What Is Candida?

Do you ever experience health issues like; exhaustion, cravings, bad breath, brain fog, joint pain, loss of libido, chronic sinus issues, or urinary tract infections? If you do, it could be a sign that you have a little gut bug call candida wreaking havoc in your body.

We want you to give your guts some love, because here at No Shoes we believe that a healthy gut is the root to a healthy life! So, our next few blogs will be making sure you are up to date with all that you need to know about Candida. No Shoes Nutrition will cover what Candida is, what symptoms you should be aware of, the contributing factors and some natural ways to help deal with it!

Candida albicans is a single-celled fungus and is the most common type of yeast infection found in the mouth, intestinal tract and genital areas of the body.  It may affect skin and other mucous membranes as well. Candida is a sugar fermenting yeast and is an integral part of the intestinal microbiome in small amounts. If the immune system is functioning optimally, this type of yeast infection is rarely serious.

However, if the immune system is not functioning properly and there is an overgrowth, it can result in candidiasis/candida. It can migrate to other areas of the body, including the blood and membranes around the heart or brain, leading to serious candida symptoms. Basically, candida albicans changes into a hyphal (fungal) form which then roots in tissues, colonizes and feeds off the whole body. The entire ecological balance is upset in the GI tract and it affects things like normal hormone balance and proper liver function. A person may even develop new sensitivities, allergies or intolerance’s to a variety of foods like dairy, eggs and gluten.

Candida yeast overgrowth can be difficult for a physician to diagnose. This type of systemic yeast infection presents different ways in different people. Candidiasis is polysymptomatic. It can produce over 50 different toxins. The toxins are what create vascular permeability (leaky gut) which is why some food sensitivities and intolerances are linked to candidiasis.

Here are some of the main candida symptoms to look out for:

1.       Severe Fatigue - If you have fatigue or exhaustion that you simply cannot shake, you may have chronic fatigue. If you find you have been dealing with fatigue for six months or more please visit your MD. If your fatigue is accompanied by other candida symptoms, including headaches, joint pain, difficulties with memory and concentration and sore throat then you could be dealing with candida.

2.       Mood Swings - One of the reasons it can be difficult to diagnose candida is that so many of the candida symptoms are common to other conditions. People with candida overgrowth may experience dramatic mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression and even panic attacks.

3.       Recurring Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections - If you have recurring infections of the urinary tract or vagina, candida may be at the root of the problem. It is important to realize that candida can be sexually transmitted, and partners can spread it back and forth. For women, reduce the risk by avoiding tight-fitting underwear or pantyhose and avoid hot baths during an active infection.

4.        Sinus Infections - Sinus infections are common but it can be difficult to pinpoint the root issue. Candida can affect the sinuses and can result in a persistent cough, post-nasal drip, increased congestion, seasonal sensitivities, and general flu-like symptoms.

5.       Gastro -intestinal distress - Ongoing intestinal distress is one of the more uncomfortable candida symptoms. Persistent flatulence, burping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and stomach cramps may be caused by a lack of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. When the bacteria in your gut are out of balance, it’s known as dysbiosis.

6.       Brain Fog - Brain fog is often overlooked as one of the candida symptoms. However, candida overgrowth can contribute to a lack of focus, poor physical coordination, and difficulty in concentrating on tasks as well as poor memory.

7.       Skin and Nail Fungal Infections - Athlete’s foot and fungal infections in the toenail are common yeast infections, which stem from the same strain of candida. Ongoing infections may be a sign that you have a systemic candida infection.

8.       Hormonal Imbalances - Having candida can lead to hormonal changes that can contribute to early menopause, PMS, a low sex drive, migraines, endometriosis, water retention, mood swings and an inability to lose weight.

There are many other symptoms which include; autoimmune disorders, food cravings for sweets, breads and carbonated beverages, insomnia, headaches, muscle aches and in some cases hyperactivity in children.

When yeast starts to gain a foot hold in the body the only signs and symptoms may be bloating, constipation and/or poor digestion. Next week we will continue with more on what having Candida means for your health and what you can do to naturally rid your body of this tiny pathogen.

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!