In this issue

For many people struggling with chronic Lyme disease, symptoms such as headaches, inability to think clearly, mood swings, muscle aches, joint pain, poor memory, depression, sinus congestion, allergies, chemical sensitivities, digestive disturbances, fatigue, anxiety, and skin rashes are not uncommon. What may not be readily apparent, however, is that these same symptoms, and others, are attributable to a common yeast called Candida (can'-di-duh), which results in what has been termed "Candida Related Complex". A failure to understand and address this issue may result in a less than optimal overall Lyme disease treatment outcome. Warren M. Levin, MD, PLLC blends conventional and alternative medical philosophies in his private practice in Vienna, VA. Dr. Levin has found Candida Related Complex (CRC) to be a significant factor in the presentation of many chronic conditions. Dr. Levin identifies CRC as a common iatrogenic complication in the majority of people with Lyme disease and believes that it must be adequately addressed in order to return one to an ideal state of health and wellness. Of the family of yeasts known as Candida, Candida albicans is the most common, though there are numerous species that may result in clinical symptoms. Symptoms of Candida can affect every bodily system and are often incapacitating. The majority of practitioners in mainstream medicine today still do not recognize the importance of the presence of Candida on overall health. They often suggest that Candida is only an issue in patients that are severely immunocompromised, such as patients with HIV, cancer, or patients that have undergone chemotherapy or radiation. This perspective is quite limited and misses the majority of patients whose health is in fact impacted by Candida. Candida Related Complex has been called the "Yeast Syndrome", the "Yeast Connection", and Thrush, among other terms. It has also been called "imaginary", "nonsense", "fraud", and "charlatanism" by those that do not understand its implications and prevalence. Not only does Dr. Levin believe that CRC is real, often overlooked and generally undertreated, but he has found that many people with a diagnosis of Lyme disease are experiencing symptoms that are partially, or entirely, attributable to Candida Related Complex, not to Lyme disease itself. Since the mid 20th century, five major changes in Western societies have created the perfect storm for establishment of Candida Related Complex: