THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF CANDIDA IN CONTRIBUTING TO YOUR HEALTH PROBLEMS
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that is a normal inhabitant of our intestinal tract that is generally “kept in check” by the beneficial (lactic) bacteria that is also present.
It’s when the level of Candida albicans is not “kept in check” that we can begin to experience health problems associated with the overgrowth; health problems that are often times overlooked as being contributed to by an overgrowth.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CAUSES OF AN OVERGROWTH?
The use of antibiotics; they not only kill off the germs causing the infection but they also kill off the “good” (beneficial) gut bacteria allowing the “bad” bacteria to take over
Birth control pills; can lead to estrogen dominance causing an overgrowth
The use of steroids (cortisone type drugs) can encourage the growth of Candida
A diet high in sugar; sugar feeds the “yeasty beasties” and causes and overgrowth
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH AN OVERGROWTH?
The symptoms of candida overgrowth are vast and can vary from person to person; some of the major symptoms include:
Fatigue or lethargy
Feeling of being “depleted”
Poor memory
Feeling “spacey” or “unreal”
Depression
Numbness, burning or tingling
Muscle aches
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Pain and/or swelling in joints
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating
Troublesome vaginal discharge
Persistent vaginal burning or itching
Impotence
Loss of sexual feeling
Endometriosis
Premenstrual tension
Spots in front of the eyes
Erratic vision
Oral thrush (white coating covering the tongue)
Some of the other symptoms that may also occur commonly with yeast-connected illness include the following;
(*these may also occur commonly in people who do not have candida)
Drowsiness
Irritability or jitteriness
Incoordination
Inability to concentrate
Frequent mood swings
Headache
Dizziness/loss of balance
Pressure above the ears… feeling of head swelling or tingling
Itching
Rashes
Heartburn
Indigestion
Belching and intestinal gas
Mucous in stools
Hemorrhoids
Dry mouth
Cough
Sore or dry throat
Bad breath
Nasal congestion or discharge
WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE AN OVERGROWTH OF THESE ‘YEASTIE BEASTIES” (CANDIDA)
Diet alone will not work because sugars of all kinds are the natural food for the candida organism, this includes starches and fermented foods of all kinds; to starve the candida organism would also mean starving the body. Therefore the best way to deal with an overgrowth is to incorporate all of the following:
1) Reduce your consumption of the following foods:
Sugary foods including fruits and fruit juices as they are naturally high in sugar (limit these to a couple per day)
Alcohol, coffee and tea (as well as other caffeinated beverages)
Vinegar and other fermented foods
2. Restoring intestinal immunity
Probiotics (Acidophilus) is a good bacteria (the type found in good quality plain yogurt) that will help to restore intestinal immunity
Fibre (Flaxmeal, psyllium powder or a similar fibre) is important to keep the colon clean so that candida is eliminated from the body
3. Killing off excess candida in the gut
A candida cleanse (you can do a 1-2 day liquid only cleanse but I prefer the 3 day cleanse that involves eliminating grains, sugars, starches and alcohol and eating mostly steamed fresh and organic vegetables with some leafy greens or bitter greens)
A supplement formula such as New Roots Candida Stop
4. Empowering the immune system
Add foods like sweet potato, blueberries, broccoli, healthy fats (fatty fish, avocado, nuts) and garlic
Choose green tea over coffee and other caffeinated beverages
Drink plenty of good quality drinking water (aim for 8 8oz glasses per day)
Ensure your adrenals are well supported
Get in touch and I can help you with any of your Candida related concerns! Click here for an overview of all of my services or here to send me an e-mail
Sending A Wish Your Way For A Well BALANCED Day!
