Hey there, awesome readers! Have you ever had a pesky itch or felt a bit “off” and wondered what on earth might be causing it? There’s a tiny culprit that might be behind your woes – Candida yeast. Yup, it’s small, but it can cause quite a commotion in our bodies. So, let’s dive right into understanding this not-so-cool party crasher!
What is Candida Yeast?
Candida yeast is a type of fungus that’s naturally present in our bodies. Usually, it minds its own business and doesn’t bother anyone. But sometimes, when conditions are just right (or rather, just wrong), it can multiply and lead to an infection known as candidiasis. This fungus likes warm, moist areas, making places like the mouth, throat, gut, and skin its favorite hangout spots. Think of it as that one friend who overstays their welcome if you don’t set some boundaries!
An overgrowth of Candida occurs when our naturally good bacteria become diminished due to the typical American diet, certain medications, the birth control pill, lack of sleep, and stress (to name a few). Good bacteria multiply when you sleep, which is key to your fully functional immune system. Good bacteria also play an important role in keeping our naturally occurring Candida yeast balanced. Most Americans do not get enough sleep and are under tremendous stress.
So, why does Candida decide to throw a wild party in your body? Well, there are several reasons for this unwanted celebration.
Starting with diet—sugar and refined carbs can act like VIP passes for Candida to grow. Stress and a weakened immune system can also give this fungus the green light.
Not to mention, overuse of antibiotics can kill off good bacteria that typically keep Candida in check, leaving more room for it to thrive. Basically, the more out-of-balance things get, the more likely Candida will take advantage of the situation.
Causes of Candida overgrowth:
- Excess Sugar and Carbohydrates
- Certain Medications
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- NSAIDs – common ones are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib
- Dairy
- Alcohol
- Birth Control
- Estrogen dominance
- Stress
You might be wondering, “How do I know if Candida is causing me trouble?” Great question!
Symptoms can vary but often include fatigue, digestive issues, recurring yeast infections, and oral thrush (a fancy term for a yeast infection in the mouth). Some folks even experience mood swings or brain fog. While these symptoms can be caused by lots of different things, if you notice a persistent pattern, it might be time to consider Candida as a potential suspect.
Symptoms of candida overgrowth:
- Digestive issues
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Brain fog
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Skin and nail fungal infections
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Oral thrush
- Sugar cravings
- Mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Weight gain (and inability to lose that weight)
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Candida overgrowth can become invasive and spread in the body quickly, attaching itself to the intestinal lining and causing micro perforations (leaky gut).
Now, before you panic and start googling “Candida apocalypse,” remember that knowledge is power.
Tackling Candida usually involves restoring balance in your body. This can mean enjoying a diet low in sugar, managing stress, improving gut health with supplements, and using antifungal treatments if necessary. Some natural remedies, like coconut oil and garlic, are also known for their antifungal properties.
Could you have an overgrowth of Candida? Take the test!
Aside from having the symptoms and contributing factors listed above, at BeBalanced we use a simple, but effective at-home “spit test.”
Here’s what to do…
- Put a glass of plain water by your bed the night before taking the test (this will help you remember to do this simple test first thing in the morning).
- When you wake up the next morning (before you put anything into your mouth or brush your teeth) work up some saliva and spit it into this clear glass of water.
- Within 10-30 minutes, look in the glass for one of two results:
- If strings are coming down from your saliva, the water turns cloudy, or your saliva sinks to the bottom = you may have a Candida overgrowth and a low number of good bacteria.
- If the saliva is floating on the surface = you do not have excess yeast, and most likely have a good amount of healthy bacteria.
The BeBalanced Candida Cleanse 30-day Detox Program
So, do you think you might have a Candida overgrowth issue? We have a solution to help, it’s our 30-day Candida Cleanse Detox Program!
Our Candida Cleanse Program is a combination of dietary guidance and targeted supplementation. It is an ideal add-on to all our programs, particularly for those struggling with Candida overgrowth, or as a stand-alone protocol. Your Wellness Coach will help guide you with any adjustments needed based on the stage of your wellness journey.
Diet:
The first step in treating Candida overgrowth is adjusting your diet. Just as certain foods can cause Candida overgrowth, eliminating sugars, dairy, gluten, alcohol, and other inflammatory foods can set the stage for starving out the Candida. The Candida Cleanse Program includes an easy-to-follow eating plan. During this 30-day program, you will not be counting calories but will instead be focusing on a whole-food diet centered around quality protein, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and fruits. You will be eating 3 balanced meals and up to two snacks each day.
Supplementation:
The second, and equally important, step to rid the body of Candida yeast is targeted supplementation. Our 30-day Candida Cleanse Program includes:
- Candida Cleanse: a blend of selected herbs and herbal extracts that support the body’s immune system and a healthy intestinal tract.
- P-100 MCT: a high-quality blend of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects. According to studies, MCTs have been shown to reduce the growth of Candida by 25%.
- Flora Plus: a breakthrough combination probiotic formula providing a concentrated synergistic specture of 3 strains of poweful probiotics. Flora Plus fortifies a healthy immune system while replenishing beneficial flora in the intestinal tract.
- HepraSupport: contains targeted nutrition to help the body maintain healthy liver function. It contains four key ingredients: NAC (N-Acetyl L-Cysteine), which serves as a precursor for the synthesis of glutathione* Alpha-Lipoic Acid, a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Silymarin (standardized extract from milk thistle), which may help promote glutathione production. And, selenium, a trace mineral known to support the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase.
In conclusion, Candida yeast might be small, but it can sure make a big impact on your health if left unchecked. Understanding the signs, causes, and steps to restore balance can help keep this sneaky fungus in its place. Remember, it’s all about maintaining harmony within your body. So, next time you feel something’s amiss, you’ll know a bit more about one possible culprit and how to keep it from crashing your life’s party!
Stay healthy, stay informed, and don’t let Candida steal your thunder!