Candida Overgrowth
Candida is an overgrowth of yeast throughout the body. Yeasts are parasitic organisms that absorb our nutrients and produce toxic waste. Our bodies are supposed to have what is called "friendly bacteria" in our colon. They are part of our immune system and act as protective shields for our body – their main function is to keep bad bacteria from entering the body. However, Candida yeast can eventually evolve from a yeast form into a fungal form – very long, root-like structures called rhizoids that puncture the intestinal lining, leading to a condition called leaky gut syndrome. This creates holes in the digestive tract, allowing many foreign and toxic substances to pass into the bloodstream. When undigested food particles leak through these holes and enter the bloodstream, the body views them as foreign invaders.
The candida organisms that pass through the blood stream have been found to produce over 70 known toxins that will poison and strain the major organs in the body – including the liver, kidneys, heart, colon, bladder, and central nervous system. The ability to absorb and digest the necessary nutrients from foods eaten is cut in half. Among the toxins produced is acetaldehyde, a poison that is converted by the liver into alcohol. As alcohol builds up in the system, symptoms associated with alcohol intoxication develop. This is why one of the most common symptoms of candida is brain fog.
Many people with candida digest less than 50% of their food, because the yeast overgrowth can create a digestive conflict that robs their bodies of nutrition. It is not surprising that candida sufferers are constantly hungry. Candida creates chaos in the intestines – traditional doctors have little or no answer to the causes of the resulting diseases and can use only medicines to treat them. All immunological weaknesses and infectious conditions are made worse by the presence of candida throughout the body. Also the foods on which candida thrives are a common part of the typical modern day diet – starchy, sugary, refined flours, and lots of carbohydrates. Sound familiar? Pizza, cookies, cakes, French fries, breads, crackers, cheese, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and alcohol are not only a favorite of your diet, but also of candida's too.
Most holistic experts agree that the alarming number of people who suffer from candida is due to the over-prescribed use of antibiotics, which kills not only the bacteria we want to get rid of, but also the good bacteria in the digestive tract. Other drugs that can upset the balance include anti-inflammatories, cortisone, and birth control pills. Poor diet (too many refined carbohydrates), stress, and nutrient deficiencies can also lead to an imbalance.
Symptoms of Yeast Syndrome:
Fatigue or lethargy
Feeling of being drained
Depression or manic depression
Numbness, burning, or tingling
Headaches
Muscle Aches
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Pain and/or swelling in joints
Abdominal Pain
Constipation and/or diarrhea
Bloating, belching or intestinal gas
Troublesome vaginal burning, itching or discharge in women
Prostatitis in men
Prostatitis in men
Impotence
Loss of sexual desire or feeling
Endometriosis or infertility
Cramps and/or other menstrual irregularities
Premenstrual tension
Attacks of anxiety or crying
Cold hands or feet, low body temperature
Hypothyroidism
Shaking or irritable when hungry
Cystitis or interstitial cystitis
Drowsiness
Irritability
Poor coordination
Frequent mood swings
Insomnia
Dizziness/loss of balance
Pressure above ears...feeling of head swelling
Sinus problems...tenderness of cheekbones or forehead
Tendency to bruise easy
Eczema, itching eyes
Psoriasis
Chronic hives (urticaria)
Indigestion or heartburn
Sensitivity to milk, wheat, corn or other common foods
Mucous in stools
Rectal itching
Dry mouth or throat
Mouth rashes including white tongue
Bad breath
Foot, hair, or body odor not relieved by washing
Nasal congestion or post nasal drip
Nasal itching
Sore throat
Laryngitis, loss of voice
Cough or recurrent bronchitis
Pain or tightness in chest
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Urinary frequency or urgency
Burning on urination
Spots in front of eyes or erratic vision
Burning or tearing eyes
Recurrent infections or fluid in ears
Ear pain or deafness
Inability to concentrate
Skin problems (hives, athlete's foot, fungus infection of the nails,
jock itch, psoriasis (including of the scalp) or other chronic skin rashes)
Gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, or bloating)
Symptoms involving the reproductive organs
Muscular and nervous system symptoms (including aching or swelling in your muscles and joints, numbness, burning or tingling, muscle weakness or paralysis)
Recurrent ear problems resulting in antibiotic therapy
Respiratory symptoms
Lupus
Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit Disorder
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women
High sugar foods drastically increase symptoms
Inflammation of the hair follicles (candidiasis folliculitis) of
various parts of the body (feet, legs, arms)
Extreme lethargy
Diarrhea, chronic gas, abdominal cramps alleviated by bowel
movements. Perhaps labeled with the term "irritable bowel syndrome"
Lactose intolerance
Anxiety
Allergies and allergy symptoms, chemical sensitivities
Panic attacks
Sinus problems
Eye fatigue
Muscle weakness and bone pain
White tongue coating
Psoriasis/seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff, dry, itchy skin
Rectal itching
Swollen lips/face
Symptoms worse after waking
Facial rash
Avoiding food helps to alleviate symptoms
Hives
Chronic inflammation and irritation of the eye and conjunctiva
Feeling of being intoxicated which leads to a "hangover feeling"
(due to fermentation and alcohol production by yeast)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder