Alice, Candida lives in one's intestines, but it may
"escape" into the body and cause all kind of vague complaints.
Could you tell me more about it; how to detect it, its symptoms
and cure (diet?)?
Thanks,
T.
Dear T.,
Candida, or yeast, occurs naturally in our bodies, in balance with
the rest of our internal flora and fauna. Strictly speaking, yeast
are a member of the plants known as fungi or molds. Given the
right conditions for replication, yeast is capable of explosive
growth (think about homemade bread rising). Candida grows best in
a mildly acidic environment. Taking birth control pills, some
antibiotics, multiple pregnancies, diabetes, and menstruation can
raise or lower your body's pH level to provide a favorable
environment for growth of candida. Some people also believe that
aspects of our external environment allow for a proliferation of
candida in our bodies. Examples include stress, inadequate
nutrition, pollution, steroids, antibiotics and hormones in the
meat we eat, sugar rich foods and refined carbohydrates.
The list of physical problems in which Candida has been implicated
as a major causative factor is very long. Here are some of the
conditions thought to possibly be the result of Candida's
activity: vaginitis; thrush; endometriosis; athlete's foot;
migraine headaches; fatigue; constipation; bloating; allergy;
sensitivities to perfume, fumes, chemical odors and tobacco smoke;
irritability; depression; weak muscles; abdominal pain; diarrhea;
swelling in the joints; sore throat; etc.
It must be noted here that the "Yeast Problem" is highly
debatable. It is not something that can be diagnosed
microscopically, for, as mentioned earlier, yeast exists in all
healthy and nonhealthy people. It is only through observing
symptoms that yeast can be suggested as causing a problem-- and
the list of symptoms above is only a small number of all the
problems attributed to the proliferation of yeast. It has been
called a phantom syndrome by some, and others will swear that a
change in their diet was all they needed to rid themselves of
their chronic problems. For further reference in support of the
"Yeast Problem", try reading: "Candida Albicans" by Leon Chaitow,
and "The Yeast Connection" by William Crook, MD.
- Alice
Related Q&As
- Yeast infection with condom use?
- Yogurt for yeast infections?
Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.
Candida
