Candida is a very common yeast found in the mucous membranes of the intestines, mouth and genitourinary system. Everyone has this type of yeast in and on their body. You wouldn’t generally know it’s there when it is balanced, as it is benign.
The issue arises when this yeast overgrows and creates problems in the gut and the immune system. This triggers an imbalance in beneficial bacteria and the not so good bacteria. Coincidentally, that’s when trouble begins to brew.
There are several reasons this occurs:
Use and overuse of antibiotics
Even though antibiotics are given to fight infections and kill bacteria, they also kill the beneficial bacteria you have that keep your immune system in check. This bacteria aids in the absorption of nutrients and keeps you healthy. When beneficial microbes diminish, the overgrowth of yeast can wreak havoc on your health.
Corticosteroids
As mentioned, you have beneficial bacteria within your mucous membranes, especially your mouth. So imagine having asthma and using your oral steroid inhaler. This can contribute to overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, known as thrush. Without proper care, this can also lead to candida overgrowth, not only in your mouth, but systemically as well.
Poor diet and high stress levels
A diet full of refined carbohydrates, sugars, sweet beverages and highly acidic foods are a breeding ground for yeast. They feed on sugar and grow exponentially. Couple this with high stress levels, which deplete minerals, B vitamins and causes digestive disturbances, which could jeopardize your digestive health.
Compromised immune system
We would like think that everyone’s immune system is functioning at optimal levels, but sometimes that just isn’t so. Many individuals have a weakened immune system due to chronic long-term illness, viruses, cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation and autoimmune diseases.
These disorders put you at a much higher risk for yeast overgrowth. Therefore, it’s critical that these be addressed and an alkaline diet be taken into serious consideration so as to not fall ill.
Common symptoms caused by candida overgrowth include:
- Brain fog
- Joint pain
- Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Nail infections
- Cravings for sugary foods
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Chronic sinusitis or post-nasal drip
- Food sensitivities
- Thrush (white coating on tongue)
- Vaginal yeast infections
Although yeast overgrowth can cause serious issues, it can often be treated naturally, through diet, lifestyle, herbs and other specialized supplementation.
Something to remember is that this condition does not happen overnight. It grows steadily over time and isn’t something that can be remedied quickly. Approaching it from the root cause allows for a healthier and stronger recovery.
You May Also Like...
Open Letter from Darin Ingels, ND: Telemedicine Now Available
Dear Friends and Valued Patients, I wanted to personally reach out to you, as we navigate this…
Are Allergies the Reason I’m Sick all the Time?
Why Do I Keep Getting Sick? I get asked this question a lot. People who come in to my practise;…
Cinnamon-Cacao Coconut Custard
Ingredients 2 Tbsp collagen gelatin unflavored 1/2 avocado 1 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut…
Yes, Chronic Lyme Is Real
Record breaking heat in the summer, and much warmer winters, have contributed to a spike in the…
The Dangers of Artificial Sweeteners
The use of artificial sweeteners has steadily increased in the American food supply over the past…
Beet Hummus
Ingredients 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon organic cumin powder 2 1/2 tablespoons of…
Cucumber and Lemon Vinaigrette Salad
If you have been following my Instagram page recently, you’ll see I’ve been on a salad kick as it’s…
Are Phenolics Making Me Sick?
In 20 years of practice, I often have patients come to me with "unexplained illness" that…
Coconut and Cacao Nib Ice Cream
As summer is coming to an end and the kids are going back to school, we can all still enjoy the…