The following is an except from the book, "FOOD ENZYMES, THE MISSING LINK TO VITALITY" by Dr. Smokey Santillo N.D.
In natural therapeutics, all diseases are considered to be systematic problems. This means that all body processes are involved. To bring about favorable results, the whole body must be influenced in a positive direction. In considering candida and allergies there are many similarities between the two, both in cause and prevention. Basically the symptoms of both maladies are caused by the body's attempt to resist the organisms or toxins that tend to damage tissues and organs. This capacity is called immunity. In this section I will discuss basic immune responses of these conditions and how to aid the immune system in preventing such problems.
A major part of our immune system consists of several types of white blood cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, T-cells, B-cells and neutrophils. T-cells get their name because the thymus gland aids in their production. B-cells are named after tiny little sacs in the body called "bursa" where they migrate to be processed until maturity. T- and B-cells are lymphocytes but they differ slightly in their duties. T-Lymphocytes become sensitized to specific toxins or antigens (substances that cause immune responses, such as toxins, drugs, among a few) and attack them whenever they enter the body. B-Lymphocytes produce antibodies which are molecules that react with certain antigens in the body aiding in their destruction.
The white blood cells help to destroy antigens and other toxins by engulfing them and digesting or partially destroying their substance making it easier for the body to eliminate them. In most cases, they do this by secreting enzymes that break down the antigens. As previously mentioned, different research experiments that were performed by Dr. Willstatter as far back as 1929 and proved that white blood cells contain eight different types of amylase, protease, and lipase. He states that "white blood cells provide transportation for enzymes throughout the body."
Antigens, bacteria, yeast, and other toxins enter the body through the digestive tract. They leech onto food substances we ingest and then multiply prolifically within the body of the immune system if it is not strong and healthy enough to destroy them. Allergens (substances causing the allergy) can also enter the body simply through the air that we breathe. Most antigens, bacteria, viruses and yeast are proteins. Often the toxins that are causing allergies and infections are secreted by bacteria which also contain protein substances. At this point it can be understood that the body needs a tremendous supply of protease (protein digestive enzymes) to counteract the constant bombardment of these proteins to digest and eliminate them. This digestion of protein is done by enzymes, not only in the digestive tract, but in the bloodstream itself. Undigested proteins are often found in the bloodstream. If digestion is not properly accomplished, undigested substances can be absorbed through the digestive tract. Antigens that cause allergies attach themselves to these proteins in the blood (antigen complex), deposit in the walls of tiny capillaries and secrete substances that cause inflammations which result in swelling, sneezing, hay fever, hives, asthma, etc. In order for the body to rid itself of the allergen it must be separated from the protein molecule. This is accomplished by enzymes that digest the protein and release the allergen so the body can eliminate it via the lymphatic system. This is why it is so important to keep the lymphatic system clean. Echinacea is an herb that is a specific lymphatic cleanser. It is an excellent herb to use to combat allergies in combination with enzymes because it stimulates the production of white blood cells, and is used to treat inflammations, lymphatic swellings, and infections.
The importance of understanding why undigested proteins, bacteria and yeast entering the blood via the intestinal wall have toxic effects on one's system, cannot be stressed strongly enough. Their quick and proliferate spreading often leaves the body with numerous symptoms and physical indications. Candida Albicans, which lives practically everywhere in the body, is an example of such a yeast, These yeast live naturally in the intestinal tract and vaginal areas of animals and human beings. They can take over our whole body if the immunity is weakened. It is important to realize that yeast are also protein bodies and can be digested by enzymes if the body has a proper supply.
Candida can change form in the human intestines. It can remain in a yeast-fungal form and enter the circulation or develop a root structure that penetrates the intestines which creates a large enough opening for other bacteria, antigens, and undigested protein to enter. These other substances that enter are a major cause of allergies, anxiety, fatigue, digestive disturbances, vaginitis, cystitis, menstrual problems and migraine headaches. This is the reason for the similar approach in treating both candida and allergies.
Yeast and most antigens (being protein bodies) can be eliminated by administering supplemental enzymes. This nourishes the white blood cells which causes a direct improvement of the immune system. Some allergies are not in themselves protein bodies. They attach to protein molecules and must be split off from the molecule by proteolytic enzymes and then be eliminated by the lymphatic system.
Undigested proteins that yeast and other allergens attach themselves to in the circulation often enter through the digestive tract. One way to prevent this is to take plant enzymes with meals to aid in the digestion of these substances.
An effective approach to candida, allergies, or any other systematic problems is to take plant enzymes between meals and thereby help to increase the enzyme activity through the whole body, and reestablish these levels both in the digestive tract and the bloodstream. Again, simply eating larger amounts of raw foods which have the enzymes still present, taking supplemental enzymes, and additionally using echinacea can help alleviate problems of this type. Also, using lactobacillus acidophilus will help check the spreading of yeast in the intestines and also nourish the immune system.