Eliminate Candida Naturally

The sad truth is that the yeast infection Candida is often caused because of two main factors that destroy the friendly bacteria (probiotics) in our body that would normally suppress it. 

Unfortunately because of the lives we lead today Candida yeast infections have become much more prevalent. So much so that doctors believe that 3 out of every 4 women will at some stage in their life be affected by a yeast infection at least once. 

It has been found that there are over 20 different strains of Candida living in the human body and the most common of them all is Candida Albicans.

Generally this form of yeast lives on the surface of our bodies and in the digestive system without problems.  However, if at any stage the conditions change then the Candida yeast can multiply leading to a yeast infection. 

The most common types of yeast infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin infections as well as nappy rash and infections that can infect the nail beds.

It is often the dietary choices we make the lifestyles we live and if we have been taking specific medication that can increase our risk of a Candida yeast infection.

If our immune response becomes weaker (due to a repressed immune system) it can provide an ideal environment in which the yeast infection Candida can grow.  Here are two areas that increase the risk of someone suffering from yeast infections:-

1.  Diet

Diets that are very high in cooked and refined processed food can contain additives and preservatives, which place more strain on the digestive system as they struggle to process them.

Most of these products are highly acidic and contain large amounts of sugar which encourages Candida growth. 

So, it is important to remove sugar and sugary foods from the diet, as the yeast feeds on the sugar.  This means eliminating refined or natural sugars, including fruit, fruit juices, syrups and honey.

It is also essential to reduce the amount of food in the diet that contains yeast, or products made with yeast, including most breads and alcohol.

2.  Environmental toxins and medication

There are many toxins in the environment and in the food we eat.  Many of these are unfortunately introduced in the process of getting food and drink to your table. 

There are also toxins in the air we breathe and there are certain medications that can effect the environment in gastrointestinal tract, and also impact the immune system.

Toxins can build up in our system over time, which can impact on the immune system.  If this occurs, it can lead to an increased chance of the Candida yeast overgrowing and infecting the body.

The main source of many of the chemicals that we ingest today can be found in the food that we eat.

You only have to read the labels in order to see just how many chemical additives have been used in many of the processed foods that are available for purchase.

So it is important that if you want to keep the yeast infection Candida at bay you limit the amount of man made chemicals that you ingest by eating a diet rich in fresh, natural produce.

If you want to encourage intestinal and digestive health and discourage the sugar cravings caused by a candida yeast infection, then take a look at this natural Candida remedy that will help you eliminate candida and regain your health.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more about possible candida links like this one on the potential Irritable Bowel Syndrome Candida connection.

What is the irritable bowel syndrome Candida connection?  Although there is controversy surrounding this question most physicians will say that Candida is not connected to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

There rationale for coming to this conclusion tends to be because they consider people most at risk of Candida overgrowth are those whose immune system has become repressed either through an illness, poor nutrition or through taking medication. 

Yet, there are a considerable number of discussions on personal forums, as well as personal stories from Candida and IBS sufferers to show that they have found relief from both conditions through a single treatment.

People who have been diagnosed and treated for Candida who then discovered that their IBS symptoms reduced would no doubt beg to differ with what the doctors and health officials are saying.

So, it seems that this particular argument will rage for a while longer. Until all the necessary evidence has been accumulated no definitive answer can be provided as yet.

What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?

In simple terms it is a disorder of the large intestine (colon) and it effects the way that it functions.

Often a person with IBS will suffer cramps and abdominal pains, along with a feeling of bloating, they may also suffer from either constipation or diarrhea or even a combination of both!

Although it is classified as a functional gastro-intestinal disorder there is no structural or bio-chemical reason to explain the symptoms.

In fact when tested there is no evidence to show that the colon is diseased (there are no ulcers and it is not inflamed), and generally IBS will only be diagnosed once any other possible types of digestive disorders or diseases have been ruled out.

It is understandable that people have suggested that Candida (a type of yeast, which grows in the digestive tract) is what in fact causes IBS, or that it is closely related.  They both occur in the GI tract and both conditions can cause some similar symptoms like:

-  Diarrhea
-  Chronic gas
-  Abdominal cramps alleviated by bowel movements

However, it is also true that an increase in growth of Candida can result in certain symptoms occurring that are totally unrelated to IBS symptoms.

There are however some natural treatments that can be beneficial for both Candida and IBS sufferers that have been found to be effective, including changes in diet, reducing stress and anxiety and the introduction of certain natural food supplements.

The medical evidence to show that Candida is one of the potential causes of IBS is not strong.  But, as there are a number of steps you can take that can improve both conditions, then you can create a regime to potentially help your symptoms.

So, until further research and studies are carried out the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Candida link can not be confirmed, but this does not stop a sufferer embracing natural methods to ease symptoms of both these conditions.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more about possible candida links like this one on the potential Irritable Bowel Syndrome Candida connection.

It is estimated that around 80 - 90% of Americans, Canadians and Europeans will at some stage of their lives suffer from a yeast infection, and the most common yeast infection is candida.  So, can anti candida cooking recipes make a difference?

There are a number of reasons why a person may suffer from an overgrowth of Candida (yeast bacteria); it can be through diet, medication like antibiotics, or other environmental factors or condition.  However, whatever the reason, a candida infection should never be taken lightly.

The symptoms can range from mild irritation all the way through to severe life threatening complications.

Normally, candida can live benignly in our bodies and on our skin with no complications, as the yeast is kept in check by our immune system and the friendly bacteria (probiotics) that live in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

However, if the immune system becomes weak, or there is not a healthy level of friendly bacteria in the GI tract, then candida can start to multiply and change into a fungal form that causes a candida infection. 

There are a number of ways regaining balance in the body, including taking medication (usually anti-fungal medication prescribed by the doctor or bought over the counter), changing your lifestyle to reduce stress, boosting the immune system and boosting the levels of friendly bacteria in the GI tract, and diet.

If you are suffering with candida symptoms, then an area that you can improve immediately is what goes into your diet. 

It is important to understand that the key aim of an anti candida diet is to starve the candida infection but not you. Eating healthy, fresh foods to allow the friendly bacteria and immune system to regain their full strength will keep you well nourished but kill of the candida.

This means that you need to eliminate as many of the foods that create an environment within your body that allows candida to thrive.  This includes the following:

- Sugar, refined sugars and foods containing sugar.  This includes, syrups, treacle, fruits high in fruit sugars, preserves etc
- Foods that contain yeast, which would include most baked goods and cereals
- Foods that contain fungus, like mushrooms
- Smoked or cured product, including cured meats and fish.
- Dairy products,
- Fermented foods like pickles, vinegar, alcohol, and soy sauce
- Processed foods, as many of these contain within them either hidden ingredients, or are they are nutritionally dead, and do not support the growth of the friendly bacteria.

This list may sound prohibitive, but there is still a long list of foods that are available to choose from to include in your candida recipes, including:

Most fresh vegetables
Soya milk and rice milk
Yogurt (choose bio or live yogurt), cottage cheese and eggs
Brown flour
Brown rice
Cold pressed oils like olive oil
Oats
Fresh meats, although go for organic unprocessed meats, not cured meats.
Fish, preferably oily fish
Peas, pulses and beans
Onions
Garlic and herbs

Use cold-pressed oils when cooking, and try to use the freshest ingredients possible.

Always wash all food carefully before consumption, even if the grocer has washed the ingredients and it is already bagged.  The pre washed foods are usually washed in disinfectant, which is not something you want to ingest as it can effect the GI tract flora.

Creating good and wholesome dishes can be made straightforward with anti candida cooking recipes that utilize the above suggestions.  They are much like following any other recipe, as long as you understand the foods that can be included and those that should be removed from the diet.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more suggestions for candida cooking recipes.

What is the correlation between someone’s allergies and the change of getting a candida infection?  Or in other words, is there a candida Albicans allergy connection? And if so, what can be done about it?

Candida is a common form of yeast that populates the gut, and the most common form of candida is candida albacans.  Candida Albicans has two different forms, the relatively benign yeast form, and the more insidious fungal form.

The friendly bacteria in the gut normally keeps candida Albicans in check and reduce the risk of it multiplying and sticking to the walls of the intestines.  This also keeps them from evolving into their fungal form, which is the form that causes the candida symptoms in the body.

The fungal form of candia albicans has tentacles that it uses to pierce the wall of the gut, which can cause what is known as Leaky Gut Syndrome or infections.  In this form it also releases spores, which can get into the blood stream and spread to other organs of the body.

If a person is allergic to a certain food, then they often suffer from bloating, swelling, gas, stomach pains, diarrhea or constipation and one or multiple skin complaints and rashes.  In fact the symptoms can sometimes be quite similar to those of a candida overgrowth initially.

An allergic reaction can allow a number of opportunities for candida Albicans to overgrow.  Normally, the good bacteria in the gut will keep candida in check, but if there is an allergic reaction the friendly bacteria may not work as effectively. Allergies can also cause an imbalance in the gut flora, which may give candida the chance its been waiting for to multiply.

Also, when you have an allergic reaction, the immune system works harder to remove the toxins from the body.  This may therefore allow the candida infection to increase as the immune system is spread too thin and can’t tackle everything.

If the foods that you have a reaction to are eaten infrequently it is unlikely to effect the levels of candida in the body, except if you have an acute reaction to the food.

However, if the foods that you are allergic to form a common part of your diet, then you may be adding additional unnecessary stress to your digestive and immune system, giving the candida an opportunity to grow.

Interestingly, sometimes a person does not know if they are allergic to a specific food or food group.  And this is where a few strategies may help.

Most commonly, the food groups that people are allergic to are wheat and diary products, so these would be a good place to start. 

Grab yourself a diary and keep track of the foods you eat over the coming days and next time you eat something that contains either of these food groups be aware how you body feels.  Is there any bloating or gas or stomach pain or any other symptom out of the ordinary?

Then do the same with meals that do not contain any of these food groups and make the same observation.

This exercise can be carried out with all food groups, and you can over time come to recognize which foods are ones that cause adverse reaction and you can eliminate these from your diet.

Another quicker way to find out if your are allergic to a particular food or food group is to visit a nutritionist.  They can conduct an allergy test, which will very quickly identify any foods that you are allergic too.

Another tactic that has been used successfully is to start on an anti-candida diet.  This diet will eliminate, or restrict a number of food groups that are generally the ones that cause an allergic reaction. 

The beauty of this approach is that you are combating the allergy as well as the candida infection.

Unfortunately, if you continue to eat foods that cause an allergic you may end up suffering reoccurring yeast infections. So, understanding the Candida Albicans allergy link and changing your diet accordingly is a step that can allow you to take back control of your health.
 

Often a person who is suffering from Candida Albicans, which is an overgrowth of yeast that naturally occurs in the body, will often experience a number of unpleasant symptoms.Some of these can be alleviated reduced by changing diet and specifically cooking for candida albicans relief.

There are many ways in which this type of infection can be relieved with traditional Western medicines (anti-fungal remedies), Chinese medicine, changes to eating habits and by following a targeted natural health regime.

Paying close attention to your diet if you do happen to suffer from Candida Albicans is one of the quickest and easiest methods you can incorporate into your life immediately to make a marked difference to this very uncomfortable infection.

One of the most important things that any person suffering from this or any yeast infection should do is cut out refined sugar and yeast from their diet.

It is vital that when cooking a meal to combat Candida Albicans you should avoid any recipes that require you to use these products, or choose recipes where they can be substituted for an alternative instead.

The key is to ensure that foods that promote the growth of yeast in the body are reduced to the minimum, or eliminated fully from the diet.  This gives the body an opportunity to gain the upper hand and combat the candida overgrowth. So, don’t forget to completely eliminate sugar and yeast from your diet.

There are many websites, which are available online that can provide you with an alternative recipe for many of your old favorites, that do not need to use refined sugar and yeast.

To clarify, refined sugars include maple syrup, molasses as well as white granular sugar. 

Products that contain yeast include bread, pastries, beer and liquor.

It is also advisable to reduce, or eliminate your intake of fruit and fruit juices while the candida is being treated.

Fruit and fruit juices contain high levels of fruit sugar (fructose) which can help promote the growth of yeast in the body. 

Recipes that contain high levels of vegetables, meat and fish (except those that are smoked) are excellent choices for a candida sufferer, also try and stick with organic products as much as possible to avoid eating foods that may have antibiotics and hormones in them.

Any vegetables should be washed carefully before being eaten, making sure that all pesticides are removed.

Meals that contain eggs (again only use organic where possible) are a good option, and a variety of interesting meal options are available using plain tofu along with lentils and chickpeas.

Another great ingredient that you can include in any meals you are cooking for Candida Albicans sufferers is any which contain plain natural live yogurt, butter or milk (again all of these should be organic).

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more suggestions for cooking for candida albicans.
 

Candida yeast infections are caused by a group of microscopic fungi.

Although these fungi can live quite happily in the body, on the surface of the skin or in the digestive system, it only takes a certain set of circumstances and they can start to reproduce rapidly, causing what is commonly called a yeast infection.

The Candida yeast infection particularly thrives in an environment that is moist and warm, such as in the digestive system, in the vagina, as well as in the folds of the skin, on the skin as well as the nail bed.

The most common reason for a woman to suffer from vaginal burning, itching and a discharge is because they are suffering from a yeast infection. 

Unfortunately, as the Candida yeast is found in most women it can overgrow if the environment and conditions in a woman’s vagina changes.  One of the main reasons why a woman will suffer from vaginal yeast infection is through excessive use of antibiotics or steroids.

Also pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, sperm, diabetes as well as birth control pills can contribute to a woman developing a Candida yeast infection.  And unfortunately these infections can become even more common after menopause commences.

So, if you think you are suffering from a Candida yeast infection when is the best time to consult your doctor in order to get it diagnosed and treated properly?

I would suggest the best time is right NOW. There is no good reason to wait for a candida infection to spread and get worse.  In fact, the repercussions of such a decision can lead to a number of severe complications.

If you have tried over the counter treatments, and find that they either do not work, or the symptoms become worse, then you should seek the advice of a medical professional. 

It is not unusual for the symptoms of candida infections to be confused with other condition such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis as well as bacterial vaginosis, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible to get the appropriate treatment.

If you find that your condition not only worsens, but you start to suffer from fever, chills, nausea along with vomiting.  Or the rash begins to spread to other parts of your body then you should seek medical advice immediately, as it may be the result of may more serious illness.

In general at least 3 in 4 women will at some points in their lives suffering from Candida yeast infections and thankfully these problems can soon be treated if they are diagnosed and treated successfully.

Candida yeast infections can either be treated using more conventional forms of medication such as anti-fungal medications or you can decide to go the alternative route and use more natural treatments instead. A combination of both usually offers the best results.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more about treating candida yeast infections naturally.

A question I am often asked by people is this: ‘do I have to rely on prescription drugs to relieve candida symptoms or is there alternative medicine for candida that is reliable?’

As with most diseases, illnesses or infections that have become common around the world today, we are always looking for a healthier, more natural way to treat them.  

We seem to trust the “the establishment” less and less.  This is probably due to the many documented cases of drugs that have been prescribed for years turning out to be highly dangerous for proportions of the population.

So, turning to alternative treatments, which have in some cases been safely used for thousands of years, seems to many to be a safer and more natural option.

Although, we should not forget or underestimate the amazing impact that modern medicine has had on our health and longevity.

There are certain practices that are recognized to treat candidiasis (when candida albicans yeast overgrows), but lets just for a moment explain what candida is, as this will go some way to explaining the best alternative medicines available for relief.

A Candida infection is usually caused when the candida yeast, found in the human gastrointestinal(GI) tract increases, sometimes at an explosive rate.

It is normally kept in check by the good bacteria in the gut, which are a line of defense against candida running rampant. These good bacteria and a healthy immune system are normally our safeguard against candidiasis.

If you do suffer from a candida infection, modern medicine practitioners will often turn to the traditional ways of treatment to complement any prescriptions that they may have given you.

One of probably the best ways of helping to treat Candida is by adopting a Candida Diet.  This particular form of diet is designed to create an environment in the digestive system that is “unfriendly” to candida, and helps promote the growth of good bacteria.

It does this by reducing the foods that the candida thrives on, which includes alcohol, sugar, baked goods and processed foods.

It aims to help reduce the amount of sugar and yeast that your body absorbs whilst allowing the body’s own natural anti-fungal and probiotic defenses to do their work.

Another great way of dealing with the problem of Candida by using alternative medicines is taking specific herbs, which have shown to be beneficial. Have a look at the list below:

Pau D’Arco Bark  - This contains anti-fungal properties and is often taken as a tea.   It may also be taken as a vaginal douche once it has cooled.

Garlic – This contains compounds that are anti –fungal and anti-bacterial, which can help with even chronic candida overgrowth.

Aloe vera juice – Can help heal the gut lining which can become “leaky” in a sufferer with a candida overgrowth.

Horopito Aniseed - Has powerful anti fungal properties, which in studies has shown to speed up recovery from a candida infection.

These are just a few of the alternative medicines for Candida that you can use to treat infection, but there are many more topical treatments you can try too.  These include tea tree or lavender essential oils, which are to be applied to the affected area 2 to 3 times each day. However, ensure you read the instructions on the packaging first and it pays to do a skin test to check for any adverse reactions before liberally applying.

Before embarking on any of the above natural alternative, seek the advice of a nutritionist or a medical professional, as they will understand better your personal circumstances and be able to tailor a solution for you.

Don’t forget to sign up for the free Candida & Yeast Infection Newsletter if you haven’t already done so and discover more about alternative medicine for candida.

A Candida Albicans intestinal yeast infection is caused by a fungal organism which, it is believed, is present in everybody’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract no matter what their age, how healthy they are or their gender.

Candida Albicans is the most common type of candida fungus/ mold, and all healthy people are immune to candida albicans.  In fact, for many years a solution containing candida albicans has been injected just under the skin as a way of checking for a normal healthy immune response or for any obvious abnormalities.

The most common types of Candida Albicans are those which cause either a vaginal yeast infection in women or oral thrush which can infect anyone including young babies.

In a normal healthy host, candida present in the gut is kept under control by both the body’s immune system and the friendly bacteria (probiotics) that are found in the intestinal tract. 

However, problems start to occur when the Candida Albicans is allowed to colonize, multiplying and causing many of the symptoms associated with a candida infection, which range from stomach irritation to more severe even life threatening symptoms.

This can happen due to a number of reasons:

The levels of friendly bacteria in the GI tract have been reduced below a healthy amount often due to taking prescribed or non-prescribed medication for an extended period of time.  This then compromises the body’s natural ability to keep the candida albicans from multiplying.  If a person has been taking a long course of antibiotics then it is worth keeping a close watch for any yeast infections.

A poor immune system, either through medication or through illness, can allow the candida albicans to thrive and spread. Candida infections are not unusual in HIV patients or in people who have been treated with Chemotherapy.  Also a persons lifestyle can impact on their immune system, especially if they have stressful jobs or ongoing stressful personal situations.

A poor diet has been attributed to an increased risk of a candida infection.  This is particularly true of diets that are high in sugar. 

Unfortunately as it grows the Candida Albicans can change from its relatively harmless “yeast” form, into the fungal form, which lines the GI tract walls and, if allowed to overgrow, uses its long root like tentacles to penetrate the intestinal lining and release spores into the rest of the body.

If this occurs then a break down may occur between a person’s intestinal tract and their circulatory system and so allow the introduction of allergens, poisons, irritants and toxins into the bloodstream.  If the openings are large enough then partially digested proteins may also enter the bloodstream, a situation known as leaky gut syndrome.

Although it has been hard to diagnose in the past, as candida is a normal part of the GI tract flora, there have been some advances. A simple blood test known as a Candida Albicans Assay test can often be enough to diagnose whether a person has an increased level of Candida antibodies in their bloodstream.

To help a diagnosis ensure that you keep a record of any symptoms you may be suffering from and discuss them with your medical practitioner.  There are a number of conditions that can have similar symptoms to a candida overgrowth, so the more you know about the condition the better chance you have of fighting it.

Treatments have been shown to be effective against candida albicans infections once it has been successfully diagnosed, and they usually include a course of anti -fungal medication, a change in lifestyle to reduce stress and an anti-candida diet.

To reduce the risk of another Candida albicans intestinal yeast infection occurring, it is important to understand the initial cause of the infection and treat that to reduce the chance of further episodes.

If you are interested in more natural ways to combat a candida albicans intestinal yeast infection then sign up for my free candida newsletter and discover how anti candida diets and natural candida remedies can help you.

Is there a link between candida and migraine symptoms?

Migraines normally start with a throbbing sensation on one side of the head, and if left untreated can start to move to the other side also.  In most cases around about 60% of migraine sufferers will get some symptoms about 24 hours prior to a migraine attack. 

They may find that they have mood changes and crave particular types of foods.  They also may yawn repetitively and feel fatigued.

Dehydration can be a cause of migraines and a person may feel dry and thirsty, but unfortunately they also find that they may retain fluids and feel a little bloated.  However, consuming more water will help with the elimination of toxins, which are believed to be one of the reasons that a candida infection can cause migraines.

Interestingly, some candida is present in and on our skin all the time.  It is no threat to the host, and is considered beneficial if maintained in balance in the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract.  It is only when it is allowed to colonize that it becomes a threat to the host and can cause any one of dozens of symptoms, including migraines.

When there is a candida infection, the body has to deal with more toxins and there is a greater strain on the immune response.  An example of one of the toxins that is releases is acetaldehyde, which is considered responsible for a person’s symptoms when they have an alcohol “hang-over”.

In a study carried out which looked at the relationship between Candida and migraine attacks it was found that 13 out of the 17 sufferers responded to change of diet and medication within 3 months and so suffered from less severe and fewer migraine attacks.

Also blood tests were carried out during this study and it was found that the number of Candida antibodies had decreased as well.

The remaining 4 did not respond to the program during the study because they did not actually follow the regime provided by the research team.

So, the first step to take if you believe that you have a migraine that may be caused by candida is to get the candida infection diagnosed.

This step may not be as simple as it sounds, as yeast infections are not always easy to diagnose as we already have candida present in our bodies.  However, there are various tests that can be carried out that you can ask your doctor about.

There are also a number of symptoms that can be identified that are associated with candida; these should also be mentioned to your doctor if they are identified.

Once diagnosed there are a number of treatment options, which are designed to one or more than one of the following; kill the fungus, starve the fungus, improve the diet, bolster the immune system.

There are also natural methods that can be used to relieve the symptoms.

Unfortunately, when a treatment starts to bring the candida infection under control, even more toxins can be released into the body.  However, this is a necessary evil to remove the long-term symptoms.

One way to eliminate toxins quicker, and also help with migraines is to increase the volume of water drunk during the day.  Water can help flush out toxins in the body, and it also helps reduce the symptoms of the migraine.

There is one final thing to consider once the candida infection is under control. You will need to understand what triggered the candida infection in the first place.  The above treatments may help eliminate the candida infections, but they could come back if the root cause is not understood and resolved.

So, if there is a candida infection, eliminate the impact of candida and migraine symptoms should ease or disappear.

If you want to know other natural ways to combat candida and migraine symptoms, then sign up for my free newsletter and discover more about how candida probiotics and natural candida remedies can help you.

So just what is a Candida Albicans overgrowth (it is often referred to as Candidiasis by medical practitioners) and is it true that bacteria feeds on candida albicans to keep it in check? 

Candida Albicans is a yeast/ fungus that is usually found naturally in nature and most people have it within their digestive system and on their skin with normally no ill effect.

As with any other form of fungi, say for example athletes’ foot, it can grow at a fast rate if it is not kept suppressed.  When it is stopped from growing, it will create no ill effect in the body. It is believed that most people in the US and Europe live quite happily with candida yeast in their digestive systems perpetually.

In order to keep the candida albicans under control, and stop it overgrowing, the body has a store of friendly bacteria which feeds on the Candida Albicans.

These friendly bacteria control the levels of candida in two ways: by lining the walls if the gastrointestinal tract so that the yeast cannot stick to the GI tract lining, and the good bacteria feed on the yeast to keep the levels low.

Often people who are suffering from Candida overgrowth will have got this infection because their levels of friendly bacteria (probiotics) have been reduced.

This can normally happen when they have a repressed immune system (through illness) or it is because they have been taken prescribed or non-prescribed medications for an extended period of time that has upset the delicate balance of the gut flora.

It is not unusual for someone who has been on a course of antibiotics to end up with a candida infection.  Other potential medications that can reduce the levels of good bacteria are birth control pills, cortisone or if being treated using chemotherapy.

Unfortunately, all these forms of medication are actually hostile to the friendly bacteria in the body and will kill it, which in turn can help the Candida Albicans to increase.

Of course, many of these medications are necessary, and so it is important to understand that after the prescription you may need to bolster the levels of probiotics in your body.

Taking a probiotic food supplement can do this. You will see these probably advertised on television or the local grocers as either “live” or “probiotic” foods.

The choice of probiotic food supplements is wide, and the sufferer should be able to find a suitable alternative, either by taking it in tablet/ capsule form or as a yogurt or probiotic drink.

The key thing to remember is that it can take time to replenish the levels of probiotics in the GI tract, and the concentration of probiotic in each of the supplements needs to be sufficient to make a difference.

The intestines of a human are large. To give an idea of how big if you took them out of the body, unravelled them and spread them out they would cover the size of a tennis court, and this area all needs to be lined with the right amount of probiotics.

The good bacteria will reproduce normally, but in situations where levels are low they can need a helping hand to regain the balance required to reduce the candida overgrowth.

It is normally recommended that someone with a candida overgrowth should not choose supplements that have less than 35 - 50 billion probiotic organisms within each capsule.  In this way they will be supplied with an appropriate concentration of the good bacteria.

When first taking a probiotic, you may suffer some side effects, because as the candida albicans dies, toxins are released which can make the sufferer nauseous, and potentially give them diarrhoea, as well as other stomach pains.

It is important that you act swiftly to treat a candida overgrowth, as if the candida albicans fungus penetrates the intestinal walls it can enter the bloodstream, and allow other toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Once in the bloodstream it can travel to other organs of the body and there can be major complications.

So, It is essential to remember that as good bacteria feeds on candida albicans yeast, keeping these at a high level needs to be a priority in anyone suffering from a candida overgrowth.

If you haven’t already, sign up for my free candida newsletter that has proven methods for tackling Candida, Candidiasis and yeast infections head-on and discover more about how the good bacteria feeds on candida albicans.