Candidiasis: The Dangers of Yeast Overgrowth

Candida yeast overgrowth in the body can contribute to difficulty with weight loss, inflammation, increased uric acid levels, and a host of other symptoms. In fact, the symptoms of chronic inflammation are extraordinarily similar to those seen in Candida related complex. Digestive problems, allergies, fatigue, and joint pain are no strangers to either condition. We have a bad habit of evaluating conditions separately, when in fact the powerful links between Inflammation and Candida yeast overgrowth could be addressed collectively.

Arthritis and Candida

There are over 100 different types of Arthritis and Candida albicans is linked to several, if not all, of them. Candida albicans has been shown to increase inflammation in the body through several mechanisms, as inflammation promotes the growth of candida and furthers its ability to spread to other organs and tissues.

Harmful substances that enter the bloodstream can cause a host of problems. The byproducts of Candida (acetaldehyde, ammonia, and uric acid) are no exception. Our bodies have a remarkable way of dealing with these invaders that can be both helpful and harmful. Inflammatory response is the key component for your body’s way of healing itself in the presence an injury, an infection, — or in this case, when dangerous pathogens are invading your system. Invasive candidiasis is a serious infection that can affect the blood, heart, brain, eyes, bones, and other parts of the body.

Misconceptions about Yeast

Many relate candida yeast solely to women and the vagina infections the yeast can cause. However, yeast can be found in the mouth, intestines, and on the skin. When it begins to grow uncontrollably it can cause an infection known as candidiasis. We rely on the healthy bacteria levels in our body to keep Candida levels in check. However, in the presence of low “good bacteria” levels (quite common) the immune system becomes compromised and the overproduction of both yeast and inflammatory compounds can ensue. Much like uric acid, candida faces similar risk factors that can lead to its overproduction such as:

Allowing fungus (yeast) and excess uric acid to flourish can affect vital organs, cause more serious complications, including death. Fighting Candidiasis is crucial to your health, and luckily can be done the same way.

Our role in control

What we eat, how much stress we are under, how much alcohol we consume etc. all play an important role with the balance of our “good” and “bad” bacteria in the body. Close to 80% of our immune system resides in our digestive tract. Certain foods can go a long way toward this necessary balance.

Garlic: Garlic contains an anti-fungal substance called allicin and may also increase glutathione related enzymes that can aid in detoxifying the body.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which has been shown to fight Candida infections in multiple test-tube studies and has been used by Gout sufferers to relieve pain and swelling.

Curcumin: Studies indicate that Curcumin (Turmeric) may kill Candida yeasts, or at least limit their growth. The spice has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may be useful in combating a variety of diseases.

Probiotics: Probiotics like Lactobacillus may reduce Candida growth and protect against infections. Probiotic therapy is commonly used in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, migraine, allergies, Gout, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, candidiasis, Cystitis, Colitis, Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and even some forms of Cancer.