There are thousands of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes living in and on our body. This is normal, as they control the healthy environment. Candida is a yeast fungus that lives on our skin and in our mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. In its natural amounts Candida yeast is harmless, but in large amounts it may cause serious gastrointestinal issues, damage skin tissues and other illnesses. Also high levels of Candida can penetrate from intestines into the bloodstream causing health issues. The medical term for Candida overgrowth is Candidiasis. Let’s dig deep and see more about it.
What Causes Candidiasis
Candida has a special ability to change shape in order to protect itself from harsh environments. It responds to temperature changes or acidity levels by transforming from a rounded yeast cell into an elongated hyphal cell. Overgrowth is usually caused by the foreign chemicals that you ingest. Some of them weaken your immune system and the weakened immune system is one of the top reasons for Candida Overgrowth.
Medication
Antibiotics, steroids can develop candidiasis. Antibiotics are the most dangerous factor, as they clear out the bacteria that keep candida yeast in balance.
Other triggers are birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy.
High carb diet and processed food
High carbs are fuels for candidates. High-sugar, high-carbohydrate diet will also increase the chances for candida overgrowth.
Weakened immune system
Candida will not miss the opportunity to grow and spread when it sees cracks in your immune system. It can be when you’re recovering from illness, using lots of alcohol, smoking a lot and using a diet with poor nutrition.
Hormonal Imbalance
The balance of estrogen and progesterone is very important to prevent Candida overgrowth. Candida “eats” progesterone causing estrogen dominance. While the waste product from candida imitates the estrogen hormone. All these cause hormone disorder and a good environment for candidiasis. Also this happens when women take birth control pills.
Stress
Chronic or too much stress can cause digestive problems. While the digestive tract is “home” for candida, its disorder will cause imbalance of the bacteria quantity living there. Also stress weakens your immune system leaving a door open for candida.
Symptoms of Candidiasis include:
-
skin and nail fungal infections (skin rashes, acne, eczema etc.)
-
digestive issues (bowel issue, diarrhea, bloating, constipation)
-
discomfort in genitals (itchy rash, red skin, swelling, irritation)
-
Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
-
Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
Remember, candida has a crucial impact on your immune system. So when you feel and see the symptoms, book a visit to a doctor and ask him to test your IgG, IgA, and IgM levels along with the Candida antibodies. These tests can be done in nearly every laboratory. Take care of yourself, stay safe and hydrated!
Candida is a type of yeast. Small amounts of this yeast live harmlessly on and inside the body. However, certain factors can cause the yeast to multiply out of control, resulting in a Candida infection.
Overgrowth is caused by the introduction of a foreign chemical into a patient’s body. Steroids, antibiotics, and alcohol have all been known to cause candida syndrome. Other causes include birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, acute and chronic stress, recreational drugs, chemotherapy, and a poor diet. Symptoms of candida syndrome include recurrent oral thrush, gas and bloating, itchy skin and other skin abnormalities, vaginitis, allergies, muscle aches, and more.
In its natural amounts, the Candida albicans yeast is harmless, but in an overgrowth, it can cause serious illness and other gastrointestinal issues. Candida overgrowth can attack any organ or system in your body relentlessly 24 hours a day. Eventually, it can change into a pathogenic fungus with roots that cause a myriad of symptoms.
