Understanding the Enemy Helps you
Win the Battle

Do you suffer from recurrent yeast infections, bowel irregularities, chronic fatigue or poor memory? If so, you may have an overgrowth of Candida, also known as yeast. Candida, a type of yeast, is a microorganism that normally inhabits our bodies along with many other bacteria and fungi. Simply having Candida in your body is not a problem. However, several habits of modern society throw off the delicate balance in our body’s inner eco-system and allow Candida to flourish.

What Causes a Candida Overgrowth?

Consumption of antibiotics and other chemicals, oral contraceptives and improper diet disrupt the friendly balance of microorganisms leading to an overgrowth of yeast and other pathogenic microorganisms.

Once the yeast takes root in our intestines, we continue to feed it with improper diet that includes too much sugar and highly processed foods. Add in stress, lack of sleep and the ingestion of chemicals from food and other contaminants and before you know it, you’re suffering from recurring infections, fatigue, poor memory, chemical sensitivity and bowel irregularities to name a few. If left untreated, an overgrowth can lead to severe, long-term health complications.

If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, you may have a Candida overgrowth:

• Gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn or pain in the intestines
  
• Bowel irregularities, constipation or diarrhea perhaps alternating between the two
  
• Vaginal yeast infections
  
• Food cravings especially for carbohydrates or sweets, chocolate or alcohol
  
• Weight imbalances (over or under-weight despite diet)
  
• Mood swings, depression
  
• Headaches or migraines
  
• Menstrual problems, PMS or break through bleeding, endometriosis.
  
• Respiratory concerns, asthma frequent bronchial congestion
  
• Dry, itchy skin or hives
  
• Finger or toe nail fungus
  
• Vertigo or balance problems
  
• Joint or muscle pain
  
• Bad breath despite good oral hygiene
  
• Allergies
  
• Malabsorbtion (might be indicated by vertical grooves in fingernails)
  
• Itching or redness in body creases
  
• Adrenal or thyroid failure
  
• Hemorrhoids, fissures or rectal bleeding
  
• Insomnia
  
• Chronic fatigue
  
• Poor memory
  
• Puffy, dry or burning eyes
  
• Chemical sensitivity (especially colognes or fabric dye)
  
• Hypoglycemia
  
• Thrush
  
• Mouth pain and sores

What Common Factors Promote a Candida Overgrowth?

• Frequent or long-term use of antibiotics
  
• Frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for recurrent infections, such as in the ears, bladder, vagina or throat
  
• Poor diet (highly processed and sugary foods)
  
• Infections (digestive or otherwise) that lower the immune system, creating an imbalance in innate flora
  
• Stress or trauma
  
• Birth control pill use and hormone replacement therapy in women
  
• Regular use of cortisone-type drugs
  
• Diabetes
  
• Pregnancy
  
• Not being breast fed for the first six months
  
• Aging
  
• Vaccinations and immunizations
  
• Immunocompromising illness such as those with HIV

Feeling Hopeless?

We understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to find help for yeast and its related issues. Unfortunately, Candida overgrowth is not highly recognized or treated properly by the medical community. At The Wellness Philosophy, we use specific diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of your yeast issue. Although anti-fungal medications are often necessary, they do not always cure the infection. Further intervention in the form of diet adjustments and therapeutic supplementation is usually necessary. The Wellness Philosophy offers first hand experience in providing the necessary steps to tackle the problem. Working with a Registered Dietitian who has personal experience in solving Candida problems is your best ally in your battle against Candida.

Contact The Wellness Philosophy today to schedule an appointment with Registered Dietitian Staci Small M.A., R.D., to start your journey to better health. Schedule your appointment by calling 317.362.6528 or e-mail staci@thewellnessphilosophy.com.

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