Answer part 2 IP: 24.253.104.214 Posted on February 25, 2011 at 05:51:18 PM by James
So by alkalinizing the intestines Candida growth is increased since the Candida growth gene is activated in an alkaline environment. And the Candida goes from a benign yeast form in to an aggressive and tissue damaging fungal form. This hyphal form of Candida dig in to the tissues leading to tissue damage and inflammation, in this case leaky gut. This allows the undigested proteins from the neutralized stomach acid to enter in to the blood stream setting off immune reactions.
I recommend increasing your stomach acidity with bitters or raw apple cider vinegar (ACV). Bitters are best for long term use, but ACV is better if stomach acid production is low or absent to begin with. This will help with the absorption of nutrients needed for stomach acid formation. After a few months it would be best to switch to bitters to allow the body to generate its own stomach acid.
You should also work on your intestinal flora. Kefir is a good start. This will supply acid forming bacteria that kill pathogens in the intestines and keeps the Candida under control. Fiber sources are needed to feed the flora and for the acid formation. I prefer rice bran or oat bran. But FOS and dietary gums (konjac, guar, xanthan, etc,) are also good choices. I also like both licorice root and yucca root powders, which also provide fibers for the flora and retain moisture to promote healthy flora. And both of these are steroidal anti-inflammatories that will reduce the inflammation of leaky gut.
Avoid alakinizers such as alkaline waters, calcium carbonate (oyster shell, dolomite, coral), magnesium oxide/hydroxide, antacids, acid blockers and baking soda.
You can help your body maintain its proper pH by deep breathing and eating more fruits and vegetables as well as high mineral herbs such as nettle leaf, alfalfa, seaweeds, watercress, etc.