Raising Awareness of Candida Yeast Infection

Are you suffering from seemingly unrelated health problems and your doctor isn't able to explain what may be causing them? Candida yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, affects millions of people worldwide - and mainstream media remain silent about its symptoms, causes and treatment options. Unexplainable tiredness, digestive disorders, headaches, and recurring yeast infections. For thousands of people, these all-too-common ailments can become a serious problem. Little by little, slowly over time, they are robbed of their vitality, and their doctors are clueless about what my be causing it. It wasn't until recent years when many well-respected alternative health practitioners started to connect symptoms like general fatigue and bloating with Candida infection, a condition caused by bad diet and lifestyle habits. Symptoms of Candida Infection According to estimates, up to 25 percent of our population may be suffering from Candida-related problems. Furthermore, researchers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report that women are especially susceptible - three out four will experience a localized Candida overgrowth in the form of vaginal yeast infection at least once in their life. That is, however, just the tip of the iceberg. Candida yeast infection is triggered by an out-of-control growth of Candida albicans - a single-celled fungal organism naturally occuring in all human beings. In healthy individuals, this organism is kept under control by strong immune system and friendly gut flora. However, factors like antibiotics, stress, steroids, diabetes, birth control pills - and even high-carb diets - encourage the proliferation of C. albicans, which may result in a host of unpleasant symptoms:

• Excessive tiredness
• Migraines, headaches & mood swings
• Digestive problems - bloating, constipation, diarrhea
• Recurring yeast infections, rash
• Flu-like symptoms - sore throats, low-grade fever

Other symptoms that have been associated with fungal overgrowth in the body include "brain fog", inability to concentrate properly, and white-coated tongue. Candida Treatment In order to cure Candida yeast overgrowth, patients first need to get rid of the "root" causes that triggered their infection. Everyone is different, but the most common culprits are diminished immune function and depleted intestinal bacteria that normally keep Candida and other pathogens in check. Some people report significant improvements once they adopt a low-glycemic diet plan, as excess sugar creates an excellent environment for the Candida cells to thrive and proliferate. The Candida-fighting diet consists of vegetables, nuts, seeds, meat, eggs, and low-glycemic fruit, among others. For stubborn yeast overgrowths, probiotics are often used to replenish healthy bacteria (such as Lactobacillus acidophilus) necessary for proper digestion and keeping Candida under control. Nowadays there are many products to choose from, but it's essential to look for the ones that contain probiotic cultures tested in clinical trials and take them in sufficient amounts (usually around 10 billion CFU per day). Allopathic doctors often treat chronic candidiasis with prescription medications (Nystatin and Diflucan are among the most common ones) to directly inhibit excess yeast in the body, sometimes with unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, there's a whole range of non-toxic natural alternatives, including garlic, caprylic acid, oil of oregano, and grapefruit seed extract, among others.