What Causes Candida To Overgrow
Our body is a ecosystem where different organisms live happily together. But sometimes we can interfere with this balance and that causes overgrowth of one organism more than the other.
So typically what happens is we destroy some of our good bacteria in our body by either ingesting antibiotics, or through stress in our life, or through poor diet choices.
This good bacteria was keeping the candida in check, but with the good bacteria compromised, the candida starts overgrowing because it has free space and no good bacteria to fight candida.
Candidal overgrowth causes inflammation and infection which in turns starts hurting our body.
So the typical reasons for candida to overgrow are :
How To Get Rid Of Candida Overgrowthfor Good
Digestive Health, Wellness, Womens Health |
Scientists estimate 70% of our population both men and women suffer from candida albicans overgrowth. Candida is a form of yeast/fungus that is present in everyone, in the mouth and intestinal tract. Ideally it exists in harmony in your gut along with the trillions of other bacteria that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, but when candida begins to multiply out of control and overtake your good bacteria, troublesome symptoms and health issues result.
When To See A Doctor
Yeast infections should go away within a few days of treatments. If youâre still experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection after several days of treatment, or if it seems to be getting worse, reach out to your doctor. You may need a stronger course of medication if the infection is serious or spreading.
If antifungal medicines are not working, there is also a chance that your infection is not a yeast infection, but something more serious that will need antibiotics.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: âVaginal Candidiasis.â
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Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine: âIn vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil.â
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Mayo Clinic: âTea tree oil.â
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Mayo Clinic: âYeast infection .â
Phytotherapy Research: âIn Vitro Activity of Tea Tree Oil Vaginal Suppositories against Candida spp. and Probiotic Vaginal Microbiota.â
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Candida Overgrowth Treatment Options
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you may be wondering how to get rid of candida. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available. From changes in diet and lifestyle to taking certain fungicides, it is possible to stop candida overgrowth and return your body to a state of balance.
What Causes Candida Infections
There are many possible causes of candida, including a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates and alcohol that help feed candida. To add to that, Ive described six other potential causes below.
1. Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics
Sometimes, antibiotics are needed to fight a stubborn infection to kill the offending bacteria in your system. The problem with antibiotics and with overusing them is that they dont just kill the bad bacteria they kill the good ones, too.
The good bacteria in your system are responsible for digestion and keeping candida under control. After a long course , antibiotics can make your body a literal breeding ground for candida.
2. Birth Control Pills
Unlike antibiotics, birth control pills in and of themselves do not directly cause a yeast infection or candida overgrowth syndrome. However, when a woman consumes a diet high in refined sugars and has had a course of antibiotics, birth control pills can adversely affect her body, leading to a candida infection.
Some women find that birth control pills seem to instigate yeast infections and even long after the initial infection is gone, once they start taking the birth control pills again, candida can take root.
3. Oral Corticosteroids
4. Cancer Treatments
5. Diabetes
6. Weakened Immune System
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Home Remedies Of Oral Thrush
Dr. Reisman recommends using good oral hygiene for three to four weeks to see if thrush resolves on its own. Here are a few home remedies that can also help.
Salt-water rinse
Try dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish the salt-water rinse around your mouth for 1 or 2 minutes and then spit out the mixture.
With its antiseptic properties, salt can help soothe and cleanse your mouth.
Baking soda
Like the salt-water solution, mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water. Swish around your mouth and then spit out.
A study showed that using baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a good at-home disinfectant.
Yogurt
If you have thrush, the yeast in your mouth is out of balance. Eating yogurt can be a good way to restore that balance.
But you dont want to eat just any yogurt. Look for varieties that have probiotics or live cultures and are unsweetened. Yogurt wont kill the thrush bacteria, but it will stop its growth.
Lemon juice
Some may think lemon juice can help with thrush because of its antiseptic and antifungal properties, but dont apply lemon juice directly to lesions as it can cause burning and irritation.
If you want to try lemon juice, mix the juice of half a lemon to a cup of water. You can drink the mixture or use it as a mouth rinse.
Turmeric
Oregano oil
Oregano oil, which is typically used in cooking, may help treat thrush. A study shows that its antimicrobial and antifungal properties were effective against Candida.
Clove oil
How Do I Get Rid Of Candida Permanently
Permanently ending Candida overgrowth may involve a number of different strategies. It also will depend on where Candida is growing on your body.
ie: Candida overgrowth on the skin may require topical treatments in addition to other strategies.
To get rid of Candida permanently, its vital that you find the cause of the Candida growth. Consider questions like …
- Is it diet-related?
- Are you suffering from an autoimmune disorder that could be causing Candida?
- Have you been using antibiotics frequently?
to help determine the possible cause of the Candida overgrowth.
If Candida is an issue youve been dealing with time and time again, it might be the right time to consider Nutrition Response Testing.
At HealthierU, our Nutrition Response Testing helps uncover the root cause of your Candida and will help develop a plan that will cure the Candida permanently.
Instead of providing you with a temporary fix for symptoms, we find permanent solutions.
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A Q& a With Dr Amy Myers
What is Candidawhere does it live in the body, and how does it differ from other fungus and yeast infections?
Candida is a fungus . A lot of people use the terms yeast overgrowth and Candida interchangeably, and there are hundreds of different types of yeast, but the most common form of yeast infection is known as Candida albicans.
Candida lives throughout our bodies in small amounts: in our oral cavity, digestive tract, gut microbiome, and vaginal tract. Its job is to aid with digestion and nutrient absorptionwhich it does when its in balance with the good bacteria in your microbiome. I think of the microbiome as a rainforest: When everything is in balance, the body is in harmony and runs smoothly.
The symptoms of different kinds of yeast infections overlap greatly and the vast majority of treatment is the same. Lab work can distinguish which type of yeast infection you might have.
A Weakened Immune System
Candida overgrowth often strikes when youre recovering from an illness, while the immune system is still weak. Candida is opportunistic, so if it sees a little crack in the armor, its going to take advantage of that weakness, Dr. Wallman says. And if you use an antibiotic while youre sick, thats like a double-hit, she adds.
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The Basics Of The Candida Diet
Salzarulo does believe that candida overgrowth in the gut is a real thing, and he put me on a strict sugar-free, grain-free, and dairy-free diet to restore the right balance of yeast in my body. The goal is to starve the yeast by taking away the foods and beverages it could be feeding off of. That means no bread, pastries, pasta, chips, cereal, fried food, cheese, milk, starchy vegetables , sugary desserts, fruit, soda, alcohol, or coffee.
That’s a big list, but Salzarulo recommends focusing on what is allowed, not on the restrictions. Foods that are okay on the candida diet are green vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, salad, almonds, walnuts, herbal tea, green juice, and unsweetened coconut water. Along with the diet, he suggests taking vitamins and a probiotic, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress, which all help boost your immune system.
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There is no set amount of time to follow the diet some people feel better after a month being on it, while others see their symptoms clear up after three months, Salzarulo says. However, once you do feel better and see symptoms disappear, you shouldnt immediately go back to eating Dunkin Donuts and pizza every day. Adds Sass: After resolving symptoms, foods that have been eliminated are systematically added back, but the goal is not to go back to a way of eating that triggers another imbalance.”
Can You Take Prebiotics And Probiotics Together
As probiotics grow in use, prebiotics is beginning to get attention as well. Prebiotics come in supplement form but can also be fiber-rich foods that feed good gut bacteria. Probiotics replenish the good bacteria in the gut while prebiotics maintains the gut microbiome by feeding the good bacteria we have in the gut. Because of this relationship between prebiotics and probiotics, it is perfectly acceptable to take them together. However, if your diet already contains healthy, fiber-rich foods then you will likely not require prebiotic supplements.
Prebiotics contain fibers and natural sugars that encourage the growth of essential gut bacteria. They are easy to digest and keep the gut in balance. Prebiotic foods contain fiber and can include bananas, garlic, and dark leafy greens. Probiotic foods contain live cultures and include miso, some yogurts, kimchi, and sauerkraut.
You can learn more in my other article: Prebiotic vs Probiotic: Whats the Difference and Why Are They Important?
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Thrush Symptoms And Signs
White Tongue
A whitening of the top layer of the tongue or the presence of white spots or patches on the tongue can also be seen with infection, irritation, or chronic inflammation of the surface of the tongue. Certain oral infections, notably Candida yeast infections , are characterized by a white tongue.
Can You Take Too Many Probiotics
Taking too many probiotics is not a common issue. For those who have taken too many probiotics , they will likely experience gut disruptions and gastrointestinal side effects.
Probiotics are generally safe regardless of the amount taken, and any side effects are generally mild. It is impossible to take a toxic level of probiotics. The most common side effects of taking more probiotics than you can tolerate are gas, bloating, and diarrhea. These side effects can be treated individually and are generally corrected after 24 to 48 hours and stopping the probiotics until they are resolved.
It can be tempting to discontinue probiotic use altogether after a negative experience out of fear of another bad reaction, but simply reducing your dose and taking your probiotic as directed should prevent further issues. It is important for those with a weakened immune system or serious illness to discuss probiotic use with their healthcare provider before starting a probiotic regimen.
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S To Get Rid Of A Candida Overgrowth
There are three indispensable parts of any Candida treatment plan: a low sugar diet, natural antifungals, and good probiotics. These three things help deprive Candida albicans of the food it needs, prevent it from colonizing your gut, and restore a healthy balance of good bacteria. Avoiding foods that cause inflammation can also go a long way towards recovering your gut health.
Here are three steps on how to get rid of Candida overgrowth.
Remedies And Treatments For Yeast Infections
The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. However, you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections.
Take Probiotics
Many yeast infections occur when your immune system is busy or damaged. Itâs common to experience yeast infections while on antibiotics because your bodyâs normal bacteria die off.
Eat Yogurt
Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesnât offer any benefits when applied topically, and the sugar thatâs present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well.
Apply Saltwater Rinses
Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.
You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.
Use Tea Tree Oil
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Build Up The Immune System
Building up the immune system requires:
- Eating the right foods
- Taking essential supplements
- Avoiding yeast, mold, and fungus
- Chlorella is a whole-food that contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. It helps build the immune system, detoxifies heavy metals and other pesticides in the body, improves the digestive system, improves energy levels and normalize blood sugar and blood pressure. Take two capsules three times a day.
- Vitamin B Complex , 50 mgs. twice a day.
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mgs. twice a day.
- Vitamin D – take 1 teaspoon per 50 lbs. of body weight per day of a high-quality cod liver oil or fish oil.
- Vitamin E, containing natural alpha tocopherol, , that is not from a soy source, 400 IU twice a day.
- Calcium/Magnesium Citrate, with elemental amounts containing 800-1,200 mgs. of calcium with an equal ratio of magnesium.
Supplements For Candida Overgrowth
The following supplements and dietary strategies are some that may be suggested if your healthcare provider supports the idea of Candida overgrowth and the need to treat it.
While there is some research supporting their general benefits, none of these options have been tested in rigorous clinical trials for this particular purpose.
It’s also important to note that natural products marketed for Candida overgrowthlike all supplementsare not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration . Any such product that claims to prevent, cure, or treat Candida overgrowth does so illegally.
The most important consideration of all is that using natural remedies for Candida while avoiding or delaying standard care could be harmful to your health. It is always wise to discuss alternative and natural treatments with your healthcare provider before starting them.
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Turmeric: A Natural Antifungal
Famous throughout Asia as a culinary spice used in hundreds of traditional dishes, turmeric is one of the worlds most talked-about medicinal herbs.
Ground turmeric root has an earthy taste, a slightly mustardy smell, and a distinctive bright yellow color. Its been used throughout history in curries, soups and even as a coloring agent. But of course, its turmerics incredible therapeutic properties that have made it a part of traditional medicine.
When it comes to natural anti-inflammatory treatments, turmeric is the king. Turmerics secret is its active ingredient, curcumin. Numerous scientific studies have shown curcumin to have similar anti-inflammatory properties to pharmaceutical drugs such as hydrocortisone. Its also suggested that curcumin could be effective in treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis and even arthritis.
As an antifungal agent, turmeric boasts some surprising properties. A number of studies have pointed to turmerics efficacy in fighting both Candida albicans and the biofilms that it forms. This makes it a very useful addition to an anti-Candida program. Pharmaceutical antifungal drugs are often associated with a number of side effects, which is why natural antifungal treatments can often be preferable.
What Is Candida Glabrata
Candida glabrata can be found as a part of your natural microflora. It may be present in the GI tract, the mouth, and the genital area.
Candida glabrata is typically well-controlled, or harmless, in healthy people. But it can become a problem in people with a suppressed immune system. For example, this includes people who are living with HIV, people who are receiving cancer treatments, and people who have received an organ transplant.
Candida glabrata also has a high resistance to some antifungal medications, which can make it hard to treat.
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Balance Your Hormone Levels
Believe it or not, one major contributing factor to curing Candida naturally and permanently may involve ensuring that your hormone levels are balanced.
Studiesshow that increased estrogen levels, specifically, also increase the growth and survival of Candida in the body.This is typically the cause of increased thrush and vaginal yeast infections in women:
- During pregnancy
- Before getting their periods or
- When approaching menopause
If you are struggling with estrogen dominance, some ways to help balance your hormones and potentially cure Candida naturally include:
- Eating a fiber-rich dietIncreasing fiber intake helps the body naturally eliminate excess estrogen from the body, in turn reducing the risk of Candida overgrowth.
- Reduce stress levelsUnmanaged stress levels can lead to a deficiency in the hormonepregnenolone, which is needed to produce progesterone. This, in turn, leads to an overabundance of estrogen being produced.
- Improving your gut healthWe told you probiotics are a good idea.
- Avoid hormonal birth controlsThese replace your bodys natural hormones with synthetic hormones which can throw hormone levels out of whack.