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More about Candida…

In our last blog post we spoke about what having Candida means for your health and the symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of having this yeast overgrowth in your body. You can read all about it here https://www.noshoesnutrition.com/blog .

Candida overgrowth is rarely mentioned in medicine unless it has to do with a vaginal yeast infection or thrush. We all have this yeast-like fungus in our digestive tract and when our immune system is functionally well it is harmless to us. If our intestinal system gets imbalanced then candida can multiply out of control and have a negative impacts on our health and wellness.

Candida can be topical, systemic or localized to certain parts of the body but most often it affects the feet, nails, vaginal tract, urethra, belly button, ears, mouth, skin folds, sinuses and the intestines!

If left untreated, Candida can affect everything from your central nervous to your immune system. It can increase inflammation in the body which can lead to things like leaky gut, allergies/food sensitivities and comprise your overall health.

What Leads to Candida?

There are many possible reasons candida can overgrow, including a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, chronic stress, chemical exposure, antibiotics and alcohol that all help feed candida. Here are a few other potential causes below;

1. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics are perhaps the most common culprit for a Candida overgrowth. Sometimes, antibiotics are needed to fight a stubborn infection to kill the offending bacteria in your system. A course of antibiotics will likely kill the harmful bacteria for which it is prescribed, but it also kills off beneficial bacteria that live in your gut. Antibiotics can make your body a literal breeding ground for candida. Ensuring that you are taking a high quality probiotic after antibiotic use can help repopulate the gut and help alleviate any gut symptoms from taking the antibiotic!

2. Birth Control Pills

The intestines are delicate organs, containing a broad mixture of microorganisms and yeasts that all help to process and digest food. They depend on the right environment to support them, and this equilibrium can be thrown off by the hormonal imbalances caused by the contraceptive pill. When this balance is disturbed, the contraceptive pill helps Candida to once again outgrow its competitors in the gut. Estrogen, the major ingredient in the contraceptive pill, is known to promote the growth of yeast.

3. Oral Corticosteroids

People who treat their asthma with corticosteroid inhalants are at an increased risk of developing candida in the mouth, leading to systemic candida overgrowth. It is important that individuals using corticosteroid inhalers for breathing issues follow the directions by swishing the mouth out with water after each use.

4. Cancer Treatments

According to the Department of Clinical Research at Merck Research Laboratories, “candidiasis can become invasive in cancer patients and present a serious complication.” Chemotherapy and radiation can both work to kill cancerous cells and tumors; however, they also kill off the healthy bacteria that naturally fight candida.

5. Diabetes

In a Type 1 or a Type 2 diabetic, sugar levels in the mouth and other mucous membranes are traditionally higher than in an individual without diabetes. Those with diabetes are at a greater risk for developing candida overgrowth syndrome because sugar feeds on yeast.

6. Weakened or compromised Immune System

Individuals with a weakened immune system or impaired immune function are more likely to develop candida. This population includes infants, small children, the elderly, those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and other inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

7. Chemical exposure

Long time exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, mercury amalgams, chemical laden foods and toxic heavy metal burdens can increase the chance of developing Candida.Bottom of Form Chemicals that are added to drinking water, such as chlorine and fluoride, can kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This weakens your immune system and has the potential to allow candida in your gut to overgrow into a Candida infestation.

There are other chemicals that can deplete the immune system too. People who regularly work with toxic chemicals are particularly at risk for a weakened immune system and greater susceptibility to Candida. This can include people with occupations such as hair stylists, painters, dry cleaners, or in industrial settings. The more exposed people are to chemicals, the more vulnerable they might be to pathogens like Candida.

Is your gut giving you grief? Could you be dealing with a possible Candida overgrowth? Curious about how nutritional health coaching can help you make healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with us today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation.  We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups so don’t let anything hold you back!