Most people don’t realize that many of their health issues can be attributed to candida. Candida could be hiding anywhere in your body. People contribute candida to thrush, an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, or the equivalent in the form of a yeast infection. Did you know that candida could be the underlying cause for many different types of symptoms?
What is Candida?
Candida is yeast. It can be found in the environment and in our bodies. Our bodies have this naturally occurring yeast that, under normal conditions, does not cause any serious upset. However, the typical American diet can cause an overgrowth of this yeast in your system. The high carbohydrates and processed flour and other foods wreak havoc on the body. But even if you have a healthy diet you could be suffering from an imbalance in your system that causes candida to thrive. Candida can show itself in obvious ways like a female yeast infection or the thrush that is commonly seen in some babies’ mouths. But it can also have less obvious signs such as skin problems like eczema or even psoriasis flare-ups. It can be the cause of extreme fatigue and even unexplained weight gain. If you have a compromised immune system you could be even more susceptible to a yeast imbalance. Mind Body Green noted that even mood swings, irritability, and severe allergies can be attributed to a candida infection! The number one reason for this imbalance is diet. Yeast thrives, like a fungus, in dark, moist places where there is plenty of food. For candida, and other yeasts, sugar is the main source of sustenance. Your body breaks down several foods into sugars:
- Milk
- White flours
- Starches
- Sugar
But even if you normally have a very good diet, if you have had to take antibiotics you could suffer from an overgrowth of candida without even realizing it. Pregnancy can also cause a hormonal upheaval that contributes to candida outbreaks.
What Do I Do about Candida?
If you think you may have a candida imbalance the best thing to do is first look at your diet. If you find yourself consuming or even craving processed foods, a lot of starches, milk, or sugar you should try adjusting your diet right away to minimize these things. Take a look at our blog on probiotics and see how friendly bacteria can combat this imbalance. It is important to remember that yeast is present in everyone’s body but it is the imbalance that causes issues. Even stress can cause imbalance. Find ways to add probiotics to your diet, minimize the trigger factors like stress and poor diet, and take a look at some of the articles below. Soon you will be feeling like a new you.
Applications & Resources About Candida
- Check out the Haelan Centre for more information about candida and how to combat it
- Read more at MindBodyGreen for 10 common candida symptoms (and be surprised!)
- Go to WebMD for some common information on candida and how research needs to be encouraged in this area
