THE CANDIDA CONNECTION
Candida Albicans is a naturally occurring yeast that lives in the digestive tract and mucous membranes. It is essential in eliminating invading bacteria and supporting the immune system. The digestive tract has over 100,000 billion bacteria, both beneficial and potentially harmful that exist in balance with intestinal fungi.

'Friendly' bacteria produce enzymes which aid digestion by synthesizing amino acids, vitamins and minerals. They also protect against harmful toxins and chemical substances in foods.

The problem of candida overgrowth or candidiasis starts when there is a shift in the intestinal microflora, upsetting the balance of protective bacteria in relation to harmful bacteria and fungi. Once the friendly bacteria is reduced or diminished, candida multiplies and becomes invasive. There are different levels of a fungal yeast infestation, the worst being systemic in which blood poisoning can occur. Candida overgrowth is so common that many widespread symptoms experienced are not associated with its presence.

Candida has been linked to sugar cravings or having a 'sweet tooth', recurring yeast infectiions, fibromyalagia, myofascial pain, chronic fatigue, celiac disease, autism, alzheimer's disease, schizoprenia, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thinning hair or hair loss, tension in the head, recurring or migraine headaches, sinusitis and congestion, behavioural changes and mood swings, personality disorders, tinnitus, weight loss and weight gain, chemical sensitivities, food allergies, blurred vision, aching muscles and joints, joint stiffness and swollen lymph nodes.

A person experiencing any of the above symptoms should not assume that candidiasis is the sole cause as other medical conditions can cause the same symptoms. However, receiving a diagnosis for candida overgrowth can be a problem as the majority of medical professionals do not recognise candidiasis as a medical condition. Candidiasis is a relatively unknown and untreated condition among medical practitioners and if specific tests for candida are not carried out, a person may suffer debilitating symptoms for years due to lack of treatment.

To receive proper treatment for this condition, seeing a doctor who uses the HRM method (Live Blood Analysis) or a naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, osteopath, etc. is a good step to take		  
SYMPTOMS & COMPLICATIONS
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Photo: Candida (fungal) overgrowth in the digestive tract can be difficult to overcome if the appropriate treatment is not given. Many people live with this debilitating 'invisible' health problem all of their lives.  Due to the wide range of symptoms, medical doctors misdiagnose candida for other illnesses.

Gastrointestinal

Irritable bowel syndrome, chrone’s disease, leaky gut, stomach bloating, ulcerative colitis, indigestion, gas, constipation, stomach rumbling after meals, heartburn, dry mouth, body odours and bad breath, white patches or coating on tongue, oral thrush.

Neurological
Brain fog, confusion, mood swings, depression, behavioural and personality changes, irritability, anger, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, vertigo, dizziness, apathy, agoraphobia, unexplained fear, insomnia, hyperactivity, an inability to make rational decisions, burning sensations and unilateral or bilateral tingling in limbs, muscle weakness.

Skin                                                                                                                            

Dry flaky skin, recurring skin blemishes, psoriasis, fungal skin infections, skin inflammations, dermatitis, anal itching, athlete's foot, nail funguses, itching scalp and dandruff, diaper rash and psoriasis.

Sexual
Vaginitis, vaginal or penile discharge, recurring yeast infections, itch, bladder infection, menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain and cramps, lowered libido, infertility, impotency, prostate problems.

The Immune System
As with any invasive pathogen, candida overgrowth attacks and weakens the immune system.

WHAT CAUSES CANDIDIASIS?
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most common cause of candida overgrowth. Taking a single course of antibiotics can cause the onset of candida.  People who have taken several courses during their lifetime are highly susceptible. Antibiotics not only target bacterial infections, they also destroy friendly bacteria leading to fungal overgrowth. In addition, recurring sinus infections, oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections are often treated with antibiotics which create a vicious cycle.
A diet high in sugary foods and carbohydrates
Candida needs sugary foods and carbohydrates to thrive in much the same way tumours need protein to grow. Fungi, viruses, bacteria all need to eat. A sugar/carbohydrate based diet promotes yeast growth. People with diabetes are also prone due to high blood glucose levels.
                                         
Long term use of birth control pills
he continuous use of birth control pills over two years can lead to candida overgrowth. Many women tend to experience recurring yeast infections while using birth control medication. The  synthetic hormone oestrogen promotes yeast overgrowth.


Hormonal Imbalances / Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hypothyroidism, oestrogen and progesterone imbalances

Heavy Metal Poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning can occur from dental fillings, tap water and other sources. Chlorine in tap water stimulates yeast growth in the digestive tract.

Constipation
Candida causes constipation and is also caused by constipation. A sluggish colon is extremely toxic and leaks toxins back into the blood stream. It causes stagnation in the lower digestive tract and an alkaline environment which candida love.

Parasitic Infestations                                                      
Intestinal parasites and worms destroy the ecological balance of your digestive tract. 

Mouldy foods and surroundings
Fermented and packaged foods are susceptible to moulds and contribute to candida overgrowth.

Stress 
Stress is the number one cause of illness and disease; candida overgrowth is no exception. Stress suppresses the immune system which affects its ability to fight candida overgrowth.

Chronic illnesses and long term use of medications
A chronic illness can lead to candida overgrowth because of a weakened immune system. Medications also disturb the delicate balance of the digestive system which contributes to candida, especially anti parasitic, anti viral and anti fungal medications.

Illegal Drugs
Illegal Drugs are toxic and cause many disruptive factors in the body including candidiasis. They introduce infections and weaken the immune system

Alcohol
Alcohol contains malt which has a high sugar content and yeast

TREATMENT
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Millions of people live with symptoms of candidiasis. Understanding the recovery process is important. It takes time to heal candidiasis and more importantly it requires commitment and patience. A systematic fungal infection is not going to give up without a fight. Your doctor may prescribe anti fungal medications such as nyastacin. He may also recommend homeopathic treatment but candidiasis can also be treated naturally.

Diet
The first step to recovery is to eliminate the foods that feed and sustain Candida Albicans. Candida thrive on sweet sugary foods and carbohydrates. Often, chronic cravings for sweet foods /carbohydrates can signal candidiasis. These foods must be substituted with a no carbohydrate, high protein and vegetable diet in order to starve the fungus and rebuild damaged cells. Reverting back to old food habits will cause a return of symptoms and a cyclic experience of  the illness. 

Rebuilding
There are millions of tiny microscopic holes in the stomach caused from candida once it has become invasive.  Rebuilding the stomach wall is possible by rebalancing microflora and starving the candida. Good bacteria will then re-strengthen the stomach wall.

Rebalancing Intestinal Microflora
Probiotics and prebiotics replace the friendly bacteria that have been lost. Probiotics are supplements of micro organisms and are widely available in yogurts and probiotic drinks. Probiotics in artificially sweetened yogurt is not a good source for treatment as the sugar content will decrease the effectiveness of treatment. The most common strains of probiotics are Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Of the beneficial strains, the Lactobacillus species is most prominent in the small intestine, whereas Bifidobacteria tends to reside in the large intestine.

Eliminating Acidosis
Your pH balance is important in the fight against any illness or disease. Pathogens such as bacteria thrive mainly in acidic conditions, however candida thrives in alkaline conditions. Although the stomach is naturally acidic which is beneficial for the trillions of friendly bacteria, an acidic overall body introduces pathogens such as candida, parasites and bad bacteria into the body. Making your body healthier by eliminating overall acidosis is crucial to fighting candida albicans.

Internal Cleansing
Internal cleansing through the use of juice fasting and colonics not only helps to rebalance the body's ecological system but removes pathogens effectively.

Strengthening the Immune System
The immune system requires essential nutrients to boost functioning. Learning to eat to satisfy your body's needs on a cellular level is the key to eliminating pathogens.

Creating a mould free environment
Living in a mouldy environment  adds to the problem of candidiasis. Fungi can be inhaled adding to candida overgrowth


THE SIMPLE HOME TEST
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If you suspect you may have candida you can do a simple home test but it is important to be diagnosed by a health practitioner who treats candidiasis. It cannot be stressed enough that seeing a doctor who understands the problem of candidasis  is important. General practitioners sometimes misdiagnose or treat symptoms instead of dealing with the root problem of fungal overgrowth.

Test
Spit into a clear glass of water. Candida free saliva will float on the top of the water. If you have candida, long thin strands of spit that appear hair-like will continue from the top of the water to the bottom.

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