Candida is a type of yeast that often exists within the gut microbiome. Often clients will ask do I have candida? It is likely that you do have some form of candida or other yeasts that are living within your gut microbiome. Almost everybody does. The question you might want ask is – is it causing problems for me?
Candida is part of our gut ecology, it exists alongside other yeasts and bacteria. It is generally kept generally kept under control by the presence of other bacteria and a healthy immune system. If candida is allowed to spread and grow and become more dominant it can cause a number of health concerns.
The main influence which allows candida to spread and become dominant is antibiotic use. General-use antibiotics will target and kill other bacteria leaving ‘space’ for candida to spread and dominate. Steroids can also cause candida overgrowth.
Diets high in sugar or refined carbohydrate can affect the balance of candida in the gut and if your digestive secretions are not adequate this can cause candida overgrowth as well as general dysbiosis. An immune system that is challenged or sub-optimal will allow candida to spread and become problematic. Nutritional support for the immune system is an important part of overcoming yeast overgrowth.
There are sometimes more complex reasons for candida overgrowth. These include high levels of chronic stress resulting in poor adrenal function and issues with heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury, through amalgam fillings or occupational exposure. These may require a different approach.
What are the symptoms of candida overgrowth?
- Thrush
- Fungal infections, including nail infections
- Chemical sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Skin infections
- Muscle aches
- Craving sweet or starchy foods
- Bladder infections
- Bloating
- Reflux
- Bad breath
- Brain fog
- Low mood
We now offer a stand alone stool test to identify both the presence and level of candida. The test includes a free mouth swab to identify oral candida. Use the form below to ask us about this.
