By the time most people seek advice from a naturopathic doctor, maybe they’ve seen a physician (or two).
Perhaps they’ve spent hours searching on Dr. Google.
So if you or someone you know has been battling unexplainable symptoms, let me introduce you to Candida albicans!
Candida is a stubborn yeast organism that can wreak havoc on your health.
What should typically be a harmless, normal resident of the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts, can actually be the cause of so-called untreatable symptoms.
Candida albicans is supposed to live symbiotically and in low numbers along with trillions of other microorganisms.
However, for many people, the Candida epidemic is a real problem.
This yeast has found a way to flourish in the intestinal tract and may be the leading cause of many unexplainable and persistent health problems.
Perhaps you’re wondering what feeds this organism, allowing it to grow in great numbers?
There are 2 main reasons why yeast thrives in the modern day human gut.
ONE – Most people do not have a healthy army of friendly bacteria in their intestinal tract.
‘Friendly’ gut bacteria are needed to control the spread of this yeast.
TWO – Most people have a poor diet.
With a diet that is rich in refined carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and yeast, Candida albicans is able to overgrow.
What was once a harmless occupant in the gut, is now thought to be a harmful invader.
Candida may be the underlying reason for symptoms, such as:
- headaches
- gas
- bloating
- weakened immunity
- weight gain
- depressed mood
- skin issues
Since a poor lifestyle is to blame for this epidemic; treatment requires lifestyle changes.
With different treatment approaches, it can be quite confusing to decide what is best.
Today, I’m sharing my simple 3-step Candida treatment plan:
1) Starve the yeast
The main food source for this organism is sugar. Therefore consume a diet rich in natural whole foods.
Aim for foods that are low in carbohydrates and sugar, so that you can stop feeding Candida.
Although many diets come and go, The Candida Diet is here to stay.
While there are so many different versions of this diet, the good news is that they are all based on the same philosophy – stop feeding the yeast!
2) Destroy the yeast
Look for an herbal Candida Cleanse that contains ingredients such as Uva Ursi Leaf, Garlic Bulb, Caprylic Acid, Pau D’Arco Root Bark, Barberry Root, and Neem Leaf. These herbs have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
It is important to include anti-bacterial herbs, because when ‘bad’ bacteria overgrows, it produces an environment where Candida can thrive. By removing the ‘bad’ bacteria, ‘good’ bacteria (e.g. acidophilus) can flourish. This greatly reduces the chance of Candida re-infestation.
I’ve also found that tinctures are quite effective therefore I frequently recommend herbal tinctures. Oregano Leaf, Orange Peel, Oregon Grape Root, and Cinnamon Bark are excellent herbs.
3) Restore healthy flora
Above all, treatment requires a high potency multi-strain probiotic supplement that contains at least 50 billion active bacterial cultures.
For women that struggle with yeast infections or chronic urinary tract infections as a result of Candida overgrowth, I typically recommend a vaginal support probiotic supplement with 50 billion active bacteria. The probiotic helps re-establish the flora in the intestines as well as locally in the vaginal area.
Please check with your Naturopathic Doctor for specific recommendations that best suit your needs.
Be aware that DIE-OFF symptoms might happen.
Here is a list of common Candida die-off symptoms:
- fatigue or exhaustion
- skin rashes or skin itchiness
- headaches
- congestion
- gas
- bloating
- diarrhea or constipation
- brain fog
- anxiety
These symptoms typically resolve in less than seven days.
Finally, adequate fibre and water intake are essential in order to minimize these uncomfortable symptoms.
How do ND’s diagnose this condition?
A Naturopathic Doctor can test your blood to look for elevated antibodies against Candida albicans.
As an alternative, many people opt for a simple questionnaire, like this one here.
Happy Candida Cleansing!
Image Source: https://candidahub.com/Gut-Yeast/Candida-in-Your-Stool-Signals-Yeast-Overgrowth
Dr. Sara has appeared on multiple radio shows/podcasts, the W Network, Breakfast Television and CP24. For almost 5 years, she worked as the National Spokesperson for a well-known digestive wellness brand, educating across the globe on gut health. Dr. Sara has been named a rising star in Canada receiving the Generation Next award for her outstanding contribution to shaping the future of Canada’s grocery industry. She frequently contributes to large publications and has been published in Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Sweat Equity, Grocery Business, Inside Fitness, Canadian Living, Elevate, HELLO, and ELLE Canada.
Dr. Sara’s approach to healthcare is not as easy as taking a pill. The “quick-fix” approach is not one she subscribes to. While there’s a pill for just about everything, rarely do prescription drugs stop the course of disease - they merely mask symptoms. Dr. Sara believes true health requires a commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
No Comments