Visit
our Health Index for More Subjects, Conditions and
Answers
Candida
(Yeast Infection)
Updated 7-22-2020
Candida albicans is a type of
parasitic yeast-like fungus that inhabits the intestines, genital tract,
mouth, esophagus, and throat. It is the disorder caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida
albicans within the body.
Normally this type of fungus lives in a healthy
balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body. It is important to note that a certain level of candida
yeast is a useful, natural part of the human system, helping to balance
normal body function. However, certain conditions can cause it to
multiply and become an overgrowth while weakening the immune system. The fungus can travel
through the bloodstream to many parts of the body.
A
Candida yeast infection looks like:

Candida
overgrowth is one of those difficult to diagnose diseases because it has
many symptoms that indicate other ailments.
How does
Candida create problems?
When there is an abnormal increase in
the amount of yeast, it can secrete a large volume of toxins into the body
which may weaken the immune system. Once this happens, a
self-perpetuating cycle can develop. The longer the yeast is
in the system, the weaker the immune system becomes. The weaker the
immune system, the higher the tolerance it has to the yeast itself.
This allows the yeast colonies to continue to grow, releasing more
toxins and further impairing the immune system.
This results in a
variety of conditions at different levels of severity and discomfort,
experienced by millions each year. Candidiasis occurs in both
males and females, although it is more prevalent among females.
A Yeast Infection Symptoms
Since candida can cause multiple systemic
illnesses, a whole gamut of symptoms, ranging from the general to those
affecting specific areas is possible.
These include low energy and fatigue, irritability, anxiety, fear,
depression, 'brain fog", memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis,
canker sores, persistent heartburn, headaches, lightheadedness,
muscle and joint pain, constipation, gas, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bad breath, nagging cough, congestion, numbness
in the face and extremities, tingling sensations, acne, night sweats,
severe itching, clogged sinuses, PMS, burning tongue, vaginitis, kidney
and bladder infections, hyperactivity, adrenal problems, rectal itching,
impotence, sensitivity to chemicals, poor circulation,
resulting in consistently cold hands and feet, urinary tract
infections, white coating on the tongue or esophagus
(thrush), heart palpitations, and irregular pulse and even diabetes.
Symptoms often worsen in damp and/or moldy places, and after
consumption of foods containing sugar, high amount of carbohydrates (Carbs
are actually a lot of glucose molecules linked
together) and/or yeast or fungus in the food.
Candida
thrives on sugar.
Because of its
many and varied symptoms, this disorder is often misdiagnosed.
Although it may affect both men and women, however, it is rarely
transmitted sexually.
Very often, allergies to foods are present in people with candida
infections.
In the respiratory tract, problems caused by candida range from
chronic, post-nasal drip and coughs to sore throats, colds and
asthma.
The skin can be affected too, with eczema, itching, rashes, acne, and
fungal infections.
A variety of gynecological symptoms are possible with candida,
the most common one being a vaginal yeast infection characterized by
itching, redness, irritation, and a cheesy, white discharge.
Candida sometimes can be thought to be
chronic fatigue syndrome.
Reasons
Candida overgrowth is the result of living
habits, dietary, and environmental influences that have led to a reduced
level of biological functioning. Yeast and other
potentially harmful micro-organisms would have
no place to multiply out of control and mutate
into pathogenic forms unless the proper
conditions for their mutation and proliferation
existed.
When the concentration of healthy bacterial
species is greatly diminished, the candida yeast
organisms begin a process of mutation into
harmful fungal forms. In their mutated forms,
these fungal rhizoids develop elongated root-like structures capable of penetrating the
intestinal lining, entering the circulating
blood and colonizing tissues throughout the
body.
Such fungal organisms produce powerful
toxins, posing a severe challenge to the
system's detoxification pathways and cause many
of the candida /dysbiosis sufferer's symptoms.
Damage to the intestine's lining makes it more
permeable to substances that were previously
incapable of gaining entrance into the bloodstream via the intestinal lining. Because of
this phenomenon (leaky gut syndrome) toxins and
large food molecules that would normally have
no way of getting into the circulating blood are
absorbed and create an enormous burden on the
immune system that now has to neutralize,
destroy and eliminate them. This produces many
of the "allergic" and inflammatory
symptoms that so often impact individuals with
candida overgrowth.
For More Information: Stop Feeding Candida
Risks:
All persons on long term antibiotics and chemotherapy are at high risk
for severe cases of candidiasis.
Taking antibiotics also can cause a
deficiency of vitamin K, which is manufactured by the "good
bacteria" in the intestines. Eating plenty of leafy greens,
alfalfa, strawberries, and yogurt can restore the vitamin K
balance. (For Vitamin K Supplement)
Allergy testing is advised for anyone with symptoms of candida
infections.
Candidiasis may be related to hypoglycemia.
People on psychiatric drugs have an increased
chance of developing an overgrowth of candida.
Educational Video:
Does Eating Yeast Really Cause Yeast Infections``
Treatment
Rectifying immediate and local symptoms are relatively easy.
There are many nonprescription corrective measures including natural
remedies. However, treating local infections does not address the
root of the problem, and the overall condition really should be treated,
so that yeast-related maladies don't continue to occur. Balancing
the system is needed.
RECOMMENDED:
Listen to Dr. Berg's educational Video on how to Kill Candida
Use Thyme Oil and Intermittent Fasting for Candida*
Anti-Candida and Anti-Fungal Effects of MCT Oil
*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6572016/
Things that help:
Diet
A person's approach to food is important as it can either inhibit or
accelerate yeast-related problems.
In using dietary strategies as a
treatment for candida overgrowth, a restricted diet should be followed for
several weeks. It should be low in carbohydrates. (Carbs
are really just glucose molecules hooked
together, that breaks down into sugar).
This diet can be followed for an
indeterminate amount of time, and foods can also be added back
eventually. This should be done in a gradual, one-at-a-time manner,
to determine a specific food's effect. If symptoms recur after
a particular food is reintroduced, that food should be avoided.
Of course, a more direct way would be to have
a nutritionist test you for food
allergies.
The main thing to remember as you follow an anti-candida diet is to
exclude sugar. The idea is to guard against the continued growth of
yeast and to fortify the immune system, and since sugar is the main food
source for yeast, and does not benefit the immune system, it has to be
eliminated. Don't just ban granulated sugar, be on guard against
honey, corn and maple syrup, fruit, maltose, artificial sweeteners,
fructose, cornstarch, sodas, and lactose (a milk sugar found in dairy
products).
Use Kefir to build up good
bacteria Kefir
Does
eating Yeast
cause a Yeast Infection? Watch this
video. You need to build up the good
bacteria.
Here is
some help:
Foods
to Eat
Foods
to Avoid
Take only hypoallergenic supplements. Whole food
supplements are best - see Real
Health Products (the
company provides free live help)
To prevent
re-infection, replace your toothbrush every thirty
days. This is a good preventative measure against both fungal and
bacterial infections of the mouth.
Do not use corticosteroids
(steroids) or oral contraceptives until the condition
improves.
Avoid household chemical products and cleaners, chlorinated water,
mothballs, synthetic textiles and damp and moldy places, such as
basements.
Eat natural, healthy foods.
Fresh vegetable; tofu; miso; kefir (whole milk,
grass-fed if possible); meats; fresh fish and eggs from free-range hens.
Yeast growth may also be held in check by using small amounts of organic
extra virgin olive oil.
Drink a lot of water.
Drink
Kefir. Builds
up the good bacteria in the body and keeps the
candida population down.
Use Kefir
to build up good bacteria Kefir
Take some type of fiber daily.
Veggies are best.
Use Apple
Cider Vinegar - see Apple
Cider Vinegar Plus
MCT Oil - Brain and Body Fuel
Gradually
change your diet to a healthy diet -
what is a healthy diet?
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
EMAIL
AND GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
Share This
Article on Facebook
If you would like to receive the MCVitamins.com
Weekly Newsletter,
Please
Sign up here: Newsletter Signup
We
take privacy and security seriously, read about it
here
Search this
Website
MCVitamins.com is an affiliate of Dr. Berg Nutritionals & Real Health Products
Home
Health
Tips Health Concerns
Site Index
Glossary
© 2000-2020 MCVitamins.com
. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this website in full or in part is prohibited without the express written permission of MCVitamins.com
We have used our best judgment in compiling this information. The Food and Drug Administration may not have evaluated the information presented. Any reference to a specific product is for your information only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
|