Over the past decades antibiotics have been vastly overprescribed and it has had a disastrous effect on the health of Western populations. The incredibly important balance of good gut flora, versus the bad ones such as Candida Albicans has simply got out of hand.
It is currently thought that as much as 95% of the general population suffers from this disease – it does not kill you, but it certainly has a distinct effect on your overall health. Many women are familiar with this troublesome condition as it is the common cause of vaginal yeast infection. It is also the same organism that causes oral thrush and diaper rash in babies.
Candida is a single-celled fungus or yeast cell that inhabits the intestinal tract and mucous membranes of every living person on earth.
Normally, competition from friendly bacteria and the cleansing action of our immune system keeps Candida numbers low and prevents them from causing any adverse health problems. However, once the immune system is compromised or when the friendly bacteria in our gut are killed by taking antibiotics, a Candida infection can quickly flare up.
In addition, our rampant sugar addiction and the eating of lots of bread products containing yeasts merely serves to feed the Candida organism.
It is not only women who suffer from Candida Albicans, but anyone who has taken antibiotics, birth control pills, steroids or immunosuppressive drugs is at high risk of having a systemic yeast infection, even if no noticeable symptoms are evident.
Problems commonly associated with systemic Candida Albicans infections
General Fatigue, headache, digestive problems, joint pains, depression,
. memory loss, irritability, allergies.
Women Persistent vaginitis, menstrual irregularities, recurrent bladder problems.
Men Persistent or recurrent jock itch or athlete’s foot, prostatitis impotence.
Children Ear infections, hyperactivity, behaviour and learning problems.
Skin fungus can also afflict any part of the body from the head to the toe. Dry, flaky skin that persists despite the use of hand lotion and skin creams could very well be a fungal infection. Often what people call psoriases is actually a fungal infection.
Pre-adolescent children are the primary victims of scalp ring worm (tinea capitis) a skin fungus similar to athlete’s foot. Not until puberty do glands secrete oil containing MCFAs (medium chain fatty acids) that help protect the scalp from skin fungus.
Eating either coconut oil daily or products made with coconut flour and milk can greatly enhance the recovery from Candida Albicans. Taking small amounts of Boron (Borax – see separate blog) can eradicate this silent menace in a short period of time.
Otherwise following a strict sugar free diet for 6 months helps to eliminate this gut imbalance.
Be sure to help repopulate your gut with good bacteria by taking a good quality probiotic – ask in your local health store for their recommendation. In addition, add fermented vegetables to your diet (separate blog to follow on fermentation).