CANDIDA : Sign and Symptoms and how to address it
WHAT IS CANDIDA ?
The term candida often refers to candida Albicans it is a yeast like fungus. 50% of us have been shown to have candida as part of our natural ecology and it can be kept in check by a balanced immune system and a vigorous flora.
However, if the opportunity arises candida can rapidly multiply and outnumber the desirable flora leading to symptoms.
The Candida and the toxins it releases ( acetaldehyde) can then irritate and damage the cells of the gut walls as it proliferates causing inflammation, gut permeability and teh Gut hypersensitivity associated with IBS and other gut dysfunctions.
DIAGNOSIS
Stool test
Urine or
blood test more likely to be used by the medical profession
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMTPOMS OF CANDIDA OVERGROWTH
The toxins produces by Candida can result in a range of symptoms.
Some of the most common and intestinal pains and bloating with alternate constipating and diarrhoea and heavy bloating.
Feeling tired, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
Acid reflux, nausea
Brain fog unable to concentrate , poor memory
Skin and nail fingal infections such as athletes foot or toenail fungus
Candida albicans is also responsible for thrush infections that can take place in the mouth or urinary tracts You can also get cutaneous candidiasis.
Candida albicans infection have also been linked to a range of mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia Mood swing,, anxiety . Block the GABA receptors which are a neurotransmitter that regulate anxiety
Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings.
HOW TO ADDRESS THE OVERGROWTH:
Diet: Be wary of restrictive diets. To completely STARVE the Candida you would have to eliminate practically all carbohydrate from the diet, something that is NOT possible nor desirable.
• Sugar and yeast should be controlled in the diet, but we now believe that it is sugar in circulation that is of the most importance because it encourages Candida to migrate to the gut wall. What I mean by this is that we need to learn to balance your blood sugar rather than eliminate .
Include a good source of protein at each and every meal to balance blood sugar : CHICKEN, EGGS, FISH, BEANS, NUTS AND SEEDS
Reduce fruits high is sugars and reduce refined carbohydrates alcohol consumption
The diet should be HEALTH PROMOTING and high in fibre fruits and vegetables
Reduce breads and processed foods
Studies are showing thatcaprylic acid in coconut oil helps to inhibit candida, also you could use garlic if tolerates fresh and raw .
SUPPLEMENT PROGRAMM : everybody is different but we can use supplements to reduce the overgrowth
1- PHASE 1 : about 4 weeks or more
Alongside dietary changes use of ANTIFUNGALS containing caprylic acid Caprylic acid , grapefruit seeds extract , oregano, peau darco teas to suppress the growth.
Support the immune system : Supporting immunity is key to reduce proliferation. Posssible use of probiotics and Vitamin C
LIVER SUPPORT : As there will be a die off we need to make sure that bowel movemet are regular so enough fibre water in the diet, Artichokes, milk thistle, B vitamins, barley grass and spirulina can also be helpful.
2- PHASE 2 - 2 -4 weeks repair the gut lining and address root causes
Further support immunity and gut integrity with Vit D vIt A ,zinc glutamine for repair
But Using antifungals alone will only provide a temporary solution for the candidadis. You always need to work out why this happened in the first place. What’s the environment like in your gut ? High pH/undigested foods? Optimise stomach acid and digestion. Low stomach acid are often found in people with repeated candida and bacterial infection.
ADDRESS YOUR STRESS : From seeing numerous clients with this condition stress is often at play and needs to also be addressed.
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