What Is Candida?

Candida is a type of yeast that exists naturally in your body. It is a normal part of your gut material, is present in your mucous membranes, on your skin and even in the birth canal. You see under normal circumstances it isn’t a problem and naturally works with the other bacteria in your body. It is a fungus but it helps with nutrient absorption and digestion. When candida over produces that is where the problems begin.

An overgrowth of candida can cause all kinds of health issues including, cravings for sweets, the inability to lose weight, exhaustion, yeast infections, which lead to UTI’s, bad breath, brain fog, joint pain, and hormonal imbalance. It can also cause digestive problems and a loss of sex drive.

Because of the overuse of antibiotics, a candida superbug has been found in healthcare facilities. This species is resistant to many drugs and brings about serious illness. It seems it is found on bed rails and catheters. The name is candida auras.

The most common type of candida is the kind that causes yeast infections which are found in the mouth, intestinal tract, and in women. This type is rarely serious. The name of this is Candida albicans.

Candida is a naturally occurring fungus in our bodies which helps with nutrient absorption and digestion so we need it. When we have an overabundance that is when unhealthy symptoms occur. For example, too much candida in your digestive tract can cause leaky gut syndrome.

Your body has a delicate and natural pH balance and when it is out of line it is a perfect field for candida to grow in so keeping your body and immune system healthy is essential.

There are many possible reasons that candida grows out of control. What you eat can contribute to the overgrowth. Foods such as refined carbohydrates, processed foods that are high in sugar and alcohol feed candida.

A big culprit is antibiotics. When you take an antibiotic you should always take a probiotic. Antibiotics are often necessary to kill infection in your body however they kill all of the bacteria even the ones that you need. This causes an imbalance and becomes a breeding ground for candida.

An easy test to determine if you have candida overgrowth is called a spit test. Put a glass of water in a clear glass and in the morning spit in it. Leave it to sit for a few minutes then look at it. If it looks stringy, the water is cloudy or the spit sank to the bottom it is a good indication that you have an excess of candida. Taking a good probiotic will help get rid of it. Doing this simple test once a month will help to keep you in balance and healthy.

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