CANDIDA: Symptoms, Causes and Cure
Candida is a yeast like fungus, present normally in our digestive tract and is part of our normal microflora. It resides usually on mucous membrane which are warm and moist like vagina, oral cavities, armpits and groins. It is not dangerous at all if it is in control. But under certain conditions such as poor dietary choices or stress increases the chances of its overgrowth.
Candida overgrowth has various symptoms and connection to various disease. This includes the hormonal imbalances, thyroid imbalances, digestive issues, brain disorders, sinus and fungal infections.
The causes of candida overgrowth are very vast ranging from poor diet, antibiotics use and even stress. It can be cured by changing the lifestyle, eating live and wholesome food.
Candida: Symptoms, Causes and Cure
It is very likely that you are suffering from candida overgrowth if you are experiencing any of these conditions or symptoms. Initially, candida is known as a disease of women as vaginal candidiasis. But more research has confirmed the colonisation of candida in the gut can lead to overgrowth of candida.
Candida overgowth increases the risk of Leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is the root cause for most of the Autoimmune diseases and digestive disorders like IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease and Obesity.
Causes of Candida Overgrowth
- Frequent Antibiotic use – Frequent and long term use of antibiotics kills the healthy microbe present in the gut. These healthy flora or microbes keep candida in check. Once there is an imbalance between healthy and unhealthy bacteria there are high chances of candida overgrowth when combined with other factors.
- Excess Sugar intake – Excessive sugar consumption changes the pH of our digestive tract. This prevents healthy bacteria to flourish and giving Candida a chance to grow. Candida itself is a yeast and it grows and thrives on foods containing yeast, starches and sugar products.
- Stress – People with excess stress have a weak immune system, combined with energy and blood sugar dysregulation. Stress shut the digestive process and lower the population of healthy bacteria. Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking and sugar consumption acts as a stressor and promote candida growth.
- Medications – Medicines like Corticosteroids and birth control pills increases the risk of oral thrush and Candida overgrowth. Most of bronchodilators and asthma inhalers contain corticosteroids.
How to Control Candida Overgrowth (Candidiasis)?
Dietary Changes
First step is to remove the foods which promote candida growth. Foods containing sugar including fruits, starches, dairy products promote yeast growth. It is best to omit these foods. The anti-candida diet includes more raw vegetables, leafy greens, seeds, nuts, beans and legumes.
These foods promote healthy bacteria in the intestine and keep candida in check. Lack of fibre and poor food are one of the main reasons for candida overgrowth.
Lifestyle changes
Stress increases the intestinal permeability and lower the acid and enzymes production. Stress causes an elevation in catecholamines and cortisol. Excess of these lower our immune response and interfere with digestion and assimilation of food through the overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Disturbed sleep also contributes to stress. Breathing techniques, asanas, meditation, yoga or callisthenics promote resilience & calmness. The idea is to reduce or eliminate any kind of stressors by employing different techniques and nutritional strategies. Resilence and lower sympathetic activity promotes healthy bacteria and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria including Candida.
Nutritional support
Garlic and Apple cider vinegar have anti candida properties. Raw garlic acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent. On the other hand, raw apple cider vinegar supports the acidity of the digestive tract especially stomach preventing overgrowth of candida. Clove oil, oregano oil and coconut also help in eradicating excess candida.
We usually can replace Candida with a healthier yeast known as Saccharomyces Boulardii in the form of a supplement. A good probiotic supplement to promote healthy flora in the digestive tract is also a good option.
