The symptoms of a systemic yeast overgrowth can cause a longstanding list of symptoms that may touch almost every system of the body. Candex™ is an all-natural dietary supplement for the treatment of yeast overgrowth, or Candida albicans. Its natural enzymes may be able to digest the walls of the fungal cells and bring the levels of yeast in the intestinal tract down to a reasonable level. It is recommended that consumers follow an anti-Candida diet during and after using this product. This product is thought to be safe, but few credible research studies have been done to determine the effectiveness of this enzymatic supplement.
Candida albicans is a fungus that grows in the intestinal tract. Beneficial microorganisms usually keep the fungus in check, but if they are unable to do so, an overgrowth of Candida occurs. An overgrowth may cause generalized fatigue, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, eczema, acne, and irritability as well as a host of other symptoms.
Cellulase, hemicellulase, amylase, invertase, and glucoamylase — the enzymes in Candex™ — work to reduce the amount of Candida albicans to normal levels. Cllulase and hemicellulase break down yeast cells while amylase and glucoamylase do the same for carbohydrates before they can ferment and cause more yeast. The invertase breaks down table sugar, a source of energy for yeast.
Pure Essence Laboratories, the makers of Candex™, recommends that people who take this supplement also follow a diet that may cut back on the amount of yeast entering the body. This means that Candex™ users should avoid or limit processed meats; sugar of any kind should also be avoided, including fructose, rice syrup, molasses, honey, sucrose, along with foods containing flour and fermented foods. In addition, according to Pure Essence Laboratories, Candex™ users should eliminate or reduce their consumption of soda, caffeinated coffee or tea, and alcohol.
The anti-yeast diet consists of chicken, fish, and all types of vegetables. The closer the dietary guidelines are followed, the more quickly the yeast problem may come under control. According to the product packaging, pills should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Candex™ may also dissolve cellulose capsules containing time-released medication, thereby delivering all of the medication at once and voiding the time-release mechanism. Those who take time-released prescription medication should use Candex™ with caution and may want to consult with their healthcare provider before using this product.
A frequently sited study on the effectiveness of Candex™ was conducted in 2002, by the Progressive Medical Group. The study claimed that 52 test subjects had "at least minimal improvement" in their symptoms. No control group was used during the study, which calls the results into some question. Additionally, the study has not been replicated or published in any peer-reviewed medical journal. Double-blind studies are generally conducted to objectively validate findings and determine effectiveness of this or any other product.