Candida is a naturally occurring form of yeast (fungus) that lives in your mouth and intestines. Its job in our bodies is to aid with digestion but, when it is overproduced, candida breaks down the wall of the intestine.This allows the release of toxic byproducts into your body, in a syndrome known as “leaky gut”. Leaky gut syndrome can lead to many different health problems, ranging from digestive issues to depression.
What Causes candida overgrowth?
Typically the healthy bacteria in your gut keeps candida levels in check, but several factors can cause the growth of candida to get out of hand:
-Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar.
-Drinking alcohol to excess on a regular basis.
-Oral contraceptives.
-A diet high in beneficial fermented foods like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles.
-A high-stress lifestyle
-Antibiotics that have killed too much of the good bacteria in your gut.
Typically the healthy bacteria in your gut keeps candida levels in check, but several factors can cause the growth of candida to get out of hand:
-Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar.
-Drinking alcohol to excess on a regular basis.
-Oral contraceptives.
-A diet high in beneficial fermented foods like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles.
-A high-stress lifestyle
-Antibiotics that have killed too much of the good bacteria in your gut.
What are the symptoms of candida overgrowth?
-Fungal infections of the skin and nails.
-Chronic fatigue.
-Fibromyalgia.
-Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
-Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
-Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog.
-Irritability.
-Mood swings
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching
-Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
-Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
-Fungal infections of the skin and nails.
-Chronic fatigue.
-Fibromyalgia.
-Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
-Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis.
-Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog.
-Irritability.
-Mood swings
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching
-Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
-Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
While there are pharmaceutical solutions to candida overgrowth, on of the most effective treatments available is good, old fashioned coconut oil. According to Dr. Ann Meyers, the secret to coconut oil’s ability to kill the candida fungus comes from caprylic acid. She says: “Caprylic Acid comes from coconut oil and basically “pokes holes” in the yeast cell wall, causing it to die.”
Adding coconut oil to your diet is way easier than you think. You can use coconut oil in your coffee as an alternative to dairy creamers, you can add it to your smoothie mixes, and there are tons of recipes available for baked goods that use coconut oil like these delicious no-bake energy bars.
The easiest way to incorporate coconut oil into your daily routine is to use it to replace other cooking oils. Coconut oil, when used to saute vegetables or fish, not only provides the health benefits of coconut oil -- but a unique flavor as well.