Digestive Issues - Candida

Candida albicans, the species of candida fungus that most often causes candidiasis, is a type of yeast that exists naturally in the human body. When the population of candida is at normal levels, it causes no harm; in fact, it aids digestion and the absorption of nutrients from food. But when the fungus gets out of control, candida can cause burning pain, redness and inflammation, and difficulty with normal processes like eating, digestion, and elimination. In extreme cases, candidiasis can cause serious illness.

What causes candidiasis? Candidiasis is abnormal fungal overgrowth due to a lack of friendly bacteria or a weakened immune system. Women often get yeast infections during pregnancy because of changes in the balance of bacteria in their vagina. Antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, and chemotherapy can all contribute to candidiasis by putting the gut flora out of balance.

Candida overgrowth can lead to symptoms of fatigue, chronic allergies, chronic sinusitis or post-nasal drip. Central nerve damage, constant irritability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are all signs that a person may have a subclinical candida infection. 

Acupuncture can help our bodies regain control of the internal environment. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation in the gut, stimulates the release of endorphins (your body's own pain killer), and promotes the parasympathetic nervous system to be in the rest-and-digest state. This can help boost the body's own natural immune defense and help us achieve homeostasis, or balance. 

An acupuncturist will discuss different strategies to improve your symptoms such as steps to reduce stress that can negatively impact our gut health, what diet best supports your body and gut flora, and what things to avoid. Chinese herbs can also support our bodies.