Candida - Is It Affecting Your Life?

What is Candida Albicans?

Candida albicans is a yeast like fungus that lives in the mucous membranes of the digestive system, normally in a healthy balance with other bacteria. However poor diet and lifestyle habits can disrupt the balance causing an overgrowth of candida a condition called Candidiasis. Candidiasis often occurs when the body is under greater stress than usual including using antibiotics, painkillers, pregnancy or the contraceptive pill. Candida flourishes with sugar and yeast containing foods and symptoms can become worse with a diet high in refined carbohydrates (bread, lollies, sweets, cakes). A high amount of candida can lead to other health problems in the body often with very subtle symptoms to begin with.

How do I know I have Candidiasis?

The symptoms are wide and may be vague. You may just feel fatigued and tired all the time, hassled by allergies or infections or perhaps brain fog or depression are getting you down. Candida overgrowth can have all sorts of symptoms including:

- cravings for sweets

- bloating, gas and digestive disorders

- brain fog and poor memory

- depression or mood swings

- ear infections

- eczema

- fatigue and lethargy

- food allergies

- headaches

- joint pain

- muscle weakness

- nail infections

- sinusitis

- vaginitis

How do people get a Candida Infection?

Generally, a healthy immune system keeps Candida levels under control. But with modern lifestyles and diets our immune systems have a lot to cope with. When the delicate balance of bowel flora is disturbed, it can create an environment where Candida thrives. Factors that can weaken the immune system and encourage a Candida infection include:

- alcohol abuse

- antibiotics and drugs

- illness

- oral contraceptive pill

- poor diet

- stress

- smoking

What happens if I have Candidiasis?

When a Candida overgrowth takes hold, it excretes harmful toxins that circulate throughout the body, further weakening the immune system and creating havoc. It can also lead to a condition called ‘Leaky Gut Syndrome’, which causes food allergies and many health problems. Candida infection can become persistent, and is certainly something you’d hope to avoid. If you have an infection, it’s important to get effective treatment so you can return to feeling healthy once more.

Don't let Candida ruin your life. If you have nagging symptoms, and aren’t feeling 100 percent and living life to the best of your ability, it may be worth finding out if a Candida infection is responsible.