Quick, Effective Weight Loss

About two years ago, I went to the doctor with yet another sinus infection. I was averaging about four of these a year, along with recurring yeast infections, stomach ailments, joint pain and general malaise. My doctor decided to evaluate me for a condition called Candida Albicans. The results of this evaluation were that I had a systemic overgrowth of yeast in my body. The body produces yeast (Candida) acts as a "probiotic" or healthy flora in your intensines and other mucus membranes. When the immune system keeps this production in check, your body will be healthy. However at times, the immune system fails to effectively stop the rapid production of the Candida and the result is an overgrowth of the yeast that can be released into your bloodstream and therefore resulting in a systemic infection.

The diagnosis of Candida Albicans is somewhat controversial according to many websites that discuss it. Conventional doctors often dismiss it as a holistic doctor's diagnosis. But for many that have been treated for it, including myself, it has made an enormous difference in their quality of life. The course of treatment is generally as follows:

Changes in diet to restrict the consumption of sugar and yeast products. Reducing and restricting the consumption of caffeine, simple carbohydrates and refined products. The diet emphasizes eating high fiber and iron rich vegetables, meats and nuts and severely limiting initially the consumption of carbohydrate foods and yeast foods such as breads, tomato paste, mushrooms, beer and cheeses.

The diet is initially quite restrictive but gradually foods that were initially removed are readded. The average length of time people are on the diet can range depending on the severity of the yeast overgrowth and the symptoms. But generally it is 4-6 weeks. The diet is often combined with the use of a probiotic drug or supplement such as Nystatin or Acidophilus.

My doctor recommended based on my evaluation that I remain on the diet for three months and I was prescribed a course of Nystatin and Acidophilus as well. Within the first three weeks I had lost 10 lbs. By the end of the three month period I had lost 28 lbs. I was sure to follow the diet exactly as recommended at first and then gradually added back some of the foods that I loved and had missed.

I have not completely gone back to eating all of the restricted foods. I find that my body functions more efficiently and I feel much more energetic while I watch what I am consuming. Furthermore, I rarely get sick anymore. I have only had two sinus infections in two years and one bout with Strep. This is a vast improvement over my former condition when I was sick nearly every 6-8 weeks.

The causes for Candida Albicans are not completely known according to most of what I have read on the topic, but most seem to believe that it is linked to the following:

• Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, anti-ulcer medications, or frequent or long-term use of antibiotics
  
• High-sugar diets
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Smoking
  
• Food allergies and intolerances
  
• Diabetes

I have also read that the condition can be linked to thyroid dysfunction or other autoimmune disorders.

I would not recommend using this diet before seeking medical advice first. I am not a doctor or nurse and I only speak from my own experiences. It worked for my symptoms and greatly improved my quality of life. The secondary benefit from it was the weight loss I experienced. Most I have read about lose somewhere between 15-30 lbs following this diet closely. Be cautious however that you are taking a vitamin supplement and are getting plenty of rest while following the diet as the weight loss is relatively rapid. Drink plenty of water as well.

For more information on this condition I have included links to some websites that could be helpful.