Tag Archives: candida

Bacterial Gut Disease Connected to Engineered Crop Foods

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Updated: 22 June 2018,

Did you know that your digestive system is at risk of illness, disease and autoimmune disorders when your bacterial colonies are out of balance?

When the good bacteria are overridden by the bad ones, they override the good and begin to produce toxins and destroy tissue by feeding on it. The good bacteria is also known as pro-biotics. Pro-biotics are friendly bacteria that live in the gut and intestines and act to crowd out unfavorable pathogens, such as yeasts and toxic bacteria that may otherwise cause ill-health. Pro-biotics are naturally found in the body. You can also find them in foods and supplements.

Learn how to live the lifestyle you need, want and deserve now.
Good eats are okay for infrequent indulgences. But to do so daily will reap havoc on the intestinal gut system.

Our lower intestine requires at least 85% of friendly bacterial colonies to fight off micro-organisms like E. coli and salmonella. “Poor eating habits, chlorinated drinking water, stress, use of antibiotics, medical treatments can destroy the gastrointestinal micro flora and allow harmful bacteria to multiply. Thus, make the body susceptible to yeast and bacterial infection and other disorders including gas, cramping, or diarrhea (Gupta 2009).” Our colon can maintain health with a 15% balance of bad bacteria. However most people have these percentages reversed.

Within developing countries resistive bacteria to anti-biotics appears to be evolving through engineered foods. Big agriculture now produces most of our food crops and livestock feed from GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) seed. And those seeds are DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) engineered to produce crops that kill pests and thrive through a deluge of chemical spray that otherwise kill everything else around it.

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Today most commercial crop seeds are genetically engineered and farmed in a lab. Whereas the DNA has been modified to produce perfect fruit and vegetables with little sign of imperfection. And at some molecular and insidious level appear to be incompatible with our DNA and gut bacterial balance. The focus here is to examine how GMO foods may have an overall negative effect on bacterial gut and intestinal health. And how our bodies are less resistive to bad bacteria causing ill-health problems.

It is important to understand how GMO food and anti-biotic treatment relates to gut and intestinal health.

When our immune systems become weak, or ravaged with infection often patients use, or request anti-biotics for the wrong pathogenic problem. Or patients save them from a previous prescription to self-treat without doctor approval. In these cases the patient doesn’t understand how improper use of antibiotics may harm them.

For example, if you have a virus i.e., cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and other sinus and ear infection, we often request anti-biotic medicine from a doctor. But treating a virus with an anti-biotic may cause more harm than good. Overuse of the drug is known to cause a resistance to them; thereby rendering an ineffective fight against infection.

Talk to your doctor about the differences between virus vs. bacterial illness and disease and proper drug treatment options. The point here, don’t take anti-biotics unless you need them.

Some of the foods you consume have modified DNA resistant bacterial organisms that appear to cause resistance to anti-biotic drugs. And when taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases bacterial bug resistance to the medication. And if you ever need a lifesaving anti-biotic, that super bug may be immune to it.

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Epidemiological medical evidence shows increasing evidence of resistance to antibiotic treatment in developed countries. The common cause denominator? Big-Ag within developed countries use GMO crop seeds sprayed with thousands of tons of insecticides and herbicides annually which are absorbed into the crops. Then sold within the marketplace. Virtually every processed food you encounter at your local supermarket that does not bear the 100% USDA “Certified Organic label is likely to contain at least one GE [Genetically Engineered] component. If it does not say “100% USDA Organic on the label, for example, if it says just organic or made with Organic, it is highly likely it contains GMO product” (Haug 2011).

GMO seeds produce large crop yields, including crops not fit for human consumption but used to feed livestock and 3rd world countries. The livestock grass, corn and grain feed are also chemically treated and absorbed into livestock through consumption and passed into humans that consume them. These GE foods appear to have an accumulative ill-health effect on the gut and intestinal health, aside from causing immune systems to become resistant to anti-biotics.

Also there is another potential risk associated with GMO crops. Whereas national crop seed shortages could occur if they fail to kill a highly resistive super bug or weed regardless of chemical application used. Nature has a funny way of surviving against all odds. This in genetics is known as survival of the fittest. And super bugs appear to be winning over mans ability to keep them at bay.

There are already signs this is occurring. There’s a lot of data that illustrates how it takes significantly more chemicals to kill the super weeds and bugs today because of crop seed DNA genetic manipulation where chemical application is used to boost seed resistance against evolving super bugs and weeds.

If something doesn’t change within our farming practices we may become dependent on other countries to feed us. Although this may sound far-fetched, it’s not outside the realm of possibility. How would this be possible? Let’s break down the GMO and anti-biotic resistive gene concept to better understand how a failure of crop yield could cause a disastrous global food bank shortage and health pandemic.

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A super weed is no match for a North Western nutria.

Aside from super bugs and weeds that become resistive to chemical sprays and genetically engineered seeds that fail to be chemically resistant; there is concern over global, or transatlantic plant manipulation and the antibiotic resistive cause and effect on human health. Antibiotic resistance genes are frequently used at several stages in the creation of genetically engineered plants. “Concern has been raised about the possibility that antibiotic resistance genes used to make transgenic plants [or Genetically Modified Plants] could be transferred to microorganisms that inhabit the digestive tracts of humans or other animals that eat them, and therefore might contribute to the already serious problem of antibiotic resistant pathogens” (CASA 2016). Most specifically on a national and/or global scale.

What is the relationship between GMO foods, bacterial balance in the body and illness and disease? Antibiotic resistance genes from GM foods are taken up by bacteria in the gut during digestion. “If bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes were ever to cause infection, it would be very difficult for doctors to treat. Until now, however, there is no real proof that the antibiotic resistance genes in GM plants pose a threat. Regardless, as a precautionary measure, some experts say that antibiotic resistance genes should not be used” (GMO-Compass 2006).

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There are reasons why organic farming plots are increasing within city urban and suburban areas.

Recall GMO seeds DNA has been changed to kill insects and survive a deluge of chemical sprays designed to kill weeds, molds and other bad microorganisms detrimental to healthy crop yields. Therefor it makes sense a GM-seed-to-crop food makes it possible for us to become host to a super bug, then un-treatable disease becomes more likely. Whereas a medical condition may not be any match against a flesh eating bacteria.

Many believe this has already occurred in the form of any number of bacterial organisms resistive to antibiotic treatment with the potential to cause life-threatening bloodstream infections, pneumonia and surgical site infections. MRSA appears to be such a bacteria. “During the past four decades, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA, has evolved from a controllable nuisance into a serious public health concern. MRSA is largely a hospital-acquired infection, in fact, one of the most common. Recently, however, new strains have emerged in the community that are capable of causing severe infections in otherwise healthy people” (NIH 2016).

If you want to know more information on topic simply type into any search engine MRSA, GMO and intestinal bacteria and disease.

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To improve bacterial balance within the body the best bacteria to consume is high in flora from raw vegetables and fruits and now in supplemental pro-biotic formulation. “Some pro-biotic foods date back to ancient times, such as fermented foods and cultured milk products. Interest in pro-biotics in general has been growing; Americans’ spending on pro-biotic supplements, for example, nearly tripled from 1994 to 2003” (MedicineNet.com 2016).

Research continues to explore and find encouraging evidence from specific probiotic formulations that suppress unfriendly bacterial bugs and build healthy gut bug balance. For instance, In November 2005, a conference that was co-funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and convened by the American Society for Microbiology explored this topic.

“According to the conference report, some uses of pro-biotics for which there is encouraging evidence from studies show how specialized pro-biotic formulation alleviates the following symptoms: To treat diarrhea (this is the strongest area of evidence, especially for diarrhea from rotavirus. To prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract. To reduce recurrence of bladder cancer. To shorten how long an intestinal infection lasts that is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium difficile. Prevent and manage atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children, etc.” (MedicineNet.com 2016).

Other symptoms supplemental pro-biotics may help relieve: constipation, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS), bloat, gas, stomach ulcers, tooth decay, periodontal disease, vaginal infections, skin and respiratory infections that children acquire in daycare, diverticulitis & colitis, etc. They can also ease chronic yeast infections and enhance immunity through improved digestive absorption function and thereby provide essential nutrients to the body. Improve lactose intolerance, alleviate flatulence, rejuvenate healthy radiant skin, nails and hair, etc.

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Organic flora provides everything needed to keep us healthy.

When a healthy balance of intestinal micro flora, or probiotics is maintained within the body the bad bacteria (or pathogens) are in proper balance and typically improve overall body health. Talk to your naturopath or doctor about the right probiotic formulation to alleviate ill-health symptoms.

Pro-biotics are also widely used to alleviate Candida [a yeast species] symptoms where formulations vary for a specific application. Candida syndrome occurs when the normal population of intestinal yeast suddenly explodes. Overgrowth of one species of yeast called Candida Albicans supposedly causes candida syndrome, which is characterized by chronic fatigue, weight gain, a white coating on the tongue and joint pain.

“Taking pro-biotics such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Casei GG and bifidobacteria creates a hostile environment for candida yeast, returning your gut yeast population to normal levels” (Adams 2013).

Research and medical data shows a complex and complicated connection relative to gut-intestinal health, anti-biotic resistance and pre-pro-biotic treatment [discussed below], engineered food crops and illness and disease. But there is no doubt there is a connection.

The following recommendations should help to provide a healthy bacterial balance within the gut and intestines as a preventative health strategy to alleviate what ails you. It is recommended you consult with your physician prior to applying any of the “How to’s” listed below.

How to Improve Good Bacterial Gut and Intestine Health

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No doubt about it “Pickles” is going to get some good organic eats.

1. Increase flori balance through pro-biotic supplementation to include a daily vitamin and mineral (V/M). Especially if diet alone can’t be radically changed to a healthier one. In this way you’ll ensure anti-oxidant benefits while maintaining a healthy balance of pro-biotics to decrease and manage bad bacteria colonies. The best anti-biotic flori products seem to be in capsules, tablets, or powders.

These three supplements: A daily V/M, antioxidants and pro-biotic work in harmony to provide improved nutrient absorption, immune system function and intestinal gut health. You’ll then begin to look and feel better immediately once started. Of course ask your physician which products they’d recommend is right for you.

2. Ask your doctor about a pre-biotic which is different than a pro-biotic. Choosing or guessing which pro-biotic may be right may not be the 100% solution to alleviate what ails you. That is “the pre-biotic is a specialized plant fiber that beneficially nourishes the good bacteria already in the large bowel or colon. While pro-biotics introduce good bacteria into the gut, pre-biotics act as a fertilizer for the good bacteria that’s already there. They help your good bacteria grow, improving the good-to-bad bacteria ratio. This ratio has been shown to have a direct correlation to your health and overall well-being, from your stomach to your brain” (Prebiotin 2016).

3. If your drinking water is heavily chlorinated, filter it or buy bottled water. Chlorine kills good bacteria.

4. Improve your eating habits to receive optimum nutrients and consume less processed foods. Avoid “over-consumption of yeast-feeding foods such as simple carbohydrates, sugars, peanuts, and alcohol and milk products can encourage Candida growth” (Adams 2009).

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Walk and talk with company you enjoy.

5. Reduce daily stress through yoga, meditation and low aerobics exercise [walk, bike, low intensity aerobics dance, etc.].

6. Avoid, or lesson dependency of antibiotics as medical treatment when possible or not needed when you have a virus. Antibiotics not only kill the bad bugs, they also take a heavy toll on the good ones. Ask your doctor for natural alternative pre-probiotic supplements and applicable medications.

7. Purchase 100% USDA organic foods when possible. Read labels and avoid purchasing foods you suspect contain GMO products.

8. Consume more yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, soy beverages, and garlic.

References,

Adams, Lawrence. “Best Probiotics for Treating Candida.” LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Adams, Mike. “Using Probiotics to Prevent or Eliminate Candida.” Natural News. The Natural News Network, 28 Oct. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

CASA (Center for Advising Student Achievement. “Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide.” Transgenic Crops: An Introduction and Resource Guide. Health Professions Advising Colorado State University, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

GMO Compass. “Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Threat?” Antibiotic Resistance Genes: A Threat? GMO Compass, 12 Dec. 2006. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Gupta, Rupali. “Probiotics-small Bacteria Huge Health Benefits.” Healthy Living. Healthy Living, 30 July 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Haug, Catherine. “How GMOs Destroy Life, Soil and Your Gut Probiotics.” Essential Stuff Blog. The Essential List, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

MedicineNet.com. “Probiotics.” MedicineNet. MedicineNet, Inc., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

NIH. “Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA).” National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. NIH, 22 June 2015. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Prebiotin. “What Is a Prebiotic vs Probiotic | Prebiotics and Probiotics.” Prebiotin. Jackson GI Medical, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2016.

Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. 2016 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

 

Candida Free – No Longer a Mystery

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Last Updated: 2/21/2018 by Marc Woodard

Candida is no longer the diagnostic mystery and treatment challenge it once was in the past. But if you suspect you have it – in order to relate and apply appropriate treatment; the genus of the ailment must be defined.

Wikipedia and other on-line dictionaries alike define candida as “genus of yeasts and is the most common cause of fungal infections worldwide.”

Gut bacterial imbalance occur and infectious fungi culminate with potential to cause any number of illness and disease within the body. Thankfully many yeast and bacteria species are harmless ‘commensals’ [i.e., different organisms that co-exist without harm or benefit to the other].

Whereas these microorganism colonies are often referred to as ‘endosymbionts’ [i.e., microorganisms or bacteria that live in cells or body]; or gut flora [gut microbiota or gastrointestinal microbiota].

When mucosal barriers are disrupted and produce mucous: e.g., inflammation of digestive, genital…vaginal tissue, urinary tracts and mouth; our immune system becomes compromised and health risk increases.

Mucosal Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. “There are over 20 species of Candida yeasts that can cause infection in humans, the most common of which is Candida albicans. Candida yeasts normally live on the skin and mucous membranes without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these organisms can cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area of the body that is infected” (CDC 2015).

When Candida yeast microorganisms overwhelm our immune system it is likely the result of an alkaline environment caused by an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the gut. This often leads to overgrowth of a fungal colony species that can inflame and infect tissue at its origin, or spread somewhere else in the body, or infect others.

For example, when the fungal infection of thrush overgrows on the mouth, tongue or throat the slightly raised patches on the mucous membrane and beneath it are usually raw and bleeding.

Eat less processed foods and more whole foods.
Eat less processed foods and more whole foods.

Thrush is defined as “Oral thrush also called oral candidiasis (kan-dih-DIE-uh-sis) is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans accumulates on the lining of your mouth.’ Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums or tonsils, or the back of your throat” (Mayo Clinic 2016).

Even a newborn can get the disease if the mother had a vaginal yeast infection during delivery. Since newborns have an imperfect and immature balance of bacteria; and elderly with suppressed immune systems – medical conditions are more susceptible to infection of tissue.

Although not typically contagious between toddlers, if a child with thrush has put a toy in mouth and another shares that toy in the same way, then the risk is higher of contracting the disease. Or if an adult handles dentures for example. Whereas that object is handled by someone else and put into their mouth. (WebMD 2014). Or you share a toothbrush or drink out of the same cup, etc.

If the Candida albican yeast overtakes the bacteria balance of the stomach and small intestines and then becomes present in the large intestines, this is a sign your system is fighting a battle it can’t win unless something changes. If lifestyle change and treatment course are not applied at some point; systemic bodily infection may occur. And when the immune system is suppressed or in a weakened state any number of ill-health condition(s) may manifest.

Below are 18 illness and disease risks with connection to increased Candida yeast through unhealthy bacterial gut balance and increased fungi growth preceded by inflammation and infection.

1) Acne or psoriasis 2) Allergies 3) Diabetes 4) Digestive disorders that cause gas, bloating, colitis or IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 5) Ear infections 6) Emotional upsets and depression 7) Energy imbalances or insomnia 8) Hormonal problems 9) Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) 10) Hypoglycemia 11) Hypothyroidism 12) Lung problems 13) Obesity 14) Pollen allergies 15) Reproductive Organ Disorders 16) Sensitivities to foods, chemicals, and/or molds 17) Susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, and other infections. 18) Thyroid. ‘Some practitioners believe that Candida overgrowth can lead to onset of chronic illnesses: Chronic fatigue symptom (CFS), fibromyalgia, Epstein-Barr virus, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, cancer, and autism (Jordan 2016).

Kayak Pose
When free of Illness and disease life is amazing.

Simply by examining one of these diseases in a study, it is possible to see how a fungi infection starting in the gut could cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or any other number of ill-health conditions.

This is explained by Professor Maureen Hanson, of molecular biology and genetics at Cornell University, in Ithaca, N.Y.

She states, “Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have a different profile of bacterial species in their gut microbiome than healthy individuals. ‘In the small study, she and her colleagues found that people with chronic fatigue syndrome had less diversity or different types of bacteria, compared to healthy people without chronic fatigue syndrome. People with chronic fatigue syndrome also had more species of bacteria that promote inflammation and fewer bacteria that dampen inflammation, the researchers found.” (Doheny 2015).

Professor Hanson describes balance of certain bacterial species is essential at keeping inflammatory and anti-inflammatory bacterial colonies and infectious fungi concentration under control. And one way to do this is by adding probiotics to the daily diet. Normalizing and sustaining an acidic gut environment helps to keep candida yeast at bay.

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Eat fresh foods daily – Stay healthy.

“So returning your stomach to its normal acidity helps to restrain the Candida overgrowth.” A gut acidity environment is essential for healthy balance of gut flora.

Healthy diet and “Probiotics are a great supplement to take whether you have a Candida overgrowth or not. They help with digestion and maintain a healthy balance of gut flora in your digestive tract, so you should consider making probiotics a part of your routine” (Perfect Health 2016).

“Compelling new studies are showing how probiotics can help keep healthy people healthy. One study showed a decreased incidence of common infectious diseases among kids in day care.” Dr. Mary Ellen Sanders, Probiotic’s Specialist

“Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of bacteria as something that causes disease. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy” (DiLonardo 2014).

Evidence from clinical research demonstrates that adding “good bacteria to the diet promotes a healthy digestive and immune system.” Dr. Allan Walker, Professor of Nutrition and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Dietary Recommendation

Avoid the following foods that create an alkaline gut environment – where Candia yeast thrives. And consider taking a daily probiotic supplement recommended by your doctor. By returning the gut environment to become more acidic – the candida flare-ups become less acute or chronic and severity of unwanted symptoms will likely decrease or disappear.

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Remove as much sugar from the diet as possible

Candida depends on sugar to survive. Cut off the food source and you’ll starve-kill the fungus. All sugars, baked goods, breads, refined flour, alcohol, vinegar’s, pickled vegetable, dried fruits, cheeses, mushrooms should be considered suspect or cause of candida symptoms.

Remove  one unhealthy food habit at a time from the diet. Wait a week and see if unwanted condition begins to dissipate or improve.

Also check food labels for fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, mannitol, sorbitol and sucrose. Avoid honey, maple syrup and molasses. Remove processed and packaged foods from your diet (high in sugars).

Substitute processed for whole foods.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds, eggs, yogurt, meats, fish, poultry, oils such as olive, sesame, flaxseed and sunflower, butter and lemon.

Supplemental Protection

Consider taking probiotic supplements as previously stated beneficial to good health by the experts.

“Taking probiotics is a habit that can really benefit the digestive system, which is intricately connected to our overall health.” Dr. Michael F. Roizen, New York Times best-selling author, Chief Wellness Officer, Cleveland Clinic

Healthy Immune System through Exercise

“Exercise stimulates the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste products from your cells. When it is functioning poorly, viruses, bacteria and fungi can accumulate in the system, creating a great breeding area for Candida. Moving your body increases circulation of the lymph fluid, eliminating these pests quickly before they become a problem” (Perfect Health 2016).

Exploration motivates us to move more & stay fit.

Treatment for itching, irritation and inflammation

Although there are many remedies and treatments listed on the Internet and books, I highly recommend you seek treatment for symptoms by a Digestive Health Specialist (Gastroenterology), or board certified Internal Medicine physician with a specialty in Candida diagnosis, treatment and other medical and dietary referral experience. Especially when experiencing excessive itching, irritation and inflammation of genitals and mouth. If you don’t apply timely treatment to alleviate symptoms, you may unwittingly set the stage for systemic disease.

Once diagnosed and receiving proper treating for a particular Candida strain… it can take months to years to remove it. And it may take a combination of specific medical treatment, diet, exercise, and pre-probiotic supplementation, etc.

Candida can be treated and reversed. However what may work for others may not work for you. This is why it’s so important to receive accurate diagnosis and timely treatment from a licensed and board certified medical doctor.

Marc T. Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, USA Medical Services Corp., Officer, CPT, RET. 2018 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Publishing, www.mirrorathlete.org, Sign up for your Free eNewsletter.

References

CDC. “Candidiasis.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 12 June 2015. Web. 21 July 2016.

DiLonardo, Mary Jo. “What Are Probiotics?” WebMD. WebMD LLC, 2014. Web. 21 July 2016.

Doheny, Kathleen. “Gut Bacteria May Hold Clues to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Stltoday.com. STLtoday.com, 15 July 2015. Web. 21 July 2016.

Jordan, Jo. “Signs and Symptoms of Candida Albicans Intestinal Yeast Overgrowth.” Puristat. Puristat, Inc., 2016. Web. 21 July 2016.

Mayo Clinic. “Oral Thrush.” – Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2016. Web. 21 July 2016.

Perfect Health. “Exercise And Candida The Candida Diet.” The Candida Diet. Perfect Health. All Rights Reserved. Design by Five J’s Design., n.d. Web. 21 July 2016.

Perfect Health. “Why Use Probiotics For Candida? The Candida Diet.” The Candida Diet. Perfect Health. All Rights Reserved. Design by Five J’s Design., n.d. Web. 20 July 2016.

WebMD. “Thrush-Cause.” WebMD. Healthwise, Incorporated, 25 Sept. 2014. Web. 21 July 2016.

Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET., is a member of the Tigard City Council. He is a strong proponent of City involvement in providing recreational opportunities for its residents. 2018 Copy right. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org