Do You Have Candida Overgrowth?

Candida albicans is a fungus, which is a form of yeast. Candida is a part of the gut flora, a group of microorganisms that live in the mouth and intestine. When the Candida population starts getting out of control it weakens the intestinal wall, penetrating through into the bloodstream (leaky gut) and releasing its toxic byproducts throughout the body. As they spread, these toxic byproducts cause damage to the body tissues and organs wreaking havoc on the immune system.

Symptoms:

• Inability to lose weight
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Bloating, digestive issues
• Depression, mood swings
• Fibromyalgia
• Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
• Vaginal infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Severe seasonal allergies
• Eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne
• Sinusitis and recurrent colds
• Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings

Causes:

• Diet high in refined carbs and sugar
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Oral contraceptives
• Chronic stress
• Antibiotics (kills beneficial bacteria)
• Steroids

Treatment:

• Change in diet – reduce carbs, eliminate sugar and inflammatory foods
• Coconut oil – contains caprylic acid, lauric acid, and monolaurin which kills candida
• Enteric coated peppermint oil gels – kills bad bacteria but does not harm good
• Food grade diatomaceous earth – kills bacteria, parasites and viruses
• Probiotics – to increase beneficial bacteria
• Garlic – powerful antibacterial and antifungal
• Organic apple cider vinegar – balances Ph level and can prevent harmful pathogens like candida from growing out of control
• Olive leaf extract – oleuropein in olive leaf extract is used by the body to fight fungal infections caused by candida overgrowth
• Ceylon cinnamon – powerful; antifungal
• Digestive enzymes with hydrochloric acid – help to break down foods for better absorption and help heal leaky gut

Tests:

• Blood test – checks for IgG, IgA, and IgM candida antibodies (least accurate test)
• Stool test – checks for candida in the colon or lower intestines (most accurate test)
• Urine Organix dysbiosis test – checks for candida in the upper gut or small intestines

*Information provided by AB Medical Team

*Images provided by minnd.org and researchgate.com