What Happened When I Tried It
Telling someone who goes to IHOP once a week for the unlimited flapjack special that they can no longer have pancakes is like telling Kim Kardashian that she cant take selfies anymore. I was in tears when Salzarulo read me the list of foods I’d have to give up. The first few weeks were the most challenging. I was cranky, sleepy, hungry, and mad at the world. I dreamed of French fries.
It took about three weeks for my body to get used to my new meal plan. I would eat eggs for breakfast, baked chicken or fish and a side salad for lunch, a burger without the bun for dinner, and then snack on almonds and carrots throughout the day. I had some weak moments when I desperately craved Doritos . But I had to keep reminding myself of the misery of my symptoms, and I had to stay strong in order to get my life and health back.
After a month, I started feeling better than I did even before my symptoms showed up. I wasnt hungry all the time, I was sleeping better, I had more energy than I had in years, and most importantly, the yeast infections stopped. To my surprise, I lost 15 pounds, my acne went away completely, and my hair and nails were longer and healthier.
To get our best wellness tips delivered to you inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter
But looking back, I’m thrilled I didn’t give in to my IHOP addiction early on. It’s good to know that my desire to feel healthy beat out my cravings for unlimited pancakes.
The Benefits Of Early Detection
Candida overgrowth can have devastating consequences on your health if not properly dealt with. If you have some yeast infection signs, seek help from healthcare professionals with experience treating this infection.
Getting a grip on this type of infection early on will help prevent other organ systems from being overtaken as well. Your health and energy levels will improve as you restore the delicate balance of microbes in your body.
You May Crave Even More Sugar
Insider once published about a time when actor Rebel Wilson went on a candida cleanse to end her cravings for sugar. The belief is that, since candida likes sugar, when there is an overgrowth in your system, you will probably want to consume even more sugar as a direct result. The interesting thing about this mindset is that there are debates about whether limiting your sugar intake can really help keep yeast infections at bay long term.
Someone who absolutely believes that it can is Dr. Axe. In fact, from his perspective, because candida likes sugar almost as much as we do, eliminating sugar, fruit, grains, starches and alcohol from your diet anywhere from two to five days can play a significant role in decreasing candida growth. He also believes that putting more probiotics in your system can keep “bad bacteria” from taking over and creating a yeast infection in the first place.
Hey, no one said that healing or even preventing a yeast infection was going to be a ton of fun. But if you want to shorten the amount of time you experience those uncomfortable symptoms or prevent one altogether, putting the sugar down is definitely a great start.
Also Check: Will An Enema Help Constipation
How Do You Diagnose Candida Overgrowth
In view of the wide range of symptoms associated with candida, it is best to seek a medical professional for diagnosis to ensure your symptoms are not related to another potentially more serious condition. The guidance of a naturopath, herbalist or functional medicine doctor can help you with addressing the root cause of the symptoms and identifying complicating factors such as food allergies and healing a leaky gut. This website is a great resource for finding a functional medicine doctor in your area.
Check Out This Video For More
Ali and Becki discuss the successful outcomes in: digestive health, metabolism, hormones, skin, and more sharing client testimonials and personal experience. They will navigate through the Beat the Bloat Protocol and supplements explaining the science behind the approach and formulas. You will also learn about the dietary guidelines of this gut cleanse along with tools to support best outcomes including additional detox support or anti-parasitic boost.
References:
1. Chia-Jui Yang, Nan-Yao Lee, Yu-Hui Lin, Hsin-Chun Lee, Wen-Chien Ko, Chun-Hsing Liao, Cheng-Hsin Wu, Chia-Ying Hsieh, Pei-Ying Wu, Wen-Chun Liu, Ya-Chu Chang, Chien-Ching Hung, Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction after Penicillin Therapy among Patients with Syphilis in the Era of the HIV Infection Epidemic: Incidence and Risk Factors, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 51, Issue 8, 15 October 2010, Pages 976979,
Recommended Reading: What Is Acidophilus Probiotic Good For
How Is Yeast Infection Treated
Your healthcare provider will consider your age, overall health, how widespread the infection is and other factors to determine your treatment.
Yeast infections can be easily treated with ointments or other anti-yeast creams.
- Yeast infections of the vagina or penis can be treated with creams or medicated suppositories. Sometimes an oral anti-yeast medicine is used.
- Yeast infection in the mouth may be treated with a medicated mouthwash. Or it may be treated with lozenges that dissolve in the mouth.
- If you have a severe infection and have a weak immune system, you may need to take an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Esophageal yeast infections are usually treated with oral or intravenous anti-yeast medicines.
- Yeast infections of the nails are treated with an oral anti-yeast medicine.
- Yeast infections in the skin folds can be treated with anti-yeast powders.
Common Symptoms In Men
Men can get yeast infections too. They can happen when thereâs an overgrowth of fungus on the skin. This can happen if a man has sex with a female partner who has a vaginal yeast infection. Itâs more common in men who arenât circumcised. The symptoms include:
- Itching, burning, or redness on the penis
- A thick, white substance in the skin folds of the penis, and moistness
- Shiny, white areas on the penis
Read Also: What To Avoid When You Have Ibs
Target Emotional And Psychological Issues
Addressing your mental, emotional, and psychological health is of top importance when healing yourself from Candida. During the Candida cleanse, youll experience Candida die-off, which is when your body expels toxins and infection-causing bacteria.
For most people, Candida die-off will most likely cause you to feel worse before you feel better, so its crucial to look after your emotional and psychological health during Candida treatment.
Practicing deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can all help decrease emotional hurdles and cravings during treatment.
Can A Yeast Infection Cause Cramps How Why And What To Do
Well, it can if you dont treat the condition.
The most common symptoms of a Candida yeast infection include muscle aches, fatigue, pain when urinating and having sex, irritability, and depression.
When a woman has a yeast infection, she knows the pain and suffering that come with it.
Not only do the symptoms include painful and burning sexual pleasure, but they can include bloating, and even swelling of the vaginal area.
Read Also: Is There A Home Remedy For Heartburn
Your Nails Could Get Fungal Infections
Now that we’ve touched on some of the symptoms that come with having a vaginal yeast infection, let’s look at some of the ways that yeast infections can show up in the body. For instance, did you know that a lot of nail fungal infections are yeast infections, too? According to the Mayo Clinic, when this happens, your nails are usually thicker, a darker color, and might have a slight odor.
The Mayo Clinic shares that this type of yeast infection can happen to anyone at any age, although it’s more common in older individuals who may have dry and brittle nails. People who are most susceptible are those who sweat a lot, walk barefoot in common areas , or have a skin condition like psoriasis.
It should also go on record that a yeast infection on your nails that goes untreated could result in some level of permanent damage to your nails. That’s why it’s important to keep your hands clean. You should also wear socks that absorb sweat, wear flip-flops or sandals in public places, and, if you regularly go to nail salons, make sure they sanitize their tools beforehand.
What Are The Symptoms Of Candida In The Gut
Symptoms of this yeast overgrowth can manifest in such a wide variety of ways that it can sometimes be as tricky to identify as it can be to address. In the first instance, any undiagnosed symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor, so that any appropriate clinical tests can be conducted, and more serious conditions ruled out.
Candida overgrowth in the gut can be associated with a history of high sugar consumption , severe stress or taking antibiotic/steroid/birth control medication. Anything that upsets the delicate balance of beneficial vs pathogenic microbes in the gut microbiome can be a factor.
Symptoms can include diarrhoea/constipation, bloating, belching, rectal itching, a white coating to the tongue, food intolerances, and a propensity towards stomach upsets. These local symptoms can be uncomfortable enough, however, another possible side effect of Candida overgrowth is intestinal permeability . As the Candida yeast burrows into and compromises the delicate intestinal mucosa, Candida can eventually leach through into the bloodstream. Once it has become systemic, it can affect multiple body organs and other areas beyond the digestive system.
Don’t Miss: Is Taking Probiotics Daily Safe
Rashes And Other Skin Reactions
Candida lives naturally on the skin without a problem, most of the time. But if the equilibrium of bacteria on the skin gets altered, a skin infection can form.
These particular skin infections can appear anywhere but typically emerges in the warm folds of the body where there is friction. The armpits, corner of the mouth, finger or toenail edges, groin, and under the breasts are most common. A red, burning rash with intense itchiness will develop. It could also lead to blisters, hives, and pustules.
This infection can form in the deep layers of skin on the face as well. Persistent, cystic like acne can occur. It is usually most evident on the chin, close to the mouth, and along the hairline. But candida doesnt like to stay put. Acne from the infection can spread to the chest, back, and even the thighs.
Just as candida can trigger acne, it can also lead to eczema and psoriasis. In fact, the risk of yeast infection on the skin increases with people suffering from psoriasis.
This fungal infection can also occur on the scalp, causing a type of hair loss called scarring alopecia. Athlete’s foot is another common form of infection on the skin.
You Can Experience Burning When You Urinate
Healthline shares that, because a yeast infection can cause inflamed skin tissue and scratching, it’s not uncommon to feel a burning sensation when you urinate. However, since this can also happen when you’ve got a urinary tract infection , how can you tell the difference between the two?
That’s a really good question. When you have a yeast infection, you may experience burning when you use the bathroom and when you have sex. When you have a UTI, not only does burning tend to happen, but you also have a constant urge to urinate . Plus, your urine may be cloudy and might smell unpleasant. These symptoms aren’t typically associated with a yeast infection, according to Healthline.
If, for some reason, you’re still not sure which one you have, there are at-home UTI tests you can take . Just know that you should still probably see a doctor, even if you end up ruling one or the other infection out.
Read Also: Can A Bladder Infection Cause Bloating
Which Are The Best Probiotics For Candida
As Candida yeasts are natural residents of the human body, doctors are often reluctant to offer allopathic support unless the condition manifests as obvious fungal infections such as thrush. Even then, their arsenal is limited to anti-fungal medicines, though it’s been encouraging to note that some doctors are now suggesting that their patients consider natural supplements including probiotics.
It is very important to select the right strain of probiotic for the right condition, however, and so its best to use those products containing species and strains that have been well-researched and shown to help discourage and address Candida overgrowth. To find out more about probiotic strains and what exactly a ‘strain’ is, see this article What are Probiotics?, over in our sister site, the Probiotics Learning Lab.
The best probiotics for Candida include:
Signs You Have Yeast Overgrowth
Many people go through everyday life dealing with vague symptoms like bloating, fatigue, headaches, constipation, weight gain, skin irritations, and yeast infections. Although seemingly very different effects, all of these conditions are often rooted in the same cause: an overgrowth of yeast. Formally known as Candida Albicans, Candida is an opportunistic fungus, which is a form of yeast in the body that is naturally occurring. Everyone has some level of yeast in their system, but it is the overgrowth of Candida Albicans that can wreak havoc and lead to dysfunction.
Candida takes advantage of any imbalance of gut flora or state of dysbiosis. We know that the gut bacteria are essential to a healthy immune system and optimal digestion. When the gut flora is compromised Candida can rapidly spread and take over the gut. The yeast can actually break down the cell wall, leading to leaky gut syndrome and therefore the development of food intolerances.
When this powerful yeast takes over, Candida releases toxic biproducts into the bloodstream, many of which can act as neurotoxins leading to headaches and brain fog.
Recommended Reading: Does Drinking A Lot Of Water Give You Diarrhea
How Do Probiotics Help With Candida
Probiotics can help with Candida in various ways, depending on the individual properties of that specific probiotic strain. Some strains can help to inhibit the growth of Candida, others can help to prevent Candida from colonising the gastrointestinal tract, whilst others can produce anti-fungal substances effective against Candida. The best probiotics for Candida are found in Optibac Probiotics Saccharomyces boulardii, Every Day EXTRA and Every Day MAX which we will discuss in detail throughout this article. Other helpful probiotics include Bifido & Fibre and For Women, read on to find out more about the studies behind the strains in these products.
Candida albicans
May Cause Facial Flushing
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of niacin.
Just 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes may provide over 38 mg of niacin. Thats more than double the daily value for both men and women .
Niacin also known as vitamin B-3 is involved in many vital processes in your body, such as metabolism and enzyme function .
Still, consuming large amounts of niacin may cause facial flushing .
Its characterized as a flush of red on the skin, which may be followed by a burning and itching sensation that occurs within 1020 minutes after ingesting niacin in high doses.
While facial flushing may be uncomfortable, its generally not associated with harm and typically subsides within one to two hours .
Furthermore, facial flushing generally only occurs after consuming extremely high doses of niacin such as 500 mg or more which can usually only be reached in supplement form .
Although facial flushing is not dangerous, high doses of niacin can cause other, more dangerous side effects, such as liver failure. However, this is rare .
Facial flushing caused by nutritional yeast most likely wouldnt occur after consuming only a few servings. Its more typical after ingesting very large doses.
SUMMARY Nutritional yeast is an abundant source of niacin. Although facial flushing is not associated with harm, consuming large doses of niacin can cause other, potentially harmful side effects.
Don’t Miss: What Tea Is Good For Constipation
How Are Lower Abdominal Discomfort And Vaginal Discharge Treated
Vaginal discharge by itself is perfectly normal. The release can vary in color and thickness depending on where a female is in her cycle. Clear, milky white, or cream-colored vaginal discharge is normal and could occur before or during ovulation. A yellowish discharge that stains the underwear is also expected and should not cause worry. The release must have a musky but not unpleasant odor. After or before menstruation, vaginal discharge can have a pale pink, red, or brown coloring.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge colors include gray and green. These can be signs of urinary infections, bacterial vaginosis, human papillomavirus, or other diseases transmitted through sex. The discharges consistency, color, and smell will make it easier for doctors to arrive at a diagnosis. Depending on the underlying problem, patients may be prescribed antibiotics.
Lower abdominal discomfort can be the symptom of various health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginal yeast, or cervical cancer. Its a broad symptom that requires exhaustive tests before a diagnosis. Possible issues include simple menstrual cramping, urinary tract infections, and ectopic pregnancy. Treatment generally depends on the diagnosis.
Sibo Vs Candida Overgrowth
Now that you understand both conditions and their symptoms, lets talk more about Candida overgrowth and how to know you have Candida overgrowth or SIBO. As I mentioned, SIBO and Candida are very similar, yet very different.
The main difference between Candida overgrowth and SIBO is that Candida overgrowth is a yeast overgrowth and SIBO is a bacterial overgrowth. With SIBO, the bacteria that typically resides in your large intestine and colon colonizes in your small intestine.
Candida overgrowth can occur in your intestines, however it can also affect your skin and mouth. Once Candida gets the bloodstream, it can invade other tissues. This means that Candida overgrowth can quickly transition from a gut problem to a full-body problem.
Another way to tell if your symptoms are tied to SIBO or Candida is where they are experienced. SIBO symptoms are typically tied to digestive issues and abdominal pain, while Candida symptoms will include oral thrush, recurring urinary tract infections, skin and nail infections, as well as digestive problems. Lets look at the differences between symptoms
Read Also: How To Make Belly Bloating Go Away After Gallbladder Surgery