You may be wondering... what's the connection between a systemic Candida infection and weight loss?
Well, some frustrating symptoms of Candida Albicans, like continual weight gain, unstoppable food cravings (especially concentrated sweets), irritability and complete brain fog without a constant supply of refined carbs, cause an inability to lose weight - regardless whether or not you exercise regularly.
But first, what is Candida Albicans, which affects today an estimated 80% of people (mostly women)?
You may think that the Candida causes are infestations from the external environment, but that’s rarely the case. Rather, Candida Albicans is a normal, fungus-like type of yeast in our intestinal tract, which is used as food by our "friendly bacteria" - like Acidophillus and Bifidus.
There are many Candida overgrowth causes, including internal parasites, hypothyroidism, an immune deficiency, hormonal imbalance and diabetes. But by far - as shocking at it may seem - the 3 most common Candida causes are:
excessive stress
the long-term use of certain medication
a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates
Before anything else, you must know that getting rid of a Candida infection is not easy... But knowing what typically causes it allows you to reduce - or even eliminate these factors. When you do, you will be able to stop the frustrating weight loss resistance you may experience as a consequence of Candida overgrowth.
Overgrowth?
Yes. Small amounts of Candida are normal in a healthy body. However, under certain conditions - easily met with our current lifestyle – Candida cells multiply at an accelerated rate, causing serious health problems. If that's your case, you may want to start with a natural Candida cleanse.
But let’s get back to the main Candida causes.
Causes of Candida: 1. Excessive Stress
You must understand that the effects of stress on health and the consequent high cortisol levels contribute to Candida overgrowth in two ways simultaneously.
First, chronic high stress and anxiety over day-to-day problems (e.g. work, relationships, money, etc.), lack of sleep, lack of quality time - all these cause high cortisol levels in your body. This in turn, lowers your immune system function – and with it, your protection against Candida overgrowth.
Second, high cortisol causes increased sugar levels in the bloodstream, which gives the yeast cells a huge supply to feed on – so they multiply rapidly.
And there’s more.
Environmental stress like fumes, toxic metals, smoke, pollution, chlorinated water, or acidic body pH levels are also common Candida causes, because they destroy friendly intestinal flora that keeps Candida in check. Additionally, hot and humid weather help Candida grow and spread even more.
Causes of Candida: 2. Medication
Basically, anything that upsets the natural balance of your body causes Candida to spread through your system, wreaking havoc. For example, the modern abuse of antibiotics - especially the broad spectrum ones - for more than one course (about 7 days) can kill ALL bacteria in your system, including the friendly one, throwing off the natural balance of micro-organisms in your gut.
As a consequence, Candida Albicans grows rampant.
Among the medication-related causes of Candida overgrowth there is also the long-term use of sleeping pills, tranquillizers, birth control pills, steroid-based drugs, immuno-suppressants, synthetic estrogen or any other drugs that create a hormonal imbalance.
Causes of Candida: 3. Refined Carbohydrates
Impossible to ignore, a major Candida Albicans cause is a diet rich in “empty calories”, or junk food, as Candida thrives on all sugars and refined carbs. Avoiding these foods is the best Candida defense. Beyond that, you'll be able to stop the Candida overgrowth in your body, increase your energy levels and the rate at which you lose weight beyond what you've ever believed possible!
Unfortunately, stuff that's often tasty is on the list of foods that cause Candida... Here's a short list of foods that cause Candida - you'll understand what I'm talking about. Along with the basic Candida diet guidelines, you'll have a good roadmap to follow and keep under control most Candida causes.
If you want a complete, step-by-step guide on how to permanently eliminate the causes of Candida, including a complete list of foods to avoid, I highly recommend Linda Allen's step-by-step Candida cleanse program.
Not only as a certified nutritionist, but as a former yeast infection sufferer, Linda guides you every step of the way, giving you all the instructions and helpful tips to cure your Candida overgrowth once and for all. Check it out now - Linda's natural Candida cleanse program may be just what you need.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you for putting together such a wonderful site! Eye-opening info on the different body types... it really helped me understand how to adjust my meals to lose weight without craving sweets and being hungry all day... or crushing after lunch. I've already lost 12 pounds in the last three weeks and I'm thrilled!! Never ever thought it would be so easy!"