By: Kathy Shackleton RHN NNCP Nutritionist
Candida (also called Candidiasis, thrush or fungus)
What is it?
Candida is an overgrowth of yeast within the human body. It affects women, men, children and babies. Yeast lives naturally in the intestinal tract in very small amounts, along side other good bacteria called microflora. Often, yeast can overgrow in the intestinal tract and become systemic, causing numerous health issues.
Systemic is a term used when yeast organisms are able to enter the blood stream and travel through the body where it can spread to the vagina, urinary tract, skin, nails, mouth, organs and tissues
What are some of the symptoms?
- craving sugary or sweet foods
- craving breads and starchy carbs
- constipation or diarrhea (or some of both at different times)
- indigestion, heartburn
- belching and intestinal gas, bloating
- abdominal pain
- sensitivity to smells such as: perfumes, insecticides, tobacco smoke, fragrances in cleaning products (any or all of these)
- bothered by mold, or dampness
- persistent conditions such as jock itch, nail fungus
- persistent vaginal itching, burning, discharge or vaginitis
- urinary frequency and or burning when urinating, UTI’s
- fatigue or lethargy, feeling of being drained
- poor memory, inability to concentrate
- headaches, mood swings
- loss of sexual feeling and desire
- skin rashes or itching
- blisters in the mouth
- bad breath, postnasal drip
- recurrent ear infections, fluid in the ears
- history of tubes in ears
- wheezing or shortness of breath, frequent cough or sore throat
What can be done?
There is natural treatment and relief; a great deal can be done by changing the diet. Certain supplements and herbs are helpful. Contact a Nutritionist to get started.
Kathy Shackleton RHN NNCP Nutritionist
519 415-2266 Better Health Clinic 519 941-0280 home office
wellnessinbalance@sympatico.ca
