Candida
Yeasts, molds and funguses can build up in our systems causing many health issues. Some of the most prevalent signs of an overgrowth include (but is not limited to):
Headaches Depression Fatigue Sinusitis Agitation
Gas Constipation Diarrhea Cystitis Food Cravings
Asthma Food Sensitivities Joint Pain Endrometriosis Gastritis
Along with detoxing using homeopathic or herbal remedies, diet is important to keep the invaders in check. Many yeasts, molds and funguses feed on sugars and sugar products. Sugar includes such named items as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, glucose, dextrose, fructose, syrups, honey, and maltose. Overall, the less processed the foods you eat, the better it is for your system to detox. Other foods to limit if possible are yeast products (including bread), fermented foods, peanuts, white flour and white rice. Water is the best choice as a beverage. It is always important to pay attention to food sensitivities, so as not to make symptoms worse.
Candida
Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called “Acidophillus and Bifidus” can use it as food. When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria, the candida cells begin to multiply out of control. Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints. Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses.
Causes of Candida Overgrowth
Antibiotics - antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply.
- antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply.
Birth control pills or devices - supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues which promotes the growth of yeast. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
- supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues which promotes the growth of yeast. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
Excessive stress and elevated cortisol - stress causes the release of certain hormone called cortisol. Cortical can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast.
- stress causes the release of certain hormone called cortisol. Cortical can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast.
Tap water consumption - common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria.
- common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria.
Parasites and intestinal worms - parasites also destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.
worms - parasites also destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.
Constipation - can be caused by candida. However constipation can also lead to candida. If one does not have candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what candida does best in. the more alkaline the digestive tract, the happier the candida becomes.
- can be caused by candida. However constipation can also lead to candida. If one does not have candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what candida does best in. the more alkaline the digestive tract, the happier the candida becomes.
Drugs and alcohol - excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
- excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
Hypothyroid - low thyroid is very common in cases of candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop candida overgrowth.
- low thyroid is very common in cases of candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop candida overgrowth.
Immune deficiency - any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about candida.
- any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about candida.
Hormonal imbalance - it has long been recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth.
- it has long been recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth.
Diabetes - it is impossible to eliminate candida while the blood sugar is high
- it is impossible to eliminate candida while the blood sugar is high
Effects on Health
Candida is a yeast that lives in the human digestive system. It has the ability to change from a yeast and become a fungus. As a fungus it operates in a similar fashion to any other fungus such as athletes’ foot fungus, etc. Candida is kept at low levels by the friendly bacteria that also reside in the digestive tract. Once this friendly bacteria has been destroyed, the yeast begins to overgrow and take over the digestive system. Left untreated, it becomes a fungus and grows into a plant-like structure complete with roots. These roots can break through the intestinal walls, allowing the yeast to travel to other areas of the body such as the sinuses, throat, reproductive organs, the lungs and skin just to name a few.
A yeast cell produces over 75 known toxic substances that consistently poisons the human body. These toxins contaminate the tissues where it weakens the immune system, the glands, the kidneys, bladder, lungs, liver and especially the brain and nervous system. Candida yeast can become so massive and invasive that it enters the fungal form where it provides very long, root-like structures that penetrate the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal wall. This penetration breaks down the protective barrier between the intestinal tract and bloodstream, allowing many foreign and toxic substances to enter and pollute the body systemically. As a result, proteins and other food wastes that are not completely digested or eliminated can assault the immune system and cause tremendous allergic reactions, fatigue and many other health problems. It also allows the candida itself and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, from which it may find its way to other tissues, resulting in far-ranging effects such as soreness of the joints, chest pain, sinus and skin problems, etc.
The major waste product of yeast cell activity is acetaldehyde and the by-product ethanol. Many people have a low iron content because this mineral is hard to absorb when candida is present, and therefore have little oxygen in the tissues. Ethanol can cause excessive fatigue and reduces the strength and stamina which takes away ambition. It destroys enzymes needed for cell energy and causes the release of free radicals that encourages the aging process.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Symptoms of candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one’s diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods & sweets will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow.
Yeasts, molds and funguses can build up in our systems causing many health issues. Some of the most prevalent signs of an overgrowth include (but is not limited to):
Headaches Depression Fatigue Sinusitis Agitation
Gas Constipation Diarrhea Cystitis Food Cravings
Asthma Food Sensitivities Joint Pain Endrometriosis Gastritis
Along with detoxing using homeopathic or herbal remedies, diet is important to keep the invaders in check. Many yeasts, molds and funguses feed on sugars and sugar products. Sugar includes such named items as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, glucose, dextrose, fructose, syrups, honey, and maltose. Overall, the less processed the foods you eat, the better it is for your system to detox. Other foods to limit if possible are yeast products (including bread), fermented foods, peanuts, white flour and white rice. Water is the best choice as a beverage. It is always important to pay attention to food sensitivities, so as not to make symptoms worse.
Candida
Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in our intestinal tract. It is also the yeast that causes vaginal yeast infections. It is normal to have small amounts of candida so the friendly and protective bacteria in our body called “Acidophillus and Bifidus” can use it as food. When something happens to kill off these friendly bacteria, the candida cells begin to multiply out of control. Candida can spread throughout the intestinal tract causing bloating, gas, food reactions and allergies, constipation, diarrhea and a host of digestive complaints. Candida can also spread to the vaginal area, the prostate, the heart, lungs, liver and cause numerous symptoms and illnesses.
Causes of Candida Overgrowth
Antibiotics - antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply.
- antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria it gives the candida a chance to begin to multiply.
Birth control pills or devices - supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues which promotes the growth of yeast. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
- supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Often copper IUD users develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues which promotes the growth of yeast. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems of the body. This can make it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.
Excessive stress and elevated cortisol - stress causes the release of certain hormone called cortisol. Cortical can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast.
- stress causes the release of certain hormone called cortisol. Cortical can depress the immune system and also raise blood sugar. The elevation in blood sugar can feed the yeast cells allowing them to grow quickly. The depression in immune function will leave the body defenseless against the sudden elevation in yeast.
Tap water consumption - common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria.
- common tap water is high in chlorine which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria.
Parasites and intestinal worms - parasites also destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.
worms - parasites also destroy friendly bacteria in the intestines making yeast overgrowth possible.
Constipation - can be caused by candida. However constipation can also lead to candida. If one does not have candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what candida does best in. the more alkaline the digestive tract, the happier the candida becomes.
- can be caused by candida. However constipation can also lead to candida. If one does not have candida and then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. A digestive tract which is constipated is slow moving and becomes very alkaline. An alkaline environment is exactly what candida does best in. the more alkaline the digestive tract, the happier the candida becomes.
Drugs and alcohol - excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
- excess alcohol can directly destroy friendly bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Any medication or drug that can cause a gastrointestinal side effect may cause yeast growth by disturbing friendly bacteria.
Hypothyroid - low thyroid is very common in cases of candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop candida overgrowth.
- low thyroid is very common in cases of candida. The thyroid gland has an important effect on the immune system. Adequate thyroid function also helps the digestive system operate correctly. Body temperature will drop if thyroid function is low. A drop in temperature stops many different chemical reactions from taking place. Some of these chemical reactions stop candida overgrowth.
Immune deficiency - any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about candida.
- any condition that results in a weakened immune system can bring about candida.
Hormonal imbalance - it has long been recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth.
- it has long been recognized that an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can be a causative factor in yeast overgrowth.
Diabetes - it is impossible to eliminate candida while the blood sugar is high
- it is impossible to eliminate candida while the blood sugar is high
Effects on Health
Candida is a yeast that lives in the human digestive system. It has the ability to change from a yeast and become a fungus. As a fungus it operates in a similar fashion to any other fungus such as athletes’ foot fungus, etc. Candida is kept at low levels by the friendly bacteria that also reside in the digestive tract. Once this friendly bacteria has been destroyed, the yeast begins to overgrow and take over the digestive system. Left untreated, it becomes a fungus and grows into a plant-like structure complete with roots. These roots can break through the intestinal walls, allowing the yeast to travel to other areas of the body such as the sinuses, throat, reproductive organs, the lungs and skin just to name a few.
A yeast cell produces over 75 known toxic substances that consistently poisons the human body. These toxins contaminate the tissues where it weakens the immune system, the glands, the kidneys, bladder, lungs, liver and especially the brain and nervous system. Candida yeast can become so massive and invasive that it enters the fungal form where it provides very long, root-like structures that penetrate the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal wall. This penetration breaks down the protective barrier between the intestinal tract and bloodstream, allowing many foreign and toxic substances to enter and pollute the body systemically. As a result, proteins and other food wastes that are not completely digested or eliminated can assault the immune system and cause tremendous allergic reactions, fatigue and many other health problems. It also allows the candida itself and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, from which it may find its way to other tissues, resulting in far-ranging effects such as soreness of the joints, chest pain, sinus and skin problems, etc.
The major waste product of yeast cell activity is acetaldehyde and the by-product ethanol. Many people have a low iron content because this mineral is hard to absorb when candida is present, and therefore have little oxygen in the tissues. Ethanol can cause excessive fatigue and reduces the strength and stamina which takes away ambition. It destroys enzymes needed for cell energy and causes the release of free radicals that encourages the aging process.
Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
- Intolerance to smells, perfume, fabric, tobacco smoke
- Complaints that worsen in damp, moldy, muggy places
- Athletes’ foot, jock itch, fungus in nails or skin, itchy scalp
- Craving for sugar, alcohol or bread
- Prostates or vaginitis
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal distention, bloating or pain
- Gas or flatulence
- Rectal itching or rash
- Colic
- Diaper rash
- Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections
- Kidney, bladder infections
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Sinus infections
- Joint pain or selling
- Acne
- Hives
- Rashes
- Itching skin
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Loss of sex drive
- Impotence
- Fatigue
- Feeling drained
- Memory loss
- Feeling spaced out
- Numbness, burning or tingling
- Muscle aches
- Muscle pains
- Flu-like symptoms
- Endometriosis
- Cramps or menstrual irregularities
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Spots in front of eyes
- Erratic vision
- Drowsiness
- irritability or jitteriness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Suicidal feelings
- Headaches
- Hypoglycemia
- Feeling of swelling & tingling in the head
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Intestinal gas
- Mucus in the stools
- Hemorrhoids
- Dry mouth
- Sores or blisters in mouth
- Bad breath
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal itching
- Post nasal drip
- Sore or dry mouth
- Sore or dry throat
- Cough
- Pain or tightness in chest
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Asthmatic symptoms
- Burning or itching eyes
- Burning on urination
- Ear pain
- Ear aches
- Food allergies or food reactions
- Ear discharges
- Painful intercourse
- Hay fever
- General allergies
- Thrush
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Peeling skin
Symptoms of candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one’s diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods & sweets will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow.
