The intricate functioning of the GI tract is sadly under-taught in medical schools. When patients enter the doctors office complaining of many GI tract symptoms, misdiagnosis without a complete range of testing is commonplace. The patient is medicated for conditions they don’t have, and become discouraged when the medications are ineffective. One such under-diagnosed condition is Systemic Candida, which is rarely tested for, and often misdiagnosed.
What is Systemic Candida?
Systemic Candida is the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a fungal organism (a yeast) which naturally resides in the human intestinal tract. When the GI tract is healthy, the friendly flora or good bacteria, also present in the intestinal tract, keep the Candida albicans in balance. However, when the friendly flora count becomes compromised, the Candida albicans grow rampant and sprout root-like protrusions, which begin to erode the intestinal walls; and then spread to other organs. The most common cause of the breakdown of friendly flora is the use of antibiotics.When this erosion occurs, perforations can form, causing Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome allows a plethora of toxins to enter the system.
What Are the Symptoms of Systemic Candida in the GI Tract?
Systemic Candida can cause overall feelings of unhealthiness, mental disturbances, gynecological issues, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, as well as GI Tract conditions. If you have most the following symptoms, and were diagnosed with IBS, or an IBD, it would be wise to be tested for Systemic Candida.
Other symptoms include:
Diagnosing Systemic Candida
Testing for Systemic Candida requires only a stool test. You may also receive a blood test (ALCAT or RAST panel) for food sensitivities.
Treating Systemic Candida
Candida lives on sugar. Once Candida has entered the system, a voracious hunger for sugar pervades the patient. To treat Systemic Candida, you must remove all sugars from your diet. You must also supplement your diet with probiotics and prebiotics. Acceptable natural sweeteners which do not feed Candida are: Stevia, Lo Han and Xylitol. See if your local health food store carries these products. Stevia, an ancient product, has now been adopted by Coca Cola and is used in their products. Watch for “rebiana” (what they have renamed Stevia) in Coke products. I continue to be dedicated to helping you live a healthy life!
Systemic Candida Diet
*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program
