Common Questions About Candida

Vancouver Naturopath Article of the Week

Candida albicans is a strain of yeast that occurs naturally and is part of our body’s “good flora.” The good yeast, fungi and bacteria are necessary in order to keep the bad, infection causing bacteria at bay. There are a number of factors that result in a fluctuation away from this ideal and essential balance of microbes. This balance can be shifted either way and be problematic. If there is an overgrowth of bacteria, an infection occurs, and if there is an overgrowth of candida, or yeast, an infection occurs.

Antibiotics are often prescribed when a bacterial infection occurs; however, this can directly result in candida overgrowth and we have thrown the balance off again – just in another direction. A common misconception is that a candida/yeast infection is a condition that only affects females. Candida, in a number of different strains, is present throughout the body. Infection and overgrowth can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and in anyone.

For more information on what Candida is all about have a look at this great post: 20 Common Candida Yeast Overgrowth Questions.

Diet is the ideal way to regulate counts of these microbes in your system. Foods and liquids can trigger or suppress any number of things as we digest. Supplementing with probiotics also ensure that our “good flora” is kept a step ahead of the bad. In considering the big picture, consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor is a great resource if you have any questions or concerns about your digestive health. Because there are so many contributing factors, treating digestive problems truly requires the big picture of the whole body rather than directly treating a symptom which can just mask the cause.

The Vancouver Naturopathic Doctors at Broadway Wellness dedicate part of their practice to handling individual cases through regulation and balance of the digestive system.