Candida albicans Archives - Amazingy Magazine

Candida albicans

What it is candida albicans:

A yeast/fungus which all of us have to a greater or lesser extent in our bodies. It’s natural environment is similar to mould: dark, moist, warm places. This makes the gut, groin or in between toes a perfect nesting ground for it to grow. Sometimes candida will cause no problem whatsoever, however when overgrowth occurs, symptoms will appear.

What causes candida:

Gut bacteria moderate the growth of candida, this means that after a course of antibiotcs (where both bad and good bacteria are reduced), candida has a great opportunity to spread itself around in the gut. An overgrowth of candida can also be a result of a weakened immune system, high stress, poor diet or when the body’s pH is changed.

Symptoms:

Itchy, inflamed skin, or a flare up of eczema/psoriasis

Foggy mind, poor concentration, headaches

Lethargy

Sugar cravings

Digestive upset: bloating, bad breath, constipation, diarrhoea, oral thrush

Vaginal thrush or anus itching

Tinea or athletes foots

Menstrual problems

How to treat candid albicans:

Starve the candida and make use of anti-fungals: Fungi feeds on sugar and yeast, so eliminate all foods including these two from your diet. Even limit fruit to 2 pieces a day. Do this for up to 4 weeks.
Natural anti-fungals include, garlic, turmeric, thyme, echinacea, calendula, pau d’arco.

Introduce good pre and probiotics into the gut: Sauerkraut, natural unsweetened yoghurt, miso, and apple cider vinegar are good food supplements. Alternatively you can try a multi strain probiotic supplement including acidophilus, bifidus and saccharomyces boulardii.

Maintain good health and diet: Consume a diet high in fresh whole foods, keep avoiding sugar where possible, and other highly processed foods.