What Is Candida?
Candida is a fungal infection caused by yeast. There are many types of candida fungus but the most common one is Candida Albicans, the fungus that causes those horrible symptoms we all dread. Candida naturally lives on our skin and also inside our body in our mouth, throat, intestines and vagina. If you have a healthy immune system then you won’t have a problem with candida overgrowth as your friendly gut bacteria will keep candida under control. But when candida starts to multiply and grow out of control, then it becomes a cause for concern.Â
Although we generally think of candida as a woman’s problem, it can also affect men and can occur at any age. If you feel bloated, are tired all the time and have strong sugar cravings, then you may be suffering from candida symptoms.
Is Thrush The Same As Candida?
When people talk about getting Thrush, they are talking about Candida fungus and most usually Candida Albicans. Thrush tends to develop in warm moist areas and usually when there is a bacteria imbalance in our bodies. Sometime thrush can be triggered by sex but is not a sexually transmitted infection.Â
The delicate bacterial balance in our bodies can be upset by a number of things including pregnancy, diet, lifestyle, living conditions and stress.
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Candida Symptoms
Candida overgrowth can cause a number of health problems including digestive problems, general fatigue, joint pain as well as the usual fungal symptoms of pain and itching.Â
The main causes of candida include;
- Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as bad, leading to a bacterial imbalance, it is always beneficial to take probiotics for several weeks after finishing a course of antibiotics,
- Diet high in sugar or refined carbohydrates: Carbs are turned into sugar inside your bodies and candida thrives on sugar,
- Weak immune system: Our immune system keeps candida in check and a weakened immune system can allow candida overgrowth, our digestive system form a large part of our immune system,
- Taking oral contraceptives: In some cases these can alter the bacteria balance in our bodies and allow candida overgrowth,
- Alcohol: Can be high in sugar, yeast and other ingredients that feed candida fungus,
- Stress: Can damp down our immune system and allow candida to grow.
- Oral thrush: an overgrowth of candida in the mouth with white looking patches and bumps on tongue, inner cheeks, throat and tonsils, which are painful and may bleed when touched,
- Tiredness / Fatigue: A very common symptom of candida and often caused by the nutritional deficiencies that also cause candida. As well as this, candida affects your digestive system, leading to a reduced immune system and reduced nutrient absorption.
- Recurring urinary tract infections: Candida overgrowth can lead to vaginal yeast infections, which cause symptoms of vaginal swelling, redness, itching, painful intercourse and sometimes white discharge. Vaginal yeast infections can sometimes cause urinary tract infections, symptoms include urgent need to urinate, painful urination, lower abdominal pain and cloudy, dark or strange smelling urine.
- Digestive upsets: Healthy digestion relies on the balance of bad/good gut bacteria and an imbalance can cause diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, swelling, wind, pain, cramps, nausea.Â
- Joint pain: If candida enters your bloodstream it can travel around your body, infect your joints and cause arthritis, this scenario occurs more typically after surgery or when candid overgrowth is left untreated long term. Candida can also cause bone infections or osteomyelitis leading to pain and tenderness in the affected area.
- Skin & nails: Candida overgrowth is a fungal infection and can affect your skin and nails with itching and redness being the two most common symptoms.Â
Natural Anti Candida Diet
The foods most likely to allow candida to flourish in your body include;
- Sugar
- Refined carbohydrates
- Processed foods
- Refined grains
- Processed meat
- Excessive dairy
- Alcohol
The following foods have anti fungal properties and, if you are prone to fungal infections, than you can include more of them in your diet;
- Probiotics
- Garlic
- Fermented foods
- Kefir
- Komboucha
- Curcumin (Turmeric)
- Pomegranate
- Aloe Vera
- Coconut Oil
Home Remedies For Oral Thrush
While over the counter or prescription medications will work, there are also some home remedies that we have found helpful. Please read our Disclaimer and if you are in any doubt, we advice that you see your healthcare practitioner.
Add 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil to one teaspoon of water, mix well and use as a mouth rinse for 60 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times per day until infection has cleared. It is also beneficial to look more closely at your diet and eliminate any foods likely to cause candida overgrowth while adding in more fermented foods, prebiotics, probiotics and other beneficial foods.
Home Remedies For Vaginal Thrush
While over the counter or prescription medications will work, there are also some home remedies that we have found helpful. Please read our Disclaimer and if you are in any doubt, we advice that you see your healthcare practitioner.
Again Tea Tree Essential Oil is the hero of this remedy. Thoroughly blend 2 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil with one teaspoon of oil (preferably Coconut Oil but you can also use Sweet Almond Oil, Evening Primrose Oil or olive oil if none other is available). Pour the oil into your hand and apply all over the affected area twice daily.Â
When you wash ensure that you do not use any soap products especially perfumed or scented ones. Plain warm water and a cloth is best.
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