3 Key Steps to Eliminate Candida

Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. While yeast is present in your intestinal tract in smaller amounts, it should not be allowed to overgrow.

The ideal ratio of yeast in the body is one yeast to one million good bacteria (acidophilus). When this number becomes out of balance, health issues can and do arise.

Symptoms may include regular bloating and gas (especially after eating at night), joint and muscle pain, recurring yeast infections or jock itch, constant exhaustion and brain fog. If you find yourself becoming forgetful and have sticky notes all over your house, that may be cause for concern.

Candida overgrowth occurs over time and feeds on sugars and undigested disaccharides. Stress is also a major factor. Candida is a resilient organism and getting better takes work.

Registered holistic nutritionist, Caroline Farquhar, suggests using a three-prong approach to cure candida.

1. Starve the candida: stay away from sugars in all forms, including fruits and fruit juices. Incorporate a whole food diet with lots of veggies and lean protein, but stay away from starchy carbohydrates.

2. Kill the candida: diet alone will not work. Use a cleanse kit that include anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal herbs that help kill off the candida. Also, incorporate enzyme products that break down the shell wall and the food that these organisms feed on. If you are prone to recurring candida, you may want to cleanse 2-3 times annually.

3. Change your lifestyle: this is easier said than done. Reduce the stress factors in your life and take a probiotic... put those good bacteria back in your body.

Doctors may not be actively looking for candida, so you may want to consider a live blood cell analysis if you feel there is a chance you may be dealing with candida overgrowth.

You know your body better than anyone, so if you feel something is not right, then take action and make the necessary changes to stay healthy. In addition to the information found in this segment, there are many quizzes available online to assess your symptoms.