What Is Candida, And What Can I Do About it?

A recent study (Rice University, in the United States) found that 70% of us have Candida albicans in our guts. But, the reality is that for most people this is not a problem at all. Candida albicans only becomes an issue when it overgrows, and that is usually as a result of diet or antibiotics.

Candida does damage the intestinal lining.

But, it does not escape into the bloodstream except in the more complex or unhealthier cases. What actually happens is that the toxins released by Candida (acetaldehyde, uric acid, etc) leave the gut and make their way around the body. That’s one of example of how brain fog happens. 

Are you suffering from gut a Candida overgrowth? The symptoms of Candida can include;

• brain fog and fatigue
• bloating
• digestive issues
• multiple yeast infections
• and much more..

If any of these sound familiar, it is possible that you are suffering from Candida overgrowth. 

What is Candida?

Candida albicans is a pathogen that takes advantage of a disruption in the balance of microorganisms in your gut. This balance of ‘gut flora’ is a crucial part of your immune system and digestive health. 

However, it can easily be lost during periods of stress or after a course of antibiotics. When this balance is lost, the colonies of Candida are able to expand rapidly until they control a large portion of your gut.

You might be wondering why a few extra pathogens in your gut are such a big problem. Candida albicans releases up to 79 different byproducts, including uric acid and a powerful neurotoxin named acetaldehyde.

Acetaldehyde causes chronic headaches and brain fog, and was recently classified as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Uric acid can cause joint pain and lead to gout if it builds up.

Meanwhile, the change in your ‘gut flora’ can lead to digestive problems, food intolerances, yeast infections, and oral thrush. All of which are not good things – obviously. 

High Sugar Diets and Candida 

You might be asking yourself, ‘can diet alone lead to a Candida overgrowth?’

Yes it can! Especially if an unhealthy high sugar diet is eaten for a long period of time. The modern Western diet is full of sugar and high fructose corn syrup – in things you wouldn’t even imagine them to be in either! 

Take a walk through the grocery store and sugar is everywhere you look. It appears in the most unlikely places too. Processed meats, tortillas, pasta sauce, salad dressings and cereals are all surprising sources of added sugar. And, perhaps this isn’t the post to go on about the interesting product placement of where these items are found – but if you are mindful when you are shopping, you’ll see they are almost always at eye level, and always around the cash. 

Oh! And, the sugary diet that most of us eat is exactly what Candida albicans needs to thrive.

Of course it’s important to note that it can take a long term, high-sugar diet to cause a Candida overgrowth. If you have a healthy diet already, eating one chocolate bar a week won’t lead to a Candida overgrowth. But being aware is also important.

There is a misconception that you only need to cut out added sugars from your diet to beat it.

Unfortunately this is not the case!

Candida albicans are just as happy feasting on the natural sugars in fruit as the added sugars in your can of pop. A proper Candida diet involves cutting out as many sources of sugar as possible, whether they are natural or added.

There are a few obvious foods that you should avoid – chocolate, pop, sugary snacks, etc. But if you’re serious about fighting an overgrowth you should also steer clear of most fruit as well as starchy vegetables like potatoes and yams.

Reading your food labels is key because so many foods have added sugars these days – to a point it is unnecessary. 

So what does that leave?

Lots of delicious foods! Although you may have to do without your fries and chocolate, you will find yourself moving towards a much healthier, more nutritious diet. By using non-starchy vegetables and healthy grains, you can create all kinds of tasty dishes.

One simple tip? Use lots of herbs and seasoning to spice up your food. (be sure to inquire with us about some of our favourites and how you can order certain ones from Ki’s Kitchen – herself)

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Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran