CANDIDA

Candida is a yeast that is present on all the mucous membranes of the body. It is only when it over-proliferates that candida causes problems. The most common causes of over-proliferation are:

• The immune system being weakened by stress, severe illness, or anti-biotic use

• Candida growth is encouraged by cortisone-type drugs, oral contraceptives, and chemotherapy

• High oestrogen levels, such as at menstruation time or post-partum

• Diet rich in sugar and starch and the presence in food of growth hormones from yeasts and moulds and also from yeast-derived B vitamins.

Perhaps the most commonly-known symptoms of candida over-proliferation are vaginal thrush and/or cystitis. Other symptoms that have been linked with the condition include:

bloating, chronic sore throats, menstrual irregularities, muscle weakness, malabsorption, nasal congestion, rectal itching, skin irritation, headaches, dandruff, athlete’s foot, and asthma-type problems