Candidiasis and Enzymes

Presentng Dr. Tara Levy, N.D.

--Case study- Breaking the Candida Cycle with CDX
--Enzymes and Candida, In Theory

Featuring Dr. Tara Levy
Dr. Tara Levy, N.D., is one of the first licensed Naturopathic Doctors in the state of California, and also the President of the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. As ND’s have just recently become eligible for licensing in the State of California, Dr. Levy discusses the opportunity that exists for health care professionals of all types to talk more about enzymes in nutrition, as well as the special opportunity that exists for naturopathic doctors. As ND’s are western-trained practitioners of alternative medicine who have the opportunity to act as primary-care doctors, nutrition and enzymes are among Dr. Levy’s first areas of intervention.

Breaking the Candida Cycle with CDX
Alex, a 71 year old man, started seeing Dr. Levy after he had been diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, and he had little success with mainstream treatment. He had been treated for months with antibiotics by his regular doctor, and his condition only worsened. When he came to see Dr. Levy, in addition to the symptoms of prostatitis, he also was experiencing sensitivity to sugar and alcohol, a generalized ‘brain fog’ feeling, and frequent gas and bloating. Dr. Levy suspected candidiasis. To confirm her suspicion, she performed a stool test on Alex, and it revealed an overgrowth of yeast.

Alex first came to see Dr. Levy about 3 years ago, and within a few months she was able to get Alex’s candidiasis to a manageable level. She did this by recommending the Candida diet for Alex, as well as by giving him Acidophilus and antifungal herbs for support. His prostatitis resolved, but occasionally it would flare up, along with the other symptoms, if he did not keep his diet and lifestyle in check.

In September of 2005 he came to Dr. Levy again as he had recently suffered a tooth infection that was treated with antibiotics. During his course of antibiotics, his Candida symptoms flared up, as did his prostatitis. This time Dr. Levy tried a new course of treatment. She gave Alex 2 capsules of CDX (Theramedix, a balanced enzyme formula designed to help restore healthyCandida growth), 3 times daily, along with a standard supplemental probiotic recommendation. Many of Dr. Levy’s Candida patients had told her in the past that they had success with proteolytic enzymes and Candida, so she gave it a try. Of course, the use of CDX again accompanied the Candida diet in Alex’s case.

One week later, Alex came to see Dr. Levy for a follow-up and reported that his symptoms were much better. This was the fastest turn-around he had ever experienced in getting his Candida symptoms in check. Dr. Levy had Alex continue for one more week at the same dosage, and then the following week they reduced the CDX to one capsule, two times daily. Alex’s symptoms over the last two weeks of CDX and Acidophilus administration ameliorated until they completely resolved. Today Alex continues to be symptom free.


Enzymes & Candida, In Theory
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that normally lives in healthy balance in the body. It is found mostly in the intestines, genital tract, mouth, and throat. When the balance is upset, or when conditions favor the growth of the yeast over the normal flora of the intestine, an overpopulation of yeast and infection results. This is known as Candidiasis and the fungus travels to all parts of the body through the bloodstream. In the mouth, it is called thrush; in the vagina, it is called vaginitis (yeast infection). It affects both men and women. Some of the common symptoms reported with Candida include: new allergies to foods, fatigue, poor digestion, gas, heartburn, sugar cravings, irritability, frequent headaches, poor memory, "fogged in" feeling, dizziness, recurring depression, vaginal infections, menstrual difficulties, prostatitis, urinary tract infections, hay fever, postnasal drip, habitual coughing, catching colds easily, and sore throat.

Dr. Levy is quick to note that she does not consider herself a doctor that commonly diagnosis candidiasis. As the symptoms of candidiasis are many, she has many patients who come in her office thinking they have it. She is skeptical of a diagnosis of Candidiasis unless certain obvious signs exist, such as flare up of symptoms after antibiotic use and stool analysis.

CDX is an enzyme formula that contains a high protease as well as a cellulase enzyme formulation. The cellulase enzymes are thought to be able to puncture the cell wall of the fungus (the Candida), and the protease is able to enhance the elimination of the protein contents inside the fungal cell. As an added benefit, the cellulase in CDX is also thought to be able to enhance the digestion of fiber in the intestines, which may provide an environment for the Candida to grow and overpopulate the gut.

You may reach Dr. Tara Levy at: drlevy@taranaturalmedicine.com.