Digestive Issues
Candida
Candida is a type of fungus that lives in our gut and body in a healthy amount. There is a whole microsystem functioning in the gut, with plenty of different species. Sometimes, when this ecosystem is out of balance, candida is able to overgrow (specifically Candida albicans).
Candida
High levels of Candida albicans in the body are not healthy as they tend to cause not only digestive symptoms, but also affect immune, skin, energy, neurological system and general inflammation levels. Candida can appear in multiple places such as gut, vagina, skin, nails, and tongue. Naturopathic Medicine is great at diagnosing Candida infection and treating it. You may not even know you have it as you may be describing ‘generally feeling unwell’. Overproduction of candida breaks down intestinal walls and releases toxins which is why most people feel generally unwell and fatigued. By increasing inflammation in the gut, some people developLeaky Gut Syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms are very broad but some include:
- Bloating, food sensitivities, constipation/ loose stools, heartburn
- Vaginal yeast infections, toe fungus, scalp fungus
- Psoriasis, eczema, depression, chemical sensitivities
- Allergies, fatigue, headaches, neurological imbalances
- Generally feeling unwell is the most common description from patients.
Keep in mind that these are just some of the symptoms, as every individual case is different. Make sure to get yourself a licensed Naturopathic Doctor that is curious about your health enough to sit down with you and take into consideration every one of your symptoms – they are all connected.
Diagnosing Candida can be done through different tests. A test will be chosen specifically for you depending on your symptoms. Comprehensive Stool Analysis and parasitology is the more in depth option, but not always needed.