How Do I know I have Candida Overgrowth?

You suffer from brain fog, nail fungus, itchy skin conditions, athlete’s foot, and even the dreaded vaginal yeast infection? It could be Candida overgrowth:
Other Common symptoms include:

• Heavy bloating and flatulence
• Weight gain
• Sugar cravings
• Rectal itching
• Constant fatigue
• Depression and mood swings
• Poor memory
• Muscle or joint pains
• Headaches and migraine
• Oral or vaginal thrush; cystitis
• Sore mouth and white coated tongue
• Cracking at corners of mouth
• Red sore rash on the skin in areas that perspire
• General ‘unwell’ feeling
• Intolerance of alcohol
• Sensitivity to foods containing yeast and mold
• Sensitivity to changing weather
  

  What is Candida Overgrowth?
  

  Candida is a species of yeast, a type of fungus, that lives in and on your body.
  It is a part of our body’s normal flora. Sometimes due to certain causes (see below) Candida gets out of balance with other microorganisms, this is Candida Overgrowth
  The most common form of fungal infection is Candida overgrowth.
  There are hundreds of Candida species, the most common is Candida albicans. Albicans comes from the Latin word for “white,” as this yeast often appears white. For example, in oral thrush, a mouth infection caused by Candida, the inside of the mouth and the tongue appear to be coated with a white film.
  Candida can travel through the bloodstream and cause problems in the joints such as chronic pain and arthritis.
  The solution to Candida overgrowth lies in the gut.
  Normally, the healthy bacteria in your gut keeps Candida in balance, and together, the good bacteria help your body with digestion and nutrient absorption of food. Yet, when gut microbiome is out of balance, Candida becomes an invasive, fast-growing form of yeast, and can quickly cause symptoms throughout your body by overwhelming the good bacteria in your body.
  Candida cells are also able to penetrate the single-cell layer of the intestinal lining of your gut quite easily, because it can change shapes.
  This suppresses your immune system and results in all sorts of autoimmune conditions. Candida overgrowth has a destructive domino effect on your body, so it’s vital for your health to address this condition.

  How do you know to confirm this is Candida overgrowth?
  

  Several tests are available:

  • IgG, IgA and IgM Candida Antibodies
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Urine Dysbiosis Test
  • Specific Stool Test

  In my clinic I found that certain symptoms, which may seem unconnected, and taking a complete, detailed health history is the best way to determine if Candida overgrowth is the culprit.

  Causes of Candida overgrowth?
  

  • Birth and Childhood

  • You were delivered by C-section and missed out on the good bacteria from the birth canal
  • You were bottle-fed instead of breast-fed, so you did not get antibodies from your mother
  • You had frequent ear infections during childhood

  • Diet

  • Rich in added sugars, dairy products, and processed foods
  • You eat and/or crave carbs such as bread, pasta or starchy vegetables; sugar; and/or alcohol
  • You eat a lot of fermented foods that feeds Candida

  • Medications

  • Antibiotics can kill off good bacteria in your gut
  • NSAIDS disrupt your microbiome
  • Steroids weaken the immune system

  • High estrogen levels resulting from

  • Birth control pills
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Estrogen dominance

  • Chronic stress

  • Cortisol which leads to higher glucose levels, feeding Candida
  • Disrupts microbiome
  • Suppresses immune system

  So if you have any of the symptoms listed above and your history includes any of the factors I listed above, Candida overgrowth may be the root cause of your health challenges.
  Simple, natural steps you can take through lifestyle and dietary changes, including going sugar-free. You can take back your health and feel amazing when you’re free of brain fog, skin issues, digestive problems, and mood swings!

  I’ve seen thousands of my patients regain energy and vitality, and you can too!

  Mireille Rizk Corbani