Written by Chantel – Resident Naturopath at Choice Pharmacy
Are you feeling tired? Brain fog? Digestive upsets? These are just some of the symptoms of Candida overgrowth.
What is Candida?
Candida is a type of fungus (yeast) that is naturally found in the human body. It is usually found on the skin, in the mouth and digestive system in small amounts, which doesn’t usually cause any issues in healthy people. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of fungal infections in people. Candidiasis occurs when the candida begins to grow out of control and it can affect multiple areas of the body, leading to symptoms such as:
- Recurrent thrush infections
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Sinus infections
- Fungal nail infections
- Fungal skin infections
- Oral thrush
- Itchy skin
- Dandruff and or/flaky scalp
- Brain fog
- Joint Pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive issues; bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, cramps
- Weakened immunity
- Low Mood
What Causes Candida?
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are one of the biggest risk factors for Candida. Antibiotics not only get rid of bad bacteria, but they also remove the good bacteria, leading to an imbalance known as dysbiosis. This compromises our gut and immune health, making us more susceptible to developing Candidiasis.
- A high sugar diet: Sugar is a big food source for candida, so it is a major factor in it growing out of control. Sugar is best avoided to eliminate candidiasis.
- Chronic stress: Stress causes a lot of inflammation in the body. When stressed, we secrete a number of stress hormones that lower our immunity and increase the growth of bad bugs.
- Diabetes: As we mentioned above, sugar feeds candida, so having high levels of glucose in your blood will be doing this.
- The contraceptive pill: The pill can increase oestrogen levels. Oestrogen will feed glycogen (stored form of carbohydrates) levels in certain tissue, which will then be flaring up symptoms.
- Weakened immune system: Those who have an underdeveloped immune system (for example; premature babies), old age and those who are immunocompromised (those with leukemia, HIV) are at an increased risk for fungal infections. Those who are on chemotherapy, radiation or corticosteroids are also at risk of developing Candidiasis.
- Nutrient deficiencies: When deficient in certain nutrients, it can hinder our immune system, which can increase the risk of getting a fungal infection. Studies have shown those who have oral thrush are more likely to be lower in Zinc and Vitamin C.
Supplements:
- Saccharomyces boulardii (SB): helps to restore a healthy gut. SB is a yeast, that acts by filling up space and overcrowding the gut, so that bad bacteria has less of an opportunity to grow and exert its effects. It also protects your current good bacteria.
- Zinc + Vitamin C: are essential for immune function. They are needed to produce our immune cells to help us fight off bugs and therefore reduce the incidence of fungal infections.
- Probiotics: Probiotics help to regulate our immunity. 70% of our immune system is found within our gut and having the right strains of probiotics can help to keep our immune system healthy. Probiotics also help us to eliminate pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungus.
Dietary Changes
- It’s best to avoid sugar, pasta bread and any other yeast containing products. Also limit starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin), high sugar fruits. These kinds of foods cause inflammation in the body, which will weaken the immune system even further.
- Avoid fermented and pickled foods and vinegars. All these foods will be feeding the yeast and driving the Candida.
- Avoid trans fats (margarines, vegetable oils, potato chips). These will cause inflammation within the body.
- Follow a mediterranean type of diet; fish, meat, fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds, olive oil, avocadoes. A Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and support healthy immune function.
- Fruit is ok, but no more than two pieces per day and low sugar fruits such as berries.
- Include anti-fungal foods such as coconut oil, garlic, herbs such as oregano.
For more information about Candida, have a chat with our naturopath or book in for a consultation.
You can book our naturopath for in-store consultation online or e-mail to naturopath@choicepharmacy.com.au to organise a zoom consultation.