What is Candida Albicans?

Candida Albicans (also known as a thrush, yeast or fungal infection) is a normal commensal in the human intestinal tract. It is a single cell fungi that belongs to the vegetable kingdom. Overgrowth of Candida is a problem that can cause many irritating signs and symptoms that are related to many common illnesses. Overgrowth of yeast only occurs in a person with weakened defenses. When the system is weakened it is an opportunistic time for the fungus to grow.

Candida overgrowth is a condition that dates back in textbooks as far as the 1700's. Hippocrates identified the presence of yeast infections as thrush in debilitated patients.

Factors that weaken the immune system and allow Candida to grow:
Antibiotic use
Nutritional Deficiencies
The Birth Control Pill
Cortisone Use
Diets rich in Sugar
Toxins in your system
Environmental mold and chemical exposure
Heavy metal Toxicity
Emotional Stress

Common Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth:
Fatigue, lethargic, drained or depressed
Nervous System Issues
Tingling, Numbness and Muscle Weakness
Joint Swelling
Irritability and Anger
Headaches and Migraines
Inability to Concentrate or Focus
Oversensitive to Smells, Perfumes, and Chemicals
Recurrent vaginal yeast infections, painful intercourse or vaginal dryness
Recurrent athlete's foot, jock itch and other fungal skin infections
Digestive Issues, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea
Heartburn, gastric reflux, and indigestion
Your symptoms flare in damp and moldy places
Your symptoms flare when you eat junk food and sugars

Diagnosis:
Since low amounts yeasts are normal in the body, most laboratory tests are no help. There are however practical tests and survey forms in my office I use to help diagnose candida overgrowth.

Treatment:
Start by avoiding foods high in Sugars, this is what the Candida feed off in order to grow. There are many remedies I use to kill the bad fungus and replenish the good. You may also need to take other steps to improve your health after being infected with Candida.