Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Some species of Candida can cause infection in people; the most common is Candida albicans.
Candida normally lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can cause infections if it grows out of control or if it enters deep into the body for example, the bloodstream or internal organs like the kidney, heart, or brain.1 A systemic infection can be fatal.
Common Causes of Yeast Overgrowth Include:
» Antibiotic use
» High intake of sugar, starches, and dietary fungi (beer, bread, nuts, cheese, corn)
» Hypochlorhydria
» Impaired immune function
» Dysbiosis2
Symptoms can include diarrhoea, GI symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Skin conditions such as eczema, athlete’s foot, thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and jock itch are common. Other symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, and possibly muscle and joint pain.
To treat a fungal overgrowth, the most important step for long-term success is removing the easy food sources for the fungi – sugar in its myriad forms, starches, and other fungal foods (noble tree mushrooms excluded). Candida usually doesn’t show up alone – it will bring bacterial friends and possibly parasites who also enjoy a starch and sugar-rich diet.
While changing the diet, we will also use probiotics, anti-fungal and anti-microbial herbs such as oregano oil or nigella, enzymes to support upper intestinal health, and gut restorative supplements.
A fact that can be missed is that when a person is highly stressed, the production of digestive juices is reduced and cortisol levels go up. The body is primed for survival, not digestion. If this state is prolonged, the low digestive function allows microbes to flourish
and steal our nutrients. Treating the adrenals and nervous system forms the base of treatment, to facilitate long-term improvement.
References
- www.cdc.gov
- Candidiasis | Types of Diseases | Fungal Diseases | CDC
- Diagnostic Solutions Lab, GI-Map interpretative guide
