The low down on Candida Albicans

Candida Albicans is a yeast that normally presents no problems and is found inside the intestines of every one of us. But sometimes broad spectrum antibiotics, contraceptives and our modern diet - rich in sugars and processed foods – can give Candida Albicans the opportunity to escape its normal confines and invade other parts of the body; thereby causing thrush infections at best, but sometimes other more debilitating effects, such as -

• Chronic digestive problems – bloating, diarrhoea and / or constipation, nausea or indigestion
• Frequent headaches
• Sinus problems and allergies
• Fatigue – even when you are getting enough sleep
• Severe cravings for cakes and other sweet things
• Predisposition to catching any virus that comes around
• Menstrual problems

As living organisms the Candida Albicans yeast belongs to the fungi family. And although not a mushroom, Candida Albicans is similar to one in that it started off as one tiny spore which had the ability to multiply fast enough to create an entire colony. It can also can survive virtually anywhere; even in environments that would not be suitable for many others. Think of mushrooms – which thrive in dark, moist spots and can live off most any organic matter.

Yet, unlike other fungi that are helpful in that they speed up decomposition of dead organic waste, Candida Albicans apparently serves no helpful function in the body – especially in cases where spores proliferate too rapidly.

The most effective way to cull a Candida Albicans colony is to starve it. And here are some tips to take note of if you suffer from chronic yeast infections:

1. Limit sugar in your diet & avoid simple carbohydrates

The main reason why you should avoid sugar in your diet is because yeasts feed on it. But this poses a dilemma, as both you and Candida Albicans need sugar to live and sugar is also the basic component of carbohydrates in the foods we eat.

Fortunately there is a solution. Carbohydrates come in two forms – simple and complex. By eating complex rather than simple carbohydrates helps to deny Candida its sustenance as it cannot easily convert complex sugars into edible form.

Examples of simple carbohydrates – white sugar (sucrose), brown sugar, honey, molasses, maple and corn syrup, glucose, fructose (fruit sugars), fruits and fruit juices, dextrose, lactose (milk sugar)

Examples of complex carbohydrates – potatoes, whole grains (e.g. whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, corn) and the foods made from them, including breads and pasta, beans and other legumes.

2. Limit or avoid alcohol intake

Alcohol is a good friend to Candida. Not only do they contain yeast residues, but beer, wine and spirits are all food sources for yeasts.

3. Avoid eating yeasts and other fungi

Some examples of these include baking yeast (found in breads, pastries etc.), yeasts found in alcohol, nutritional yeast supplements (eg. Brewer’s), yeast extract (found in spreads and some flavourings), mushrooms and mouldy cheese.

4. Avoid dairy products, vinegar, pickled and fermented foods

Vinegar from cider, wine etc is particularly problematic, as are foods and drinks containing malt. One example of a fermented food is soy sauce.

There is an exception to avoiding dairy foods; yoghurt with live cultures is useful in treating thrush and other yeast infections.

Helpful anti-fungal treatments

Fortunately, published research has uncovered many natural anti-fungal treatments. Some nutritional and some plant derived.

These are considered to be very safe.

Probiotics –

These work by restoring a healthy balance in the intestinal tract. In the simplest of terms, if they are present in the gut, they compete with the yeast for food and space; leaving Candida Albicans with less to go around. Probiotics are hugely beneficial in other ways as well.

Supplements -

including for instance Caprylic acid, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Milk Thistle, zinc and garlic are also helpful in the fight against Candida Albicans.

Bibliography
Candida Albicans; how your diet can help. Author Stephen Terrass. Published by Thorsons.