Written by: Dr. Terrie Van Alstyne, ND
Candida albicans is a form of yeast and is the most common fungal infection worldwide. It causes candidiasis (vaginal infection), candidemia (blood infection), and oral thrush (characterized by slightly raised creamy white, sore patches in the mouth or on the tongue).
When the immune system is functioning well, Candida is kept in check in the mucous membranes, such as the mouth, throat, intestines, vagina, and on the skin, causing no harm. However, a weakened immune system and other factors—such as recent antibiotic use and poor diet—can lead to an imbalance, causing Candida overgrowth. This overgrowth can disrupt the intestinal flora, potentially contributing to Leaky Gut Syndrome, where the intestinal mucosa develops microscopic holes, allowing intestinal contents to leak into the bloodstream and causing further immune damage.
Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Chronic tiredness
Brain fog, memory loss, and a scattered, unfocused mind
Digestive issues, including bloating and mucus in stools
Cravings for sweets and yeasted breads
Chronic vaginitis or prostatitis
Anal itching and itchy skin rashes
Bad breath
Frequent colds and low immunity
Recurrent fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and diaper rash
Food and environmental allergies
Extreme sensitivity to tobacco smoke and chemical fumes
Causes of Candida Overgrowth
Dampening Foods: Foods that are cold, too sweet, salty, mucus-producing, stale, or rancid—including all forms of dairy, sugar, and simple carbohydrates like baked goods and sweet drinks.
Raw Foods: Excessive consumption of raw foods, especially in colder months, weakens digestion and can lead to loose or watery stools.
Yeasted Breads: The yeast in these breads can feed Candida.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages contain simple carbohydrates and contribute to fermentation.
Intoxicants: Tobacco, cannabis, MDMA, and other hard drugs can negatively impact the immune system.
Excessive Food Consumption: Any food in excessive amounts can lead to imbalances.
Complex Meals: Complicated meals with many ingredients may be harder to digest.
Antibiotic Use: Repeated doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as antibiotics found in commercial meat, dairy, eggs, and poultry.
Environmental Factors: Living in damp, moldy environments can exacerbate Candida growth.
Immunocompromised Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, organ transplants, kidney failure, and HIV/AIDS can increase susceptibility to Candida overgrowth.
Treatment for Candida Overgrowth
Daily Recommendations
Antibiotic Use: Avoid antibiotics unless necessary. If antibiotics are required, take probiotics between doses to maintain a healthy microflora balance.
Probiotic Foods: Incorporate raw natural sauerkraut (1 Tbsp per day) and miso soup into your diet for beneficial probiotics.
Chlorophyll-Rich Foods: Deep green vegetables, barley grass, and spirulina are antimicrobial.
Stress Management: Stress, anxiety, and worry can depress the immune system, leading to Candida overgrowth. Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can help reduce stress.
Specific Probiotics and Herbs: Consult with a healthcare professional for probiotics, herbs, and nutraceuticals effective against Candida.
Advanced Treatments
Ozone Therapy: Utilizing concentrated oxygen (O3), ozone therapy kills pathogenic microbes, including Candida. This treatment has a proven track record in Europe, being effective for conditions like cancer, arthritis, and systemic candidiasis.
Immune Supportive IV Therapy: High doses of nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, selenium, glycyrrhizic acid, and glutathione can enhance white blood cell function, helping combat Candida.
Conclusion
Candida overgrowth is increasingly prevalent due to rising stress levels, unhealthy Western diets, excessive antibiotic use, and the organism’s resistance to treatment. Often undetected, the symptoms can overlap with other health issues, and many conventional doctors may not diagnose or treat it.
If excess Candida is not addressed, it can multiply and lead to systemic infections, ultimately causing severe health complications. Naturopathic doctors are well-educated and experienced in managing this condition and can provide patient-specific Candida diets and treatment protocols.
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