"I feel awful all the time, but my tests come back normal"

This is a common experience from among the 30 million plus Americans who suffer from an overgrowth of candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a type of yeast normally found among the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in a healthy digestive tract. Candida is usually kept under control by our Immune System. When the Immune System is somehow compromised and our "good" bacteria - or "intestinal flora" - is depleted, candida yeast fungus flourishes and multiplies. Then, watch out.

How can I know if I have a candida overgrowth, and what triggers it?

Candida overgrowth - also called "candidiasis" or candida yeast infection - has many varied symptoms in different people (listed later in article). And the candida is so stealthy that the affected person is usually trapped in one of these scenarios:

It flies under the radar of their insurance-approved medical testing.
The continuing symptoms, because nothing shows up in tests, are discredited as "psychological".
The person is misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, complicating the situation.

But very special, accurate testing is available, and many complementary medical professionals offer the option. Candidiasis can be caused by any of the following:

Antibiotics; while killing a bacterial infection they destroy good bacteria, too.
Long-term use of steroids or NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) which can cause digestive distress thereby lowering proper bacteria.
High stress and a low reserve of cortisol (the body's stress response hormone).
A diet heavy in yeast, sugar and dairy with poor digestion or sedentary lifestyle.
Extended exposure to chemicals or mold-invaded environments.

As candida fungus grows it clings to the intestinal walls, hindering digestion and depriving the body of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. It causes yeast infections and accumulated blood toxins. Severe "systemic candidiasis" can negatively impact muscles, bones and many organs. In short, candida overgrowth can cause general deterioration and accompanies many chronic health problems.

Some symptoms of candida yeast infections are easily identified, but others are confusing because they hide within chronic ailments and serious diseases. For example:

Ongoing "flu-like" feelings, headaches, nausea, sweats, chills
Genital/vaginal yeast infection, oral thrush
Sinus, bronchial, and ear infections (often yeast infections, not bacterial)
Nail fungus and skin rashes
Allergies, asthma, extreme sensitivity to chemicals and fragrances
Rapid weight loss or gain
GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease)
Intestinal disorders like Irritable Bowel
Sudden mood swings or depression
Attention disorders

If you suspect candida, pursue specialty testing through a complementary physician.

Many fungal yeast infections occur when antibiotics for another illness destroy good bacteria, lowering your resistance. The National Institutes of Health, the CDC and the American Academy of Family Physicians all agree that antibiotics should be taken only for bacterial infections, not for viral infections or yeast infections, because they may exacerbate the situation.

Suggested Candida-Free Diet: Include soy-based or rice-based products and wheat-free breads. There are milks, waffles, cookies, cakes, and nearly every yummy thing you can think of at natural product stores and in some supermarkets!

Avoid dairy, wheat and any other grain with gluten; heavy starches like pastas; yeast-raised baked goods; sugar including sugar substitutes; and fruit for a while. These all produce sugar during digestion; this encourages candida yeast infection.

Weekly Healthy Advice From VÄXA