Candida albicans, is a yeast that normally lives harmlessly in the body, but can become a problem when it is allowed to grow out of control. Usually the amount of candida albicans is controlled by beneficial bacteria in the body and the immune system; however, if the beneficial bacteria are killed by antibiotics, or if a person's immune system becomes weakened, candida can grow unchecked and cause a variety of symptoms. Here is a partial list (from altmedicine.about.com):
* Tired or lethargic
* Poor memory
* Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
* Numbness, burning, tingling
* Stomach pain
* Joint pain or swelling
* Muscle aching or weakness
* Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
* Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
* Prostatitis
* Erectile dysfunction
* Loss of sexual desire
* Endometriosis or infertility
* Menstrual irregularity or cramping
* Anxiety attacks or crying
* Cold hands and feet, feel chilly
* Irritable or shaking when hungry
So what can cause the candida to overpower the beneficial bacteria? Some things are:
* Use of antibiotics
* Use of oral contraceptives, and other medications
* High-sugar diets
* Pregnancy
* Diabetes
* Stress
Worried that you may have an overgrowth of candida (also known as candidiasis or yeast infection)? The following link will take you to a quick test to check Candida Quiz, check back tomorrow for a comprehensive protocol for ridding your body of this harmful invader (including diet and easily obtained supplements).
Welcome to Healthy Living!
Most of us want to live a healthier life, but it is sometimes a daunting task trying to sift through the often-conflicting information we are given, in an effort to find what will work for us. We have all heard the ongoing debate about whether low-carb diets are healthy or bad for us and the varied opinions about which carbs we should be eating. There is the accepted opinion that coffee/caffeine has a harmful effect on your life and then the newer opinion that it is actually beneficial. The same is true for alcohol - red wine to be specific - does it kill brain cells or does is that negated due to the positive, healthy effects it seems to have on the heart? These debates are only the tip of the iceberg . . .
While the previous issues address what we should and shouldn't be eating, there is also the question of what to do if we have developed some ill effects (not feeling well, no energy, weight gain, disease) and want to reverse them. There are so many possible solutions. Do we fast - and if so what kind of fast (juice, water, fruit)? Do we need to detox? If so - how? Herbal cleanses, colonics, saunas, body wraps, sea water baths, Epsom salt baths? What herbs will help heal our bodies and in what quantities? And what about the alternative therapies: massage, Reiki, bio-feedback, hypnotherapy, meditation, light therapy, aromatherapy (to name only a few!)? Which of these would help us in our particular situation?
How to make sense of all this information? We would like to have this site be a place to discuss which things have worked for us (or haven't) and hopefully by sharing our experiences we will be able to help each other wade through all the possibilities and find our own paths to a Healthy Life!
While the previous issues address what we should and shouldn't be eating, there is also the question of what to do if we have developed some ill effects (not feeling well, no energy, weight gain, disease) and want to reverse them. There are so many possible solutions. Do we fast - and if so what kind of fast (juice, water, fruit)? Do we need to detox? If so - how? Herbal cleanses, colonics, saunas, body wraps, sea water baths, Epsom salt baths? What herbs will help heal our bodies and in what quantities? And what about the alternative therapies: massage, Reiki, bio-feedback, hypnotherapy, meditation, light therapy, aromatherapy (to name only a few!)? Which of these would help us in our particular situation?
How to make sense of all this information? We would like to have this site be a place to discuss which things have worked for us (or haven't) and hopefully by sharing our experiences we will be able to help each other wade through all the possibilities and find our own paths to a Healthy Life!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
What is Candida and Do I Have It?
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