All You Want To know About Candida: Diet, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Cures

Candidiasis occurs when there is an overgrowth of the Candida Albicans Yeast, also a fungus, which is part of the normal flora (bacteria) in the human digestive tract. It is medically called a yeast infection. A common belief is that yeast infections only strike women. However the truth is that men can be stricken with this condition, especially when uncircumcised. Seniors and babies can develop thrush, which is a fungal infection of the mouth, exhibited by white patches.

What leads to Candida

Candida occurs naturally on the skin, as well as mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. People with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to Candida overgrowth. Antibiotics are the biggest culprits for Candida. They do their job by killing unwanted bacteria; unfortunately antibiotics also kill good bacteria in the digestive tract and vaginal area. Yeast is attracted to sugar! Additionally, sugar suppresses the immune system. Carbohydrates are the perfect food for yeast and may contribute to recurring episodes of symptoms. Other factors favoring yeast development are: environmental chemicals like pesticides, allergies, diabetes and trauma, such as surgery. When toxic waste matter in the colon becomes extreme, it can enter the bloodstream. In people with damaged immune systems, untreated Candidiasis could cause death.

Candida Manifestations or Signs

When Candida invades the physical body, it progresses systematically.

1. The digestive tract begins to lose it’s balance. Common results are: gas, bloating, anal itching, heartburn, vaginitis, food allergies and fatigue. If not treated in a satisfactory manner, Candida can migrate as an infection in other areas and cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, skin and nail fungus.

2. Cells stick to mucous membrane regions and colonize, like mold on bread. Other conditions arise such as: thrush, diarrhea and can result in asthma, lupus, kidney stones or sinusitis. The individual becomes more allergic and chemically sensitive causing reactions such as headache, nausea, hives, hay fever or joint pain.

3. Some believe the individual could experience mental symptoms like irritability, confusion, a spacey feeling and lethargy.

4. Lastly the body is symptomatic of organ and hormone dysfunction. Adrenal failure and hypothyroidism may result.

Candida Contributing Factors

Today’s lifestyle is considered to be a contributing reason for Candidiasis. Women who take birth control pills; men or women who digest large than average quantities of refined carbohydrates, or are constant antibiotic users, are considered prime candidates for Candida overgrowth. Stress, fast food and alcohol are also thought to be contributing factors. Healthy individuals are not usually adversely affected by yeast overgrowth. Feeding it or suppressing lactobacillus can contribute to body imbalance and triggering a Candida related disease.

Options For Candida Treatment

Individuals that think they are suffering from Candida overgrowth should seek out their doctor for a clinical evaluation. Physicians may prescribe drugs such as nystatin or diflucan. Improvement and prevention over the long term of your life may include a holistic approach that could limit the underlying factors that promote Candida overgrowth. Many patients that suffer from candidiasis will recommend colonic irrigation. During colonic irrigation, the therapist massages the person’s stomach and inserts sterile tubing into the rectum. Warm water flows into the colon area and expels toxic fecal matter. Reportedly, the treatment does not cause undue discomfort. Irrigation is repeated on alternate days for a week.

Candida Diet

Another alternative, considered less radical, is a “Candida Diet”. Here, one would feed the physical body, but not the yeast by eliminating sugar, even natural sugars found in fruits. Avoid refined flours. Consume large amounts of fresh vegetables. Eat monounsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates.

Treating Candidiasis can be difficult, but not impossible. When you follow these suggestions and make the proper “lifestyle” changes, you can be successful.

To learn how to treat, identify, and prevent Candidiasis please read our Candida Information website.