The sources I gave u were the only ones I could find. I've been scouring the web trying to find other sources to back up the "bifidus is bad" theory...not much surfaces.

However, there ARE reports that probiotics in IMMUNOCOMPROMISED people may contribute to a worsening state. My immune syste IS compromised, as evidenced by chronically low WBCs, and all my infections and metals. Thus, would probiotics be doing more harm than good?

Some argue that probiotics HELP the immune system...others say otherwise.

Ugh.

Hver, you know your stuff so I will respectfully disagree that systemic candida infections are extremely rare...

"A weakened or undeveloped immune system or metabolic illnesses such as diabetes are significant predisposing factors of candidiasis.[15] Diseases or conditions linked to candidiasis include HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis, cancer treatments, steroids, stress, and nutrient deficiency. Almost 15% of people with weakened immune systems develop a systemic illness caused by Candida species.[16]

reference: ^ Odds FC (1987). "Candida infections: an overview". Crit. Rev. Microbiol. 15 (1): 1–5"


It seems to me that the evidence points to beneficial flora controling the growth of candida YEAST, but once it's gone into the fungal form it becomes an aggressive parasite and completely overtakes the intestines, absorbing all nutrients for itself and sending spores into the bloodstream to seek out weak points to expand its colonies.

But I think the strongest evidence is anecdotal, with tons of people stating that even kraut and kefir did them no good or made them worse when they were severely overgrown.

There are tons of studies like below in regards to probiotics in pill form (not kraut and kefir):

In a study done by the University of Washington in 1990 they found that "Most of the lactobacillus containing probiotics products currently available either do not contain the Lactobacillus species and/or contain other bacteria of questionable benefit."

So my posts are that REAL probiotics (not the over priced pills) should be the LAST STEP in treating a candida infection. Alot of folks are just eating tons of probiotics and wondering why they can't get better. I went that route at first and quickly realized that trying to put out a fire by spitting on it doesn't work.