Beneficial Bacteria: Do You Know Your Levels?

by Eric Bakker N.D.

I have had many clients that not only had Candida overgrowth but, on stool testing, also found out that their beneficial bacteria counts were very low. Once they addressed both conditions, symptoms such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and fatigue cleared up.

I often make the point that it’s not always an overgrowth of Candida, harmful bacteria, or parasites that are the issue, it’s a lack of beneficial bacteria. Some people with Candida have the benefit of still having a considerable number of good bacteria. Others who have Candida and no beneficial bacteria, are in a much more difficult spot. Either way, you need to know the whole story about what is going on in your gut.

Do a stool test so you can understand the conditions in your digestive system fully. Go to your naturopath or go to your functional medicine doctor and ask for a stool test. You want to make sure the stool test is properly performed. Observe the withholding period for probiotics and antimicrobials to ensure the result are accurate. If you do the test correctly, you’re going to get a result back that can direct you to the appropriate treatment plan.

Further readings:

Certain strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus are examples of beneficial intestinal bacteria. Low levels of these bacteria species are associated with several diseases.

If you do have a lack of beneficial bacteria, consider CanXida Restore. This product contains both digestive enzymes and probiotics. CanXida Restore was designed to help increase the level of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Beneficial bacteria can contribute to improved hormonal, immune, and digestive function. Without beneficial bacteria, Candida, harmful bacteria, and parasites can colonize the gastrointestinal tract unopposed. If you lack beneficial bacteria, increasing your levels of beneficial bacteria should be part of your Candida treatment plan.

Sources:

About Eric Bakker N.D.

Eric Bakker ND has completed almost ten years of study and has almost almost 25 years of clinical experience in natural and integrative forms of medicine, and has pursued continuous post-graduate study in Australia, America, India as well as in New Zealand.

Eric is the past Vice President of the NZ Natural Medicine Association and is currently on their editorial advisory board.