By Amy Lyon
What in the world is Candida?
I was at dinner with my husband when I heard a group of women talking (loudly) about Candida and the effects it has had on their bodies. I was grossed out; it wasn’t very good dinner conversation. What is Candida and is it as bad as they made it sound?
-Vicki of Melbourne
Dear Vicki,
It’s amazing what girlfriends will share with each other, isn’t it? Here’s the skinny on Candida. It’s a type of yeast that is naturally occurring in our bodies. Candida’s job is to aid in digestion and nutrient absorption but, when overproduced, Candida breaks down the walls of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic byproducts into our bodies.
This can lead to many different health problems, ranging from digestive issues to depression. Some of the most common symptoms of Candida overgrowth include fatigue, headache, anxiety, irritability, sugar cravings, muscle and joint aches, mental fogginess and bowel problems.
For most people, a high-quality probiotic supplement can restore Candida levels to normal. Consider adding yogurt to your diet, increasing your fiber intake and limiting your sugar intake. It’s also important to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
Candida overgrowth can be caused by eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which both feed the yeast), consuming a lot of alcohol, taking oral contraceptives, living a high-stress lifestyle, and taking a round of antibiotics, which can kill off too much of the “friendly” bacteria.
Although a blood test from your doctor can help diagnose a Candida overgrowth, a more simple method is to take the “Spit Test”. First thing in the morning, spit into a glass of water. Wait several minutes and observe. If your spit remains floating in a nice, cohesive “blob”, you’re probably pretty much Candida-free. However, if after a few minutes, your spit begins to develop long strand-like tendrils that dissolve down into the water, or if your spit spreads out over the surface of the water, you probably have a Candida condition.
There’s a reason doctors call your gut your second brain. If your gut isn’t healthy, it throws your entire system out of whack.
Take charge of your health and be well!
Amy Lyon is a health and wellness advocate and Sr. Ambassador for Plexus Worldwide. Email your questions to amyleelyon@hotmail.com (Names may be changed to protect identity.) Learn more about health and wellness, and read testimonials on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/plexushealthandwellness
Spotlight Magazine Readership …
You now have the availability to share this column on your social media sites. Please go ahead and share with your friends by being sociable when clicking below.