  Plus, with the re-balancing of the GI microflora, the immune system will get a boost of nutrients, which also helps with the fight against candida overgrowth.

If you are considering taking supplements to treat candida albicans growth, then it is important that you discuss the matter with your doctor first.  They will need to know any home treatments you are taking, so that you can be treated correctly to remove the candida symptoms as quickly as possible.

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It is worth noting that when you start to take probiotics there can be short period of discomfort.  This can stretch over a few days as the GI tract regains balance.  The symptoms experienced can be abdominal pains, diarrhea as well as increased levels of flatulence.  This is very common as your body is trying to get itself back on to a more even keel, but if you are in doubt or the symptoms are prolonged or severe you should seek medical advice.

If you want to know other natural ways to combat candida, and how a candida probiotics program can help, then sign up for our free newsletter below.  Grab your free copy of Jane Symms' brand new Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter - Overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you discover more about [http://www.eliminating-candida.com/index.html?source=ez]candida probiotics and natural candida remedies and for information on [http://www.eliminating-candida.com/candida.html?source=ez]chronic yeast infection please visit [http://eliminating-candida.com/blog/2007/03/22/what-are-the-yeast-infection-symptoms-in-a-man/]Naturally Eliminating Candida. 

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Exercises to Help Reduce
Candida Infections
By Matthew Bredel

Can exercising reduce yeast infections and cure them naturally? Yes! If you want to significantly impact your body's ability to fend off excess candida, exercise is one of the best things you can do for yeast infection fighting as well as your overall health and wellness.  While we all need a little bit of yeast bacteria in our bodies to help with digestion and bacteria, candida that replicate beyond optimal levels create havoc in our bodies and many negative side effects ensue.

Fighting recurring candida infections involves many lifestyle changes including diet and exercise as well as the need for specific supplements in some cases. By exercising on a regular basis, you can make a big difference and it can happen in just five minutes a day. Here are some exercises you can do to help your body's ability to fight off candida albicans from multiplying at an unhealthy level, which is what causes yeast infections or Candidiaisis.

Sweating and Candida
Sweating is a great way to rid your body of toxins so exercising with a lot of clothing on is important. Don't forget to stay well hydrated and eat a balanced diet when you exercise and when undertaking a new exercise regimen it is important to have it cleared by your doctor, particularly if you have any other health problems.  Weight loss and a healthy diet are also helpful for fighting yeast infections. Those with a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits create a haven for yeast that multiplies fastest in a toxic, sedentary environment.

Aerobics to fight Albicans Yeast
Aerobics gets the heart pumping and helps oxygenate the body. Oxygen increases the pH level of your body and if your pH level is in the ideal zone, candida albicans can't thrive.

Rebounding and Candida
Rebounding is a cellular exercise that involves jumping on a mini trampoline and doing various exercises. Rebounding and candida fighting is something increasingly being looked at because of the many health benefits of rebounding exercise which takes pressure off your joints and helps you burn more calories in a shorter time without getting as tired and sore as you would from other exercises. Rebounding also helps your body's white blood count increase, which strengthens your body's immune system. An increased immune system can help your body naturally fight off candida.

One of the great things about rebounding is that people who are sedentary can begin this type of exercise quickly and easily. Even the elderly or very overweight can start off with easy and low impact rebounding exercises and escalate to high levels of fitness quickly. The rebounder cleanses the lymphatic system, burns calories and tones the body.

When you begin, start with five-minute increments and gradually increase to twenty minutes per day for increased benefits. If you are concerned about your ability to jump on the rebounder unaided, consider buying a model that has a stability bar for you to hold onto while jumping.

Other exercises that can be helpful include Pilates, Yoga, Cycling and strength-training. Any exercise can be helpful in fighting recurring yeast infections.

Your health can be significantly improved with a healthy diet and exercise. Along with increasing your activity level, a candida diet can be really helpful in naturally eradicating yeast infections from your life.

Learn more about candida and rebounding, candida diets and other helpful information about yeast infections including how exercise fights yeast infections by visiting Candida-Solutions.

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