What is Candida Albicans?

In our intestines we carry 2 kilos of live micro-organisms. [Ref]. In a healthy person, these micro-organisms comprise about 80 percent “good guys” and 20 percent “bad guy”. Within the bad guys is a yeast called Candida Albicans. This causes no problems as long as we keep it at low levels. In a healthy gut, the good guys prevent this bug from overgrowing and causing issues. But, several factors can impact our gut microflora, including our modern diets and lifestyle.  These factors can help Candida to grow stronger and spread. Candida Albicans starts life as a spore and in this form is not an issue. But a diet high in sugar, or antibiotics can deplete our good bacteria causing the yeast to metamorphose into a fungal form [Ref]. This fungal Candia has roots called mycelia which can penetrate the tissues of the body [Ref].

Sugar

One of the biggest nutritional issues is that our modern diets are very high in sugar. In the UK today, we estimate that each person consumes their body weight in sugar every year. This sounds horrifying, but let’s reflect on it:

We add sugar to our tea and coffee. It is a major component of biscuits, cakes, ice-creams, sweets, cereals, puddings and pies. It is also an ingredient hidden in many packets, tins, bottles and jars of processed foods . As well as the pure sugar we eat, we also consume vast amounts of so-called white carbohydrates. These are in white flour, rice and cornflour/corn-starch for example.  Our bodies turn white carbohydrates into glucose. 

So if you have ever made bread or wine, you know that we use yeast to activate them. So the Candida Albicans yeast in our gut receives a steady supply of sugar and glucose. This deluge  encourages the candida to overgrow, leading to problems.

Antibiotics

Another significant contributor to candida overgrowth is the modern day over-use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are wonder drugs in emergencies. But they have the unfortunate effect of destroying the “good” bacteria in our gut at the same time as eradicating the bacteria that make us ill. As we deplete beneficial flora, we create a space in which candida thrives, and gains more ground. 

There are some health conditions which need continuous antibiotics for a for month e.g. acne or urinary tract infections. The effects on our gut bacteria can be devastating. In fact acne and recurrent infections are often caused by candida. So taking antibiotics exacerbates the situation. 

As well as the antibiotics prescribed by our GP’s or dentists, we consume antibiotics in meat and dairy produce.  Livestock’s diets include antibiotics to prevent disease or to help to fatten them up. 

Happily consuming organic meat and dairy offers protection from these antibiotic residues.

Other medications with negative effects include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are very common over-the-counter treatments for headaches, back and other pains. But these also promote candida overgrowth.

Steroids are also a promoter of candida overgrowth. People with hay fever and asthma often use steroid sprays or inhalers for their anti-inflammatory effects.  But when taken over long periods these drugs have an immuno-suppressant effect. When surpressed the immune system lets candida overgrow,