The gut microbiome is an undeniably important topic today. Did you know that there are 40 trillion microorganisms living in our bodies? In other words, there are actually more microorganisms in our bodies than human cells! So how does Candida, one of the microorganisms naturally found in our system, affect our body? Candida is not actually a harmful fungus. They even have a positive role in the digestive processes in the gut. So why is this species called a danger to our body?
Dr. According to Can Çiftçi, if the amount of fungus regulated by the immune system gets out of control, the situation changes and Candida becomes a disease. Candida fungus, which helps digestion and nutrient absorption when balanced with the good bacteria in our microbiome, multiplies and causes these good bacteria to be suppressed. As a result, it can lead to many digestive problems, fungal infections, mood swings and confusion. Dr. Can Çiftçi answered our questions about Candida.
How does Candida fungus have negative effects on our body?
The out-of-control presence of the Candida fungus in our bodies seriously affects both our health and our quality of life. Overgrowth of the Candida fungus; It causes toxin production in the body, prevents the beneficial bacteria in the intestines from working, and increases intestinal permeability, causing unwanted substances to pass into the blood. It also causes an attack in critical diseases and worsens the existing disease.
What causes the Candida fungus to overgrow?
Candida, which is an invasive species, can multiply due to excessive use of antibiotics, can replace beneficial bacteria in our body and cause infection. They can also multiply due to the fact that birth control pills disrupt the acidic structure of the genital area, high blood sugar and excessive insulin weaken the immune system, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugar, and excessive cortisol secretion due to stress.
So how do we know when Candida is multiplying?
Just like other syndromes and chronic conditions, Candida symptoms can appear in different parts of the body or be much more subtle than we think. E.g; fatigue, bloating, eczema, dandruff, the desire to eat sugar and a bad memory... But it is possible to prevent the overgrowth of Candida fungus with the Candida Diet. By following a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory diet, you can reduce inflammation in your gut and deprive Candida of what it needs to survive.
Especially since sugary foods cause the spread and increase of Candida fungus, we need to steer clear of all sources of sugar and carbohydrates. While on a Candida diet, you should stay away from market products containing acid sugar such as chocolate and candies, starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn, alcohol, fruit juices and excessively sugary fruits.
Take care to consume anti-fungal foods. E.g; The allicin substance in garlic fights the candida fungus. Likewise, lauric acid in coconut oil and curcumin in turmeric prevent the proliferation of Candida.
It is very important to consume foods that support your gut bacteria and your immune system in general. Probiotics are one of the foundations of good gut health. It boosts your immunity, improves your digestion, and helps maintain the healthy pH of your intestines.
Avoid toxins and allergens. Because these substances harm the beneficial bacteria that Candida invades. The first step in avoiding toxins and allergens can be listed as avoiding industrially produced chickens, removing deep-sea fish from your life, and reducing the consumption of foods containing gluten and lectins.
The views expressed in this article are written to shed light on alternative studies and to encourage conversation about these studies. Even if the articles contain the advice of physicians to some extent, they are for informational purposes only. This text; cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
More for the curious:
1. https://www.fitekran.com/candida-nedir-candida-deti/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-diet#downsides
3. https://www.thecandidadiet.com/candida-diet-overview/
Dr. Can Çiftçi – Phytotherapy Specialist
After graduating from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Can Çiftçi founded fitekran.com in 2013. Ciftci, who carries out studies in the fields of obesity, oncology nutrition, phytotherapy, athlete health, rare diseases, functional medicine and pathophysiology, Ketofasting: The Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting His book, titled, met with readers in 2019. Dr. Can Çiftçi continues to serve in his own clinic as a phytotherapy specialist and consultant physician.
