Candida overgrowth is a common health issue that can cause a wide array of symptoms. While candida naturally occurs in the body, certain factors can trigger it to multiply out of control. Understanding the hidden causes behind candida overgrowth is key to getting your health back on track.
What Is Candida?
Candida albicans is a type of yeast that lives in our bodies. In healthy levels, it poses no issues. However, certain lifestyle factors can cause candida to grow unchecked. When overgrowth occurs, candida breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream.
Common Signs of Candida Overgrowth
Candida overgrowth can cause a wide range of symptoms including:
- Skin and nail fungal infections
- Oral thrush
- Sinus infections
- Digestive issues
- Brain fog
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain
- Autoimmune disease
If you have candida symptoms or suspect candida overgrowth, consider getting a candida test. This will check for the presence of candida antibodies in your blood stream.
Hidden Causes of Candida
Now let’s explore some of the sneaky potential causes of candida infection. Watch out for these candida contributors:
Too Much Sugar
One of the top fuels for candida overgrowth is sugar. Candida feeds on sugar, so a diet high in sweets provides the perfect environment for it to thrive. This includes not just refined sugars but even healthier options like coconut sugar, honey, and maple syrup.
The key is limiting total sugar intake from all sources. Be diligent about reading labels and avoiding sneaky sugar traps like condiments, sauces, and juices.
Antibiotics
While antibiotics are necessary medical treatments in some cases, they also carry risks. Antibiotics are essentially an atomic bomb to your gut microbiome. Not only do they kill off infections, but they also wipe out the populations of beneficial bacteria that keep candida in check.
This candida-promoting effect can last long after a round of antibiotics. One strategy is to immediately begin rebuilding your gut flora with probiotic foods and supplements after finishing antibiotics.
High-Carb Diet
Following a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar can allow candida to thrive. What many don’t realise is that excess carbohydrate intake also inhibits an important candida-fighting amino acid called lysine.
Lowering overall carb and sugar intake and focusing on nutritious sources like vegetables and legumes can help starve candida.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
One of the ways candida wreaks havoc is by damaging the intestinal lining and causing leaky gut syndrome. As candida penetrates the gut wall, it opens up spaces that allow undigested food particles and bacterial endotoxins to also leak through. This then triggers widespread inflammation and autoimmune reactions.
How to Address Candida Overgrowth
If you’re experiencing candida overgrowth symptoms, there are several effective ways to treat the root causes:
- Follow a candida diet – This eliminates sugars, gluten, alcohol and dairy, and is an effective treatment for candida.
- Take anti-fungal supplements – Caprylic acid, oregano oil, garlic and berberine can help destroy excess candida.
- Avoid antibiotics – Only use antibiotics when absolutely needed. Always replenish gut flora after.
- Reduce stress – Chronic stress weakens immunity, increasing symptoms of candida.
Paying attention to the hidden causes behind candida is the key to overcoming this complex condition. Support your body’s natural defences against candida through diet, lifestyle and targeted supplementation. With consistency, you can bring your internal yeast levels back into healthy balance.