Systemic Candida - how to conquer and heal

(NaturalNews) Candida is a common yeast-like, parasitic fungal infection which can become systemic when it spreads throughout the body and impacts bodily systems. At severe levels of infection Candida can become debilitating and even life threatening. Although mainstream medicine will tell you that Candida cannot be eliminated from the body, there are, in fact, natural ways to become candida free and keep it from returning.

Candida (Candida albicans) is actually part of the beneficial flora found in our digestive tract. Its job is to aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients. However, when there is an imbalance in the digestive system, Candida can grow and becomes a potential pathogen. Our intestines are home to 70 percent of our immune system. Healthy bacteria in the intestines keep Candida to normal levels and help keep our immune system strong. It is when unhealthy outside factors come into play that candida overpopulates and poses a threat to the body.

Factors that cause Candida overgrowth

Systemic Candida has become commonplace in the last century with the introduction of such factors as our Standard American Diet (SAD), environmental pollutants, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics.

When such unhealthy factors are introduced and disrupt the natural balance, Candida then converts to its fungal form and spreads throughout the body. This, in turn, creates toxicity, which affects every cell in the body and creates health problems.

The most frequent cause of Candida overgrowth is the recurrent or extended use of antibiotics, because antibiotics tend to wipe out the beneficial bacteria that keep Candida in check. In fact, Candida expert Dr. Jeff McCombs states that if you have taken antibiotics, you have Candida overgrowth.

One common side effect that shows the disruption of beneficial bacteria in the intestines is diarrhea. Vaginal yeast infections are also common after taking antibiotics. There are also numerous other medications which can be responsible for Candida overgrowth, such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Environmental toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, solvents, paints, formaldehyde, petrochemicals, and heavy metals also weaken the immune system and put the body at risk for. Chronic stress also weakens the immune system, paving the way for candida overgrowth.

Symptoms of Candida overload

There are many symptoms that signal Candida overgrowth. Some of these symptoms are mistaken for other diseases which often results in drugs being prescribed, which only make the problem worse and do not address the source of the condition. These symptoms include: Sugar/sweet cravings, gas, bloating, fatigue, low energy, allergies, sinusitis, acid reflux, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, depression, and arthritis.

Eliminating Candida overgrowth

The key to eliminating overgrowth is restoring the proper balance of healthy bacteria in our intestines.

A strict diet must be followed. Keep in mind, some foods that are considered healthy are not advised while addressing Candida. For information about a Candida diet, see:

http://www.thecandidadiet.com

For information on foods and other items to avoid when fighting candida see:

http://www.naturalnews.com

Some foods stand out as Candida fighters. Among the very best are:

• Coconut oil
• Garlic
• Cayenne Pepper
• Onions
• Seaweed
• Rutabaga
• Ginger
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon and lime juice
• Pumpkin seeds

Supplements that are effective in eliminating Candida are probiotics, digestive enzymes, and colloidal silver. Probiotics replace the balance of healthy bacteria in your intestines; digestive enzymes break down Candida's cell wall and its protective biofilm; and colloidal silver kills destructive one-celled pathogens, including fungus.

Lastly, exercise is also important. Exercise helps the body eliminate Candida die-off by detoxing pathways.

Sources:

http://www.mindbodygreen.com

http://www.thecandidadiet.com

http://foodmatters.tv

http://www.naturalnews.com


About the author:
Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets"