UNDERSTANDING CANDIDA……
WHAT IS CANDIDA?
Candida is a fungus that is normal and lives in most of us. However when candida becomes overgrown then it becomes an underlying issue effecting your health. Most conventional doctors do not recognize or treat Candida, unless you present with vaginal yeast infection or thrush in which they only treat the effected site not the problem that is occurring systemically. Candida overgrowth can present in many different ways.
For this reason, Candida is often misdiagnosed and the symptom is treated instead of the underlying cause. Patients often have to diagnose themselves because the symptoms of Candida are so confusing. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms you may have Candida overgrowth.
Common Candida Symptoms:
Inability to focus, poor memory, brain fog, irritability, anger, dizziness, depression, mood swings, anxiety or panic, decreased libido, fatigue, malaise, hyperactivity, cravings for sweets and alcohol, insomnia, poor coordination, alternating from diarrhea to constipation, inflammation chronic aches and pains
Candida causes the following:
Gut Issues: Acid reflux, bloating, gas, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion, burping after meals, mucus in stool, itching anus.
Skin Issues: Acne, cysts, hives, night sweats, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections of the nails & skin, athlete’s foot, body odor.
Mouth Issues: Thrush (white coating on tongue), bad breath, metallic taste in mouth, canker sores, bleeding gums, cracked tongue.
Lung Issues: Persistent cough, mucus in throat, sore throat, sinus congestion, chronic post-nasal drip, flu-like symptoms, hay fever symptoms, sinusitis, asthma.
Eyes & Ear Issues: Eye pain, itchy eyes, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, bags under eyes, ringing in the ears, ear infections and itchy ears.
Urinary System Issues: Recurring yeast infections, Recurring UTI’s (urinary tract infections), Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), PMS & menstrual irregularities, Fungal rash.
Depletes Immune System: Frequent colds and flu, allergies, sensitivities to food, fragrances and chemicals.
Effects Weight: Inability to lose weight, water retention, weight management, weight gain
It is very important to treat Candida correctly, as it will create a toxin during the cleanup called die-off, this toxin needs to be properly excreted from the body. If you have Candida it must be treated with a prescribed plan so that sickness will not occur.
Candida Misdiagnosis
Candida is often confused with the following conditions.
IBS – abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, indigestion
Arthritis – joint pain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – constant fatigue
Diaper Rash – rashes and itching in infants
Athlete’s Foot – Fungus on toenails
Crohn’s Disease – abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, indigestion
Gastroenteritis – abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, indigestion
A Candida misdiagnosis may actually worsen your Candida overgrowth. If you are treated with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic or cortisone it can increase the growth of the Candida and symptoms may get better short term, however they usually will worsen and return soon after treatment is discontinued.
At Forum Health Clarkston most of our clients come in positive for Candida overgrowth due in part to a diet full of processed foods, sugars, alcohol, antibiotic and steroid/RX use and so part of their customized program will include successfully ridding their body of the overgrowth! Give us a call if you suspect you have the above symptoms, 248-625-5143.
Forum Health Clarkston
248-625-5143
