Obesity and Candidiasis are probably the two most complex and not adequately understood afflictions in human beings. It would be too simplistic to describe obesity as caused by overeating and lack of exercise and Candidiasis as caused by the fungus Candida albicans. There are by far too many contributing factors leading to overgrowth of the otherwise harmless Candida. Weight gain too may have organic and psychological precursors.
Many
medical practitioners believe that Candidiasis may
actually be a factor in inexplicable weight gain. It is
only when patients explain symptoms that they believe
have no relation to their weight problem that an alert
physician realizes that the weight gain is probably due
to a more serious condition known as systemic
Candidiasis. Candida feeds on sugar and one of the
symptoms of Candidiasis is sugar cravings. As patients
go about satisfying their craving, the Candida too
proliferates rapidly and the cravings only keep
increasing. So do the calories consumed and consequently
the weight
When the
Candida mutates to the hyphal form it bores holes in the
intestines causing loss of nutrients and the patient
feels weak and fatigued all the time, causing him to
consume more food. Moreover, Candida is also believed to
contribute to hormonal imbalances. Of the 79 or so
toxins produced by Candida which wreak havoc with the
body’s systems one is false estrogen. It tricks the body
into believing it has produced enough estrogen stopping
its own estrogen production. Estrogen also feeds the
Candida causing a Candida population
explosion.
Conversely,
weight gain may also lead to Candida
infection. Unhealthy dietary habits which cause
weight gain also lead to increase in blood sugar levels,
providing more food for the Candida to grow and
multiply. It is one whole vicious circle. The only way
out is to go on a sensible Candida diet. This absolutely
eliminates sugar and refined carbohydrates from the
diet, literally starving the yeast. At times this leads
to worsening of the symptoms as the Candida die and
release toxins and protein fragments in the blood. The
worsening symptoms are an antibody response to these
toxins. The diet needs to be followed for at least a
month before results are seen.
Apart from starving the yeast a more holistic approach incorporating natural and home remedies is recommended to eliminate the yeast. Herbal supplements like grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract, sage, d’Arco, etc. Antifungal medications may also be prescribed but cause a lot side effects. Taking probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus will help establish normal friendly flora as Candida numbers decrease. The dietary changes not only gets rid of Candida but also offers collateral benefits such weight loss, control of blood glucose and blood pressure, settling down of gastrointestinal symptoms, clearing of skin etc. in addition, changing lifestyle and behavioral modification will cure the Candidiasis safely and effectively.
