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Natural Ways to Help Prevent and Treat Candida Overgrowth

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Emma Gallagher is a Brit living in North Carolina. She grows organic gardens and... Read More

Without us being aware, there are many different strains of fungus living in and on our bodies. For the most part, they live unbothered and without bothering us.

However, there are occasions when certain strains of this fungus or yeast can overgrow and start to cause unpleasant and sometimes painful or even debilitating symptoms.

One particular strain of fungus, or yeast, that can start to cause real problems when an overgrowth occurs is Candida albicans.

Fortunately, there are some simple and natural things you can do to help prevent the overgrowth of candida and help to ease symptoms when it does.

Source: Medical Centric/YouTube

Causes of Candidiasis

Candida is present in and on our bodies all the time, particularly in our mouths, intestines, and on our skin. Candidiasis is the name for the condition that occurs when candid yeast has been exposed to certain environments in and on the body and has grown out of control.

There are actually a number of things that can cause yeast overgrowth in the body. Those with a weakened immune system are especially susceptible as well as people who have diabetes, obesity or are pregnant.

Stress and lack of sleep can also be causes. Certain medications such as prolonged use of antibiotics and oral contraception can also be factors in candidiasis.

As well, having a diet that is high in sugar and refined carbs, as well as alcohol consumption is linked to yeast overgrowth.

Symptoms of Candidiasis

Here are a few of the most common symptoms of candidiasis–

Oral thrush– An overgrowth of candida in the mouth can cause oral thrush. This can be identified by white lumps and bumps on the tongue, inside the cheeks, and tonsils. They can be painful and lead to sore throats as well.

Fatigue– Though candidiasis is not thought to directly cause tiredness and fatigue, the fact that it can be caused by a nutrient deficiency and compromised immunity means that a person might have feelings of fatigue in conjunction with candidiasis.

Genital yeast infections– Though a vaginal yeast infection is more common, penile yeast infections can happen, too, where the tip of the penis becomes red, swollen, and painful. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include redness, swelling, itching, and white discharge.

Urinary tract infections (UTI)– UTIs can be the result of a number of different things, but one cause can be candidiasis. UTIs cause a frequent urge to urinate whilst having difficulty doing so. There is also pain and a burning sensation when urinating and sometimes pain in the lower abdomen.

Skin fungal infections– When conditions on our skin change to create ideal growing conditions for the yeast, it can start to cause problems. Areas such as the groin and armpits are especially susceptible due to the warm and moist conditions. Such infections often manifest as red and itchy rashes.

Digestive issues– Candida overgrowth has been linked to serious digestive issues such as Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The imbalance of ‘good bacteria to ‘bad bacteria in the gut can lead to symptoms of bloating, gas, constipation, and nausea.

Source: Dr. Josh Axe/YouTube

Natural Ways to Prevent and Treat Candidiasis

First of all, it is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss with your doctor the best course of action for your treatment.

If you are looking for simple ways to avoid getting a yeast infection in the first place or find gentle ways to ease the symptoms you are experiencing, here are some things that you might think about-

Foods to avoid– The food you eat place a huge role in maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria in your gut. So, avoiding foods that promote the growth of candida should be avoided. These include processed foods that are high in sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol.

Foods to eat– Foods that are naturally anti-fungal such as garlic and coconut oil have been found to help fight overactive candida. Turmeric and pomegranate have been found to have candida-attacking properties.

Eating a diet that is rich in leafy greens is beneficial as they help to alkaline the body making it a hostile environment for acid-loving candida.

Probiotic foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut are excellent for promoting healthy gut bacteria. Taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) works as a prebiotic for your gut encouraging a good environment for healthy bacteria.

Topical treatments– If you are experiencing a skin yeast infection, there are a few things you can use to help ease the symptoms.

Essential oils such as tea tree oil, or oregano oil are naturally antifungal and may help to eliminate the infection. Be sure to use these with a carrier oil, and do a patch test first to check for allergies. Coconut oil has been successfully used to treat topical candida due to its antifungal properties, too.

Again, ACV diluted and applied directly to the area can help to ease the symptoms. Also, aloe vera is also thought to help inhibit the growth of candida albicans.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Seek medical advice before using home remedies to treat what could be a serious medical problem. Never use essential oils without diluting them with a carrier oil first.

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