Candida is a form of yeast that lives on the lining of the gut. We all have these yeasts present in our intestines but we don't all suffer from the symptoms of Candida.  Yet many people do have a problem with this little yeast, but they don't realise it. 

Most people still think that candida is a female problem i.e. thrush.  Well it is, but it is so much more than that too.  If you are male or female, old or young you can be affected.  The symptoms are so diverse, it is no wonder it is so often missed.

The fact is that the environment inside the intestines of many people has changed over the last few years.  This is due to a combination of factors such as the over-use of antibiotics, our diet, stress in our lives and pollution in our environment. These changes have produced ideal conditions for the yeasts to flourish. The flourishing yeasts produce toxins that damage the lining of the intestines and can cause a distressing list of symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), extreme fatigue (some types of ME), wind, bloating and pain, depression, thrush, food sensitivities (mild allergies), food cravings, and a weakened immune system.  This condition is called candidiasis (overgrowth of candida albicans) and is a symptom of a general imbalance in the intestinal function called gut dysbiosis.

We rely on the digestive system as a whole to support our hormonal and nervous systems, as well as our immune system. It is now becoming more generally accepted that many diseases, which are much more common now than they were 30 years ago, are quite possibly the product of an overgrowth of candida in the system. 

When conditions allow, Candida puts down 'roots' through the lining of the intestines, causing what is known as a "leaky gut".  It sounds horrible I know, but it describes the sieve-like condition of the gut lining after the growing yeast has put down its roots! Then the gut does not absorb nutrients properly, which is one of the causes of fatigue and bloating.

This also means that incompletely digested food particles can escape into our bloodstream where they are recognised as intruders by the immune system. They then trigger an immune response causing unexplained tiredness, headaches, allergies, IBS, muscle pain, joint pain, even arthritis, and making food intolerances much more likely.
So how did I get candidiasis in the first place?

Well, the most common cause must be taking antibiotics.  The antibiotics were prescribed to kill off bugs that were making you ill, but they also kill off all the helpful 'good flora' in your gut.  Then the opportunistic candida takes over.

Taking corticosteroidal medication for eczema, asthma or arthritis can be a trigger too, as they tend to damage the immune system when taken for extended periods.

It has also been shown that taking the Pill or HRT increases the risk of candidiasis, as does a diet that is high in refined sugars, carbohydrates and processed foods, and low in fresh vegetables and whole foods.

Everyone who suffers from food cravings knows the feeling when you just have to have some chocolate, biscuits, cake, bread or whatever.  As many as 60% of food intolerance sufferers crave the very foods that are causing them the problems.  It is as if the candida yeast is demanding the sugar it wants to survive and grow. 

Illness, and feeling physically or emotionally low, is a cause of stress as well as a result of it. Tackling stress is an important step in your fight against candida.  Meditation, Tai Chi, Reiki or deep relaxation can help reduce stress levels considerably.