Candida Albicans Overgrowth
Everyone has a type of fungi, known as Candida, which is present in their digestive tract, throat and mouth. This is normal, and it plays a part in the health of the body. Normally this fungi is kept from growing and proliferating throughout the body by the immune system. A Candida albicans overgrowth usually happens when antibiotics, excess sugar or stress create an imbalance that weakens the immune system, which often can lead to a Candida albicans overgrowth.

Many people have had experiences with a Candida overgrowth and may of not even known it. However, the symptoms can get worse depending upon the severity of the infection. Candida thrush is a common type of male Candida. It is common for women to have Candida vaginal infections and, in fact, it's estimated that around 75% of women have had at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

A yeast overgrowth can be difficult to treat as it changes forms and begins to spread rapidly throughout the body. If it is not treated, it can lead to life threatening problems such as Leaky Gut Syndrome. At this point the yeast can enter the blood stream and invade every organ in the body causing systemic Candida. At the same time it can give off over seventy different toxins. The majority of the people with chronic Candida have a difficult time completely healing from a condition.

Candida symptoms are many and they differ from person to person. The person may present symptoms such as learning difficulties, athlete's foot, muscle weakness, poor memory, depression, dizziness, mood swings, strong cravings for sweets, bloating, abdominal gas and chronic exhaustion. According to some scientists, Candida infections can play an important role in mental health and other major illnesses.

Scientists have yet to discover the reason why, but a Candida albicans overgrowth seems to prefer the organ of the brain over other organs in the body. This may be the connection with mental illness. One of the main symptoms is a patient's difficulty in thinking and "foggy headedness".

Treating Candida overgrowth is not an easy thing to do. It can often be done with diet and supplements, but it has to be done slowly. As the Candida die off, the immune system kicks in to eliminate the toxins and impurities, causing what is known as the Herxheimer Reaction. This simply means that the person may feel extremely ill for several days during this purification process. Starting Candida treatments as early as possible can help to prevent this reaction from happening.

The diet for treating Candida is made up of clean meats, plain yogurt, protein and non-starchy vegetables. Yogurt helps the natural bacteria in the intestines to flourish, making it possible for the immune system to control the Candida. Things that cannot be eaten until the yeast is under control are: sugar, foods made from yeast, fruits and carbohydrates. Sugar is the number one food of Candida yeast and must be avoided if you are on a treatment program.

Supplements should also be taken during the treatment. Acidophilus, garlic and caprylic acid, will help destroy the Candida yeast and will help the beneficial bacteria to grow within the intestines. This makes it possible for the immune system to keep the Candida under control.

As long as Candida stays within the intestinal tract it plays an important part in our health. It has the job of locating and destroying harmful bacteria. Without its presence, a person would be defenseless against dangerous bacteria within the body. Anytime that you experience symptoms that your doctor has no explanation for, ask him to check you for Candidiasis. Most doctors will not think of this on their own.

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