Candida is so wide-spread and systemic, which means it can spread throughout the body, that we can actually form a list of terms that relate to Candida. Imagine that – Candida, given the right conditions, can turn from relatively harmless controllable single cells and become overwhelming to our system. Candida overgrowth steals our nutrients and floods our system with over 79 toxic substances.
In this section we’ll cover some of the basic terms used to describe Candida and the most effective things we can do to diminish and prevent Candida overgrowth inside and out.
Candida
The word Candida means “milky” and “white”, and it refers to yeast. There are many varieties of yeast, but Candida albicans is the most common.
Candidiasis
An excessive amount of yeast growing inside or outside the human body. While yeast cells are natural there are numerous reasons why the balance of yeast and the probiotics that control yeast would fall out of balance: a long term diet that is high in sugars and carbohydrates; medications such as antibiotics, which destroy our healthy bacteria as well; some illnesses can create an imbalance, such as a weakened immune system; and even stress can contribute to Candida yeast overgrowth.
Low glycemic index
This relates to how quickly foods break down into glucose or sugar. Glucose feeds every cell in our body, and is a source of energy. Alcohol is a speedy source of sugar in our system, and is a Candida yeast favorite, giving Candida yeast an immediate boost and promoting the growth of even more Candida yeast cells. Table sugar is moderately high in the glycemic index. Foods like rice cakes or corn flakes are high in the index, while oatmeal is on the low side. Choosing foods and recipes that are low in the glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar as well as help us diminish Candida overgrowth.
Mycotoxins
This word is not as readily known as the word “Candida” but it is an important one to know. Dr C. Orian Truss states that, at a minimum, there are 79 mycotoxins released by Candida yeast. That’s right, 79 toxins are created as a by-product of Candida. Guess who pays for the clean up of those toxins? We do, and no wonder we complain with so many unexplained illnesses.
Wikipedia describes mycotoxins as such: A mycotoxin (from the greek word mykes or mukos means ”fungus” and the Latin word toxicum, which means “poison”. ”A mycotoxin is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by an organism of the fungus kingdom, including mushrooms, molds, and yeasts.”
What do mycotoxins do to our body?
- Mycotoxins are neurotoxins, and they destroy our tissues as well as our organs.
- Mycotoxins interfere with our cellular connectivity, all the way down to our DNA and RNA.
- Ever hear of a carcinogenic? That means cancer-causing. Mycotoxins fall in this category as well.
- What other ways do mycotoxins affect us? Lack of coordination, convulsions.
- Last but not least, mycotoxins interfere with our immune system, causing it to “turn on itself”.
Prebiotic
Prebiotics are foods that aid our healthy probiotics in the gut. Foods contain some amount of prebiotics, which are indigestible matter, but most foods have only a trace. Another word that is associated with prebiotics is “fiber”. Prebiotics foods are a good source of fiber, though some people prefer to increase their prebiotics through supplements, like a prebiotic powder that dissolves in water, juice or coffee.
Probiotic
Probiotics are bacteria, and while that may not seem too appealing our probiotics are vital to our ability to digest as well as supporting our immune system. Let’s look at what the word probiotics means: ”pro” means in favor of, and “biotic” means life, which tells us that probiotics support us in maintaining healthy living.
Thrush
Another word for Candiditis, thrush is a fungal infection or mycosis that can consist of any type of yeast, though Candida albicans is the most common.
Yeast Infection
The most commonly known use of the word “yeast infection” relates to vaginal yeast infections. Men can experience yeast infections as well at the tip of the penis. There are many other areas of the body where a yeast infection can occur. What does yeast like most? Warm and moist areas. Athletes feet = yeast infection. Thrush – yeast infection. The list goes on, as do the list of symptoms as well as the list of negative impacts that yeast overgrowth has on the body.
