Candida overgrowth: Facts and tips to manage it

Candida is a fungus, or a form of yeast, that naturally occurs in the human body. It can be found in the mouth and the intestines. It is normal to have this fungus in your body; however, the fungus may also invade your body. This is known as candida overgrowth, and it may have negative side effects.

What are the symptoms of candida overgrowth?

Candida overgrowth causes various digestive issues since too much candida may damage the intestinal walls. It can cause health problems such as:

• Allergies, sensitivities, and intolerance to dampness or mold;
• Brain fog, dizziness, headaches, and migraines;
• Cold-like symptoms (e.g., excessive mucus) and flu-like symptoms;
• Digestive problems (e.g., abdominal bloating or pain, acid reflux, constipation, and gas);
• Fatigue, chronic fatigue, and a general feeling of being tired;
• Fungal infections of the skin or nails;
• Hay fever and asthma;
• Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling;
• Sleep problems (e.g., insomnia and restless sleep).

Unfortunately, candida overgrowth is sometimes mistaken for other illnesses. Some healthcare professionals address the symptoms of the condition instead of the actual problem itself.

Antibiotics may also cause candida overgrowth, especially since these drugs eliminate all bacteria including “good” ones that benefit the digestive system. Even if antibiotics are ineffective against candida since it is a fungus, the drug causes an imbalance in the body.

An individual with a strong immune system can handle the symptoms of candida overgrowth. However, the typical Western diet often lacks the necessary nutrients to strengthen the immune system. Other factors that can contribute to candida overgrowth include a diet full of sugar and refined carbohydrates, drinking too much alcohol, and a stressful lifestyle.

How do you treat candida overgrowth?

Aside from consulting a holistic practitioner, you can try a home test to determine if you have candida overgrowth. Do this in the morning, before drinking or eating your breakfast.

Steps: 

1. Fill a glass with room-temperature, filtered water.
2. Spit some saliva into the glass of water.
3. Wait for 30 to 60 minutes, then check the saliva. You may have candida overgrowth if string travels down into the water from the saliva or if cloudy saliva sinks to the bottom of the glass.

If you have candida overgrowth, you can control it by following the five steps below:

(1) Don’t eat sugary foods.

Sugary foods feed candida, so try to avoid anything with sweeteners like honey and fructose. Try to limit your fruit intake because they are also full of sugar. Other foods with sugar include alcohol, coffee, dairy, grains, processed food, and starchy vegetables (e.g., beets, potatoes, and yams).

(2) Eliminate candida overgrowth.

To kill excess candida in the body, include anti-fungal foods in your diet such as:

• Olive leaf extract – This contains a phenolic compound with anti-fungal and antiviral properties.
• Pau d’arco (Lapacho or Taheebo) – The inner bark of the Pau d’arco tree is sold as a tea or as a capsule supplement.
• Raw garlic – Raw garlic has sulfur compounds with anti-fungal properties. Fresh garlic is potent, especially when it is crushed (consume the garlic after 10 minutes for the best results). You can also eat raw garlic with a meal if the taste of garlic alone is too overpowering.
• Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar (Bragg brand) – Dilute a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of room-temperature water then mix. Drink the mixture 30 to 60 minutes before you eat a meal.

Consult a medical professional before you take any supplements. You can also consume a lot of organic raw vegetables. (Related: How to treat fungal and yeast infections naturally.)

(3) Introduce more good bacteria into your digestive system.

To re-establish the balance of candida and good bacteria in the body, consume foods with probiotics, or “friendly” bacteria. Sources include kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and yogurt.

(4) Strengthen your immune system.

To boost your immune system, follow a healthy diet that contains good fats and lean proteins. Limit your intake of carbohydrates and eat fresh and natural foods as much as possible. Supplements, like chlorella and vitamins C and E, can also strengthen your immune system.

(5) Stay calm and manage your stress levels.

If you already have candida overgrowth, stress might only make the four previous steps ineffective. Consider effective stress-relief methods such as exercise, meditation, and yoga. Try to have fun with these methods and don’t rush the healing process.

Combine the right mindset with a healthy diet, and don’t underestimate how the placebo effect works. Your mind is another powerful healing tool that can help treat candida overgrowth.

You can read more articles with tips on how to treat candida overgrowth naturally at Prevention.news.

Sources include:

WakingTimes.com

MindBodyGreen.com