Candida is a fungus present inside most animals and humans. A yeast that lives in the gut, it can cause infections that range from digestion problems, concentration trouble, irritability, headaches, itchy skin and cravings for sugar, sweets and breads.
Though usually kept in check if the body is healthy, candida causes problems if it grows out of control. If you exhibit many of the symptoms listed above, a candida overgrowth test should confirm it. Some of the factors that are said to cause this infection are smoking, diabetes, high sugar diets, oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, anti-ulcer medication and long term use of antibiotics.
A candida diet can help alleviate the problem and keep it at bay. Some of the foods to avoid during this period are refined sugar, fruits, yeast, gluten, vinegar, mushrooms, peanuts, peanut butter, beverages, cheese, smoked, processed, dried and pickled meat, processed and refined foods and alcohol.
A candida diet is a form of detoxification as it eliminates certain foods. While undergoing this diet, bear in mind that you may suffer from ‘withdrawals’ which may include nausea, headaches, sweating and itchiness. Relax, as it’s just your body adjusting to the new diet.
After the detoxification process, it is important to ‘up’ your healthy bacteria levels. Dietary supplements will do the trick, but consult your doctor first. The popular supplements are ThreeLac and FiveLac, of which the latter is an updated version of the former. Natural remedies can also be resorted to with the use of garlic, aloe vera, black walnut, grapefruit seed and cloves.
It is important to note that of the yeast infections, the most damaging is candida albicans, which attacks the mouth (thrush) and the vagina (vaginitis). Though affecting both the sexes, it is rarely transmitted. Here, the symptoms include headaches, rectal itching, bad breath, mood swings, muscle and joint pain, numbness and tingling sensations in the face or extremities and heartburn.
For candida albicans, you can alleviate the problem by following proper genital hygiene, oral antibiotics or those applied on the skin, antifungal cream, cortisone cream, antibacterial cream, antihistamine and estrogen cream. However, consult your doctor before buying these medicines.
Do educate yourself about candida and its forms and undergo a check up if you exhibit any of the symptoms to rule out or confirm the infection. Know that you’re not alone as the condition is common and treatment is readily available.
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