Candida Allergy and Overgrowth
Everyone has candida residing in their gut. However, candida can become a problem if it grows out of control, leading to candida overgrowth or candida allergy.
What is candida?
Candida is a species of yeast that normally lives in the digestive tract. Candida species are often referred to as ‘opportunistic’ because they usually only causes problems in those who are immune-compromised or whose natural gut flora is out of balance.
What is candida allergy?
Most of the population has a natural candida allergy, where the immune system helps the body control candida overgrowth. This is a normal and protective response, but when there is candida overgrowth the candida allergy can create inflammation and start to trigger symptoms.
For some people with candida overgrowth, reactions to the overgrowth of candida in the gut can trigger a range of symptoms, including:
- IBS symptoms – bloating, gas, indigestion, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- Persistent oral or vaginal thrush
- Joint pain
- Headaches, mood fluctuations or frequent confusion
- Skin rashes, itching, or hives
- Eczema or asthma flare-ups
What causes candida overgrowth?
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can help kill off offending yeasts. However, many antibiotics are ‘broad acting,’ which means that they also kill off all the friendly bacteria in your gut that help keep Candida and other conditions under control. If you have to take antibiotics, make sure you take a probiotic during and after your course to replenish the friendly gut bacteria.
Oral contraceptive pill
Oestrogen, the major ingredient in the Pill, promotes the growth of yeast and can increase your risk of candida overgrowth. So, consider alternative forms of contraception, particularly while treating candida overgrowth.
Diet
A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates (such as white flour products) is one of the major causes of candida overgrowth. This is because sugars suppress the immune system, and yeasts feed directly on sugar. So, watch what you eat!
Stress
Increased stress hormones in the body also suppress the immune system and trigger a rise in blood sugar levels. Both of these things can spark Candida overgrowth, so, where possible, eliminate stressors and engage in activities that keep you calm and relaxed.
Leaky gut and candida
Candida overgrowth can lead to leaky gut, a condition where the wall of the small intestine becomes permeable (‘holey’), allowing undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria to ‘leak’ into the bloodstream.
Leaky gut and candida overgrowth often occur concurrently. Yeasts like candida release toxins, such as zymosan, such trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can damage the gut lining, exacerbating leaky gut.
Having leaky gut can also allow more of the toxins to pass into the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation levels.
Home self-testing for candida overgrowth
The following is a simple ‘spit test’ that you can perform at home if you want to know whether your symptoms may be a result of candida overgrowth:
Step one
When you wake up (before you brush your teeth or eat or drink anything) fill a glass with filtered water that is at room temperature.
Step two
Spit some saliva gently into the glass.
Step three
Over the next hour, check every 20 minutes for some of signs of possible Candida overgrowth including:
- ‘Strings’ streaming down through the water from the saliva at the top
- Cloudy saliva that is sitting at the bottom of the glass
- Opaque specks of saliva suspended in the water
Any of the above signs could signal candida overgrowth. So, if you come across them, speak to your doctor or Naturopath to have some follow-up testing done.
Natural Allergy Treatment – Positive Association Technique (PAT)
At HWA we use a technique called muscle testing or kinesiology, to help identify any food or environmental reactions may be contributing to your symptoms. Following testing, you can work with your practitioner to address your food sensitivities using a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT).
Positive Association Technique (PAT)
Positive Association Technique (PAT) is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- may reduce your reactions to food and environmental substances
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the substances triggering your allergy symptoms.
Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms.
We stimulate acupressure points down the spine with a chiropractic tool called an ‘Acustim’, while you are holding onto a sample vial of the substance, to re-train your body to no longer react to the substance.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may also recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send us your question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note this blog is general information only. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any diet or lifestyle changes
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