Candida

There is a lot to say about the most common fungal infection in the world!

Candida Albicans is a healthy type of yeast that lives within all of us. However, candida is supremely opportunistic and when our immune system is low it can multiply fast and wreck havoc on our digestive and urinary tracts, genitals and skin as well as affect our mood and our energy levels.

The most common symptoms of Candida overgrowth include foggy brain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and flatulence. Other symptoms can include skin rash, fungal infections of the nail, vaginal and anal itching, seasonal allergies, sugar and carbohydrate cravings and mood swings.

Candida overgrowth can trigger the onset of Celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals as well as playing a role in atopic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and atherosclerosis (arterial plaques). Candida is normally kept in check by other beneficial bacteria and by a well-functioning immune system.

When we take anti-biotics, a lot of these good bugs are wiped out and pregnancy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and corticosteroid use lower the immune system, often leading to candida overgrowth. Stress and diet also have a massive impact on our immune system and the population of bacteria and yeast in our body.

Some suggestions to help keep Candida in check:

~ Limit starchy veg such as pumpkin, corn and potato.

~ Limit breads and pasta's to 1-2 serves per week or avoid if you can.

~ If you want bread choose yeast free.

~ Limit all fruit including dried fruit to 1 or 2 pieces per day.

~ Avoid foods with added sugars – these will feed candida.

~ Eat Sprouts as they are nutrient dense and will support a healthy immune system.

~ Eat extra garlic (1 raw clove per day) as this will kill candida.

~ Pau’darco tea is a pleasant tasting herbal tea that helps to fight candida.

~ Xylitol and stevia are natural sugars, which do not feed Candida like other simple sugars.

~ Kelp and Dulse are grown in the ocean and contain selenium, another important factor for a healthy immune system. Simply buy them ground up and sprinkle them in your food.

~ Vitamin A in carrots and B6 in beans as well as zinc, magnesium and iron found in pepitas will boost the immune system and help manage candida.

For more information or to book a consult with Jesabe call 02 6622 8709 or click services in the menu on the website.