Candida is a yeast-like fungus which normally lives in your intestinal tract, mucous membranes, and skin in very small amounts.
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This fungus is essential for promoting a proper digestion and nutrient absorption. However, when it is overproduced, it can cause an infection.
There are more than 20 Candida yeast species that can cause an infection, the most common one being Candida albicans.
Some of the major factors that can contribute to a candida overgrowth include a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and sugar, excessive alcohol intake, increased stress levels, as well as a use of antibiotics or oral contraceptives.
In case you suspect that you might be suffering from a candida overgrowth, you should try the following test that will help you to check your yeast levels.
Saliva Test for Candida Overgrowth
This easy test can help you to determine whether you have increased levels of Candida in your body. In order to do the test, you need to fill a glass with water before going to bed.
Leave the glass next to your bed. The following morning, spit into the glass before brushing your teeth. Leave the glass to stay for 15 minutes. Afterward, observe what will happen inside the glass.
Results:
- If your saliva remains on the surface of the water, or if it melts, your levels of Candida are normal. Another indication of healthy Candida levels is a presence of bubbles in the water.
- If there are strings from the saliva running down towards the bottom of the glass, if the saliva sinks to the bottom of the glass, or if the water turns cloudy, you might be dealing with elevated levels of Candida. In this case, you might consider visiting your doctor.
Signs of Candida Overgrowth
If you suffer from Candida overgrowth, you are likely to experience some of the following symptoms:
- Digestive problems, such as constipation, bloating, or diarrhea,
- Strong sugar and carbohydrate cravings,
- Trouble concentrating, lack of focus, poor memory, or brain fog,
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression,
- Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia,
- Seasonal allergies or itchy ears,
- Skin issues, like rashes, hives, eczema, or psoriasis,
- Skin and nail fungal infections, such as ringworm, toenail fungus, or athlete’s foot,
- Urinary tract or vaginal infections characterized by burning sensation, discharge, itching, and pain.
Treatment of Candida Overgrowth
In order to successfully treat a Candida overgrowth, you need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes. Since the Candida feeds on sugar and carbohydrates, you need to switch to a low sugar and carbohydrate diet that doesn’t include any sweets, desserts, candies, flours, dairy products, and alcohol.
Also, you need to avoid any fermented and processed foods. Instead, your meals should consist of 60% fresh vegetables, 20% protein (fish, legumes, soy, eggs, chicken), 10% fresh fruits, and 10% complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, oats, wheat, and rice).
Moreover, you should consume a probiotic yogurt on a daily basis. By doing so, you will balance the good bacteria in your intestines.
It is also highly recommended that you take antifungal supplements since they are effective in breaking down the cell walls of the Candida and destroying the yeast.
One of the best supplements for treating a Candida overgrowth is the caprylic acid found in the coconut oil.