Candida
What is Candida?
A misconception about Candida is that it is, in itself, a “bad” thing. In fact, everyone has Candida! The common yeast Candida Albicans normally lives harmlessly in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, where it is controlled by friendly gut bacteria. It only becomes a health concern when it is grows out of balance.
This imbalance often arises due to the widespread use of antibiotics, which kill of both good and bad bacteria, thus allowing Candida to grow unchecked. Excess sugar in the diet can also contribute to Candida overgrowth.
In women, hormonal fluctuations also contribute to Candida overgrowth. At certain times during the menstrual cycle, in the week just prior to menstruation, the hormonal imbalance is favourable for Candida. Oral contraception can also contribute to Candida.
A higher than normal glucose content of the mucous membranes of the body allows Candida to flourish. This can result in vaginal thrush, or the more chronic condition known as Candidiasis. This can occur through eating too many refined carbohydrates, sweets, soft drinks, white flour products, and the line; which find their way to the mucous to form food for the yeast. Other sugary foods which may aggravate the problem include fruits and alcohol.
Symptoms of Candida commonly include: recurrent or persistent thrush, fungal infections of the skin and nails, chronic fatigue, loss of energy, decreased libido, allergies, psoriasis, eczema, menstrual problems, abdominal bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, frequent infections of the upper respiratory tract including coughs, colds, sinusitis, depression, anxiety and irritability.
Treating Candida
As noted above, everyone has the yeast in their body; it just needs to be balanced. At The Centre For Integrated Health, we determine what any contributing medicinal factors may be. We also screen for dietary factors that could exacerbate the condition, and map out an eating plan for the period in which the yeast will “die off.” We then explain the dynamics of the whole system, so people can learn how to keep the yeast balanced.
Generally, probiotic therapy is often recommended. For children, we have very gentle treatments that are suitable to their growing bodies.
Case Study
“P”, a photographer and piano tuner, suffered from severe Candida, as did his wife. When their baby was born, there were complications because of the severity of the case of Candida that he had been passed by his parents. Symptoms “P” was experiencing included experiencing chest pains, a lack of concentration and a constant feeling of lethargy.
This condition had taken its toll on both his personal life and his professional life (his job actually had played a part in the advancement of his condition – he’d spent a great deal of time entertaining clients over the years). He realized it was time he visited The Centre For Integrated Health.
First, his health status was comprehensively assessed using the pioneering non-invasive full system scan. This information was then used to devise a diet plan and a homeopathy and supplement regime.
“P”s Candida is now completely gone, and he has launched energetically into a new career!
Learn More
At the risk of being repetitious, please let us say again: everyone has Candida! So please don’t feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if you’re dealing with this problem; it’s not a question of the yeast itself, it’s simply a matter of balance. Contact us for a discussion of your treatment options.