Candida

A little known but significant health threat affects many more Americans than we even realize and it’s time we give it some attention. Candida, or yeast overgrowth, is not widely recognized by the medical profession past the topical and women’s health issues it has the potential to cause. In reality, yeast overgrowth can cause a vast array of systemic problems ranging from neurological conditions to gastrointestinal problems.

Candida is a parasitic fungus that lives in the intestinal tract of nearly all humans. When kept in check it’s not a problem and is quite normal. However, when it grows and begins to take over the system, it can cause all manner of dangers for your health.

Antibiotics are one of the most prevalent causes of candida. Yeast can quickly get out of hand after even just one round of antibiotics. Antibiotics can be lifesaving, but they leave the gut dangerously out of balance. Candida is not killed by antibiotics, but the bacteria that keeps yeast in check dies during a course of antibiotics. Once that bacteria is gone, yeast quickly spreads.

Yeast overgrowth has no medication to combat it, and there is no stand alone supplement you can take to get rid of it. To attack and get rid of candida, you need a multi faceted approach, and your diet is the cornerstone of your candida battle plan. Candida diets can take months of commitment in order to be effective and bring the body back in balance. Each person is unique in their makeup though, and working closely with a holistic practitioner during your candida diet will enhance the effectiveness and create longevity in the effects.

To combat yeast, here are a few things you must do.  

1. Sugar is your enemy. Sugar causes all kinds of problems, but it is especially bad when you have yeast overgrowth. Candida feeds on sugar and complex carbohydrates of all kinds, so eliminating them from your diet is essential for your health. Cutting out sugar is a process and it’s not always easy, but it can save your health. The only sweetener that does not feed candida is stevia.
2. Some fruits and vegetables need to go too. Carrots, peas, lentils, beans, potatoes and all fruits contain sugar that feeds candida.  
3. No grains. Bread contains grains, sugar, and yeast, so it is a definite no no.
4. Caffeine - yes, your coffee and tea need to go. All caffeine products also feed yeast, so as  a part of your candida diet, you’ll need to cut out all caffeine as well. Note: cutting out both sugar and caffeine at the same time can be rough for several days as your body detoxes from the effects of both. Be gentle on yourself because you are likely to feel quite tired and cranky for several days.
5. Add probiotics. Probiotics add the good bacteria that keep candida at bay and in check. Daily doses of probiotics help keep your body moving toward balance.
6. Anti Fungals can help, but not as standalone treatments. There are many antifungal plants that are edible and some can help with yeast overgrowth. Oregano oil and garlic for instance are tremendously beneficial for those combating yeast overgrowth.

If you are having strange unexplainable health symptoms that a doctor cannot seem to pinpoint, check with a holistic provider about yeast overgrowth as a possible root cause. It is estimated that at any time ⅓ of Americans have candida, so there is a good chance you could be one of them.