INFECTIONS OLD AND NEW

Mankind has always suffered from infections. In the past couple of centuries, however, there have been triumphs over infectious diseases. These include the eradication of smallpox and in developed countries, at least, improvements in hygiene, and the introduction of various vaccine and more effective drugs. We are also gaining a better understanding of how much to nourish and bolster our immune systems. As a result more people are surviving into old age.

But it would be a mistake to become complacent. Researchers have known for several decades that microbes can mutate, and we are often now faced with bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics. Old problems thought to have been largely overcome, such as tuberculosis, are returning, and new problems, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), have emerged. The full name for AIDS is a chilling reminder that a virus can somehow learn to undermine the immune system.

The Yeast Syndrome and Immune Suppression
In the 1990s, some doctors began to recognise that a pattern of symptoms was occurring among patients who received either frequent or prolonged treatment with antibiotics. The symptoms include various degrees of fatigue, headaches, memory problems, allergies and other disorders of the immune system, depression and an aversion to cigarette smoke and other chemicals, such as perfumes and household cleaning agents. Digestive disturbances that also often occur irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and intolerance of certain food.

It has been assumed that the symptoms of this condition, which has been labelled the 'yeast syndrome', are caused by an excessive amount of Candida Albicans in the digestive system. Unfortunately, there is as yet no scientific proof to support this assumption, and some doctors prefer to use the term 'fungal-type gut dysbiosis', which means an intestinal dysfunction caused by a yeast.

The yeast syndrome may be one cause of a 'leaky gut', which allows the absorption of inadequately digested protein. Because these are foreign protein they stimulate the immune system into action, and divert it from tackling chronic infections, such as recurrent sore throat, herpes infections (cold sores) and fungal infections of the skin, like athlete's foot and ringworm.

Because the diagnosis of yeast syndrome remains controversial within the medical profession, getting advice is not always easy. If you think that you suffer from the yeast syndrome it is important to consult someone who is properly qualified, such as doctor, naturopath or nutritional therapist, before embarking on treatment. The strict dietary restrictions that may be involved can themselves cause ill health.



Reducing The Chances Of Developing Yeast Syndrome
- Avoid antibiotic and steroid medicines, unless they are absolutely necessary.

- Adopt the Optimum Diet and be sure to include plently of garlic and yoghurt.

- Avoid refined sugar and lilmit the amount of fruit juice that you drink.

We can now combat infectious diseases more effectively, so more people are surviving into old age.

Candida Albicans
This yeast, which lives in the intestine (and the vagina in women), is normally quite harmless. However, like many microbes it can cause infection if it becomes too widespread, as has long been known to happen when the immune system has been damaged by diseases, such as cancer, or by certain drugs, such as steroids.

Many doctors have found difficulty in accepting that Candida can be responsible for the yeast syndrome, which usually occurs in people without serious illness and who have not been taking drugs known to suppress the immune system. All the same, treatment can transform the quality of life for some people.