Candida Overgrowth

Could it be Candida Overgrowth?

We moved into our home, years ago, during the early spring with snow still on the ground. It was kind of exciting discovering our yard as the snow receded. As the green (mostly weeds) began growing we soon discovered we were infested with a weed known as puncture vine or goat heads (Tribulus terrestris).

 These weeds have the sharpest, nastiest thorns! They go right through your gloves, puncture your bike tires, and embed in the soles of your shoes (and yes – you must always wear shoes!).  I would pull out these noxious weeds and throw them in the garbage can – no composting for them.  Try as I diligently did to pull and eradicate every last one of these, next season they all seemed to come back seeking revenge for disposing of their forbearers.

About the third year into this, as I agonized over this situation (cause I’m a barefoot kinda guy), something came to my mind – (it had to be from God or one of his more compassionate angels) – “Kyle, plant Red Clover”.  "Humm", I thought, Red Clover is a great medicinal herb, a soft ground cover and has beautiful purple flowers (not red).  So I did and guess what happened? 

That blessed Red Clover came up first and so filled the ground that the darned old goat head got crowded right out. The root system of the Red Clover allowed no room for the puncture vine to germinate and come through.  Goat Heads defeated!

As I have pondered this experience, I understand that this same issue plays out in each of our bodies. We all have in our bodies the noxious weed known as Candida.  This yeast is in all of us to a greater or lesser degree.  Candida is a selfish creature who will take more and more of our body’s real estate resulting in a myriad of symptoms and demanding sweets and carbs to fuel it.  That is why the person suffering from chronic candidiasis craves sugar, is overweight and is usually insulin resistant.

Like ridding the yard of prickily weeds by crowding them out, so, too, we must crowd out the candida to truly heal. Because of this, most candida programs are both difficult and ultimately unsuccessful.  As you eliminate foods that feed the candida, you diminish in number, but the most virulent are the last to die.  When you slip up on the diet (and you will) – the strongest of the strong candida will come raging back intensifying the problem.

Candida Albicans is the most common type of a yeast infection that is found in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina. It can also affect the skin and other mucous membranes. If the immune system is functioning optimally, this type of yeast infection is rarely serious. However, if the immune system is not functioning properly, the candida infection can migrate to other areas of the body, including the blood and membranes around the heart or brain.

Candida is not all bad, because it is a fungus that aids with nutrient absorption and digestion, when in proper levels in the body. When it overproduces, the typical candida symptoms may appear. In the digestive tract, left unchecked, it breaks down the walls of the intestinal lining and penetrates into the bloodstream. This releases by-product toxins and other toxins from your system, causing what is known as a leaky gut syndrome.   

When you body’s natural acid/alkaline or pH balance is upset, the candida can grow out of control, creating a systemic problem. Good healthy bacteria and a properly functioning immune system are essential when fighting this stubborn infection.

Candida Overgrowth Syndrome, or COS, is the term used when candida has grown out of control in your body. This is a chronic health condition that can last for years and even a lifetime. Individuals with a candida yeast infection (leading to a leaky gut) often find they develop food sensitivities, allergies or intolerances. The most common foods include dairy, eggs, corn and gluten.

Common Signs of Candida Overgrowth

Do you ever experience any of these health issues?

·      Cravings for sweets – You tend to NOT have a stop button when it comes to sweets

·      Exhaustion

·      Mood disorders such as anxiety, depression, bi-polar and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

·      Inability to lose weight – no matter how much dieting and exercise

·      Bad breath

·      Crave cold foods

·      White coat on tongue

·      Brain fog, forgetfulness, and inability to maintain focus

·      Hormone imbalance – thyroid, PMS, Menopausal symptoms

·      Joint pain, arthritis

·      Loss or diminished sex drive

·      Chronic sinus and allergy issues

·      Digestive problems (gas and bloating)

·      Weak immune system

·      Urinary Tract and Vaginal Infections

These are just some of the signs that you may have Candida Overgrowth. Candida has also been classified in stages that may help you gauge where you are.

Of course, candida is not solely responsible for every symptom, disease or health complaint (as some authors suggest), but it can be a contributing factor. Candida albicans is an opportunistic organism, which means it is ever ready to take advantage of a weakened situation in your body.

Major Causes of Candida

Research from the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that Antibiotics may promote yeast infections, including gastrointestinal Candida overgrowth, and penetration of the GI mucosa.

Once conditions are right, candida will thrive and your general health will suffer. There are various causes that trigger or feed a yeast infection.

Common triggers are:

1.     Overconsumption of processed and sugary foods

2.     Refined flours and commercial (GMO)yeast

3.     Alcoholic beverages

4.     Corticosteroids and NSAIDs or any drug that may suppress the immune system

5.     Stress – from emotions and lack of sleep

6.     Exposure to candida via the womb and breastmilk if the mother has an overgrowth

7.     Heavy metals (via tooth fillings, vaccines, food, tap water)

8.     Artificial colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and synthetic odors (i.e. perfumes, scented candles)

9.     Preservatives and synthetic ingredients in personal care products

10. Insufficient vitamin D

11. Chlorine (namely from swimming pools) & fluoride

12. Pesticides and herbicides

13. Anger, grief, frustration or any other negative emotion that you can’t shake

14. Consuming conventional animal products laden with hormones, antibiotics, etc. typically what you get by eating fast foods

15. Surgery, including dental and cesareans (a trigger for both mother and child) often accompanied by antibiotic use

16.  Oral Corticosteroids – asthma inhalers

17.  Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy

18.  Weakened Immune System associated with chronic disease or in infants or the elderly

All these create an acidic environment that encourages yeast growth and the presence of candida. Many people will use over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, but they only treat the symptoms, not the environment that allows candida to flourish. You need to eliminate the underlying cause in your diet or medication, restore your body’s pH balance and boost the presence of good bacteria.

Stage 1 Candida Overgrowth

Affects the mucous membranes of the body: Mouth,Nose,Vagina and Respiratory System.

1.     Cravings for sugar and/or alcohol

2.     Infant Colic, childhood and adult unexplained anger/rages

3.     Vaginal Yeast Infections

4.     Severe PMS

5.     Urinary Tract Infections

6.     Body Rashes

7.     Difficulty falling or staying asleep

8.     Eczema

9.     Acne

10.  Oral Thrush

11.  Allergies to: foods,chemicals,dust,fungus,yeast and/or molds

12.  Recurrent bouts of bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, strep or staph infections

13.  Gas (infant or adult)

14.  Bad breath and body odor

15.  Bladder Weakness

16.  Sun spots or liver spots

17.  Belching

18.  Heartburn

19.  Unexplained tooth decay

20.  Asthma – respiratory problems

21.  Mastitis – cracked nipples

22.  Rectal itching

23.  Persistent cough – more than weeks

24.  Nausea during fasting – or fasting causing headaches

Stage 2 Candida Overgrowth

Involves more generalized and chronic reactions. The symptoms that belong to Stage 1 are also present in Stage 2.

1.     Unexplained weight gain or inability to keep weight on

2.     Inability to lose weight no matter what

3.     Ear Infections or Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

4.     Chronic Pain, Muscle Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis

5.     Headaches (including migraine)

6.     Fatigue

7.     Fibromyalgia

8.     Infant or Adult Reflux

9.     Endometriosis

10.  Dizziness/Vertigo

11.  Bladder Infection/UTIs

12.  Jock itch

13.  Nail infections

14.  Gluten intolerance

15.  Dairy (casein) intolerance

16.  Athletes' foot

17.  Celiac Disease

Stage 3 Candida Overgrowth

Stage 3 affects an individual on a behavioral and mental level. All symptoms that belonged to Stages 1 & 2 are also present in Stage 3.

1.     Inability to concentrate

2.     Serious forgetfulness

3.     Memory Loss

4.     Mental Confusion

5.     Not being able to think of words to say something

6.     Switching around of words and letters when trying to speak and/or write

7.     Loss of previous skills (such as:how to type or play piano)

8.     Irrational thoughts,Unusual fears, Phobias and Panic/Anxiety attacks.

9.     Muscle twitching

10.  Violence, Depression and Aggressive behaviors

11.  Epileptic seizures

12.  Infertility

13.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut or Crohn’s Disease

14.  Insulin Resistance and/or Diabetes

15.  Hypoglycemia

16.  Thyroid disorders – Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Stage 4 Candida Overgrowth

Also known as systemic yeast. It is possible to suffer from a complete shut down of multiple organs when you reach this stage. The symptoms that are present in Stage 1-3 are also present in Stage 4, but they will be more severe.

1.     Adrenal gland failure

2.     Endocrine system failure

3.     Severe Constipation

4.     Total Muscle Weakness

5.     Hives

6.     The Circulatory System may be swamped with so much yeast that the capillaries are clogged, causing HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, NUMBNESS OF EXTREMITIES, and EASY BRUISING.

7.     The person may run a low-grade fever, but the hands and feet will often be very cold

8.     Tachycardia (palpitations, irregular beats, mitral valve problems or heart murmur)

9.     In the Respiratory System, the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs may be packed with yeast so that the person cannot get adequate breath AKA asthma

10.  Boils

11.  Vomiting

12.  Neuropathy – numbness in hands or feet

13.  Autoimmune Diseases – Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis

14.  Cancer

15.  Alzheimer’s Disease, Senility, Dementia, Pre-senile Dementia

Stage 5 Candida Overgrowth

1.) Death

Sadly, Candida Overgrowth can spread throughout the entire body affecting every last cell. It causes all the organs to shut down.

Getting Rid Of The Candida Overgrowth

Candida Overgrowth is very easy to get rid of, it just takes some time. Depending on what stage you are in will tell how long you should continue with the treatment. There are many treatment options to choose from. You can choose to do one, or all of them. The more treatments you take part in, the faster you will get rid of your Candida Overgrowth.

How to Fight Candida

Just as we were able to get rid of the goat head weeds by crowding them out, so, too, candida must be killed and immediately replaced.  The digestive environment must be made healthy so that the good bacteria – the probiotics – can be established.  Most people who have had candida related health problems also have a leaky gut, which must be repaired.  As a result of the leaky gut, food allergies develop and must be treated and eliminated.

There are many candida cures that can be found, however, for lasting success and a return to good health, you must adhere to true principles.  Simply avoiding the foods that promote yeast growth as is outlined in many programs is not enough.  As soon as you cheat (even just a little) the candida will rage back with a vengeance.  This is what I recommend:

Goals of the Candida Cleanse Program

1.     Rebuild the Digestive Tract

2.     Kill the Candida

3.     Repopulate the gut with the good bacteria

4.     Detox the body, getting rid of the toxins from the freshly killed candida

5.     Ancillary Therapies: Allergy Elimination treatments, Far Infrared Sauna, Sweaty Exercises, Biologic Dentistry to remove heavy metals.

6.     Avoid Candida promoting foods and drink

7.     Eat nourishing heatlhy foods

The Candida Cleanse

Rebuilding the Digestive Tract

If you are in any of the advanced stages of Candida Overgrowth (2+), you are also suffering from a leaky gut and must heal and rebuild it.  This is accomplished by following principles set forth by the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and the GAPS diet (Gut And Psychology Syndrome). The concepts taught help to rid the body of excess candida by providing the nutritional building blocks to re-knit the matrix of the intestinal lining which will provide the fertile ground as we introduce the healthy candida fighters (probiotics) found in fermented vegetables and probiotic rich foods.

Bone Broth

Start by making a bone broth made with added vegetables. [ If you are opposed to bone broth, which is by far our first choice, you can substitute a homemade vegetable broth from organic onions, garlic, celery, kale, kombu seaweed, sea salt and pure water.] Let simmer at least 12 hours and strain. God has blessed you with a crockpot for making broth! Discard the vegetables and bones and refrigerate the broth. Bone broth is high in collagen, minerals and L-Glutamine which will heal the gut.

Throughout the day, sip on warm broth. It’s imperative that you drink lots of water to help your body expel all the toxins in your system.

Continue drinking bone broth or soup made from bone broth as you heal the gut.  Bone broth is so healing and nutritious (and delicious!), you will want to add this to your families regular diet.

Steamed Vegetables

Mostly, eat fresh, organic vegetables that have been steamed. Keep away from any starchy vegetables like carrots, radishes, beets, sweet potatoes and white potatoes, which may contribute to sugar levels and feed the candida. Continue to drink plenty of pure water, a minimum of 64 ounces per day, to help flush the candida and by-products from your system.

By eliminating grains, sugars, fruits, starches and alcohol from your diet for three to five days, you can make great headway in your fight against candida overgrowth. Eating only steamed vegetables and drinking broth for the first 3-5 days (or longer if you are really sick or really serious) will give you a great boost in your battle towards health.

During this time, no more than once a day, you can eat salads made from leafy greens (like romaine) or bitter greens (like chard) and topped with just a bit of coconut oil (you can use fractionated – it is a liquid and will pour) and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (both of which have an alkalizing effect).

Use bentonite clay to help surround the toxins and efficiently remove them from your system. Drink 1 teaspoon mixed with water.

Killing the Candida

There are many effective ways to kill candida. Candida is easily killed off, but it immediately comes right back. You may purchase a commercially prepared product such as those made by Garden of Life – Fungal Forte, Fungal Defense or Raw Candida Cleanse. These are all excellent products that contain herbs to kill the bad guys, as well as, provide the needed probiotics.

Other products to consider (you may use all or some of the following):

Herbs to crush and kill candida:

Garlic- Nature's antibiotic, but, it is also nature's anti-fungal, so the garlic will not kill the friendly bacteria like prescription antibiotics do. Consider cutting a clove into pill size pieces and swallowing. Work up to two fresh cloves daily. That is usually plenty.

Olive Leaf - Inhibits further growth of Candida.

Turmeric – best taken in capsule form with 16 parts turmeric and 1 part black pepper. Black pepper greatly magnifies the effectiveness of turmeric. According to the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, turmeric is a more potent anti-fungal agent than the anti-fungal drug, fluconazole.

Pau d’arco – Probably the most powerful herbal deterrent to candida.  Made into a tea with cinnamon is delicious.  Work up to 3 cups per day. Try a delicious combination of 6 parts Pau d’arco, 1 part Cinnamon, 1 part Spearmint.

Milk Thistle – this herb will help to detoxify the liver and ease the ability of the body to get rid of killed candida die-off toxins

Candida Recovery Formula – This is my own Herbal Remedy that can be made in our workshops or on your own at home.  The advantage here is you will make about 2 quarts of the tincture for about 20% of what it would cost to purchase at a healthfood store. This remedy contains Pau d’arco, Oregano, Basil, Lemongrass, Ashwagandha, Sage and Olive leaf. You will take 3 dropperfuls of this formula 3 times daily. There is not enough alcohol in this to cause any concerns.

Foods that fight Candida:

Coconut Oil- Contain an ingredient called Caprylic Acid. It is very effective. Work up to consuming 4 Tablespoons per day.  Coconut oil can and should also be used topically on areas of skin irritation.

Apple Cider Vinegar- Contains a natural anti-fungal ingredient called Malic Acid that is not found in other vinegars.

Carrot Juice- Has great antifungal properties.

Nuts, seeds, wild-caught fish and other foods high in healthy fat and protein will all fight candida. Soaked and dried nut are best - see our Crispy Nut recipe in our Healing in the Kitchen Manual.

Cultured dairy or fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kvass. These foods will provide the good bacteria.  Be cautious with commercially made Kombucha because of it’s high sugar content. Good quality store-bought kefir and yogurt are fine. Read the labels for undesirable chemicals.

Green drinks – Green vegetables will help improve your immune response. Groundbreaking experiments conducted at Oregon State University reveal that chlorophyll, the plant pigment that's concentrated in green leaves, binds to mycotoxins, highly acidic waste products made by fungi and yeast, to block these toxins from entering the bloodstream.
Ground flax and chia seeds – Flax and chia seeds are anti-fungal. Grinding releases the healthy oils.
Unsweetened cranberry juice – Cranberry juice creates an acidic environment, which is unpleasant for yeast in the urinary tract. This is okay as far as acidity and candida are concerned, but only if it is unsweetened.

Clean Meat and dairy – organic, grass-fed is the best.

Essential Oils For Candida

The best essential oils for candida have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.  These oils include clove, oregano, tea tree and myrrh essential oils. These oils can be rubbed on your tummy once or twice daily.  You may also use a blend such as Butterfly Express’ Candila. Lavender oil also inhibits the growth of candida and is effective at preventing the spread of the infection. Also, for oral thrush, use three drops of clove oil with one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in the mouth for 20 minutes.

Water – try for 8 glasses (1/2 gallon per day of purified water). Some of this can be coconut water (high in caprylic acid which is highly anti-fungal – that’s very good!)

Repopulating the Gut with the Good Guys

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that probiotics can use to multiply their growth and fuel activity, akin to taking 2-3 times your probiotic dosage. The top common prebiotics are:

·      Bone Broth: by far the most effective and important prebiotic

·      Dandelion Greens

·      Garlic

·      Leek

·      Onion

·      Asparagus

·      Wheat bran

·      Whole Grains, including oatmeal

·      Banana

·      Flax and chia seeds

·      Soaked almonds. Soaking almonds in water in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours will remove their phytic acid (an enzyme inhibitor), making the nutrients more bio available. Sprinkle sea salt / Real Salt on them.

What Probiotic Should I Take

Certainly, you can do all of this without purchasing any manufactured supplements.  But most will do better taking some.  Mentioned early are the Garden of Life’s Candida products, which I highly recommend.  I would take an additional probiotic as well.   Taking a probiotic supplement is one way to insure you are getting enough and the right quality.  Choose a probiotic that has a minimum of 15 billion active cultures (also known as CFUs – Colony Forming Units) and at least 15 different strains of bacteria and one that is refrigerated. (One really good one is "Garden of Life Raw Probiotics, Women 50 & Wiser", which has 85 billion live cultures and 33 probiotic strains. There's also an equivalent "Men 50 & Wiser" one, and one for kids – the womens and mens are almost identical.). Find these at your health food store or you can purchase them from us.

I recommend getting probiotics from 3 different sources each day. For example, 1) Your quality supplement, 2) yogurt or Kefir – at least a mouthful, 3) Fermented Vegetables. We need an abundant and diverse array of probiotics to build a strong and healthy digestive tract.

Additional Supplements to consider

·      Vitamin C (1,000mg 3x daily)
Boosts immune function and helps fight off infections.

·      Vitamin D-3 (5,000 IU’s daily) – most people are severely depleted

Detox the body and get rid of toxins from freshly killed candida.

When the candida yeasts are killed, they are messy.  Cellular walls are broken and the innards or guts of the now deceased yeast are spewed all over.  It is important that the debris is cleaned up quickly and efficiently in order to minimize symptoms of “die-off” or what is known in the literature as a Herxheimer Reaction. When large numbers of yeast cells and parasites die in a short period of time, quick detoxification is difficult. As a result, yeast toxins enter circulation and can cause die off symptoms almost anywhere in the body.

Each person’s die-off reaction is different and can be unpredictable.

In some, preexisting symptoms are exacerbated; in others, new symptoms appear. For

those whose elimination pathways are clear and open, there are no die off symptoms at all.

Symptoms can last anywhere from several days to two weeks, often not starting until the third day of balancing yeast. Typical die off symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, greasy hair, stomach upset, gas, burping, vertigo, fatigue, brain fog, low grade fever, headache, sore throat, body itch, muscle and/or joint soreness or pain and feeling as if coming down with a flu as well as other symptoms.

To Reduce or Eliminate Die Off Symptoms

·      Doing a daily ORGANIC coffee enema gets rid of the yeast as quickly as it is dumping. A coffee enema should definitely be on your list of go to treatments if you experience die off. Green unroasted coffee if preferable, but roasted coffee also works to detox.

·      Drink 4-6 fluid ounces of warm or hot water every forty-five minutes

·      Take measures to have more bowel movements with herbal laxative supplements

·      Epsom salt or a baking soda bath (1-2cups of Epsom salt or ½ cup baking soda)

·      Probiotics and Enzymes: There are specific enzymes and strains of probiotics that assist with eliminating dead yeast cells. Garden of Life: OmegaZyme and Primal Defense are good choices.

·      Rest

·      Far InfraRed Sauna – 30 minutes daily if you have access to one.

·      Peppermint essential oil internally ( 1 or 2 drops in a cup of warm water)

·      Chlorophyll drops as needed – Nature's Sunshine has a good liquid chlorophyll.

·      ½ cup cooked brown rice daily. Try brown rice in a pressure cooker - Yummm!

·      Dry skin brushing before and after a shower stimulates your liver and helps your elimination pathways to open.

·      Grind a small amount of flax seeds in a coffee grinder until fine, light and fluffy, then stir a heaping tablespoon into a glass of lukewarm water, let stand for about ten minutes, stir again and drink on an empty stomach.

·      Increase your greens – Garden of Life: Perfect Food (Alkalyzing & Detox)

·      Go for a walk – breathe deeply and sweat.

·      If you do not effectively rid the yeast as it is dying off and dumping, it can possibly settle in other areas of your body, such as your joints and cause arthritis type symptoms. Yeast die off symptoms are a sign that the system’s eliminatory pathways are overburdened or as oftentimes happens, blocked. Individuals with elevated heavy metal levels may have special problems with yeast die-off reactions.

Herbs and Other Supplements to Reduce Die Off Symptoms:

Bentonite/Redmond Clay – 1 teaspoon mixed with water – 1 -2 times daily

Slippery Elm – 1 teaspoon mixed with water – 1 -2 times daily

Marshmallow Root - 1 teaspoon mixed with water – 1 -2 times daily

Taking a mixture of some or all of these herbs and supplements BEFORE you start your Yeast Herbal Regimen is recommended in order to prime your gut. Taking this mixture during and after the cleanse is very effective in treating die off symptoms.

NOTE:

If you do not effectively rid the yeast as it is dying off and dumping, it can possibly settle in other areas of your body, such as your joints. If you experience yeast die off symptoms and refuse to do an enema, I would recommend backing off of your herbal dosage.

This would mean that your road to yeast balancing will take longer and may be more difficult than had you done enemas. (Coffee enemas are the most effective, and you can look up online how to do those. They open the liver to dump toxins into the intestines.) You can order green, unroasted coffee online from Amazon.

Additional Therapies

1) Allergy Elimination – Much of how I help my patients is by performing a treatment to eliminate the body’s allergic response to foods or toxins that they are exposed to.  We tend to become addicted to the foods we are allergic to.  For example, the Candida within our bodies absolutlely craves and demands sugar.  As the candida breaks down the lining of the intestinal tract, we develop a leaky gut allowing greater sized particles of partially digested food into the bloodstream.  The immune system in the blood will after time begin to label these foods as allergens.  Once a leaky gut is developed, our immune system can become very good at labeling foods and chemicals as allergens.  Soon, not only are we allergic to sugar, but we are addicted to it.  We don’t have a stop button. Instead of enjoying one cookie or a small piece of pie, we crave more and more.  By treating to eliminate allergies, not only can we break the craving – giving us a stop button, but makes it easier to avoid those foods which are unhealthy and promote your feeling of ill health. 

Go to our YouTube Video to learn how to do these treatments at home.

2) Far InfraRed Sauna – Candida likes the cold and damp. By sitting in a far infra red sauna you can not only assist the body in detoxifying the body by mobilizing and  sweating out the toxins, but the warmth will assist in killing these bad boys.

3) Exercise and deep breathing – Circulation and movement are important.  Exercise and deep breathing – particularly for those of us who live in the dry deserts is very beneficial. Remember candida like cold and moist.  Dry and hot are not candidas friend.

4) Biologic Dentistry – for those will metal (amalgam fillings) in your mouth.  It may be necessary to have those fillings removed and replaced by a dentist trained and qualified in Biologic Dentistry.

5) Reduce Stress – Consider the Christ-Centered Meditation taught in previous email and on our Blog. Out of control stress, anxiety and depression create acid in the body, which promotes candida overgrowth.

Foods to Avoid that cause Candida

Sugar – Feeds yeast, so you should avoid it at all costs.
Fruit or fruit juice – Even though fruit is generally healthy, it can be high in sugar and can make candida worse. Fruit should only be eaten as a prebiotic (bananas) or with a meal (yogurt/fruit smoothie) but not alone on an empty stomach.

Junk foods and foods that contain artificial additives, colors, sweeteners, etc.

Soda pop (the elixir of Babylon). There really is no reasonable justification for consuming liquid candy. And yes, diet soda is FAR worse than the sugary stuff.
Alcohol – produces more yeast and should be avoided.
Food intolerances – Some yeast infections are due to food allergies. Try to avoid foods that cause negative reactions of any kind. If you think you have a food allergy or sensitivity, try an elimination diet to figure out what foods are causing intolerances.
Limit Grains – Gluten rich grains such as wheat, barley and rye should be avoided for now. Carbohydrate rich grains break down into sugar and can feed candida, yeast and bad bacteria. You may only need to get off the grains for a few weeks.

Processed and refined foods create the acidic environment that candida and other diseases need to survive. Replace foods high in gluten, sugar and high-fructose corn syrup with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Peanuts, mushrooms and aged cheese can be avoided.

So What Can I Eat?!!

Your Diet

This is a diet to not just discourage candida; it’s the diet to help you rid your body of candida!  It will be important that you listen to your body as you eat.  You will get a sense if something is not agreeing with you. If you introduce too much starch, carbs or sugar too soon, you will need to back off. 

The first step of the diet is to boost the immune system, the elimination of sugar, alcohol and refined carbohydrates. These items all depress the immune system – 70% of your immunity is controlled or mediated by the digestive tract. These refined carbs are contributing to the growth of the candida in your system. You cannot restore your body to a healthy balance unless you eliminate the favorite foods of candida and yeast.

Eat organic vegetables, including carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and asparagus. According to ancient Chinese medicine, warm starchy vegetables support the spleen in clearing candida from the body. While we don’t recommend these vegetables during the beginning “cleanse” stage (the first two weeks), the regular candida diet includes warming fall vegetables that nourish the spleen, such as sweet potatoes, yams, peas, beans, lentils, carrots, beets, corn, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, zucchini, yellow squash, rutabaga and pumpkin. These should be the main sources of carbs that satisfy your cravings for sweets as well. Avoid canned beans (green bean, black beans, etc.)!

What about grains? Some grains like quinoa, barley, teff, sorghum and amaranth and a starch, like corn can help to dry the overly damp gut, so one serving a day (no more!) of those grains can work for most people with candida. Brown rice can be eaten one half cup per day to help detoxify.  Avoid grains such as wheat for at least the first month. Listen to your body as you re-introduce foods. 

GREENS! Greens will help to alkalize the body preventing and reducing candida’s ability to multiply and thrive. Mold, fungi and yeast attach onto the green's molecules (chlorophyll) and help to sweep them out of the body efficiently, thereby reducing die off symptoms. Raw or cooked greens are good, but you may choose to supplement with a greens product containing  things such as wheat grass, barley grass, chlorella and spirulina.  Garden of Life:  Perfect Food is a great choice to take a scoop 1 to 3 times daily. There is no limits to greens unless you have pre-existing kidney stone problems.

Meat: - you need to stay away from grain-fed animals.  (Grass fed beef, buffalo, lamb, or wild game. Poultry such as chicken and turkey). Fish is good – especially oily fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines sardines. Eggs are good. No lunch meats or processed meat (including bacon and ham unless it is nitrate/nitritie free).

Dairy: Cultured dairy such as yogurt, kefir are good - store bought is okay.  Cheeses should be avoided. Some hard cheeses can be added later, but stay away at first. Processed milks such as rice, soy, and almond are generally loaded with added sugar.  Make your own rice or almond milk but avoid soy in every form.

Nuts & Seeds: Very good, except peanuts. Soaking in brine and drying until crisp are best as they break down the phytic acid, which can agitate the digestive tract. But chances are you will be able to handle the roasted or raw nuts you purchase.

Sprouts: These are wonderful, but only if you sprout them yourself. Grocery store sprouts are known to contain mold.

Fermented Vegetables are wonderful. Make your own or purchase in the refrigerated section. No canned or processed. Check out our YouTube video at KyleChristensenDC on making your own fermented vegetables and sauerkraut.

Apple cider vinegar is good.  Processed vinegar (such as distilled or red wine) create acid and should be avoided.

Try adding some Miso to your bone broth. Super Healthy! Purchase at your Asian Market.

Oils: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, ghee, and other healthy cold pressed oils. Canola, Corn, Soy, Safflower, etc. are not healthy and should be avoided.

Protein shakes are acceptable – Try Garden of Life’s Raw Meal.

Cold foods shouldn’t be consumed more than once per day. Don’t have a gut-friendly smoothie on the same day you have a salad. Your candida gut will heal most from warm nourishing foods. Candida likes cold and damp. Promote warm and dry.

As with any food, it’s always important to monitor how you feel after eating a meal when you have candida. Some people who suffer stomach distress after eating any kind of starch, for instance, should avoid starchy vegetables like corn, peas, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkin, squash, zucchini and yams. Instead, they should eat non-starchy vegetables — typically the flowering parts of the plant — like lettuce, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach, onions, peppers and tomatoes. You may need to take digestive enzymes with your meals to help your digestion.  Many also take enzymes on an empty stomach (1 hour before meals) to reduce inflammation in the body (Enzymes on Empty is an old trick for relieving arthritis).

Also, keep fruit intake low, as well as, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

Watch our YouTube Video on making your own Fermented Vegetables – easy and delicious!

Fermented Vegetables contain microflora (probiotics) that help to protect the intestines. Regular consumption can help improve the immune system, making the body less hospitable for candida. Begin with a half-cup per day of sauerkraut, kimchi or other fermented vegetables as part of a new eating plan dedicated to bringing your body back into a healthy balance.

The candida diet helps to provide beneficial bacteria, regulate appetite, and reduce your cravings for refined carbohydrates and sugars.

An Overview of the Candida Cleanse

This sounds like a lot of work. Well, it is.  But for those of you who have struggled for years with your health, this is what you may need to do.  Understand, that once you are healthy, it will be much easier to maintain good health and you will not need to be so strict.  No, you won’t be able to eat junk and uncontrolled amounts of unhealthy sweets, but you will be able to eat whole natural foods and healthy natural sweets. Understand that God gave you taste buds that specifically taste sweetness.  He wired those taste buds to the pleasure centers in your brain.  Because He did this for us, He has provided the perfect sweet foods for us to enjoy: fruits, honey, maple syrup, etc. There is so much in nature that is deliciously sweet.  That will be your future.

Follow a 14-day regimen effective for stage 1 and 2 overgrowth. More advanced stages will take longer.  But you should definitely start feeling better and like you are on the right tract within a couple of weeks.

Here are the basics:

Then:

1.    Bone Broth and steamed vegetables will be a staple.

2.    Herbs: Take Candida Recovery Formula 3 dropperfuls – dropperful equals 30 drops), 3 times per day  AND/OR Fungal Forte (Raw Candida Cleanse or Fungal Defense) 2-3 capsules twice daily.

3.    Take Slippery Elm, Marshmallow and Bentonite Clay to absorb toxins

4.    Take 2 cloves of Garlic daily (cut and swallow)

5.    Work up to drinking 3 cups of Pau d’arco tea daily. A headache will let you know if you've had too much. No headache with 3 cups means your really cleaning the toxins out.

6.    Coconut oil – work up to 4 TBS per day – put it on vegetables and in your food. Use it topically as needed for rashes or skin irritations.

7.    Eat prebiotics – bone broth is not just for the first couple of days, but is a part of a healthy lifestyle.  On the days you can’t get bone broth, use 1 TBS of gelatin powder in water or in your smoothie.

8.    Probiotics: Take at least the recommend dose that's on the label of probiotic, but I typically like to double or triple the dose. Take one pill source and 2 food sources daily.

9.    Take Vitamin D3 (5,000IU’s/day) and C (2,000mg/day).

10. Greens: Take the recommended dosage of a good greens supplement, although again, I like to double it. Eat salad with apple cider vinegar and olive or coconut oil. Also greens in a smoothie with yogurt, blueberries and a banana.

11. Rub on essential oils. Soles of your feet and tummy are best.

12. Follow recommendations for reducing die-off symptoms.

13. Treat for allergies, use sauna, walk, deep breathe, meditate/pray and get the metal out of your mouth.

14. Avoid the food that feeds candida or that gives you symptoms.

15. Eat foods that promote a healthy digestive tract. Eat whole natural foods and pay attention to your digestive tract.  Did you eat something that gives you brain fog or bloats?

This program should give you the tools to rebuild a healthy gut and restore your energy.  One reason you cannot lose weight is because the candida is releasing a constant stream of toxins in your body and the fat we carry is a survival mechanism to insulate you from these poisons. 

This program is infinitely easier than traditional candida diets and programs.  However, as you can see, it requires work and effort. Expect to see results within days to two weeks.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

March 2016

Feeling Joy - Classes with Julie Cheney

Feeling JOY!!!

class starting on Thursday the 24th from 7pm - 9pm at the Salem Community Center, 151 W 300 S

Classes continue each Thursday for 4 weeks.
Classes taught by Julie Cheney

I am so excited about teaching this class in Salem, I have taught it multiple times up north. It will be so nice to teach it close to home. To know that it will be the people that interact with my children and make an effect on the environment that I live in. Youth 12-18 are invited to attend at no cost. Adults are $10 per class. The classes are divided and described so that you may choose to attend 1 or all. It is not mandatory to attend all of them.


To sign up contact Julie Cheney at foot.zoning@yahoo.com

For a map to the Salem Community Center click on this link http://www.pondtown.org/

Week 1) March 24th from 7-9pm cost $10.
 I will be teaching the Reticular Negative out, Positive in, Train your Brain!!! preregister, but all preregistrations receive a gift. Just email me at me to be prepared for the right number of people,
Activating System and self sabotage.

 Click this link for a fun preview....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCnfAzAIhVw


Week 2) March 31st from 7-9pm cost $10.
I will be teaching how to love...with the
Five Love Languages, and the positive and negative effects of Expectations.

Week 3) April 7th from 7-9pm cost $10.
I will be teaching Ho’oponopono, which in my opinion is the most effective 4 steps to finding freedom from negative emotions. Letting go of things that still hurt us. Any of you want to forgive someone/something but just seem stuck in the process...come!!!

Week 4)
April 14th from 7-9pm cost $10.
 I will be teaching techniques for looking inward and finding the stories of your life. Any of you wonder where you are? How do you find your stuck? What is stopping you from...? Generational...? This is such a fun class about looking at your life/body and finding the messages your subconscious has been shouting.

A LITTLE SECRET...I TEACH THIS CLASS LAST SO THAT YOU HAVE THE TOOLS FROM THE FIRST 3 CLASSES, THAT YOU WILL NEED IN ORDER TO CHANGE YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS PROGRAMMING WHEN YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT IT IS YOU WANT/NEED TO CHANGE.

*FYI The earnings from this class is being used to help my family go in June, with “A Child’s Hope Foundation" and repair and improve an orphanage in Mexico. We are really looking forward to this...

Lasting Help for Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia

Lasting Help for

Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia

A Mindful Perspective or Coming Back to Christ

A new form of treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain is growing in support and validity in the scientific community. What is being called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy or MBCT after only 8 weeks is showing significant improvement in these conditions and reducing the risk of relapse - and it is all without drugs. MBCT is the fancy scientific term for what the layman calls meditation.

A Johns Hopkins University research review of 47 clinical trials performed through June 2013 among 3,515 participants that involved meditation and various mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, substance use, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and chronic pain, demonstrated very positive results far beyond what could be classified as a placebo effect.

“A lot of people have this idea that meditation means sitting down and doing nothing,” Dr. Goyal says. “But that's not true. Meditation is an active training of the mind to increase awareness, and different meditation programs approach this in different ways.”

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, finds that mindfulness meditation may rival antidepressants in easing the symptoms of depression. Mindfulness meditation may not cure all, the research found, but when it comes to the treatment of depression, anxiety, and pain, the practice may be just as effective as medication.

My understanding is that the purpose of the process or practice of meditation is not to think of nothing, nor is it to think of one thing. Rather, as we sit, or lie down to meditate, we are to call our attention or focus back to the anchor we have chosen. One common anchor is the breath. We simply observe our breathing as we inhale and exhale. When the mind wanders, we gently shift our attention back to the rise and fall of our breathing. Some may choose a word, such as OM. By thinking, humming or chanting this OOOOMMMM, it can become the anchor with which to return when the mind goes elsewhere.

We know that this process of calling the mind back when you notice it has wandered or become distracted is what quiets the mind and reshapes the neuronal pathways in the brain. Scientific research has demonstrated that those who suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia or chronic pain have a thickening in the area of the brain called the amygdala as observed with an MRI. After 8-weeks of meditation practice, participants not only reported improvement in symptoms but MRI follow-up demonstrated changes or a thinning in the amygdala region. It is thought that the thickness of the amygdala has a correlation with the persistence (like a positive feedback loop) of feelings of depression, anxiety, insomnia and even pain.

The study of neuroplasticity teaches us that changes in the brain can be dynamic and we are not stuck with how the brain may be or how it has developed.

Additionally, the new field of Epigenetic teaches us that a mere 5% of our DNA is being expressed at any time and we are not limited with the current expression of our DNA. As your environment shifts and changes, your DNA can adapt changing your brain and physiology to make the appropriate modifications. All of this simply means, we can change our brain, we can change our physiology.

During meditation, as your mind wanders or you become distracted, you may choose to employ another tool called Mental Noting. This is done by naming the distraction that comes to the mind. A general term such as this is a “thought”, “emotion”, “sensation”, or “urge” . You may choose to be more descriptive such as that is a “fear” or dog barking or foot itching. Mental noting gives the thinking mind something to acknowledge by naming it, which makes it easier to pull away and come back to your chosen anchor, rather than leaving the mind to its own devices (for example: escalating worrying).

Learning to control your mind by gently bringing it back is what is meant by mindfulness.

Developing a lifestyle of mindfulness or bringing back your attention can be practiced during all activities of life - at church, a boring lecture, etc. As we train our minds through a mindfulness meditation practice, we achieve better focus and concentration as well as calmness and peace.

Coming Back to Christ

Over the years that I have tried to learn to meditate, I have never found a practice that really resonated with me deeply enough that I have continued with the practice. I went through Deepak Chopra’s 6-day meditation workshop (20 years ago) as well as read books and to be very honest, it was often so immersed in Ayurveda (the traditional health care practice of India) and the religions of India that as a Christian, I somehow felt that I wasn’t being true in my devotion to Christ.

Recently, I have renewed my pursuit of meditation, however with a focus on Jesus the Christ. What I have discovered is called Christ-Centered Meditation. The task is to reflect upon Jesus Christ. Some may choose a particular verse of scripture, others may reflect on his name repeating it as they would the OM sound. Personally, what I am doing is using a document entitled, “The Living Christ”, which is a written witness or testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.

For me, I needed an anchor that held greater meaning and purpose in my life. As mindfulness or meditation is the spiritual practice of many throughout the world, for me, it is vital that this avenue of spiritual practice reflect my personal and religious beliefs.

This is how I do it. Again, this is just me, Kyle, and I am not suggesting that this is THE WAY you or anyone else should meditate or engage in your spiritual practice. As you engage in a serious practice of this you will discover what works best for you.

I set aside 30 to 40 minutes (with the intention that I want to meditate for at least 20). For me, it’s early in the morning before the craziness of the day begins. I will choose a phrase or sentence from The Living Christ to begin with, such as “He went about doing good, yet was despised for it” or “He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.” I will repeat in my mind the phrase and visualize it. Soon, usually very soon, my mind wanders - “what’s the dog barking at” - then gently, without any judgment (like, Come on! Kyle focus! - can’t you stay focused for even 30 seconds!), I pull my mind back to my phrase and focus of Christ. I let my imagination take me to the life of Christ - I imagine Him healing the sick, teaching the people, and walking the dusty roads. Then I discover, I am thinking of the itch on my left foot. As soon as I realize I’m no longer with Christ, I gently come back repeating a phrase. Sometimes, I will read a paragraph or two. Sometimes I will repeat a phrase again and again, memorizing it.

I am accomplishing at least two objectives during this practice. Number One, as I continually return my focus to my anchor (Christ), I am retraining my brain so that it enjoys the full benefits of a meditation practice as documented in the scientific literature. As a result, I find a greater sense of calm and focus in my life.

Number Two, I am developing the spiritual practice of drawing closer to God and Christ. I believe that one of the purposes of the Holy Spirit is to testify of truth. This means that when a truth is expressed, I will feel a measure of spiritual confirmation of that truth to the degree of it’s importance in my life. For example, if I say “my shoes are brown”, I may feel a subtle impression that says - “well, sure, that’s true”. However, when I say, “Christ will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords.” - I feel the spirit say “YES! That is True!” The resulting benefit is that my faith is strengthened and I feel a greater connection to Christ.

Many who have enjoyed the practice of meditation have reported an experience that is referred to as “the gap” between the thoughts. As the mind fluctuates between the anchor (Christ) and the distracted thought (the dog), occasionally, you can experience a sensation where you are neither thinking or aware of either thought. This is said to be the space or gap between the thoughts. This is often where we experience profound calm or joy or feel at one with God or mankind. It is said that miracles occur in the gap between your thoughts. I know this all sounds metaphysical, but there is truth here. Particularly if you understand that one of the purposes of Christianity is transformation. As Paul put it, to become a new creature in Christ. Or to be renewed, born again or experience a mighty change. During meditation, you can receive deeply spiritual experiences of peace, comfort and answers.

My experience is that the practice of mindfulness (meditation) has more for us than simply pulling us out of chronic depression, anxiety or insomnia. It can become a vital part of our spiritual growth and development.

It can easily be practiced without tools, money or advisors. For example, when I struggle with insomnia, I have decided, as I lie awake, it is time to pray. It’s time to meditate. Heck, I’m not doing anything else anyways. So lying in bed, I gently (without judgment) call my distracted or racing mind back to my anchor - Jesus. When it comes to prayer, it has been said that we have one mouth and two ears. Use them accordingly. In other words, we need to listen twice as much as we vocalize our prayers. Mindful meditation can help us to listen as we call back the mind to our anchor.

Many studies have shown that this type of daily practice is just as effective as pharmaceutical drugs, but without the side effects (which for some are worse than the condition the drugs are taken for).

 8-Weeks Practice

So, if you are up for a challenge and an adventure, commit yourself to an 8-week experiment in mindfulness. Dig around and do some research on your own, but get started. You’ve got nothing to lose and peace to gain. As you experience the positive benefits, you just may want to incorporate this mindfulness meditation as part of your lifelong spiritual practice.

Super Charge Your Experience!

Here's another permutation of the concept. Many have reported angst, exasperation and anxiety with even the thought of having to set aside 20 minutes to do anything.  Here’s something that may help.

You don't need to necessarily spend a set amount of time. 2 Minutes. If all you have is 2 minutes - Come Back to Christ for two minutes - understand that your mind will wander 8 times during this two minutes - but the goal and the concept is coming back to Christ - NOT staying focused. Each time you become aware that your mind has wandered off - you bring it back to Christ.  It is the "becoming aware that you've gotten distracted AND coming back" that re-trains (actually entrains - the synchronization of the mind to an external rhythm - in our case Christ) the mind.

Want to super charge the experience?  Take Notes.  I promise you, God will not be offended if you bring a note pad and pencil to meditation or prayer.  Understand that the purpose of all of this - Meditation & Prayer - is to commune with God. Many times have I been given an insight, understanding, directive or revelation and said to myself - "I need to remember that" - and then of course, I forget.  Well take notes.  When I meditate or pray with the question "What Should I do?" answers come (you know for sure the Holy Spirit is speaking to you, when you begin to make excuses or rationalize why you don't want to or can't do what you are being told").  Anyways - take notes, write down your impressions. And yes - that still counts as your meditation and prayer experience. Don’t get caught up in with the clock.

Are you brave enough, Bold enough to try this for 2 minutes?  Two minutes is all it takes to get started and get a taste of this form of communion with God, Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Dr. Kyle Christensen

January 2016

Wheat!!

Wheat, Wheat

Everywhere and not a grain to eat!

Or Overcoming Gluten Intolerance

By Dr. Kyle Christensen

So you’ve been dutifully prepping and have amassed a nice stash of wheat, only to discover that you or a family member has become gluten intolerant. So now what?! As you settle into the world of gluten intolerance, you discover that this growing problem has made wheat more of a foe than a friend. Way back in the early 1980’s when I was in chiropractic college, we were never taught about this exponentially growing malady known today as Gluten Intolerance. Of course we studied Celiac Disease – as a genetic inability to breakdown or digest gluten, but that was rare – afflicting maybe 1/3 of a percent of the population. Understand that gluten intolerance is real and it is growing and afflicting more and more of us. But also understand that the vast majority suffering from gluten intolerance do not have the genetic disorder known as Celiac disease.  It seems that many patients are more satisfied with a disease title than just being intolerant of something.  And doctors are giving them what they want, a diagnostic title that for many gives them an out or excuse from personal responsibility. So now many wear the badge of Celiac Disease, assured it is no fault of their own. You see, there are two rules of thought regarding disease. The first (and more ascribed to) is that disease or illness descends upon the innocent and unsuspecting and gets you. The other is that there is a rational cause – usually the result of lifestyle choices. It is my opinion that gluten intolerance stems from the latter of these.

The problem of Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease is growing exponentially.  And as a result, the gluten-free market is booming.  Doctors, celebrities and the mom with kids next door are disavowing grains while preaching its evils with religious fervor.  If you hint or suggest that wheat may not be quite the villain portrayed in the media you can bring upon yourself quick and harsh judgment.

As is so common in our culture, we are so quick to come to conclusions and often not even asking the right questions to the issue at hand.  The first question that should always be asked is WHY? Or what the heck is going on here?! Even the most ardent foe of grains today must admit that the issue of gluten intolerance did not exist in past decades like it does today. So, in my thinking, we must ask: What is going on here?

I am not questioning the reality that people suffer and indeed suffer greatly from eating wheat or other grains that contain gluten.  What I am suggesting is that there is more to the picture of gluten intolerance than simply wheat (or rye or barley) being bad.  Certainly, there is an individual genetic component in some people, but that is not the only factor to consider.  GMO’s, while not a good thing, was not around (as far as wheat) when the gluten intolerance crisis began.  Modern hybrids are also blamed, but even the ancient grains have gluten (as well as gliadin and glutenin which are contributing factors). What I suggest is that wheat or grain is not so much the problem as the way it is prepared.

Modern methods of food manufacturing have changed the way, I believe, grains are prepared as compared how they have been prepared over the past millennia.  Your typical manufacturer is interested primarily in profits.  To insure profitability, they focus on getting the product out as quickly and economically (for them) as possible.  They are also interested in shelf life of the product once it gets to market.  There are other factors of course, but these are the main two that have effected the digestibility of your bread.

Bread in times past, was not made with quick rising yeast.  In fact, Fleishman’s introduced rapid rise yeast in 1984. Which coincides with the advent gluten intolerance. Being able to use a yeast which would allow bakers to make make twice the amount of bread in half of the time was just too good to be true. It seems, as we will discuss later, that there is more to the rising processes than just rising. Bread and grains in times past were not laden with preservatives and chemicals to lengthen the shelf life, to enhance the texture, color or whatever else they do to increase sales.  Modern convenience dictates that we don't make "daily bread", but we buy our bread once a week and expect it to stay fresh (and not mold ever!). Which, with chemicals and additives it does.

Grains, as well as legumes, nuts and seeds, naturally contain chemicals known as anti-nutrients.  The purpose of these anti-nutrients (such as phytates, enzyme inhibitors, saponins), that are genetically built into many plants, are there to insure their grains survival.  If, for example, cattle begin to eat too much of a bean or grain growing in the field, the antinutrients cause a mild digestive irritation prompting the cow to move on to something else.  Without these anti-nutrients, the tasty grain or bean would be entirely consumed and its survival could be in jeopardy. Additionally, phytic acid acts as a protective coating (kind of like cellophane) on the grain, nut or seed which prevents germination. This is why we can store wheat and plant it successfully many years later. In some cases, such as with kamut, thousands of years later. It turns out that it takes at least 6 to 8 hours for this protective phytic acid shealth to dissolve or break down once exposed to moisture. Which is why we water or soak our seeds before planting them.

Ancient man was pretty cleaver.  Through trial and error (and without refrigeration), they discovered ways to preserve seeds as well as make their food more digestible as well as more nutritious.

If we ask the question, "What are we doing to the grains we eat today that people back in the day did differently?" We know as historical fact that people have been eating bread and grains for thousands of years without it causing problems.  In Christianity, we pray for our daily bread and Christ even refers to himself as the Bread of Life - each example having very positive connotations.

Every culture prior to ours would soak or ferment their grains and bread dough prior to cooking.  Bread was not made with added yeast, but with a culture or sourdough starter.  This natural leavening (typically a strain of lactobacillus bacteria) was acidic and would break down the phytic acid, deactivate the enzyme inhibitors as well as cause the bread to rise.  The resulting product was a fresh aromatic easy to digest and healthy bread.  Genuine sourdough bread is made today as it was anciently with three primary ingredients – Grain (flour), Water and Salt. If done properly, this combination delivers a light nutritious loaf with exquisite taste.  This bread is not made in a day, but traditionally takes 2 to 3 days to make.  This is why the Hebrew people in their exodus from Egypt were instructed to make unleavened bread - bread that didn't require the time to culture, ferment and rise.

Because bread and grains (this includes pasta, pastry and anything else made from flour), prepared improperly, have been eaten as a dominate part of the diet in more recent history, these anti-nutritents cause irritation, inflammation and deplete minerals in the digestive tract.  Coupled with a genetic predisposition that many have inherited, the result can range from mild discomfort of gluten intolerance to the ravaging inflammation of Celiac Disease.

As a result of years of eating bread and grains that are milled too finely, risen too quickly and eaten too abundantly, chronic and sometimes disabling digestive conditions are spreading as an epidemic across modern cultures. The consequence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease with their attendant inflamed and damage digestive tract. 

Let me share an analogy. As we are hiking through the forest, we come across a beautiful idealic meadow. Grasses and wildflowers in abundance. A small babbling brook meanders and of course, Bambi is skirting the perimeter munching the wide variety of foliage. Imagine, to our dismay, a crop duster flies overhead dumping his load of herbicide resulting in the destruction of the grasses, flowers and wild growth. Then it begins to rain and rain.  Without the healthy root structure of the plants to hold the soil intact, the rich fertile soil begins to be washed away. Over time, what was once a gloriously diverse healthy meadow has become a barren eroded waste land.

 In our attempt to restore the meadow, we purchase seeds (we are smart enough to know we need a variety of species – cause if we just plant kentucky blue grass seeds, we could end up with a lawn not the meadow we desire). But sadly, few of the seeds take hold because of the depleted soil. Patches of growth occur which certainly helps but we end up with a compromised meadow.  Determined to succeed, we bring in tons and tons of compost – rich fertile nutrient rich compost. Now the planted seeds take hold, sink their roots deep and with time even Bambi returns to our restored meadow.

Compare this now to our digestive tract. The grasses and wildflowers are the probiotic that grow in the gut and the rich soil is the lining of the intestinal tract. The herbicide that kills the growth can be antibiotics (which kill both the good and bad bacteria in the system) or chlorinated water (designed to kill pathogens to protect our water supply, but once in the body continues its sterilization). Additionally, food additives, preservatives and a vast array of chemicals can compromise the healthy complexion of our digestive tract. Couple that with a diet that is dominated by sugar and processed foods. The wiped out probiotics which are an important part of digestion are not there to do their job such as converting the nutrients we eat into a form that can be used. Combine this now with quickly made bread and pasta which do not have the phytic acid broken down, which results in the robbing or bind up of minerals from the lining of the intestines. What was once strong intact intestinal walls, now becomes a much looser matrix of tissue or what we would call a “Leaky Gut”.

To heal the digestive tract, we must take the same approach as healing the meadow. First we need to eliminate what is causing the problems. Next bring in compost, for the gut it is in the form of bone broth and gelatin – providing the richly diverse minerals and nutrients to heal the connective tissue lining of the gut. Then we need seeds – wildflowers and grasses for the meadow, but for our gut, we need an equally diverse supply of probiotics.  Sorry taking only acidophilus is akin to planting only kentucky blue grass.  Then with time and eating healthy – whole natural foods – you can even begin to eat wheat again – of course – properly made with wheat in a sourdough form rather than quickly made through modern yeasts.

The solution will not be found in simply eliminating gluten from the diet (although this is necessary and it does help with the symptoms).  Honestly, people suffering from gluten intolerance, even though they have completely eliminated gluten in all forms from the diet, still have digestive problems and are oh so sensitive to so many foods and magnified by stress.  Remember, the digestive tract needs to be healed.

There is hope. 

Food and eating should be a wonderful experience that is discussed, planned, anticipated and savored.  Unfortunately, those suffering with digestive distress too often view mealtime with anxiety, frustration and trepidation. 

Processed foods, and I include in this wheat/gluten containing products (even homemade) made from rapid rise yeasts, when eaten too abundantly act as irritants, resulting in inflammation, diminished absorption of minerals and nutrients and ultimately damage of the intestinal tissue.  Compound the naturally occurring “anti-nutrients” with chemicals added by the manufacturer such as preservatives, artificial colors/flavors/enhancers, etc. and we end up with inhospitable foods.  The knee jerk reaction, (exhibited by many popular doctors – usually pushing a diet plan), is to eliminate all grain from the diet.  However, our ancestors, were pretty clever, even if they didn’t drive cars, fly planes and entertain themselves with electronic gadgetry.  By soaking grains, seeds, nuts and beans, something magical happens.  Gluten is broken down, phytic acid is neutralized and enzyme inhibitors are deactivated.  The inhospitable food is now not only easily digestible but has transformed into something quite healthy and nutritious.

As we’ve discussed, grains are not so much of the problems, but how they are prepared.  Breads made from wheat or other gluten containing grains must be soaked or fermented with an acid (such as sourdough starter or apple cider vinegar) for a minimum of 6 - 8 hours before proceeding to cook. An Italian study has shown that with proper sourdough fermentation of wheat, gluten counts have gone from 75,000 ppm (parts per million) down to 12 ppm – which is well below the reaction threshold making it safe for those even with Celiac Disease. This is how every indigenous culture prepared their grain (and nearly all of them ate grains – wheat, oats, corn, barley, etc.). 

By the way genuine sourdough bread is not made with yeast – read the labels.  I once mistakenly bought Apple Cider “flavored” vinegar.  You don’t want sourdough “flavored” bread as is sold in many markets.  When bread is introduced back into your diet, it should be sourdough of your own making or a reliable baker. Once you understand a few basic techniques, sourdough baking is fun and easy.

But I must repeat, before you get into sourdough bread, you must heal your gut (“the gut” is the scientific term for the entire digest tract).  First and Foremost – YOU MUST NOT EAT ANY FOODS CONTAINING GLUTEN or other foods that cause you digestive upset or other symptoms. 

In order to overcome gluten intolerance, we must heal the damaged gut or digestive tract.

This is done by observing 4 basic principles namely:

1. Stop eating those foods that cause irritation

2. Bone broth to heal the intestinal lining (healing the leaky gut)

3. Probiotics – necessary to convert nutrients eaten to nutrients that can be used as well as assisting in the digestive process

4. Digestive Enzymes – to assist a tired or compromised digestive tract

Stop eating Foods that Irritate: Most people with Gluten Intolerance end up with what is known as a leaky gut.  The intestinal villi are damaged and the channels in the intestine for absorbing foods are larger than they should be.  The gut is too porous allowing food particles that are not broken down sufficiently to be absorbed into the blood stream.  The result is often the development of food allergies.  So, compounded with the inflammation and irritation caused by gluten, you now are allergic to corn, dairy, sugar, nuts and many other non-gluten foods.  It is important to avoid all foods that act as irritants until the digestive tract is healed.  Only then should you begin to introduce other foods.  The raw vegan diet will most certainly tear you up. Gas, Bloating, pain! Eat soothing foods such as roasted vegetable.

Bone Broth: Once the gut has become a problem, we need the nutritional building blocks to restore the connective tissue lining of the intestines. This is where grandma comes to the rescue.  Soup made with a soup bone.  Of course, it makes the soup taste better but unbeknownst to grandma the bone and cartilage provide the perfect building blocks the stomach, small intestine and large intestine needs to knit itself into strong healthy tissue.  Tissue that welcomes the growth of the good bacteria (probiotics). Bone broth is also very soothing for an irritated digestive tract. Healing the gut may require you to consume from 2 to 8 cups of bone broth each day depending on the severity of your condition. You have to make bone broth at home on your own. You cannot buy broth at the store – all you will get is chemically flavored water.

I know that we are not all going to eat soup each day and so on the days you don’t have soup with a nutrient-rich bone broth, take a tablespoon on bovine gelatin. This is what jello used to be made from (literally the ground up cartilage, ligaments and tendons of cows). Great Lakes is a good brand of gelatin.

Probiotics: These “good bacteria” that have become so popular are necessary in converting nutrients that we eat into nutrients that the body can use.  85% of the bacteria in your gut should be the healthy ones.  Too many of the unhealthy flora (like candida and so many others) will result in cravings for unhealthy foods – sugars, carbs, junk food.  This is why so many children are picky eaters – an unhealthy digestive tract.  By eating a healthy amount of probiotics, found in yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kvass, sauerkraut (homemade, not canned), sourdough bread and quality supplements, digestive health can be restored.  Cravings for junky foods will diminish and your kids will actually begin eating things that are recognized as healthy foods.  As parents, you may need to be sneaky to get probiotics into their tummies, but as you do, you will begin to see changes in behavior and pickiness. 

Many find it easier to take probiotics in capsule form.  You need to be taking a lot of probiotics from as many sources as you can to provide a rich diversity of the good bacteria. Don’t skimp.

Enzymes: You must digest and break down the food that you eat. If the food is not broken down into small enough chunks, it can ferment (causing gas and reflux) or be absorbed as too big of particles creating an immune response (allergies). By taking digestive enzymes, we can insure that the food you eat is broken down. Your digestion needs to be good.  Some can get by taking a couple enzymes with each meal, however most will need to take more. Many may need to take up to 5 or 10 enzymes with each meal as well as taking them on an empty stomach.  By taking enzymes on empty, they act as powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that scavenge and clean up inflammation in the body. One common side effect of poor digestion is joint and muscle pain. High quality enzymes (we want good proteolytic enzymes) are important.  Enzyme therapy has also proven to be effective in helping many severe health conditions. When eating, slow down and chew your food thoroughly.

And so what to do with all of that wheat.  As I see it, you’ve got two options. Either heal your digestive tract or give your wheat to the neighbor (the one who tells you “I’m coming to your house when the economy crashes”) and buy a bunch of rice.

I have personally assisted hundreds back into the realm of eating delicious bread through the means outlined in this article.  This article is a brief (unscientific) overview to this topic, and yes the science supports this. We only have time and space here to teach the general concepts. Understand that while gluten is vital for the delicious crumb of our bread, the sourdough process deactivates it rendering it harmless to your digestion.  Yes, gluten intolerance is a problem and yes, gluten is not a nutrient you want to consume too much of, but you can be healed and dining can again become a pleasurable and eagerly anticipated experience.

Bon Appetite!

Dr. Kyle Christensen

2016

Remedy Workshops

As follows are a brief description and prices for our Remedies in our Herbal Remedy Workshops.

Workshop #1 Remedies 

Herbal Cough Syrup

This is a combination of several cough formulas that we have meshed together into one. Especially for those chronic persistent coughs. This formula has gone through over 20 years of refining.

Cost: $75 for ½ gallon

 

Fallout Formula 

This formula was designed for the treatment of exposure to toxins, poisons and radiation exposure. This will not prevent radiation, toxins or poisons from entering your body, but may assist in the elimination of toxins or the harmful effects of a variety of undesirable exposures. See Dr. Christensen's Article on Fallout Preparations - A More Natural Approach for further information.

Cost: $90 for ½ gallon

Super Immune Syrup

This is an Echinacea-based formula that is a powerful immune stimulant that tastes wonderful. Unlike, the Anti-Plague Formula, children (and adults) love this syrup (it has the taste of cinnamon and maple syrup).

Cost: $95 for ½ gallon

Lung Formula

This is natures asthma inhaler. It opens the bronchial passages as well as heals and promotes easier breathing. Strengthens a weak respiratory system. 

Cost: $75 for ½ gallon

Brain Circulation - Memory Formula

A great aid for mental fogginess, poor memory, stroke recovery or for an afternoon mental pick-me-up. The herbs in this formula promote more blood and oxygen circulation to the brain. The primary herb in this formula, Ginko, is prescribed by more doctors in Germany and France than any pharmaceutical drug

Cost: $70 for ½ gallon

Intestinal Detox

This formula is used to cleanse, purify and detoxify the colon, bowels and intestines. Intestinal Detox soothes and strengthens the entire intestinal tract. Intestinal Detox is a strong purifier and intestinal vacuum, helping to draw out old fecal matter from the walls of the colon and from any bowel pockets. Intestinal Detox is uniquely formulated to soften old fecal matter for easy elimination. It aids in the removal of poisons, toxins, parasites and heavy metals. It is also used as a remedy for intestinal inflammation such as diverticulitis, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. This product is also used effectively for diarrhea or food poisoning. Intestinal Detox can be used in powder or capsule form

Cost: $40 per quart

Intestinal Cleanse

Dr. Christopher's classic herbal laxative. We have found it best to purchase Dr. Christopher Fen LB powder and encapsulate it yourself with an efficient capsule machine and empty capsules. It is nice to have a capsule machine and empties on hand for other projects as well. Includes capsule machine, gelatin capsules and Fen LB powder.

Cost: $80  

Nerve Calm Formula

This form is both a sedative and anti-spasmodic designed to relax, sedate and relieve tension and muscle spasm. For insomnia and anxiety. Can be used with children.

Cost: $90 for ½ gallon

Nerve Repair Formula

This formula helps to wake up the nervous system. It stimulates the nerves to work better and also stimulates the healing and repair of damaged nerve tissues. Recommended for anxiety, panic attacks, nervous tension and degenerative nervous system conditions. Also excellent for nerve pain such as sciatica or "pinched nerve."

Cost: $70 for ½ gallon

Pain Relief Formula

Non-narcotic pain relief, particularly suited for chronic pain. Relaxes and calms nervous irritation. Understand that the best natural herb for pain is opium - which is not a natural option. While this remedy does not have the pain relieving power of opium, it has helped many who suffer.

Cost: $95 for ½ gallon

Workshop #2 Remedies

Anti-Plague Formula  

Based on Dr. Christopher's original formula (before it was changed). Use for a general immune stimulant and builder. Also cleanses, detoxifies and is anti-parasitic. In our Remedies Class we make the 1.5 gallon recipe.

Cost: $165 for 1.5 gallon recipe

 Adrenal Recovery  

 Designed to assists with strengthening, building and healing fatigued and weakened adrenal glands. For those experiencing fatigue and chronic exhaustion. Includes a supplementary healing guide.

Cost: $95 makes 2 quarts

  

Depression Recovery

 A proven formula of herbs to assists with the recovery of mild to moderate depression (not full blown psychosis).  Includes a supplementary healing guide.

Cost: $75 makes 2 quarts

Thyroid Recovery

Designed to nourish, build and strengthen thyroid function. A truly unique formula which include 'nascent iodine' to assist in a true recovery. This fast acting formula will deliver approximately ½ drop of nascent iodine per dropperful of finished product. (No guarantees, but others have been able to get of their medication using this formula.) 

Cost: $115 makes 2 quarts

Pancreas Recovery

Serious about overcoming Type 2 Diabetes? This formula and program can do it. It helps to regulate pancreas function as it relates to blood sugar. A proven herbal combination that when combined with a proper diet can restore the body to health. 

Cost: $95 makes 2 quarts

Garden Tonic

This universal remedy is a must for your next cold, flu or sniffle.  You will be absolutely amazed at how powerful this formula is in attacking that actual problem and not just covering up your symptoms.  Take it straight, in juice or V8, put a squirt in your next soup or salad, there are so many ways you can use it.
Contains: Fresh Garlic, horseradish, onion, ginger and cayenne in a base of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar.

Cost: $40 - 1/2 gallon

Herbal Snuff

For sinus congestion, sinusitis or any chronic sinus problem. Saved many from sinus surgery.   Like the name implies, you literally snuff or snort these powdered herbs up your nose.  Kind of intense, but it really works!
Cost: $35 - 4 oz

Hawthorn Berry Syrup

This tasty natural syrup is claimed to be a curative remedy for organic and functional heart disorders such as rapid and feeble heart action, hypertrophy, valvular insufficiency sufficiency, and heart oppression. It also happens to taste really good.
Cost: $70 - 3 quarts
 

Female Tonic

This hormone balancing in women relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, bloating, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, uterine fibroids, abnormal pap smears, abnormal or painful menstrual periods.

Cost: $80- 1/2 gallon

      

Anti-Parasite Formula

This formula is safe and very effective. Parasites are far more common than we would like to think.

Use for 3 to 4 weeks to destroy and eliminate harmful intestinal parasites.
Cost: $75 - 1/2 gallon 

Workshop #3 Remedies

Heart of Zion Tonic 

Pure & Strong

Defender of Truth and Virtue

This is a true heart tonic, utilizing Dr. Christopher's Hawthorn Berry Syrup spiked with herbs designed strengthen the heart, lower high blood pressure and give greater mental clarity. This unique formula combines the strength and power of an herbal extract with the healing and tonic virtues of the Hawthorn Berry Syrup.

Cost: $130 - Make 1 Gallon!! 

Essiac Tea

This is the classic formula that has been used successfully for those treating a myraid of health conditions. Powerful enough for it's classic use of treating cancers, but gentle enough that it is our number one remedy for teenage acne. A great liver builder and detoxifier.

Cost: $60 - enough to make 10 gallons of tea. Standard dose is ¼ cup of tea per day.

Healing Ointment

This powerful healing ointment is based on Dr. john Christopher's classic Bone, Flesh & Cartilage formula. We spike this formula with extra comfrey to enhance the healing effects. This is an olive oil based remedy thickened with beeswax.

Cost: $85 for ½ gallon

Healing Syrup

Our Healing Ointment in a liquid internal use version. Use to heal damaged tissues from fracture, injuries and a multitude of other problems.

Cost: $90 for ½ gallon

Fire & Ice Ointment 

Rub directly into the muscle or joints that suffer from pain or injury. Use for Sprains, Strains, Arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, and general aches. Thicken with beeswax for an ointment or leave as an oil. This is a very potent and powerful formula.

Cost: $115 for just under 3 quarts

Kidney Bladder Formula

Disinfects the urinary tract, reduces edema (swelling). Use for urinary tract infections, or other kidney/urinary disorders.

Cost: $70 for ½ gallon

Kidney Bladder Tea

Disinfects the urinary tract, reduces edema (swelling). Use for urinary tract infections, or other kidney/urinary disorders. This tasty tea can be enjoyed on a daily or weekly basis to maintain good urinary tract health.

Cost: $60 for 2 quarts of dry tea

Liver Detox Tea

Acts to detoxify the liver, stimulate the digestive system and cleanse the blood, skin, liver and gallbladder. As the liver function improves energy will increase. An excellent replacement for coffee.

Cost: $70 for 2 quarts of dry tea

Liver/Gallbladder Formula

These herbs are best known for their ability to stimulate, cleanse and protect the liver and gallbladder as well as rid the body of parasites. Use for any liver concern. Also boosts energy.

Cost: $80 for ½ gallon

Stone Dissolve Tea

The success of this herbal routine has been documented with pre and post x-rays and has helped many avoid surgery. For kidney stones, gravel, and gallstones. Make into a tea with apple cider. Comes with instructions. If kidney stones are in your world - you must have this on hand.

Cost: $40 per quart. 

http://natural-herbal-remedies.net/medicinal-plants-and-their-uses/