Candida Albicans is a yeast organism and is just one of the many types and strains of gut bacteria found living naturally in the body. It is kept under control by the immune system and by the presence of the other gut flora.
However, once something upsets the delicate balance of flora, candida quickly takes the opportunity to multiply which then leads to a chronic yeast infection. There are a number of causes of candida overgrowth.
Use of antibiotics, the pill and HRT, use of steroid creams and injections, use of hydrocortisone creams and injections, an impaired immune system, use of chlorine and fluoride, junk food diets, non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and stress to name but a few.
Once candida takes hold it changes form a yeast form to a fungal form, putting out little hair-like roots which attach to the intestinal wall. As the candida thrives, it gives off a number 79 identified toxins. The candida organism enters the bloodstream allowing it to reach other tissues in the body resulting in many systemic effects involving joints and skin problems.
Symptoms of candidiasis are many and varied and range from allergic, emotional and mental to intestinal and urinary issues as follows:
Vaginal thrush, bloating, bowel problems, constipation, diarrhoea, inflammation of the stomach lining, oesophagus, colon and bladder, athletes' foot, prostatitis, menstrual problems, asthma, migraines, headaches, depression, confusion, irritability, lack of concentration, drowsiness, insomnia, memory lapses, lethargy, bronchitis, hives, earache, chemical and food sensitivities, hay fever, fungal nail growth, ringworm, rashes, itching, nasal congestion, sinusitis, post-nasal drip, anxiety, feeling "spaced out," jittery, indecisiveness, junk food diets.
There are other symptoms such as a weakened immune system where the body is defenceless against infections and all that entails but I hope the above gives you some idea as to how devastating candida can be to your health.
So, if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms and your doctor has ruled out anything sinister, the chances are you are suffering from candidiasis.
The main thing is that this yeast infection overgrowth can be cured. However most candidiasis is long-standing and treatment will have to be followed for as long as necessary to prevent a re-occurrence of symptoms. For some people it's a matter of months before they are clear and for others it could be as long as one to three years; everyone is different and unfortunately there is no quick fix.
As a starting point, take out the foods from your diet which feed candida. Sugar is one of the main things to avoid. If you've ever put sugar on top of a yeast solution you will soon see how it activates the growth of the yeast. By constantly eating sugary things you are actually feeding the candida what it needs to grow!
Some other foods to avoid are anything fermented, yeast products, dried fruits, smoked products, mushrooms, artificial sweeteners.
Try to look at the foods you can eat rather than those you can't and imagine a life in the near future where you will be symptom free!
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