Candida and its Causes and Signs

Candida albicans is the most common yeast infection in the mouth, intestines, vagina, skin and other mucous membranes. Candida is a natural occurring fungus that helps in the absorption of nutrients and digestion. When the pH balance of the body is affected, candida overproduces and causes infections and other systemic problems.

Causes of Candida Infections

Antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics causes antibiotic resistance. It kills not only the bad bacteria but also the good ones. The good bacteria keeps candida under control. Killing it makes your body the breeding ground of candida.

Birth Control Pills.  Though pills do not directly cause yeast infection or candida overgrowth, it can still affect the body and lead to infection when there is consumption of high sugar and taking of antibiotics. Birth control pills can initiate yeast infection.

Oral Corticosteriods. Asthmatic persons that uses inhalants are at risk of candida infection in the mouth which may lead to candida overgrowth.

Helps in Cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation of cancer patients may also kill the healthy bacteria that naturally fight candida.

Helps in Diabetes. High sugar level puts the diabetic person at high risk of candida overgrowth syndrome because sugar feeds yeast.

Weakened Immune System. Infants, small children, the elderly and those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS are at risk of developing candida due to weakened immune system.

Signs and Symptoms of Candida

Chronic Fatigue. Fatigue that last for six months and often accompanied by headaches, joint pain, sore throat and memory loss or difficulty in concentration.

Mood Disorders. The person with candida have dramatic mood swings, anxiety, is irritable, depressed and have panic attacks.

Recurrent Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections. Candida may be sexually transmitted and may cause recurring infections in the urinary tract or vagina.

Oral Thrush. Oral candida or oral thrush is also a yeast infection which may spread through the body like the digestive tract, lungs, liver and heart if left untreated.

Sinus Infections. Persistent post-nasal drip, cough, seasonal allergies, increased congestion and flu-like symptoms may be a result of candida infection.

Intestinal Distress. Candida infection is manifested by persistent flatulence, burping, constipation or diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. This is due to lack of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Brain Fog. Candida infection causes lack of focus, poor memory, difficulty in concentration and poor physical coordination.

Skin and Nail Fungal Infections. Common yeast infection signs are the athlete’s foot and fungus in the toenail.

Hormonal Imbalance. Infection can cause early menopause, migraines, water retention, mood swings, PMS, low sex drive and unable to lose extra pounds.

To keep your body balanced and to keep candida infection away, you need to do cleanse and practice a high protein diet, high fiber vegetables, and  limit intake of grains, fruits, sugar and high-starch vegetables. Consume fermented vegetables and kefir.