The human body is home to many types of fungi, including Candida, which is a genus of yeast that’s commonly found in very small amounts on the skin and in the intestines and mouth. Normally, Candida isn’t a problem, but when it begins to grow, it can cause one of the most common fungal infections in humans, known as candidiasis.

What Causes Candidiasis?

Under normal circumstances, the healthy bacteria that reside in the body keep levels of Candida under control. But if healthy bacteria levels are low or you have a compromised immune system, Candida growth can get out of control.

Some of the causes of Candida overgrowth include:
•Antibiotics.
•Birth control pills.
•A diet high in refined carbs and sugar.
•Heavy alcohol consumption.
•A weakened immune system.
•Diabetes.
•Chronic stress.

Reducing the amount of Candida in the body is essential for treating candidiasis.

Symptoms of Candidiasis

Candidiasis can produce a range of symptoms. Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. The symptoms of a Candida overgrowth include:

Oral thrush. Oral thrush develops in the mouth or throat and is most common in newborns, older people, and people with a compromised immune system, according to the Postgraduate Medical Journal. Oral thrush involves white, bumpy patches on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, tonsils, or throat. These can be painful, and they may bleed when scraped. The tongue and mouth may be red and sore. In severe cases, oral thrush can spread to the esophagus and make swallowing difficult or painful.

Recurring yeast infections. While both men and women can get yeast infections, they’re more common in women. That’s because Candida is found in the vaginal tracts of most women, and an overgrowth can cause candidiasis of the vagina. Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include swelling, itching, redness, discharge that’s thick and white, and pain during intercourse.

Digestive problems. Digestive health requires a healthy balance between the good and bad bacteria in your gut. The good bacteria promote healthy digestion, but when they’re overpowered by the bad bacteria–including Candida–you may experience constipation, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bloating, and nausea. According to an article published in the journal Current Opinion in Microbiology, studies show that Candida overgrowth is associated with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and other gastrointestinal diseases.

Skin and nail fungal infections. The good bacteria on your skin help keep Candida from getting out of control, but some products–especially antibacterial varieties–can lead to an overgrowth of Candida and cause itching and a rash. It can also lead to ringworm, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus.

Treating Candida Overgrowth

Ideally, Candida overgrowth should be treated with diet, probiotics, and digestive enzymes that re-balance the bacteria in the gut, mouth, and skin. If diet and supplements don’t do the trick, you may need anti-fungal drugs, which can effectively restore an ideal balance of bacteria, but not without side effects. Anti-fungal drugs can cause gastrointestinal difficulties, headache, dizziness, and hair loss. Rare, but severe, side effects may include an irregular heartbeat and severe dizziness or fainting.

To treat candidiasis naturally, the first order of business is to avoid refined carbs, sugars, and dairy products that are high in lactose, all of which encourage the growth of Candida. Secondly, eat foods that have been shown to fight candidiasis, including garlic, coconut oil, curcumin, pomegranates, and kombucha. Thirdly, take a supplement containing probiotics and enzymes to promote healthy gut bacteria.

Stonehenge Health’s Natural Candida Formula contains a number of ingredients that help promote a proper balance of gut bacteria, including anti-fungal herbs, probiotics, and protease and cellulase, which are enzymes that destroy the cell walls and nuclei of Candida yeast. Along with a healthy diet, our Natural Candida Formula can treat a Candida overgrowth and restore your good health.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1742467/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163673/