Candidiasis, more commonly known as candida, is a yeast-like fungus that inhabits the intestines, mouth, esophagus, throat and genital tract. This fungus usually lives in harmony with other bacteria and yeasts in the body, but sometimes it can multiply, weakening the immune system and causing an infection called candidiasis.
When there is an overgrowth of candida, symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, memory loss, mood swings, persistent heartburn, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, night sweats, severe itching, PMS, burning tongue, extreme fatigue, kidney and bladder infections and many, many more symptoms can be experienced.
In fact, the symptoms are so wide and varied that this disorder is usually not recognized and the patient is unsuccessfully treated for another disorder.
Anyone who has been on long-term antibiotic therapy, or has taken them often, probably has an overgrowth of candida. Antibiotics weaken the immune system and also destroy the friendly bacteria that keeps candida under control. As the fungus grows, it releases toxins that further weaken the immune system. the use of corticosteroid drugs can also increase your chance of having candida overgrowth.
One thing is for sure: if you like sugar, like most of the country, candida is likely interfering with normal body function as candida thrives in a high sugar state.
Because diet has such a huge impact on candida overgrowth, that is where we start. Your diet should be free of refined sugar including sucrose, fructose, fruit juices, honey and maple syrup. Foods with a high amount of yeast or mold such as cheese, dried fruits, peanuts and alcoholic beverages should also be eliminated. Milk and milk products have a high content of lactose (milk sugar) and should also be avoided until candida is brought under control.
Allergies from food and the environment will weaken the immune system and lead to a more hospitable environment for candida. Eliminating known allergens is as important as determining nutrient deficiencies. Deficiencies of vitamins a, B6, zinc, selenium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, folic acid and iron have been documented in patients with chronic candidiasis and contribute to overgrowth.
The ozone sauna is effective in eliminating fungus and candida is a fungus. Besides changing your diet, there are antifungal herbs such as garlic, ginger and cinnamon that you can use for cooking. There are many formulas on the market to eliminate candida and most contain caprylic acid. Enhancing the immune system and liver function is a big part of eliminating candida overgrowth.
A product called “Just Like Sugar” is available and is made from chicory root. It is used exactly like sugar but has no calories, no impact on blood sugar balance or triglycerides. It is completely natural and has no aftertaste.
When going through treatment for candida, most people experience a “die off” or Herxheimer reaction. This reaction happens when large amounts of candida die, releasing large amounts of toxins into the blood. Usually this amount of detoxification is more than the liver can handle and the person will experience a worsening of symptoms. It is important to not overload the system with antifungal agents and treat it through diet as much as possible.
Candida loves sugar, so eliminating it completely from your diet will have the strongest impact and the good bacteria will be brought back into balance.
Dr. Linda Johnson is a naturopathic doctor based in Alamogordo. Contact her at 434-6400 or via e-mail at balancedhealth@live.com.