Candida albicans, otherwise known as yeast, is a naturally occurring fungi. Like hundreds of other organisms, candida is normally found in the colon or intestinal tract of healthy individuals. It is typically kept in balance due to the presence of enzymes, hydrochloric acid and bacteria. If however, candida gets out of balance and accumulates unchecked by your body's natural healing systems, you can experience a number of unpleasant and stressful symptoms.
A lot of people experience an over abundance of candida at some point in time. Most women at one time or another will experience a vaginal yeast infection and discover, first hand, the discomfort of "out of control" candida. Candida infection is not restricted to women and seems to have reached almost epidemic proportions in North American society. Such growth of the yeast and incidence of symptoms is not surprising when you consider the two most common causes for outbreaks are an overuse of refined sugar, and the use of antibiotics. Another cause for outbreaks is stress. Use of birth control pills has also been linked to increased incidence.
The symptoms of candida depend largely on the organ or system most affected. Some of the general areas affected include; the gastrointestinal tract or digestive system, the genitourinary tract (bladder, reproductive organs), and immune system. So, the results include, to name a few: abdominal gas, bloating, rectal itching, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, vaginal itching, low sex drive, impotence, headaches, migraines, excessive fatigue, inability to think clearly, mood swings, depression, dizziness, irritability. This list does seem to go on forever and, it seems, yeast overgrowth is considered to play a role in just about any mental health or chronic illness you can think of.
In many alternative healing practices, the elimination of potential candida overgrowth is considered a first step to diagnosis and treatment of any illness or condition. In order to effectively control candida, the person is usually instructed to change their dietary habits. Food and drinks containing sugar or carbohydrates that converts to sugar (most fruit for example) are avoided. Protein and low carbohydrate vegetables with a small amount of nuts and seeds are the basics of the diet plan. Yeast thrives on sugar. At the same time, yeast overgrowth can cause immense sugar cravings, making it difficult to stick to the diet plan. To add insult to injury, during the elimination phase, the symptoms of the overgrowth may get worse before they get better.
Pro-biotics such as acidophilus are also usually recommended to help rid your system of candida. The yogurt industry has made huge profits from this tip! You can also buy any number of pro-biotic pills and powders to help increase your healthy bowel flora, which then helps keep candida under control. It is because of the broad spectrum of bacterial "wipe-out" that can occur when you take anti-biotics that a candida infection may flare up during or after the course of anti-biotics. Providing your body with necessary bacteria such as acidophilus can help.
Diet is definitely a key to controlling candida overgrowth. However, when you are already stressed, not feeling good about yourself and perhaps a bit irritable and depressed, the last thing you really want to tackle is a restrictive diet. Or at least that's my opinion!
Some people are able to manage candida through the use of colloidal silver. Colloidal silver, is an anit-fungal agent, so it makes sense that it can help eliminate the overgrowth or yeast. Found in most health food stores, colloidial silver can be ingested to help eliminate yeast overgrowth. Dose ranges of colloidial silver vary. Some practitioners recommend 1 to 4 teaspoons daily. Higher doses may also be recommended. Check out a previous posts for more information on colloidal silver.
The Bach Flower essence Crab Apple may be helpful when working your way through candida overgrowth. Crab Apple is considered the "cleansing Bach flower remedy". It is helpful when you aren't feeling good about yourself or your body. The itching, discomfort, and sometimes unpleasant odor, that can accompany a yeast infection, certainly indicates a need for Crab Apple essence. The Bach Flower essence Beech may also be indicated. It is helpful for issues of intolerance- in the case of candida, intolerance to certain foods may be a case for Beech.
If you suspect stress is causing the overgrowth in the first place, a Bach Flower combination, specifically matched to your emotions, may be very helpful. Dr. Bach believed all disease was caused by an imbalance of emotions. He felt by balancing your emotions you could allow your body's natural healing ability to work effectively. This would certainly extend to the balancing nature of enzymes, bacteria, and yeast.
There are also a number of Perelandra products that may help you bring your body back in balance, and eliminate yeast overgrowth. If stress is the cause of the imbalance, ETS Plus or Essence of Perelandra may be helpful. Some of the combination remedies; Immune, Digestive; Urinary or Cellular may also be indicated. It is recommended you use kinesiology techniques to determine which essence your body needs. Perelandra essences are taken in drop form, once or twice per day.
For more information on Bach Flower essences or Perelandra products check out my website at www.pixiedusthealing.com
Just looking at today's picture of yeast makes me itchy. Kind of makes my skin crawl. But, as is true for most things in life, there is nothing wrong, and everything right with yeast- it's all about the balance!
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