Clinical Nutritionist, DipION, BANT, MCMA  
  

 
 
Candida

What is Candida?

Candida Albicans is one of many yeasts found in the gastro intestinal tract. Normally it presents us with no problems but if over a space of time our digestion is compromised through poor diet, and overuse of antibiotics and oral contraceptives amongst other things, it can multiply very quickly and spread into other parts of the body. As it likes warm moist places, this can include the nose, throat, vagina, ears and between the toes. What kind of symptoms might I experience

Candida is associated with a wide range of what are called asymptomatic problems which means that they can be quite general and could apply to other conditions too. This is one of the things that makes it hard to diagnose accurately. However some of the symptoms associated with this debilitating condition are listed below:

Fatigue, loss of concentration and memory, dizziness, aches and pains in muscles and joints, oral and genital thrush, acne, menstrual problems, depression, feeling "ill all over", excessive sweating, sleep disturbances, weakness and lethargy, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, sore throat and cravings for certain foods to name but a few.

The symptom of feeling ill all over is caused by toxins released by the candida spores (over 70 discovered so far) .

What causes this?

In order for a candida overgrowth to arise, certain conditions must first exist inside the body. Everyone has candida, it is quite normal in limited amounts, but it is normally kept well under control by beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract and by our immune and endocrine systems. If for whatever reasons, these are depressed or under stress and we do not have enough of the beneficial bacteria, then the candida can begin to flourish and spread. The candida changes from a yeast into a fungus or mycelial form developing root-like structures that burrow into the gut wall causing a condition referred to as "leaky gut". This allows undigested food particles to pass through the gut wall into the blood stream where they are recognised by the immune system as foreign bodies and attacked, leading to food insensitivities and intolerances and their consequences.

Candida is a fairly modern phenomenon appearing in the last 40 to 50 years with the introduction of antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill and an increase in high sugar and high refined carbohydrate intake. Antibiotics kill off all bacteria including beneficial ones leaving more space for candida to spread. Steroids suppress the immune system and feed yeasts, oral contraceptives encourage yeast growth, stress depresses the immune system and encourages the passage of yeast from the large bowel to the small intestines where leaky gut occurs. X-Rays weaken the immune system. Low stomach acid encourages harmful pathogens to populate the bowel. High animal fats and proteins in the diet encourage the growth of bad bacteria and high sugar and refined carbohydrates feed the yeast.

Are there any tests for candida?

There are various tests available through a nutritionist or complementary health practitioner, however, not all of them are conclusively able to diagnose a systemic candida overgrowth. One of the most reliable ones available on the market is a candida saliva ELISA test . Tests can be expensive however and the main way to diagnose is usually by a symptom questionnaire and a positive response to the diet.

What can I do?

In order to deal with this condition, it is first necessary to eat a diet which will be detrimental to the candida, but beneficial to the healthy bacteria in our body. It is also important to strengthen the immune and endocrine systems by avoiding stimulants and supplementing certain nutrients which support adrenal and immune function. When this has been done, supplements are then given which kill the candida, replace it with beneficial bacteria and heal the gut wall. It may then be advisable to undertake a programme of colon cleansing which consists of a diet high in certain fibres and nutrients which feed beneficial bacteria, and supplements which cleanse the colon and eliminate other pathogens inhabiting the digestive tract.

Many people find they are suffering from this condition, known as candidiasis only after many years of suffering. It is frequently diagnosed as clinical depression, hysteria, laziness, hypochondria or even sometimes as mental illness. The worst approach is to give antibiotics which destroy more of the beneficial bacteria allowing the cadida to develop further. Many other medications are adlo detrimental to candidiasis, and some may treat the symptoms only, thus covering up the underlying problem.

By adopting a nutritional approach, it is possible to make conditions inside the body more hostile to the candida and more favourable to beneficial bacteria and the healthy functioning of our digestive system. By completing the full programme of restoration of a healthy ecology in our digestive tract, cleansing the digestive tract and healing the gut wall, it is possible to produce a full and permanent return to health.

How can I contact you?

If you would like further information or a consultation, please contact me using the contact form on this website.