What Is Candida?
Among the many parasitic bacteria tha affect our lives, Candida albicans is the most common. Candida, as it is commonly called, is a yeastlike fungus that naturally lives in all healthy bodies with no ill effects. Over 90% of the American population has a candida overgrowth in their bodies. It mainly inhabits the digestive tract but can spread to other parts of the body like the mouth, throat, esophagus, genitlas and even the lungs. In healthy bodies, these harmless prarsites exist in small colonies along with other bacteria usually found in our digestive tract. When these anaerobic colonies grow in numbers, they release their toxic waste into the bloodstream. This can cause numerous symptoms such as:
- acne
- abdominal pain
- adrenal problems
- arthritis
- athletes foot
- bad breath
- bloating
- brain fog
- burning tongue
- canker sores
- chronic fatigue
- cold extremities
- clogged sinuses
- colitis
- congestion
- constipation
- depression
- diarrhea
- gas
- headaches
- hyperactivity
- hypothyroidism
- immune weakness
- jock itch
- kidney & bladder infections
- memory loss
- mood swings
- mucous in stools & vaginal area
- nail fungus
- night sweats
- heartburn
- PMS
- poor digestion
- poor elimination
- rectal itching
- skin rashes
- sugar & carbohydrate cravings
- sore throat
- tingling sensations
- vaginitis
thrush (white spots on tongue and in mouth)
The friendly bacteria in our digestive tract (Bifidobacteria bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and our immune system keep candida overgrowth under control in a healthy body. The friendly bacteria are called the GI micoflora and are essential for maintaining healthy intestines and a strong immune system.
When an imbalance occurs the Candida begin to grow at a rapid rate, spread and infect the body’s tissues. The imbalance can occur because of an extended use of antibiotics, which kill all the bacteria – the friendly and the bad. Then there is no longer any friendly bacteria to control the overgrowth of candida. Antibiotics are also found in our food supply.
Other contributing factors are birth contol pills and cortisone-type steroids. These drugs cause a hormone imbalance which weakens the body making it more vulnerable to candida overgrowth. The standard American diet of over-processed, high sugar, articficially colored carbohydrates low in fiber is a huge contributing factor of candida.
Anybody at any age can get a yeast infection, but they are more prevalent in women. Candida can be growing rapidly before symptoms occur. It is mostly misdiagnosed and the resulting symptoms are often treated – never getting to the root of the problem.
There are 2 forms of Candida: yeast and fungal. Fungal is the most serious producing rhizoids, or long root like structures, that penetrate the mucous lining of the intestines, boring holes that break down the natural barrier of the intestines. This allows toxins to enter the circulatory system through the bloodstream. They then travel throughout the entire body producing a number of symptoms and weaken the immune system.
If you suspect you have candida it is recommended you go on a anti-candida diet and do a candida cleanse to eliminate the overgrowth and normalize bowel functions.