Candida Albicans, also called Candidiasis or thrush, naturally lives in the intestinal tract, mouth and vagina. Certain medications, climate, and stress can trigger an overgrowth of this fungus and affect the entire system. The yeast causes a long list of symptoms that are often confused with many other illnesses and diseases. Up to 70% of the population may suffer with Candida, though many may not be aware of the true cause of their symptoms.
Stress and Candida Albicans
Stress can wreak havoc on every part of a person, from their emotional state to their mind and body. Stress is also a common trigger for a Candida overgrowth. When a person is stressed, it throws the body out of balance and opens the door for this fungus to proliferate. Poor eating habits, lack of sleep, too little exercise, and working too much can stress and weaken the body, creating an excellent breading ground for yeast.
Humidity and Candida Albicans
As a fungus, Candida spreads rapidly in an environment of humidity and heat. Those who live in humid climates such as the Eastern United States in summer tend to suffer more from Candida symptoms than those living in drier climates like New Mexico and Arizona.
Women are more inclined to get vaginal yeast infections since the area is consistently moist and warm. Wearing cotton underwear and changing them frequently in hot weather can help reduce the chances of a Candida takeover.
The Pill and Candida Albicans
Birth control pills are another Candida trigger. Since the stomach contains certain amounts of microorganisms and yeast that help to digest food, the estrogen in birth control pills can throw off the body’s natural hormonal balance, allowing the Candida fungus to take over.
Antiobitocs and Candida Albicans
Many people take long treatments of antibiotics for everything from acne to a strep infection. The problem is that antibiotics not only kill off the harmful bacteria that caused the illness or acne breakout, but it also wipes out the beneficial bacteria living in the stomach. Once the good bacteria in the body are eliminated, the immune system is defenseless against the quickly growing yeast.
Sugar and Candida Albicans
Candida is yeast and yeast feeds off of sugars. Drinking alcohol, eating a lot of starchy foods, and consuming foods with sugar all feed the yeast, allowing it to grow quickly.
As the Candida grows and spreads, it releases toxins into the body and bloodstream that causes the symptoms listed below.
Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
* Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol
* Vaginitis
* Diarrhea and/or Constipation.
* Abdominal distention, bloating or pain.
* Gas
* Rectal itching
* Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections
* Kidney, bladder infections
* Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection)
* Sinus infections
* Joint pain or swelling
* Acne
* Loss of sex drive
* Impotence
* Fatigue
* Feeling drained
* Memory loss
* Feeling spaced out
* Numbness, burning or tingling
* Flu-like symptoms
* Mood swings
* Depression
* Headaches
* Heartburn
* Indigestion
* Painful intercourse
* Food allergies or food reactions
These are the main symptoms that Candida sufferers experience, though the list is quite longer. The best thing to do if you find that you have three or more of the symptoms listed above is to make an appointment with your doctor, discuss the possibility of a Candida Albicans overgrowth and get tested. Although Candida is difficult to eliminate from the body, highly effective treatments are available.
Resource
Jigsaw Health – Candida
