Causes of Candida
Firstly, its important to realise that everyone has Candida already. It is a bacteria that is naturally present in your gut,
part of the balanced system that helps you to digest food and stay fit and well.
When people talk about Candida the illness, they are really talking about the excess growth of Candida.
So if Candida is not something that you 'catch' like a virus, what are the causes of this excess growth of Candida? It was only recently recognised by the medical community, so the research so far is limited. However, the consensus is leaning towards four or five medical and lifestyle factors that seem to be at fault.
Candida and Antibiotics
The most common culprits in an outbreak of Candida are antibiotics. A full course of antibiotics can destroy the yeasts and microorganisms in the small intestine. Without competition, the fast-growing Candida yeast then quickly multiplies and comes to dominate the other organisms in your gut.
So where do these antibiotics come from? You might be surprised. The most obvious source is from your doctor, who may prescribe you antibiotics for an ear infection or throat infection. But did you know that a second major source is from the food you eat?
An astounding 55% of the antibiotics used in the US are in the livestock industry. Herds of cattle are fed antibiotics to keep mortality rates low and profit margins high. Some of these antibiotics make their way on to our plates in the shape of beef and milk. This has become so widespread that the European Union has banned it completely, and won't even import beef that has been raised in this way.
Candida and The Pill
In other sufferers, an outbreak of Candida can be traced to the contraceptive pill. The stomach is a delicate organ, containing a precise mixture of microorganisms and yeasts that help process and digest food. They depend on the right balance of chemicals to support them, but this equilibrium can be thrown off by the hormonal imbalances caused by the Pill.
By disturbing this balance, the Pill opens the door for Candida to once again outgrow its competitors in the gut. Estrogen, the major ingredient in the Pill, is known to promote the growth of yeast. If you need evidence of how this can happen, see how many women get regular yeast infections while on the Pill, its exactly the same principle.
Another contraceptive device that may cause Candida is the copper IUD. It has been shown that copper can increase yeast growth in much the same way as Estrogen does. So be very aware of these problems when choosing your contraceptive technique!
Candida and Stress
Stress affects your body in two ways, both of which can lead to excess Candida. One of your body's first reactions to a stressful situation is to release Cortisol, a hormone that depresses your immune system and raises your blood sugar level.
The Candida yeast feeds on the extra sugar, while your weakened immune system is powerless to stop it. Quickly it overpowers the balanced mixture of microorganisms in your small intestine.
Candida and Diabetes
Candida is just one of many conditions that Diabetes can bring about, and diabetic women are particularly susceptible to any yeast infection. An elevated blood sugar level feeds the Candida yeast, allowing it grow quickly and dominate the other microorganisms in your gut.