If you are experiencing symptoms like feeling bloated, foggy-headed, and flat you may not think these are related. But these could be caused by candida. It’s important to understand how this usually benign fungus can cause so many problems.
What is candida?
Candida is a type of yeast that lives in your mouth, skin, and small intestines. It is one of many types of fungi that live on or in the human body. And typically there is no cause for concern.
When can candida become a problem?
Candida can become a concern when it grows uncontrollably or becomes a candida overgrowth. This is called candidiasis. Candidiasis is one of the most common causes of fungal infections.
What causes candida overgrowth?
Normally you live with a healthy amount of candida on and in your body, but sometimes candida can grow uncontrollably and end up as a candidiasis infection. What causes this to happen?
Healthy bacteria live on and in your body, and help to keep candida controlled but if your microbiome becomes imbalanced then candida overgrowth can occur. Some things that can contribute to this imbalance are:
Taking antibiotics which kill healthy bacteria as well as the bacteria it’s trying to fight
Stress can contribute to bacteria imbalances
A diet high in sugar and processed carbohydrates contributes to an imbalance in your microbiome
Hormonal imbalances also affect bacteria balance
Artificial hormones used in birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Diseases including diabetes, HIV and cancer
Compromised immune system
What are the symptoms of candida overgrowth?
Depending on where the candida overgrowth occurs in your body, your symptoms will vary. That’s why it can be difficult to identify it as the underlying problem. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Fatigue. This can be caused by nutritional deficiencies like magnesium or a weakened immune system
Genital or urinary tract infections. Vaginal candida overgrowth is known as a yeast infection.
Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. A candida overgrowth in your digestive tract can contribute to these issues.
Brain fog. A candida overgrowth contributes to a toxin which overwhelms the liver in high amounts. This toxin can cause feelings of brain fog or vertigo. Vitamin deficiencies caused by the candida overgrowth can also cause
Cravings for sugar and alcohol
Joint pain. Candida which enters the bloodstream can cause arthritis in the joints.
Skin rashes and mouth lesions can occur when the candida overgrowth is in these locations
What can you do?
If candida overgrowth has led to an infection, you may need an antifungal medication to treat it. But there are things you can do to control an overgrowth before it becomes infectious.
Remove the candida and reset the terrain with a cleanse. But keep in mind that not all cleanses are created equal. If you’d like to partake in a simple, natural cleanse that I have been using in my practice with huge success for nearly 3 decades, please reach out to me.
Eliminate processed foods from your diet. These are usually high in sugar and refined carbohydrates which increase the likelihood of an overgrowth. Processed meats can also contribute to candida overgrowth
Limit consumption of sugar
Eliminate alcohol from your diet. Alcohol can promote candida growth.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control. People with diabetes have a higher risk of candidiasis. Diabetes that is not well controlled can hinder the immune response which can make it more likely that an overgrowth will turn into an infection.
Reduce stress which will help to keep bacteria levels balanced
Consume probiotic and prebiotic foods to help ensure a healthy gut microbiome (link to probiotic article)
Include non starchy vegetables in your diet
Include unprocessed meat, fish and poultry in your diet
I can help
If you are experiencing symptoms of candida overgrowth I can help. I can create a personalized gut health and body balancing program that will help you eliminate the foods that are causing issues and replace them with foods that promote healthy bacteria.
Book a free nutrition assessment to find out more.
Warm wishes,
Vicki Witt | Clinical Nutritionist | Holistic Coach | Reiki Master | Certified LEAP allergy therapist Over 25 years of successfully helping you achieve optimal health and weight loss 🍏| www.vickiwittweightloss.com
About Vicki:
Vicki Witt is a Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Coach, and Reiki Master. She has been practicing over 25 years and specializes in holistically customizing diet and lifestyle plans to each individual for weight loss and hormonal control. Her clientele often report they feel the best they have ever felt and wish they had started sooner. One of the USA and Australia's top Nutritionists, she has won multiple awards for her services in the industry.
Certified and Registered Nutritionist
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