It’s white it’s furry and it also goes by the name of thrush. Candida comes in many forms however Candida Albicans, the most common type of yeast infection is often found in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina. It can also affect the skin, nails and other mucus membranes. If your immune system is functioning optimally it is rarely serious. On the other hand if your immune system is worn down or simply not functioning properly Candida can become invasive migrating to other areas of the body, including the blood and membranes around the heart and brain.
In the right quantities Candida aids with nutrient absorption and digestion however, if it is allowed to over produce it starts to break down the walls of the intestinal lining penetrating the bloodstream. This action releases toxins from your system, leading to leaky gut syndrome
There is a saying “if you give an inch they will take a mile” well Candida has a nasty habit of precisely that. Rapidly growing out of control becoming a chronic health condition. In some people chronic Candida can induce food intolerances and allergies to foods which were previously fine. These foods can include dairy, eggs, corn and gluten.
Symptoms
- Mood Disorders – mood swings; anxiety; irritability; depression; panic attacks
- Recurring Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – It’s worth noting that Candidia can be transmitted sexually.
- Chronic Fatigue – often present with headaches; joint pain; memory loss; concentration loss; sore throat.
- Oral Thrush – can be transmitted through the saliva
- Sinus Infections – persistent cough, post-nasal drip; increase in congestion; seasonal allergies; flu-like symptoms.
- Intestinal Distress – Persistent flatulence; burping; bloating; constipation or diarrhea; stomach cramps
- Brain Fog – poor coordination; lack of focus
- Skin and Nail Fungal Infections – Athlete’s foot; fungal infections
- Hormonal Imbalance – Candida can cause early menopause; PMS; low sex drive; migraines; endometriosis; water retention; mood swings; inability to loose weight.
Causes
Candida has a number of causes including a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol all of which help to feed Candida.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to fight infections with the intention of killing off invasive bacteria within your system, trouble is that they are often overused. This leads to other problems. Antibiotics are not selective, they kill all bacteria including beneficial bacteria creating a literal breeding ground for Candida.
Oral Corticosteroids – present in asthma inhalers, increase the risk of Candida developing in your mouth, which is why it’s very important that you follow directions for swishing your mouth out every time you use your inhaler.
Birth control pills combined with a diet high in refined sugars and the occasional course of antibiotics can result in Candida infections. These are often treated with antibiotics which can instigate a never-ending circle with women often finding that their birth control pills seem to instigate yeast infections.
Anyone with a weakened immune system has a much higher chance of developing Candida, including infants; small children; the elderly; those with HIV/AIDS as well as inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a much higher chance of contracting Candida infections. This is down to the sugar levels in the mouth and other mucus membranes being higher in sugar levels than those without. Candida is a yeast and yeast feeds on sugar so this correlation is understandable.
While Candida is stubborn ,with the right help, supplements and dietary plan, your body is more than capable of rectifying the situation and putting Candida at bay.