Getting Candid About Candida Albicans

The yeast-like fungus known as Candida Albicans is by far the most opportunistic yeast involved in allergic symptoms. It normally exists in small colonies in the intestinal tract of healthy individuals along with beneficial bacteria and other microbes. No illness arises if Candida Albicans is balanced, however, should there be a disruption to this balance, Candida can multiply, invade other tissues, and become an overgrowth. Chronic conditions or even serious diseases may be caused by, contributed to, or exacerbated by this overgrowth.

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. There can be many symptoms that arise from this infection that affect the digestive, nervous, and hormonal systems, skin, musculoskeletal, and genitourinary. Let's break it down:

• Digestive System: bloating, gas, cramps, or irritable bowel

• Nervous System: fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, "brain fog", depression, poor memory, or headaches

• Hormonal System: produces hormone-like substances that disrupt estrogen and interfere with hormone communication

• Skin: eczema, rash, acne, or nail infections

• Musculoskeletal: pain and swelling in the joints, vague aches and pains throughout the body

• Genitourinary: recurrent bladder and vaginal infections, genital rashes, prostatitis, rectal itching

Research has shown that prolonged antibiotic use contributes to the development of candidiasis. Antibiotics have the ability to destroy up to 95% of the healthy colon flora which keep yeast numbers in balance.

It is the intestinal flora that directly restricts the growth of Candida. These friendly bacteria keep Candida in balance by competing for food and by producing the B vitamin, biotin, which helps block yeast overgrowth.

Yeast organisms can spread out from the bowel to colonize the entire digestive tract, including the stomach, especially in individuals with low hydrochloric acid. Yeast may also colonize in the throat, mouth, and nasal passages, and down into the lungs.

Diet is critical in treating candidiasis. The following are a few key points that will help you reduce candida overgrowth:

• Avoid refined sugar. This is a chief nutrient for Candida Albicans. (This includes large amounts of honey, maple syrup, and fruit juice.)

• Restrict or limit milk. Milk's high lactose content promotes candida overgrowth. It is also one of the most common food allergens and may contain traces of antibiotics, which can further disrupt the gastrointestinal bacterial flora and promote candida overgrowth.

• Avoid foods with high yeast content. Alcohol, cheese, dried fruits, and peanuts all contain high yeast values. At the very least, avoid these until the situation is under control.

Probiotic supplements can be used to promote overall good health. The four primary areas of use of probiotics related to candidiasis are:

• Promotion of proper intestinal environment

• Postantibiotic therapy

• Vaginal yeast infections

• Urinary tract infections

A very important way to help treat candidiasis is to support your immune function. Maintain a positive mental attitude and deal with stress using positive coping techniques. As mentioned above, avoid alcohol and sugar, as well as smoking, which can impair immune function. Get plenty of rest and good sleep.

Finally, here are my recommendations for a holistic nutritional approach. In addition to the above mentioned items:

• Increase your fiber and water intake;

• Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement;

• 1-2 Tbsp flaxseed oil every day;

• 1-2 grams of Vitamin C and bioflavanoids every day;

• 400 IUs of Vitamin E every day;

• Garlic (you can find these in the vitamin aisle) or consume liberally;

• Probiotics, 3-8 billion germs every day.

If you are interested in discovering if you have Candida, I would be happy to work this through with you by walking you through an in-depth questionnaire that reviews your history, major symptoms, and other symptoms. We will be able to determine if yeast is connected to your health issues. Message me today!