Candida is a very common type of yeast that can be found in the mouth, intestinal tract and vagina; it can manifest itself on the skin and other mucus membranes, and can certainly alter mood and emotions. As someone recently told me during an interview, Candida overgrowth “is like having little angry monsters inside that unpredictably take over”.
This fungus aids with nutrient absorption and digestion, so having it in proper levels is actually a good thing. Healthy gut flora and immune system as essential to keep it at bay. When the body’s natural pH is altered and Candida goes on overdrive, symptoms may appear.
Candida thrives on sugar and starch. It highjacks some of the dietary glucose and digests it causing alcoholic fermentation, turning it into ethanol and acetaldehyde. Some people with candidiasis can appear to show “drunk-like” signs after consuming a carbohydrate rich meal, because carbohydrates are turned into ethanol. One of its byproducts, acetaldehyde, has an ability to alter the structure of proteins, can cause a functional deficiency of vitamin B6, and is thought to be responsible for some autoimmune reactions,
How can Candida overgrowth manifest?
Mood disorders (for instance, anger / anxiety in PMS)
Chronic fatigue
Recurring UTI (urinary tract infections)
Oral thrush
Sinus infection
Gas and bloating
Brain fog
Fungal infections
Hormonal imbalance
What can cause Candida overgrowth?
Broad spectrum anti-biotics
Oral corticosteroids and NSAIDs
Birth control pills
Cancer treatment
Diabetes
Stress
A weakened immune system
What can you do about it?
It’s important to get rid of it slowly, as the die-off effect is not pleasant, and then gradually re-inoculate the gut with friendly flora. Consider:
Strengthening the immune system
An anti-candida diet
Specific nutrients / supplements, such as coconut oil, garlic, Caprylic acid and Paud’Arco.
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