Candida (not Canada!) is a yeast, which is a type of fungus, that naturally lives on the skin and inside the body in places such as the mouth, throat, gut and vagina. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when there is an excess of Candida species (most commonly Candida Albicans).
Candida feeds on sugars, simple carbohydrates and fermented products like alcohol and cheese. Unfortunately, the presence of excess Candida in the body weakens the immune system because it has to try to cope with the toxins produced by the yeast. The yeast takes over and turns into a nasty mycelial form, which sends out mycelia or roots, which can then invade the rest of the body. This is where the long-term problems start as unpleasant symptoms present in the part of the body that the yeast takes control of. Candidiasis can occur as a result of taking antibiotics, a hormone imbalance (the pill is a major factor in this) stress and poor nutrition. These factors can effect the balance of healthy organisms in the gut and enable the bad ones to multiply.
Candidiasis can present in a myriad of symptoms and in many cases, not all at the one time, as it can depend on what which part of the body the Candida has taken over. Some of the following symptoms may be an indicator of Candidiasis:
Digestive
- Bloating
- Gas
- Burping
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Alternating between diarrhoea and constipation
Urino-genital problems
- Vaginal itch/burning
- Vaginal discharge
- Repeating cystitis
- Thrush
- Urinary urgency
- Burning on urination
Catarrh (nose/throat) symptoms
- Sinus congestion
- Catarrh (build up of mucus in the back of the nose, throat or sinuses)
- Postnasal drip
- Tickly cough
- Dry mouth or throat
- Sore throat
General symptoms
- Joint pains - Fungal infection of fingernails - Headaches - Mood swings - Poor concentration - Athlete's foot
To help prevent or overcome Candidiasis, our Naturopaths recommend the following:
Increase hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes and promote bile flow to stop the overgrowth of Candida
Improve immunity by increasing the intake of Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin E and Selenium
Increase alkaline forming foods (like fruits, vegetables, soybeans, tofu, some nuts, seeds and legumes) and lower acid forming foods (such as dairy, eggs, meat, most grains, processed/canned and convenience foods).
Eat fruits alone and always on empty stomach
Eat protein with non-starchy and/or sea vegetables
Eat grains, grain-like seeds and starchy vegetables with non-starchy and /or ocean vegetables
Use only Stevia as your chosen sweetener
Eat till your stomach is 80% full and leave 20% empty for digestion
Meals should ideally consist of roughly 80% of that plate made up of land and/or ocean vegetables and 20% in animal protein or grain like seed or starchy vegetables
Include some fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir every day
If you suspect an overgrowth of Candida, our Naturopaths are available in store every day to discuss your concerns or are available for private consultations for a more detailed diagnosis and treatment plan.