Is Candida contributing to your fatigue?
The most common causes of Candida overgrowth are antibiotic use, steroid medications and the contraceptive pill. Unfortunately antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria which allows opportunistic microorganisms, such as candida, to proliferate in the gut.
Once candida becomes overgrown it can suppress the immune system and disrupt the gut resulting in immune and digestive dysfunction.
- Candida can overwhelm the immune system leading to reactivation of latent viruses, many of which are known causes of chronic fatigue.
- Candida can damage the intestinal cell wall leading to digestive dysfunction, food intolerance and allergies.
Suspect candida overgrowth if you have:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Sugar cravings
- Itchy ears
- Athletes foot
- Oral thrush
- Recurrent vaginitis
- Yeast infections
- Chemical and food sensitivities
- Bloating, gas, diarrhoea or constipation
How do I treat candida?
- Eliminating sugar as this is the main fuel for this organism
- Stevia is a good option if you need a sugar alternative
- Start with small amounts as stevia can cause diarrhoea
- Avoid foods containing yeast
- Leavened baked goods such as breads, muffins, croissants and biscuits
- Cereals that contain malt, malt syrup or malt extract
- Beer, malt liquors and alcoholic ciders
- Also avoid kombucha, soy sauce, aged cheese, blue cheese
- Take a good quality probiotic
- Antifungal treatments
- Support the immune system