Candida Symptoms: How to Recognize Signs of Candida Overgrowth

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signs and symptoms of candida overgrowthA Candida overgrowth and Candida symptoms are rarely something to be worried about if the immune system is strong. Candida albicans is type of yeast and the most common culprit behind fungal infections, which are often found in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract. The good news is that there are natural treatments for Candida overgrowth and yeast infections.

In the gut, Candida helps with nutrient absorption and digestion, but if there’s a disturbance in the body’s pH levels, Candida can start growing too quickly, which can then break down the walls of the intestine and leak into the bloodstream.

Refined carbohydrates, sugar, and alcohol all contribute to the growth of Candida yeast. Medications, such as antibiotics and birth control pills also contribute to Candida overgrowth symptoms in the body.

Since antibiotics kill all of the bacteria in your gut, even the good ones, supplementing with a probiotic while on antibiotics can help return good flora to the gut and even out the pH level.

Candida Symptoms: How to Recognize Candida Overgrowth

There are many Candida symptoms, and knowing what to look for is important. Yeast infections present differently depending on the person and where the infection is located on or in the body.

They can be difficult to diagnose and can often be missed, because there are several symptoms associated with yeast infections and those symptoms are in turn similar to many other health problems.

Candidiasis of the skin and nails can cause red, itchy rashes which are often found in the folds of skin on the hands, but also behind the knees and the crooks of the arms; Candida thrives in warm environments, so basically any area of the body that is warm and potentially sweaty is ideal for an infection. The rash can also spread to other parts of the body, including the nails.

Candida albicans symptoms are varied and not all of them will present at the same time and in everyone. The signs and symptoms of Candida overgrowth include:

A poor diet is the perfect breeding ground for Candida. The Standard American Diet (also known as SAD) largely consists of high intakes of sugar, white flour, and low-nutrient foods, and it’s low in fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes.

A diet high in refined carbohydrates actually helps feed the yeast. All of that is an invitation for the Candida yeast to grow unchecked, though it takes years of improper nutrition and eating habits for the negative effects to be felt.

Candida symptoms in men overlap with those found in women, but some of the signs are bloating and indigestion, rashes, fatigue, sugar cravings, toenail fungus, thrush (a white film on the tongue), and a yeasty discharge from the penis.

Prevent Your Candida Symptoms

The first step in preventing Candida infections is to eat a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and cottage cheese. It’s important to avoid refined foods, fried foods, and anything processed—all will help considerably in avoiding a yeast infection.

If the yeast infection is on the skin, then wearing loose clothing will help because it allows the skin to breathe and remain dry more easily. The Candida fungus loves warm spots on the body, so keeping cool is your best defense, and this also applies to drying off thoroughly after showers and sweating. Keep the body as dry as you can at all times.

Taking a daily probiotic supplement will help keep the gut flora balanced and at optimal levels. More good bacteria will reside in there than bad, and that’s key to preventing Candida overgrowth.

Probiotics can be found in some grocery stores but definitely in all health food stores. They mostly come in pills, but if you can find the liquid version, it’s better to take that instead because it has a higher potency and will give you better results.

For women, wearing cotton underwear is the best advice when it comes to avoiding yeast infections. Cotton wicks away moisture and absorbs it, leaving the area around the vagina dry and cool.

Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable and can make life quite miserable. Eating foods rich in nutrients and staying cool and dry can prevent most Candida infections. If the Candida growth is the result of a medication, discuss some options with your doctor and see if a new medication can be prescribed.

If Candida symptoms persist, then find out what other choices are available to alleviate the discomfort while you’re taking the medication.

Sources for Todays’ Article:
“Candidiasis of the Skin (Cutaneous Candidiasis)” Health Line web site; http://www.healthline.com/health/skin/cutaneous-candidiasis#Overview1/, last accessed March 9, 2016.
“Symptoms: Do I Have Candida,” Whole Approach web site; http://www.wholeapproach.com/candida/symptoms.php, last accessed March 9, 2016.
“Candida Symptoms in Men – Photos,” Candida Support web site; http://www.candidasupport.org/the-symptoms-of-candida/mens-candida-symptoms, last accessed March 9, 2016.