Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is often referred to as the 'Quiet Epedemic' or the '21st Century Plague' and is now slowly being accepted as a serious health risk.

Candida albicans is a yeast infection that is present in everyone. It doesn't cause a problem normally, as it is kept under control by micro-organisms referred to as 'friendly bacteria'. However, when we become ill, our immune system is put under extra pressure as it attempts to fight off infection.

Factors which weaken the immune system are; stress, toxins from food, antibiotics, steriods and western diets that are high in yeast and sugars. This results in the yeast changing into a harmful fungal form which will flourish in the bowel and occasionally in the mouth and vagina. As it multiplies out of control throughout the body it can cause an extensive range of symptoms.

Digestive problems: heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, excessive gas and abdominal pain.

Skin problems: acne, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff.

Also ear and throat infections, asthma, muscle and joint pain, fungal infections, itching, headaches, migraines, palpitations, weight problems, food cravings, food intolerances, menstrual problems, vaginal thrush, PMT, cystitis, endemetriosis and feeling intoxicated after a minimal amount of alcohol.

Other symptoms include: depression, mood swings, irritability, short-term memory loss, lethargy and chronic fatigue after eating, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, numbness and tingling sensations. This is due to toxins, which have been released into the blood stream, which can then travel to the brain causing stress on the nervous system.

These and other symptoms are more prevalent in mouldy places, cellars, damp climates, exposure to enviromental toxins such as insecticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilisers or after consuming foods that contain sugar and yeast.

It is recognised that the symptoms closely mimic those of other chronic diseases.This may explain why candida is not recognised by the medical profession. If candida is allowed to travel throughout the body it quickly multiplies, growing roots, which are able to penetrate the gastro-intestinal tract, resulting in undigested food particles and toxins leaking into the bloodstream. Known as 'Leaky Gut Syndrome', this activates the body's immune system to neutralise the toxic substances, resulting in the immune system becoming overactive, which then can result in allergies and food intolerances, along with degenerative diseases.