Do you suffer from the following symptoms?

• Constant fatigue and low energy
• Headaches and/or migraines
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Skin infections or rashes in mouth or sexual organs
• Recurring vaginal infections
• Muscle weakness, stiffness (especially neck and shoulder)
• Weight gain
• Irritability or moodiness
• Respiratory problems including asthma, chronic cough, sinus infections
• Flu-like symptoms

 

While these symptoms seem to be very different, they could all be from one root cause-Candida.

 

What is Candida?

 

Candida is a form of yeast and is part of the microorganisms that live in your mouth and intestine. Everyone has Candida and it is no problem until there is an overgrowth of it.

 

What causes Candida overgrowth?

 

Candida can multiply more than it should due to use of antibiotics or steroids. These medications work by killing "bad" bacteria to combat symptoms of illnesses, but kill the "good" bacteria as well (which protect your body from overgrowth). The widespread use of antibiotics used in animal feed end up in our meats also expose us to long term, low levels of antibiotics. Candida is also fed more directly by eating a diet heavy in carbs, sugar and processed food or being under lengthy periods of stress.

 

What are some effects of Candida?

 

There are many and seemingly unrelated effects as you can see by the above list. Ultimately, too much yeast can cripple the immune system, causing chronic viral and bacterial infection or in the form of allergies. Yeast can damage the intestinal wall, allowing food particles and toxins to enter the blood stream. The body then produces antibodies to fight these foreign substances and typical "allergic" reactions may occur, such as eczema and hay fever, along with headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, anxiety, fatigue and muscle aches. Yes, it's amazing the effect these little critters can have on your whole body.

 

One of the more frustrating effects is weight gain and sugar cravings. The Candida feeds on sugar and therefore your body is craving the very thing that is harming it!

 

I battled Candida myself for a while with my symptoms being terrible sugar cravings and heightened sensitivities to different food, such as wine. I would start to get congested after a few sips.   Sometimes I would even experience flu-like symptoms for a few days after. No, this wasn't from having 10 glasses of wine and suffering from a hangover, either!  After eradicating my candida, I can now enjoy my beloved glass of wine without fear of a bad reactions.  Yes, many food allergies magically disappear when Candida issues are cleared up.   

 

How do you get rid of Candida?

 

First, you must eliminate the very thing that is feeding the yeast in the first place and that is sugar and processed foods. Compare it to your house being on fire. I would bet the last thing you would do is to add firewood or pour gasoline on your house at that point. That would just "fuel" the fire. It works the same with Candida. They are like little pac men waiting around with their mouths open ready to be fed and multiply. However, if there is nothing for them to eat, they die off.

 

Second, it is so important to eat foods that are high in good bacteria. Yogurt is a good example as it has good bacteria or "probiotics" in it. Probiotics are the good bacteria your body needs to defend itself against foreign invaders in the gut. BEWARE of the yogurt you buy. Many common yogurts in the supermarkets contain a ton of sugar which completely counteract any benefit you would receive. Be sure to always get Greek plain organic yogurt. Fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, kimchi and drinks such as kombucha and kefir are all loaded with great probiotics and help crowd out the bad bacteria as well.

 

I strongly recommend a good quality probiotic. There are some vitamins that you can buy anywhere but probiotics are not one of them. Probiotics are living organisms and are fragile and sensitive. As a matter of fact, more than 93% of the probiotics found in traditional probiotic products will be dead by the time they reach your gut (the final destination that they must reach alive and well in order to provide you with their beneficial properties). Nature's Sunshine has an excellent blend I recommend that works well with my clients called Bifidophilus Flora Force. Keep in mind that they need to be refrigerated to keep the good bacteria alive and well. You can also find other trustworthy brands at your local health food store. I truly believe that supplementing with probiotics is one of the most important things that anyone can do for their health with a ton of benefits.

 

I do not necessarily recommend taking antibiotics or prescription anti-virals as these may be the very thing that started the yeast overgrowth in the first place!   They may give temporary relief, but the candida inevitably seems to return.  It is important to stick with herbal products so that you are not destroying the good bacteria, which protect us from yeast overgrowth in the first place.

 

Third, it can be overwhelming to try to get rid of these buggers on your own. I offer a comprehensive and personalized easy to follow program with food options and supplementation. Feel free to contact me at www.JilltheHealthCoach.com for more info.

 

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All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction.  No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.  The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.