Candida infections are at the root of the majority of yeast infections that people suffer from—oral thrush, athletes foot, vaginal yeast infections, as well as yeast infections in the gut. But what exactly is Candida, and what causes someone to get a Candida infection?
Candida is a type of yeast that naturally exists inside and on our bodies. It usually does not cause us any issues when its population is at a normal level—thanks to our gut bacteria. The beneficial bacteria in our gut are responsible for keeping Candida numbers in check. However, when certain factors reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut, Candida is able to grow beyond normal levels and can cause an infection, known as candidiasis.
Most often yeast infections start in the gut and spread to other areas where the symptoms are more apparent. Often, it requires getting rid of Candida in the gut to once and for all get rid of recurring yeast infections.
To prevent yeast infections from occurring, it is helpful to understand what causes Candida to grow beyond normal levels. As mentioned, this occurs when beneficial bacteria in our gut are reduced, which removes the only obstacle that Candida has from spreading and taking over.
But what is it that reduces the beneficial bacteria in our gut? Well, a number of things. The most common, and most likely to cause a Candida overgrowth, is antibiotics. While antibiotics can be lifesavers when someone has a bacterial infection, antibiotics kill more than just the bad bacteria. They kill our good bacteria too. If one doesn’t take special care to reintroduce probiotics after taking antibiotics, then they can leave their gut in an unhealthy state with no defenses against Candida.
Alcohol is another factor that can reduce our beneficial bacteria, especially if consumed in excess. We know that alcohol can be an effective agent for cleaning all kinds of things—counters, floors, glass, and even wounds. This is because alcohol has potent antibacterial properties. Well, if consumed too frequently, or in too high of doses, this can kill off the good bacteria in our gut too.
Some other factors that can kill beneficial bacteria in the gut include:
- Chronic stress
- Cigarette smoking
- Poor diet (especially one high in processed foods and processed sugar)
- Poor sleep quality
- Inactivity/low levels of exercise
In order to keep your gut in good health, it is important to avoid these factors that kill off the good bacteria in your gut. It is also helpful to focus on eating foods that support a healthy gut environment, like fermented foods rich in probiotics, prebiotic-rich foods, and foods that contain healthy dietary fiber.
How to Get Rid of Candida
If you have a Candida infection, you can get rid of it by following an anti-Candida diet like the one outlined by Zuma Nutrition in their Candida Cleanse Diet Guide. Diligently following an anti-Candida diet and supplementing with anti-Candida herbs is the best way to ensure success in getting rid of a Candida infection. It is also essential to focus on restoring your gut health after clearing the infection to prevent the infection from recurring. Having a healthy gut is the best preventative method for keeping Candida away.
