What is candida?Candida is a dimorphic organism, meaning it can exist in two shapes and forms simultaneously. One form is a yeast-like state that is a non-invasive, sugar-fermenting organism. The other is a fungal form that produces very long root-like structures, called rhizoids, that can penetrate the mucosa and is invasive.What makes candida bad?Actually, in its yeast form it is beneficial. We all have this form of candida in our bodies. The candida population should be low and indiscernible (no overt symptoms or cloudy saliva). “Friendly” bacteria and a healthy immune system prevent this yeast from becoming an infectious fungus.It is when our bodies lose their proper immune protection, or the intestinal pH is altered unfavorably, that the organism can change from the yeast form to the fungal form. When this happens, the now-parasitic fungal form penetrates the gastrointestinal mucosa and breaks down the boundary between the intestinal tract and the rest of the circulation in our bodies. This allows partially digested dietary proteins to travel into the bloodstream, where they exert a powerful antigenic (antibody-stimulating) assault on the immune system.It has been unofficially estimated that a startling 80% of the population may have candidiasis that is out of control!What causes the change from good to bad?There are many theories. Most naturopaths concur that the conversion happens due to some sort of attack on our immune systems—either prolonged antibiotic use, taking steroids or oral contraceptives on a regular basis, or a high sugar diet. It could be a combination of these. It is also conjectured that candida increases its numbers during periods of stress and lowered immune states.What are the symptoms of a candida infestation?Typical candida symptoms may include jock itch, depression, dry, itchy, flaky skin, anxiety, recurring irritability or mood swings, heartburn, indigestion, lethargy, food and environmental allergies, joint soreness, chest pain, acne or other skin problems, migraine headaches, recurring cystitis/vaginal infections, premenstrual tension, and menstrual problems.  Fast and Free Home Test You can try this simple test to see if you have Candida: First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass. Fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water. Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour. If you have a problem, you will see strings (like legs) traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water.  (Refer to the diagram above)

Dr.Herman is trained in a specific detoxification protocol that kills the candida infestation and significantly reduces or often completely eliminates the above symptoms!