Candida may be the culprit
If you are among others who have tried to eliminate sugars from your diet and STILL find yourself reaching for the sweets… it may not be due to your lack of willpower. Candida may be your culprit.
Candidiasis refers to the overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus, Candida albicans, that exists in our intestinal tract, vagina, mouth, and skin. We do need about 10%-15% of this fungus to live happily along side our friendly bacteria. The problem occurs when there is a disturbance in their environment and candida grows out of control. If left unchecked, candida can grow roots and burrow through the gut lining creating a leaky gut syndrome. This undesirable situation now leads to further health challenges when undigested food particles find their way into the bloodstream where they do not belong.
Our immune system may also produce antibodies against the candida where the body has now, in effect, acquired an allergy to it. This is believed to be the primary reason why Candidiasis keeps coming back.
That is not the end of it! The overgrowth of candida albicans can get so far out of control, enter our bloodstream and attack other organs! Yikes!!!
Candidiasis Checklist
If you have 4+ of the symptoms listed below, you may have Candidiasis
- Chronic fatigue, tiredness, feelings of being drained
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headaches or migraines
- Psoriasis, hives, or skin rash
- Severe reaction to perfume, tobacco, or chemical odours
- Rectal itching or bladder infections
- Anxiety or depression
- Feeling “spacey”
- White coating on tongue
- Fungal infections around the nails or feet (athletes foot)
- Appearance of dark circles under the eyes
- PMS, menstrual problems, vaginal discharge, burning or itching, endometriosis, uterine fibroids
- Prostate problems, impotence
- BABIES: Thrush, yeast infections, diaper rash
Women are four times more likely than men to suffer candida overgrowth. If you are experiencing four or more vaginal yeast infections in a year, consult a healthcare practitioner. Sometimes the first sign of diabetes is a stubborn vaginal yeast infection that will not go away.
Thrush is the term used when babies have excess candida in their mouths. It presents itself as white milk curds (that will not rub off) on the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks. The baby may be fussy, but not bothered. Thrush is usually found among newborn babies. It is rarely seen in babies over the age of one month unless the child has been on heavy doses of antibiotics.
The 3 Main Causes of Candidasis
- Medications and a poor diet. Antibiotics are the most common causes. Antibiotics not only kill off the “bad” bacteria, it kills all of the bacteria (including our friendly bacteria) upsetting the proper balance. Birth control pills, steroid drugs, chemotherapy, and dietary habits that include excess sugar and refined carbohydrates as well as dairy products can also contribute to candida.
- Low Stomach Acid (HCL). Candidiasis has also been associated with low stomach acid. Stomach acid or HCL (hydrochloric acid) is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and minerals. As a result, most people with candida overgrowth become mal absorbers and result in serious nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms of low stomach acid are: abdominal bloating or distension, a full or loggy feeling after a heavy meat meal, excessive gas or burping after meals, constipation and foul-smelling stools, breath, and urine.
- Amalgams. Mercury amalgam fillings are a stress to the immune system and can invite fungal overgrowth.
Candidiasis is almost impossible to eradicate without a good supplement and diet plan. To learn more about Candidiasis and how you can self-treat it, stay tuned for my up and coming Nutri-Body ™ Questionnaire Self Test. Taking this test can help guide you as to where your primary nutritional and metabolic imbalances are. A Report titled, ‘Interpreting the Results’ will be immediately sent back to you with Simple Solutions that you can begin right away to help you take your power back and stop those sugar cravings!
Want to learn more about how you can get fit and healthy now? Check out Michale Hartte’s, BASc (Nutr), NNCP new book, “The Fit n Healthy Plan – The healthy diet & lifestyle plan made easy!”. Click under “Products and Services” for more information.