Working with Candida (Candidiasis)

Candida, technically known as Candida Albicans, is a form of yeast found naturally in most humans. Although found in both males and females, women are eight times more likely to develop Candidiasis because of the effects of estrogen, birth control pills, and a generally higher use of antibiotics. Many preventative health care practitioners are discovering a strikingly high relation between chronic health conditions and an overgrowth of yeast in the body, also known as Systemic Candidiasis.

Causes
Causes of Candida overgrowth can be but are not limited to:

• Introduction of antibiotics, hormones (including birth control pills), or steroid based medication (i.e. cortisone).
• Consumption of a diet high in simple/ refined carbohydrates and sugars (breads, pastas, tortillas, cereals etc.) and low in fiber and complex carbohydrates (whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts).
• Emotional trauma or Prolonged Stress

Result
The result is an overgrowth of yeast. Normally this yeast, coexisting and kept in check by “healthy” or “beneficial” bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidus in our intestines, now grows out of control. The yeast consumes and is supported by sugars and simple carbohydrates but the beneficial and more fragile bacteria are destroyed by medications, stress and other intestinal agitations

Symptoms
Symptoms vary for each person from a little fatigue or joint pain to spots in front of the eyes. Here is a short list that covers just the basics. For more detailed information see a preventative health care practitioner you trust.

Getting Back Into Balance

Candida is a hard organism to deal with and takes time. If you think you might have an issue with Candida starting with these basics slowly is the best place to begin.

• Decrease simple carbohydrates. Begin to remove the breads, pastas, tortillas, sweets, white rice, crackers, fruit juice etc. from your diet.
• Increase Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates. Start to add more whole grains, nuts, seeds, brown rice, vegetables and whole fruits into your diet.
• Reduce yeast growth/ Increase friendly bacteria. Adding fresh garlic and/or a garlic supplementation (odor controlled not odorless) to reduce growth along with a Pre and Probiotic system to repopulate beneficial organisms.
• Strengthen your immune system.  Look to whole food supplements and exercise; a multivitamin, Vitamin C, Carotenoids (antioxidants) and Zinc with a regular walking routine of 15 to 20 minutes per day is a great place to start and can do wonders.
• Reduce Cravings.  A whole food cold water washed soy protein is most easily absorbed by our bodies and a B-Complex that has all eight essential B’s (with a folic acid coating helps absorption) will help get rid of those cravings for sweet things.
• Balance Hormones. Essential Omega 3 oils from either deep coldwater fishes like salmon or a high grade Omega-3 supplement and a GLA Complex (Omega-6) will help to smooth out some of the bumps when your cycle begins.

This has been just a brief overview of Candida; it’s symptoms and how to address it. Be aware that when the yeast “dies off” toxins are released into the body and you may experience mild headaches, fatigue, achy joints, and itching amongst other symptoms. As a friend of mine, Dr. Sandra Bevacqua likes to say, “Happy Candida makes gas, and Unhappy Candida makes more gas!” So take it slowly. Making small consistent changes in your life will make things a little smoother and create more lasting changes.
Please understand that nothing in this article is meant to be a diagnosis but more as a guide to help educate you and point you in a positive direction for a better health and vitality. If you have any further questions or concerns please contact a preventative health care practitioner you can trust or contact myself at:

Integral Life Healing L.L.C.
David Ramsey