Ten signs you have Candida Overgrowth & What to do About it
Do you experience any of these symptoms of Candida overgrowth?
- Sugar cravings
- Brain fog
- Exhaustion
- Joint pain
- Increased sensitivity or allergy in damp, humid, muggy or moldy places.
Do you have any of these signs of Candida overgrowth?
- Coating on tongue
- Bad breath
- Recurrent Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Gas, bloating and digestive issues
- Itchy scalp, scalp dryness or sores
If yes, then you may have an infection caused by Candida.
What is Candida?
Candida is a fungus and is the most common type of infection. It affects the skin, vagina and other mucous membranes. The general misconception is that only women are at risk of yeast infections. This is not true; men can have it too since Candida lives in the mouth and intestines.
When Candida overgrows, it breaks down the intestinal lining and enters the bloodstream. This causes it to release toxic by-products from your system leading to many health issues. Health problems range from digestive issues to leaky gut syndrome to depression.
What causes Candida overgrowth?
Candida aids with digestion and nutrient absorption when present at desirable levels. Yet, certain conditions can lead to Candida overgrowth.
Diabetes: If you have diabetes sugar levels fluctuate and sometimes get too high. Sugar levels in the mouth and mucous membranes are higher than those without diabetes. People with uncontrolled diabetes or high blood sugar are more prone to Candida overgrowth. Candida feeds on sugar which is why people with diabetes have a higher risk.
Birth control pills: Oral contraceptives do not lead to a direct Candida overgrowth. Yet, a combination of birth control pills, refined sugar, and antibiotics can lead to Candida.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics wipe out all bacteria from the body including the good ones. This can cause an imbalance in the microorganisms; as a result, Candida takes over.
Weak immune system: People with a weakened immune system are at high risk of infections. It also includes people with autoimmune conditions and inflammatory conditions.
Besides these, several other factors also increase candida overgrowth such as these,
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Eating too many refined carbohydrates
- A stressful lifestyle
- A heavy dose of antibiotics
What you can do to get Candida under control
Avoid sugar: Cut back on refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, and gluten rich foods. You’ll even want to avoid natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Keep fruit intake at a minimum until you can get the infection under control. Include non starchy vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, tomato, onions, and cucumber.
Boost your immune system: Add fermented vegetables like sauerkraut and kimchi to your menu. It helps bring your gut flora to a balance and makes it less hospitable for Candida.
Curb the growth: Garlic or garlic supplements and apple cider vinegar kill candida.
If left untreated candida can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. So take action to avoid complications.
What questions do you have about Candida overgrowth? Let me know in the comments below!
You may also enjoy:
5 Reasons You Can't Stop Craving Sugar (And How to Stop)
What The Heck is Kombucha and Should I Be Drinking It?
10 Warning Signs You Have Leaky Gut Syndrome
All my love,
Danette
