What is Candida albicans?

All our bodies contain a yeast-like fungi call Candida albicans.  Normally the presence of Candida does not present any problems as the fungi is kept naturally in check by other micro-organisms often referred to as ‘friendly bacteria’ or ‘pro-biotics’.  Over recent years, Candida has become a growing problem for many with diet, stress and prescription drugs having an impact on the fine balance of micro-organisms in our bodies.

Most often people with an imbalance experience thrush or vaginitis which tend to thrive more readily in women but cross infection is possible between males and females.  Thrush can also be detected in the mouth and other symptoms of Candida are: athlete’s foot, fatigue, bloating, migraine style headaches, constipation, numbness, allergies, heartburn and recurrent sore throats.  Often these symptoms become worse after eating sugary or yeast rich foods and are aggravated in damp and mouldy conditions.

Managing Candida
You cannot eliminate all the Candida from your body but you can control levels through diet, relaxation, and herbal supplements. 

Diet
Candida yeast lives mainly in the digestive tract.  The three key food groups to eliminate are sugar, foods containing yeast and mouldy/fermented foods.  Unfortunately if you have Candida you may find that you crave these foods but if you focus on the thought that by eating these foods you are feeding the yeast in your body you can resist the temptation more easily.

Reduce drugs
Antibiotics kill not only bad bacteria but the good bacteria in the body that is required to maintain balance.  When taking antibiotics it is helpful to take a probiotic tablet to repopulate the digestive tract with friendly bacteria.  Alcohol also stimulates Candida growths as it is fermented so try to cut out beer, lager, wine and cider in particular.  Caffeine raises stress levels and stress has been linked to increases in Candida levels in the body.  Drink the following herbal teas instead to calm and relax you: Chamomile, Lemon Balm and try Dandelion coffee as a good alternative to standard coffee.

Beat Stress
In stressful times our immune systems do not function optimally and Candida can overgrow.  If we are stressed increased adrenaline causes sugar stores to be released into the blood again providing more food for the yeast.  Try yoga, walking in the open air, massage, aromatherapy baths and meditation.

Treating Symptoms

• Take a probiotic supplement
• Grapefruit seed extract in low doses is ideal to use long-term
• Include beetroots, parsnips and carrots in your diet as they help reduce sugar cravings
• Also use oats, barley, quinoa and millet grains as these inhibit the growth of Candida
• Promote the growth of good bacteria by eating green foods such as spinach, nettle, watercress, parsley and micro-algae such as spirulina, chlorella and blue green.
• Pau D’Arco is a gentle anti-fungal as are cloves, lemon balm, cinnamon, dandelion coffee and dandelion tea.
• Try Aloe Vera juice to alleviate digestive issues, soothe the gut and encourage the growth of friendly bacteria