Candida 101
Causes of Imbalanced Flora:
Some of the many things that can cause or exacerbate an imbalance in GI flora include:
A diet high in refined carbohydrates
Alcohol abuse
Antibiotic use
Chronic stress
Chronic toxicity
Food allergies
Hormonal imbalance
Low immunity
Mercury toxicity
Parasitic infection
Poor digestion
Synthetic hormones
Unfortunately, once candida or bacteria have a strong hold, they can promote the original cause of overgrowth. For example, an antibiotic is taken to overcome infection, allowing yeast or other bacteria to proliferate, weakening immunity and making you more susceptible to future infection. If an antibiotic is taken again, it further promotes overgrowth and further weakens immunity, and the cycle continues in a downward spiral of decreased immunity and repeat infections. In the same way, a diet high in refined carbohydrates breeds yeast and bacteria, and once these proliferate, you begin to crave the very foods they feed on. I think of this as the bad guys “ordering out”.
Symptoms of Candidiasis or Bacterial Growth:
Recurrent vaginal or urinary infections
Feeling mentally inconsistent
Recurrent jock itch or athlete’s foot
Chronic fatigue
Constipation or soft stool
Sensitivity to chemicals
Low tolerance for alcohol
Nervous system imbalance
Lactose intolerance
Imbalanced hormones
Abdominal distention (yeast makes you rise, just like in bread)
Memory loss
Rectal Itching
Recurrent ringworm
Gut cramping or diarrhea
Chronic heartburn
Severe PMS or night sweats
Respiratory problems
Loss of libido
High cholesterol
Bloating and gas
Irritable bowel, colitis or Crohn’s
Vaginal discharge
Food or environmental allergies
Depression
Skin rash or itching
Impotence
Prostatitis
Coughing & wheezing
Lowered immunity
Cancer
Toenail fungus
Dandruff
Call us today to schedule a consultation to be tested for this possibility. You can also schedule online with either Francie or Caitlin here.