Candida is a pervasive problem that can sap your energy and
wreck havoc with your moods. Candida albicans is a yeast
that normally lives in the body in the inner warm creases
and crevices of the digestive tract and in the vaginal
tract of women. Under stressful conditions, through the
overuse of antibiotics, damage to the intestinal tract or
due to immune system depression, C. albicans can overgrow.
Yeast cells, particles of yeast cells, and various toxic
by-products of yeast metabolism can enter the general
circulation and significantly disrupt body processes.
The result is chronic candidiasis, leading to a wide range
of symptoms affecting almost every system of the body -
especially the gastrointestial, genitourinary, endocrine
(hormonal), nervous and immune systems. Due to the effects
of estrogen, birth control pills, and a higher number of
prescriptions for antibiotics, women are eight times more
likely to experience chronic candida than men.
Since virtually any body system can be affected, chronic
candidiasis can trigger a multitude of symptoms. Patients
say they feel "sick all over." Fatigue, allergies, immune
system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and
digestive disturbances are just some of the symptoms that
suggest candida.
Those with chronic candidiasis are typically stuck in a
vicious cycle. With regard to the immune system, a
triggering event such as antibiotic use or nutrient
deficiency can lead to immune suppression that allows
Candida albicans to overgrow and become more firmly
entrenched in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Once the organism attaches itself to the intestinal cells,
it competes for nutrition with intestinal cells and
ultimately the entire body –- robbing the body of vital
nutrients. In addition, Candida albicans secretes a large
number of mycotoxins and antigens. Candida albicans is
referred to as a "polyantigenic" organism because over 79
distinct antigens have been identified. Because of this
tremendous number of antigens, an overgrowth of Candida
albicans greatly taxes the immune system.
How do you know if you have candida?
The more of the following symptoms you have the more
important it is that you find out if you have candida and
treat it with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Chronic fatigue or lethargy
Feeling of being drained
Loss of energy
General malaise
Headache
Decreased libido
Numbness, burning, or tingling
Muscle aches, weakness, or paralysis
Dizziness, loss of balance
Pain and swelling in joints
Craving for foods rich in carbohydrates or yeasts such as
high sugar foods, bread and alcoholic beverages
Depression
Frequent mood swings
Inability to concentrate
Feeling spacey or unreal
Spots in front of the eyes
Poor memory
Erratic vision
Nasal congestion or discharge
Postnasal drip
Nasal itching
Sore or dry throat
Cough
Pain or tightness in chest
Wheezing or shortness of breath
If your symptoms suggest candida, follow up with a
qualified health care practitioner. There are reliable
tests that can reveal the presence of candida.
There are many, many recommendations that are popular for
treating candida. Over the counter quick fixes abound.
Following these popular recommendations could leave you
with poor nutritional choices, unbalanced mood and energy,
confused, and probably still with candida.
There really isn't any single magic bullet that can
immediately eliminate chronic candidiasis and restore
healthy functioning to the body. Instead, a comprehensive
approach involving lifestyle, stress management, exercise,
diet, nutritional supplementation, glandular therapy,
personal foundations and the use of herbal medicines can be
used.
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Mary Ann Copson is the founder of the Evenstar Mood &
Energy Wellness Center. With Master's Degrees in Human
Development and Psychology & Counseling, Mary Ann is a
Certified Licensed Nutritionist; Certified Holistic Health
Practitioner; Brain Chemistry Profile Clinician; and a
Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coach. Find her recommended
candida test and more at
http://evenstaronline.com/FunctionalTests
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