Candida

    The parasitic yeast-like fungus that causes Candida loves to eat and their favorite “food” is sugar (glucose).  And our diets are full of sugar for them to eat!  Carbohydrates (bread, pasta, etc.) and anything containing any form of sugar is broken down into glucose molecules through the digestive process.  If you don’t digest your food properly, the undigested food in your gut ferments and produces more glucose.  This yeast fungus has such a strong need for a “sugar fix” that it creates strong cravings in us for sugar, bread, pasta, alcohol, and sweets.

How does Candida affect our health?

*All living organisms must eliminate waste.  Yeast is no different.  Their toxic wastes can disrupt many digestive processes, creating digestive and bowel complaints.  They also have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier resulting in “brain-fog/fuzzy head” feelings.  They can have a detrimental effect on the nervous system, joints, muscles and many other tissues.  They contribute to a condition known as estrogen dominance.  And they create an ongoing immune response, which leaves us with an overworked, exhausted immune system.

*The loss of “good” bacteria means they are not available to perform their essential duties.  These include being involved in the production of vitamin K and many of the B-vitamins, the metabolism of cholesterol, inhibiting or “fighting off” pathogens, and enhancing and normalizing bowel function.

*The injured intestinal tract now contributes to the condition known as leaky gut syndrome where substances that before could not pass through to the bloodstream can now make it and also contributes to increased allergic type reactions.  Items that never caused a problem before are now creating reactions.

*Create strong sugar cravings that contribute to symptoms of hypoglycemia and weight issues.

What might I notice as a result of Candida?

*Digestive disturbances, like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, flatulence, heartburn, etc.

*Bowel conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

*Parasites, traveler’s diarrhea, food poisoning, intestinal flu.

*Headaches.

*Brain fog.

*Extreme fatigue.

*Severe reactions to tobacco, perfume, chemicals, etc.

*Intolerance to alcohol.

*Hypersensitivity to certain foods, increasing food and/or chemical sensitivities.

*Coated (white) or sore tongue, oral thrush.

*Athlete’s foot, toenail or fingernail fungus.

*Anxiety, depression, mood swings.

*Hives, psoriasis, rashes, skin disorders.

*Feel bad all over without apparent cause.

*Cravings for bread, pasta, sweets, carbohydrates, alcohol, etc.

*Hypoglycemia, blood sugar metabolism issues, weight issues.

*Symptoms worsen in moldy places or after eating sugary or yeasty foods.

*Female:  Recurrent vaginitis, PMS.

*Male:  Jock itch.

*Immune system disturbances, frequent infections.

*Virtually any health challenge can have Candida as a key underlying component.

What can help address Candida?

*Consume a high-quality microflora/acidophilus product to provide missing beneficial microflora.

*Increase intake of high quality yogurt, kefir, naturally fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut.

*Consume garlic and/or onions as Candida organisms hate these.

*Limit sugar, carbohydrate and alcohol intake.

*Avoid antibiotic use when possible.

*Supplement with a microflora product whenever challenged with intestinal flu or food poisoning.

Tomorrow we will talk about internal filtration and sanitation.

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