The Basics of Candida Overgrowth
Many types of fungi and yeasts live in and on the body. Small amounts, of course. They are needed because it keeps our body regulated. For example, it helps control inflammation in our gut. But, large amounts of fungi and yeasts living in the body is not a good thing.
Now, let’s talk about candidiasis.
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of candida, a type of yeast that lives inside the human stomach, vaginal tract, and mouth and on the skin. Candida is actually one of the most common causes of fungal infections in humans.
So, what causes an overgrowth in candida?
It’s plain and simple. When healthy bacteria levels are being disrupted or when the immune system is being compromised. Some examples are:
- taking antibiotics and other medications
- eating a high-sugar and high-refined carb diet
- drinking large amounts of alcohol
- taking oral contraceptives
- having a weakened immune system
- having a high-stress lifestyle.
So, how do you know if you have candidiasis?
Some common symptoms are:
- Oral thrush, white bumps on the tongue and on the lining of the cheeks
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Brain fog
- Poor memory
- Recurring UTIs
- Digestive issues like bloating or constipation
- Joint pain
- Being overweight
- Bone infections
So, how do you treat candidiasis?
Diet. It’s like the saying, you are what you eat. If you eat sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs, you will feel sick.
#1 Eliminate sugar, processed foods, refined carbs, and alcohol. Not for the rest of your life but for the time being. By eating sugar, processed foods, and refined carbs and drinking alcohol, you are feeding the candida. You need to starve it.
#2 Eat lots of vegetables (except for starches) and healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado oil, fish, and nuts and seeds).
#3 Eat more whole foods.
#4 Take prebiotics and probiotics. You need healthy bacteria to fight the overgrowth of candida.
Do not be overwhelmed with this information. If you think you might suffer from candidiasis, treat it immediately. My mom and I both had candidiasis, and it took years to heal it because there was limited information on it when we heard of it.
Take it step by step and day by day. It should be a slow process because it needs to be a sustainable lifestyle. It takes time to completely get rid of candida. Think about what you can do today to improve your health and continue asking yourself that everyday until you feel your 100% best self.