What on earth is candida albicans?
Candida albicans (also referred to as a thrush, yeast or fungal infection) is a single cell, plant-like fungi that belongs to the vegetable kingdom. It kicks off life as a yeast, which every person has in their gastrointestinal system and other mucous membranes from birth. It also lives on the skin.
In terms of the medical condition, candida is an overgrowth of yeast (identified as candidiasis) that typically starts off inside the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and then gradually over time spreads to various other areas of the body. It’s actually a tough and invasive parasite, which normally connects itself to the intestinal wall and may (if left untreated) turn into a perpetual resident of the internal organs.
You could be astonished to learn that noted cases of candida overgrowth go back as far as the 1700s. Hippocrates observed the presence of yeast infections as thrush in debilitated patients.
Exactly what are the causes of candida albicans?
When all is well, this yeast is kept at bay by the good bacteria (probiotics) that we have in our bodies and, more specifically, in our gastrointestinal system. As a result, candida generally co-exists with many other sorts of bacteria, in a condition of balance.
By way of example, candida albicans is part of the normal flora of the mucous membranes of the female genital areas, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, which causes no disease. Nevertheless, overgrowth of this genus may be the source of superficial infections which may include thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis) and vaginal Candidiasis (vulvovaginal candidiasis).
The fact is that, the modern diet and surroundings are not usually ideal for healthy bacterial growth. We’re exposed to an ever-increasing level of carcinogens and unhealthy foods each day, as well as pollution and chemicals in the air we breathe and water we drink.
It is often thought that overgrowth of yeast tends predominantly to develop in those with fragile immune systems or those whose levels of good bacteria have been reduced thanks to some external factor (e.g. through stress, sickness (such as diabetes), pregnancy and/or the use of antibiotics, birth control pills or steroids).
When the body’s defences are vulnerable, it offers fungus with perfect conditions to thrive. This allows candida to go into the circulatory system, traveling all over the body to colonise areas including the urinary tract, vagina, tissue, nails, mouth, skin and other organs.
After such overgrowth has started, if not identified and treated appropriately and promptly, it can lead to a chronic and systemic problem – it is thought that high numbers of yeast germs can weaken the immune system further, thereby worsening the issue.
Candida albicans has the capacity to develop about seventy-five hazardous substances that can pollute our bodies. These toxic compounds are thought to contaminate tissue and damage the immune system, glands, kidneys, bladder, lungs, liver, brain and nervous system.
Exactly what are the indications of candida albicans?
Overgrowth of candida can lead to many upsetting symptoms, such as:
- lower energy
- sugar cravings
- brain fog
- allergies
- blurry vision
- major
- depression
- digestive ailments
- joint discomfort
- muscle pain
- chronic diarrhea
- yeast vaginitis
- bladder infections
- menstrual problems
- and constipation.
Candida albicans food plan
It is widely accepted by complementary and alternative medicine and other health practitioners that many of us afflicted by candida albicans could possible greatly from doing away with particular foods from their diet, reinstating gut health and adjusting their lifestyle.
A degree of yeast is always present in our digestive tract, but (as outlined above) its development is kept in check through the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. This is believed to be assisted by a diet which sustains correct acid/alkaline characteristics.
A diet dominated by high sugar intake (which the yeast calls for to maintain its presence) and foodstuffs containing yeasts or fungi (such as mushrooms, cheese and milk) can bring about a disruption of this sensitive balance.
Supplements may also supply you with added support. For example, to help rebuild the balance of healthy bacteria, probiotics can be used. Similarly, as candida albicans is a parasite, it can be beneficial to take antifungal supplements.
Specialist Supplements Limited has a comprehensive range of probiotics (including a practitioner grade, high strength probiotic with 20 billion live probiotic bacteria per vegetable cellulose capsule!), as well as an all-in-one yeast balance, digestion and colon health support supplement. If you are suffering from candida albicans, check these out today!
Of course, before changing your diet or taking health supplements, always be sure to consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).