What Is It?
Also known as Candida Albicans. Is a yeast that lives naturally and in harmony in our intestines. A yeast fungal overgrowth that presents in millions of people who cannot figure out what is wrong with them. It is kept in check by the beneficial bacteria that co-exist with it.
It is a condition where the organism candida becomes pathogenic because it has over taken in the gut. The is also known as “bad bacteria”. If candida is present this can aggravate the gut and lead to food sensitivities and complicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Good bacteria (the beneficial bacteria) acidopholus, bifidus, lactobacillus, bulgaricus etc) are important in keeping harmful pathogens such as Candida at bay.
If The Immune System Is Weakened It Can Produce Symptoms Including:
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Recurrent sore throats
- Bloating
- Irritability
- Nasal congestion
- Joint swelling
Other symptoms include: Menstrual problems, acid reflux and flu like symptoms.
The National Candida Society 1998-2008 , state that “Candida is not just the result of a faltering hormonal system, as it in turn aggravates the situation by binding to hormones, making them incapable of arriving at their target sites. At this point new symptoms appear, adding to the misery”.
What Causes Candida?
There are many factors that can cause this overgrowth of candida one of which is the over use of steroids. The contraceptive pill can also in which it induces hormone changes therefore increasing Candida levels. Particular diets including sugars and other refined carbohydrates, cause the candida to thrive and encourage this overgrowth.
Other factors include the use of antibiotics in which they can depress the levels of beneficial bacteria. Depression in the immune system caused by poor diet, infections and use of steroidal drugs allows the pathogen to multiply.
Have I Got Candida?
There are many symptoms for candida. Damage is caused to the wall of the intestine as the yeast cells have fungal like properties which attach to the wall which allow partially digested food to pass into the bloodstream. This is also known as “leaky gut”. This causes reactions like migraines, diarrhoea and bloating due to an immune reaction and inflammation. This Candida produces toxins which weaken the already weak immune system leaving the sufferer chronically fatigued and hung over.
Many symptoms of candida are in fact symptoms of the hormonal disruption that underlies Candida – and which underlies other conditions too e.g. low blood sugar.
For this reason, medical advice should be sought to eliminate other, potentially more serious, conditions.
How Can It Be Treated?
What Else Can You Do?
- Diet, restricting banned foodstuffs including allergens.
- 2. Anti-fungals to kill the candida – there are good quality herbal alternatives.
- 3. Repopulation of the digestive tract with good bacteria e.g. acidophilus.
- 4. Dietary supplements as needed to boost the immune system and help with digestion.
- 5. Follow a cleansing programme.
Facts And Tips
• In Fact the journal of Nutritional medicine points out that good bacteria not only is responsible for contributing to the integrity of the immune system but most importantly inhibit the growth of colon cancer ( J Nutritional medicine 1994).
Alternatively you can visit the Candida Society for more information:
www.candida-society.org/ncs/tests.htm
Candida Albicans, Leon Chatiow, Thorsone 1991
Healing through Nutrition, Dr Melvyn R Werbach, Thorsone 1995
