Candidiasis is becoming an increasingly common disease of our time. With the current lifestyle, stress and polluted environment, antibiotic therapy and processed foods with a lot of sugar, we are exposed to a decline in immunity and excessive growth of fungi in our body, ranging from our intestine to internal organs and skin.
Candida Albicans
Candida Albicans (white moth) is a common, parasitic fungus, physiologically inhabiting the human body, it lives in the lower part of the digestive tract. It plays an important digestive role by helping to break down sugar in the body. However, its small amount does not interfere with the proper functioning of the body , as the fungus coexists with other microorganisms that make up the natural flora of the digestive tract. Unfortunately, in favorable conditions, it can cause infections and allergic reactions. When the yeast population begins to rapidly increase, a problem arises. The development of Candida albicans is favored by:
- Environment pollution,
- Increased use of drugs and antibiotics,
- High alcohol consumption,
- Processed, refined (refined) foods containing numerous preservative additives, etc.
- Stress.
Then Candide crosses the barrier of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in nesting in other parts of the body and changing the form – from an ordinary yeast to a dangerous bacterium insensitive to antibiotics and antifungal drugs. From the gastrointestinal tract, it gets to the intestinal walls, then attacks the blood, where it travels around the body, settling in the warmest and humid organs of the human body. We need to know that Candida is present in the environment practically everywhere and until the body has a well-functioning immune system, it is harmless to us.
Candida Albicans – Causes and Symptoms
Before we talk about the symptoms of yeast infection, it is worth expanding the concept of the causes of their excessive multiplication in the digestive tract. We often have no direct influence on the type and amount of medications and antibiotics we take, but what we eat depends only on us. We must be aware that some products support the intensive development of yeasts such as Candida albicans. We expose ourselves to the development of the disease through:
- A diet rich in simple Carbohydrates (pale Bread, Large amounts of Potatoes, Pale Flour Products, Refined rice, etc.),
- drinking and cooking with tap water,
- Sugar Abuse (sweetening each drink consumed during the day, frequent eating sweets, consumption of sweetened and carbonated drinks),
- a diet rich in meat and milk (containing antibiotics and hormones)
- eating fast food,
- Low Consumption of Vegetables,
- Abuse of stimulants, such as Coffee, Alcohol and nicotine.
And what can such a diet lead us to?
Still, the topic of the influence of an excessive amount of Candida albicans on the human body is not fully understood and clear. Currently, they are ascribed more and more negative effects on the entire human body. Symptoms may concern the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and genitals, or problems with maintaining a proper body weight.
| SYMPTOMS | ||||
| From the gastrointestinal tract | ON THE PART OF THE URINARY SYSTEM / GENERAL ORGANS | CONCERNING THE SKIN | MENTAL DISORDERS | GENERAL |
| constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, gas, indigestion, food allergies, hypersensitivity to milk or gluten, belching, bad breath | burning sensation when urinating , inflammation of the urinary tract, frequent urination, inflammation of the genital tract (cysts), prostate trouble, menstrual cycle disorders, | skin eruptions and psoriasis, hair loss, bad body and mouth odor, dry skin, sweating, acne, nail inflammation, itching of the anus and skin, | mood swings, difficulty concentrating and remembering, impatience, excitability, | cold hands and feet, exhaustion upon waking, lethargy, craving for certain foods, excessively overweight or underweight. |
Candida albicans – Treatment
Here are the 3 pillars of the procedure that lead to recovery:
– anti-candida (low-carbohydrate) diet
- elimination of the medium for the development of pathogens – “starvation of the yeast”;
– regular intake of probiotics
- restoring the balance between microorganisms in the intestines,
- strengthening the body’s immunity;
– appropriate pharmacological / non-pharmacological treatment under constant medical supervision (natural / herbal / plant preparations).
- removing excessive amounts of yeast from the body,
- elimination of erosions in the gastrointestinal mucosa.
The general principle of treating all types of mycosis caused by Candida albicans overgrowth is to change the conditions in the large intestine, and thus restore homeostasis between its microorganisms. The development of the disease process often causes impairment of the functioning of internal organs, therefore it is important to diagnose and implement treatment as soon as possible. This will result in a shorter recovery time. Not all candidiasis is treated the same way. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in 2009 reported that the treatment of Candida depends on the type and location of the fungus.
Candida albicans – Diet
The whole point is that yeast is fed by simple sugars and starch, fed by grains containing gluten, such as wheat, rye, oats or barley. What then should we not eat? And what food can we eat without remorse? The first assumption of our new diet is a low-carbohydrate diet, based on products with a low or medium glycemic index.
Our diet should increase the amount of protein provided. However, we have to give up blue cheeses, e.g. azure, brie. It is important to provide protein and essential amino acids from meat, fish or seafood as well as dairy products: yogurt, kefir, natural buttermilk. A recommendable source of protein are hen eggs (unrivaled rural ones from free-range hens). They contain all the essential amino acids as well as vitamins (A, D and E) and minerals (iodine, iron, phosphorus) . Protein products should be eaten in “pure form”, without coatings, sauces, incl. due to the exclusion of gluten. Use fresh products, all kinds of preserved and preserved meats should be excluded from the diet.
Small amounts of rye / wholemeal bread made with natural leaven without the addition of yeast are allowed. It is worth knowing that the leaven helps in the proper functioning of bacteria, including intestinal flora. The safest way in this case is to bake the bread yourself, which will allow us to control the ingredients present in it.
Dietary fiber, found in vegetables and fruits, and whole grain products, supports the functioning of the intestines. With proper hydration, it participates in the formation of fecal masses that collect toxins produced by yeasts and harmful bacteria, thus enabling the cleansing of the body.
We already know that fiber has a positive effect, but can we eat all fruits and vegetables without reservation? Unfortunately, fruit is a rich source of simple sugars, and some vegetables contain significant amounts of starch, which is a breeding ground for growing yeasts. During the therapeutic treatment, you should give up most fruits (exception: grapefruit, sour apples or cranberries) and starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, green peas, parsnips, peas and pumpkin). The recommended method of thermal processing is cooking and baking, unless the vegetable can be eaten raw.
Fluids are a very important part of our diet. We should drink the recommended 2 liters of water a day, which will help flush out toxins from our body. In addition to low or medium mineralized water, it is worth including fresh grapefruit juice or green tea on the menu. In the morning, it is worth reaching for a glass of warm water with lemon. The antibacterial properties of lemon block the reproduction of Candida. In addition, such a warm drink in the morning stimulates the digestive system.
The summary table below presents the main groups of products along with examples that we can freely use in our new healthy diet in spite of Candida.
| GROUP OF PRODUCTS | EXAMPLES |
| Vegetables | broccoli, kale, onion, garlic, spinach, asparagus, swede, celery, zucchini, eggplant, avocado, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes, olives. |
| Meat and eggs | beef, poultry, lamb, veal, and eggs. |
| Oils | virgin coconut oil – you can also read about coconut oil’s influence on the development of candida here , olive oil, sesame oil, linseed oil, coconut oil, red palm oil. |
| Live bacteria cultures | yogurt, kefir, natural buttermilk, probiotics. |
| Nuts and grains | Almonds, linseeds, pecans, sunflower seeds. |
| Fishes | Wild salmon, sardines, herring, other fresh fish from a reliable source. |
| Herbs and spices | Basil, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, dill, garlic, ginger, oregano, paprika, rosemary, thyme, turmeric, sea salt, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (bio, unfiltered). |
| Drinks | Ginger tea, peppermint tea, green tea, cinnamon tea, chicory coffee. |
| Sweeteners | Stevia, xylitol. |
| Groats without gluten | Quinoa, buckwheat, oat bran (certified), millet. |
Candida Albicans – Tests
Salivary tests – can be performed at home:
Immediately after waking up (on an empty stomach, without brushing your teeth, etc.), spit into a glass of water. Watch the saliva for about 2/3 minutes.
Result:
- Negative: Saliva is light floating, then slowly dissolves in the water without streaks.
- Positive: Thick saliva falling to the bottom; forms streaks, hyphae of a white shade; the more slurry there is, the greater the growth of fungi.
We have a wide range of laboratory tests on the market for the diagnosis of yeast overgrowth in the body, including: mushroom culture, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, stool and blood tests. They belong to tests that detect invasion in the digestive tract. Other diagnostic tests can help detect mycosis of internal organs.
In the case of inoculation, we must be aware that Candida albicans may occur naturally in our body, therefore a positive result will not always indicate a disease. A positive result obtained from the blood culture, unfortunately, indicates a systemic infection and the advancement of the disease.
One of the most commonly used tests is the enzyme immunoassay (ELISA TEST) detecting antibodies against specific species of fungi. It has a screening nature. A positive result alone is not the same as infection. It should be confirmed by performing additional tests.
The genetic test that identifies the fungus DNA is a PCR test, it directly identifies the presence of yeast in the material, i.e. blood, mucosa smear. This way, an infection can be detected at a very early stage.
Currently, we are able to perform a genetic multitest recognizing 6 species of fungi that cause yeast. It has a comprehensive action and clearly allows for the presence of Candida.
Candida albicans does not have to be our enemy as long as we dictate the conditions of intercourse. It depends on us whether we create favorable possibilities for the mushrooms to grow or not. Leading a healthy and hygienic lifestyle, we can sleep well. A diet based on natural products, fresh vegetables and fruits, and not fast food, the consumption of which ruins our health, and sweets available at every step, will allow us to control our own intestinal microflora. It is worth including in your menu live cultures of pro-health bacteria that can be found, for example, in fermented milk products. However, if you suspect the development of Candida in your body, immediately go to a specialist doctor and ask for a referral for diagnostic tests. “The sooner the healthier!”
