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Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? (One Ingredient Is Linked to Gut Destruction)

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    Disturbing side effects of chewing gum.  Alternative bad breathe ideas and reasons why you should rethink putting gum in your mouth.
    Gut Destruction

    Chewing gum manufacturers have been turning to an ingredient called titanium dioxide for years. Now used in nanoparticle form, this extremely tiny metal compound is posing some serious emerging health threats. This is probably the scariest reason to avoid gum.

    Generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, this compound is often used in nanoparticle form to create a bright white pigmentation in paints, plastics … and chewing gum. (2) It’s also found in tons of other foods, like candies and powdered white sugar (donuts!) and even bread. Although it’s allowed on store shelves and considered safe, scientists are starting to paint a different picture.

    In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal NanoImpact shows that nano-titanium oxide ingredients like titanium dioxide can severely impact gut health. Researchers exposed small intestinal cells to a meal’s worth of nanoparticles over four hours (acute exposure) or three meal’s worth over five days (chronic exposure). What they found is a bit shocking.

    Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the diet:

    Weakened the intestinal barrier
    Slowed down metabolism
    Triggered inflammation
    Weakened the gut’s defense against pathogens
    Blocked nutrient absorption of key nutrients like iron, zinc and fatty acids
    The nanoparticles actually blunted the effectiveness of the small intestines’ microvilli. Microvilli are tiny projections that jut off of small intestinal cells and work to absorb nutrients our bodies need to survive. (3)

    People also face this type of titanium dioxide exposure through toothpaste, and it’s even sometimes used to created a smoother texture in chocolates and to create a brighter appearance in skim milk.

    In 2012, Arizona State University found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles turned up in five percent of products tested, including Twinkies and mayonnaise samples. Under public pressure, Dunkin Donuts stopped using nano-titanium dioxide in its donuts’ powdered sugar in 2015.

    “To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles,” — Gretchen Mahler, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York. (4)

    Beyond that, many chewing gum products contain emulsifiers to retain flavor and keep gum from sticking to your teeth. (5) The trouble is, many emulsifiers act almost like detergent in your digestive tract, throwing off the natural balance of your gut flora. In fact, research in lab animals suggests certain emulsifiers used as food additives could contribute to colon cancer development.

    Is Chewing Gum Bad? More Reasons to Stop

    Migraines

    For children and adolescents dealing with vicious migraines and tension headaches, the natural solution could be right under their noses: Stop chewing gum. A small study published in Pediatric Neurology discovered that nixing gum led to significant improvements in 26 out of 30 adolescents in the study. Amazingly, 19 of them experienced complete headache resolution. No pills, no treatments — they just stopped chewing gum. (6)

    If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a migraine naturally, your gum habit is a great place to start. In tweens and teens, common proven headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hot weather, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, skipping meals and menstruation. Now we can add gum to the list. Researchers aren’t sure if it’s the artificial sweeteners or a TMJ issue related to gum and headaches, but the good news is we can stop many headaches with this simple step. (7)

    Sinister Sweeteners

    You’d expect fake sweeteners like aspartame in diet soda, but chewing gum? Come on! Different chewing gum companies turn to ingredients like aspartame, sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, acesulfame K, sucrolose and xylitol. Some actually use multiple fake sweeteners in a single gum product.

    These ingredients are linked to serious health issues like tooth decay, liver fat buildup, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, lymphoma, kidney tumors and more. Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, is among the most common artificial sweeteners detected in breast milk. That’s troubling, since the ingredient is also linked to thyroid dysfunction. Sucralose harms the gut, throwing off healthy levels of enzymes and disrupting the microbiome. (8)

    While xylitol and sorbitol may seem more natural, these processed sugar alcohols aren’t absorbed well by the body and cause an allergic reaction for those who have a sensitivity to it. And then there are the digestive sugar alcohol and xylitol side effects, including bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. And get this: Its laxative effect is so pronounced that it’s actually part of the chemical makeup for many over-the-counter laxatives.

    Special note to dog owners: Xylitol and other sugar alcohol-based sweeteners are life-threatening toxins to dogs. Be mindful of breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts and other foods when your pets are around. (9)

    Better Bad-Breath Fighters & Gum Alternatives

    Bad breath is a good excuse to reach for gum, but as you can see, the side effects are bad news, especially for your gut. Luckily, there are better ways to cope. After ruling out potential underlying issues for bad breath, you can turn to these things to naturally improve your breath:

    Eat parsley.
    Drink enough water, especially tap into the benefits of lemon water.
    Learn how to safely tap into peppermint oil benefits.(Not recommended for young children.)
    Learn about oil pulling with coconut oil.
    Avoid grains and added sugars.
    Final Thoughts on ‘Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?’
    American played a huge role in spreading the popularity of chewing gum all around the world.
    However, today’s ingredients include fake dyes and flavors. But perhaps most concerning is nanoparticle-sized titanium dioxide, an ingredient used in everything from gum, candy and bread to paint and plastics.
    Nano-titanium dioxide helps create a vibrant white color, but scientists now show that it can impact small intestinal cells in a way that blocks absorption of key nutrients, slows the metabolism, increases inflammation and weakens the gut’s ability to protect against dangerous pathogens.
    Chewing gum is also linked to migraines and tension headaches in children and adolescents.
    There are still some chewing gum companies that rely on old-fashioned, real-food ingredients, but they are sometimes harder to come by.

    Source: www.draxe.com

    Sriracha Aioli

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      Sriracha Aioli
      Vegetarian, Gluten Free

      Happily Serves 3-4

      ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

      3/4 Cup Raw Cashews
      5  Garlic cloves, minced
      1/4 Cup water
      1-2 TBSP Avocado oil
      1 tsp Maple syrup
      1 TBSP Lime juice
      Sea salt + black pepper to taste
      1 tsp Sriracha (or other hot sauce), plus more to taste
      Pinch each chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin

      Optional: 1/2 tsp Nutritional yeast (for a little cheesiness)

      Place cashews in a bowl and cover with boiling hot water.
      Let set, uncovered, for about 1 hour or until very soft, drain thoroughly and Rinse.

      Add cashews to the blender or food processor with fresh garlic, water, 1 Tbsp Avocado oil, maple syrup, lime juice, salt, pepper, Sriracha, and spices.
      (Nutritional yeast is optional.)

      Blend on high until creamy and smooth.

      Add more water if it’s too thick.

      Kahula Chocolate Fudge

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        Kahlua Chocolate Fudge
        Vegan, GF, Refined Sugar free
        Happily serves 20

        ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

        20 oz Lily’s chocolate chips
        14 oz Can full fat coconut milk
        3 TBSP Ghee (or butter) cubed at room temperature
        2 TBSP Kahlua
        1/4 tsp cinnamon
        1/2 tsp vanilla extract
        1/4 tsp Sea salt
        1 tsp espresso powder or 1 TBSP cold brew

        Lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
        Line with parchment paper, allowing the excess paper to overlap on two of the sides, set aside.
        Add the chocolate and espresso powder into a large, heatproof bowl; set aside.
        Fill a saucepan with a little water (about 1/4 full) bring it to a boil.
        Reduce to barely a simmer. Place the bowl containing the chocolate and espresso powder on top of the pot.
        Cook, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is completely smooth, about 8-10 minutes.
        Add coconut milk and ghee, cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is completely melted. Remove from heat.
        Whisk in the Kahlua, vanilla, sea salt, and cinnamon. The mixture will be VERY thick.
        Transfer to pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
        Remove the fudge and transfer it to a cutting board. Peel off parchment paper and slice into small pieces.
        Serve at once or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month or freezer up to 2 months.

        Probiotics Basic Info

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          Probiotics in A Nutshell…

          The human gut contains 10x more bacteria than all the human cells in the body. 400 known species equaling 100trillion in the intestinal tract.

          Probiotics are ESSENTIAL for normal digestive, endocrine, and immunological functions of the bowel. They are therapeutic for treatment of variety of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. Definitely needed if your gall bladder or spleen has been removed.

          Goal is to have an 80 to 20% ratio of good bateria verses harmful bacteria.

          In general, 1 billion CFU’s (colony forming units) is REQUIRED to deliver to the intestines. You can safely take up to 450 billion for patients with IBS, and even 200 billion following liver transplant.

          Do they need to be refrigerated? It is recommended it maximizes freshness. Probiotics that have micro encapsulated with fatty acids are the only exception. Probiotics sold in health stores are often not and have about 30-50% less viable microorganisms that they claim on their label.

          Probiotics live in the absence of oxygen. Dark Glass bottles are recommended. Moisture also kills micro organisms, keep in a cool dark place.

          Deliver systems are important because we want the absorption to happen in the intestines not the stomach. Stomach acid plays apart in breakdowns and absorption.
          The use of antibiotics feeds bacteria growth so it is important to double amounts during infectious times or if you are put on antibiotics or have heavily used them in the past.

          It is important to have B complex vitamins, especially B12, folates, and Vitamin K for probiotics absorption.

          When do you take them? Everyone is different but generally between meals or bed time is ideal so food or stomach acid isn’t interfering with absorption.

          Prebiotics are carbohydrates that are indigestible by the human intestine and selectively stimulate the activity and growth of certain bacteria in the COLON. Most are chains of 2-9 sugar molecules (oligosaccharides). They are commonly found in chicory, asparagus, artichoke, onions, leeks, garlic, and human breast milk. If you want to use food as medicine, consume those veggies. They should pass through the small intestine to the colon.

          There are different strains of probiotics that are more beneficial to your health issues which is why not guessing is important, research is good, but science based research is what professionals do. Knowing your source and trusting your health care practitioner to make the best recommendations for you. They may cost a little more, but why waste money and time guessing when you don’t have to?

          Gut health leads to immune health. If you want to power your body, supplementation is necessary.

          Chocolate Iced Coffee Protein Shake

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            Chocolate Iced Coffee Protein Shake
            Dairy Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar Free
            Happily serves 1

            ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

            2 TBSP Raw Cacao powder
            2 TBSP Collagen Powder
            2 oz Coconut milk
            2 oz Cold brew (optional)
            2-6 oz Chai Tea or water
            Dash of cinnamon
            Stevia Powder if desired sweeter
            Ice

            You can use Chicory Herbal Roast in place of the cod brew if you don’t consume coffee or caffeine.  Great benefits of extras herbs and barley.

            Blend all ingredients in bullet/blender, transfer to shaker bottle.

            You can also quick steam this recipe for a hot “chocolate” protein drink

            Homemade Magnesium Body Butter

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              Want to make your own muscle relaxing lotion? Such a simple recipe and easy to make! If you do not wish to take the short time to make it, you can see my dear friend, Colleen Sinclair, owner of the Siphon Draw Apothecary.  She makes wonderfully combined skin care products from all natural organic food sources.  Also as a Holistic Nutritionist, she understands the biochemistry of the body and that’s it’s not just what we put in our body, it’s what’s absorbed on and in our bodies and skin. Www.siphondraw.com for more information.

              This recipe contains avocado oil, which has naturally occurring magnesium and potassium that help hydrate the skin. Avocados are one of the most mineral-rich superfoods in the world. In addition, magnesium oil is added — it’s transdermal so can pass through the skin into the body.

              Also, to naturally calm the body, this recipe contains lavender essential oil, which can relax muscles and reduce the effects of stress.

              Apply this CALM magnesium body butter recipe today to naturally increase minerals and healing compounds in your body!

              Dr. Axe explains it very simply:

              Check out this video on YouTube:


              Homemade CALM Body Butter Lotion
              Total Time: 45 mins to an hour

              Serves: 30-90
              ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS:

              1/4 cup Avocado oil
              1/4 cup Magnesium oil
              1/2 cup Cocoa Butter
              30 drops Lavender Essential Oil
              Large Glass Jar or Small glass Jar
              DIRECTIONS:

              In saucepan with water over low heat, place a jar containing the cocoa butter.
              Once melted, pour into bowl and let cool in fridge for 30 minutes.
              Using a standard mixer blend and whip it.
              Once whipped add in magnesium oil, avocado oil and essential oils and mix.
              Transfer to glass jar or plastic container and keep in refrigerator for 90 days.

              Sugar Cookies

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                Vegan, Gluten Free
                Happily Serves 24

                ALL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

                COOKIES
                1/2 Cup Vegan butter or butter
                2/3 Cup Monk Fruit
                1 tsp Vanilla extract
                3 Tbsp Chickpea brine or flax egg, or 1 egg
                3/4 tsp baking powder
                1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea salt
                1 2/3 Cups gluten free flour
                2/3 Cup Almond flour
                1/3 Cup Arrowroot
                1 TBSP Almond or nut milk

                FROSTING (optional)
                1/2 Cup vegan butter
                1 1/2 – 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
                1/4 tsp vanilla extract
                1-2 TBSP Almond or nut milk

                Preheat oven to 375 and line baking sheets with parchment paper OR spray with coconut oil spray.
                Add softened vegan butter (not melted or cold) to a mixing bowl and beat/whisk until creamy and smooth.
                Add monk fruit and mix on medium speed until fluffy
                Then add chickpea brine (or other egg substitute) and vanilla and mix again.
                Add baking powder and sea salt and blend well
                Then add gluten free flour blend, almond flour, and arrowroot and mix on low until the ingredients are combined.
                Add almond milk and stir.

                The dough should be thick, moldable and a little difficult to mix at this point. If too soft, continue adding a mixture of gluten free flour blend, almond flour, and arrowroot until a thick, moldable dough is formed. If too thick, thin with a bit more almond milk.

                Transfer dough to the refrigerator and chill for 15 minutes. Once chilled, use a spoonful of about 11/2 TBSP of dough and roll into balls – the dough will still be soft. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and press down gently with the back or your spoon to smash slightly.
                Or you may roll out the dough on a well-floured surface until about 1/4-inch thick and use cookie cutters dipped in flour before pressing into the dough. Use a floured spatula to gently scoop onto baking sheets.

                Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping and baking

                Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies appear fluffy.
                Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes.

                To make frosting, add softened vegan butter to a mixing bowl and whisk/beat until soft.
                Sift in powdered sugar in small amounts and mix, add the vanilla and whisk.
                Continue adding powdered sugar until you have spreadable frosting.

                Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.

                Candida Control

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                  Candida Control
                  Enzyme Science
                  $34.50

                  Candida Control™ includes two enzymes for maintaining normal yeast production.* The enzyme cellulase breaks down the cell wall of candida, while protease removes the toxins expelled during cell death.* This combination may ease discomforts common to cleansing (die-off).* Broccoli Seed extract, as well as beneficial microflora (probiotics), work together to support healthy detoxification.* Enzyme Sciences exclusive Thera-blend™ enzymes are effective throughout the entire digestive system, thereby ensuring complete digestion.* When formulated for therapeutic purposes, Thera-blend enzymes are customized for optimal performance throughout the entire body.
                  Servings Per Container: 42
                  Take 2 capsules three times per day on an empty stomach (1/2 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). More may be taken as directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

                  Serving Size: 2 capsules
                  Amount Per Serving
Cellulase Thera-blend™ … 70, 000CU
Protease Thera-Blend™ … 230, 000HUT
Broccoli Seed Extract … 40mg
Probiotic Blend … 1 Billion CFU
Bacillus subtilis, l.rhamnosus, l.casei, L.acidophilus, L.plantarum, L.bulgaricus, L.salivarius, L.paracasei
                  Other Ingredients: 100% vegetarian capsule (cellulose, water)
                  Contains NO: Dairy, egg, preservatives, salt, sucrose, soy, wheat, yeast, nuts, corn, gluten, casein, potato, rice, artificial colors or flavors
                  Contraindications: Candida Control should not be taken with any timed released medications that use cellulose as its time-release mechanism. Keep closed in dry place; avoid excessive heat.

                  Cacao Mint Mojito Mousse

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                    Cacao Mint Avocado Mousse
                    Vegan, GF, Paleo
                    Happily Serves 4-8

                    All Organic Ingredients
                    3 Avocados
                    1/2 cup coconut Nectar
                    1 Tsp vanilla extract
                    1/2 Cup Coconut oil, melted
                    2/3 cup fresh mint, stems off
                    1/4 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt
                    Lime juice to equal 3/4 cup plus zest
                    Optional: 1/2 cup Raw Cacao and stevia to sweetness desired

                    Place pitted avocado in food processor, blend well.
                    Add coconut oil, lime juice, vanilla, sea salt, coconut nectar, and add Mint leaves. Blend well.
                    Put in the freezer for 30 mints for a frosty treat.

                    Can change the taste of this by omitting the mint or the cacao to change things up a bit depending on cravings.

                    10 Signs You Have Candida Overgrowth & What To Do About It

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                      by Dr. Amy MyersApril 4, 2013
                      You might be wondering: What on earth is candida?

                      Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your mouth and intestines. Its main job? Helping out with digestion and nutrient absorption.

                      But when overproduced, candida can break down the wall of the intestine and penetrate the bloodstream — releasing toxic by-products into your body and causing leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems, from digestive issues to depression.

                      How do you get candida overgrowth?

                      The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. However, a few factors can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                      Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar
                      Consuming a lot of alcohol
                      Taking oral contraceptives
                      Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like Kombucha, sauerkraut, and pickles)
                      Living a high-stress lifestyle
                      Taking a round of antibiotics that killed too many of those friendly bacteria
                      What are common symptoms of candida?

                      Skin and nail fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus
                      Feeling tired and worn down, or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
                      Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
                      Autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma, or multiple sclerosis
                      Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, and brain fog
                      Skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes
                      Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression
                      Vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, or vaginal itching
                      Severe seasonal allergies or itchy ears
                      Strong sugar and refined carbohydrate cravings
                      How do you test for candida overgrowth?

                      Blood test

                      You’ll want to start by checking your levels for candida antibodies called IgG, IgA, and IgM. This can easily be done through most medical labs, and high levels can clue you in to an overgrowth of candida.

                       

                       

                      How do you treat candida overgrowth?

                      To successfully treat candida, you need to do three things: stop the yeast overgrowth, build up the friendly bacteria, and heal your gut so that candida can no longer enter your bloodstream.

                      First step: getting rid of the candida overgrowth, which mainly requires switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.

                      Sugar is what feeds yeast. So start by eliminating sugar in all of its simple forms — such as candy, desserts, alcohol, and flours. At the same time, cut back to just 1 cup a day of the more complex carbohydrates, like grains, beans, fruit, bread, pasta, and potatoes. This will help prevent the candida from growing and will eventually cause it to die.
                      I also recommend eliminating all fermented foods. That’s because, while it’s common knowledge that fermented foods help to feed the good bacteria, most people don’t realize that bad bacteria feed off of these foods as well.

                      Still, using diet alone could take three to six months before the candida is back under control. So, I often recommend that my patients use an anti-fungal medication, such as Diflucan or Nystatin, for at least a month.

                      If you are self-treating, you can also take a supplement of caprylic acid. Caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil, basically “pokes holes” in the yeast cell wall, causing it to die.

                      And while some people recommend using herbs like oil of oregano, I don’t recommend it since it can also kill the good bacteria.

                      Next, you should rebuild the good bacteria that typically keep your candida population under control. Taking anywhere from 25 to 100 billion units of probiotics on a regular basis should help to reduce the candida levels and restore your levels of good bacteria.

                      Finally, heal your gut. Eliminating inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract — and introducing foods that help — will prevent candida from working its way through your body, and dramatically improve your overall health.

                      Want to find out if you have candida overgrowth? Consider seeing a functional medicine doctor who is trained in detecting and treating candida.

                      More information below: This article has been updated as of November 1, 2016 by mbg editorial to include new studies, information, and data on candida.

                      Is candida a fungus?

                      Yes, yes it is. More specifically, candida is a yeast. There are many different forms of candida, but Candida albicans is the main species colonizing the human body.

                      Candida normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body without causing problems, but imbalance in the microbiome can lead to candida overgrowth. When there is disruption of the delicate balance of the good and bad bacteria, Candida albicans will take over, leading to common conditions like oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and diaper rash. If you have ever taken antibiotics, you were probably warned by your doctor about the risk of developing a yeast overgrowth—this happens because the antibiotics can wipe out your gut bacteria, good and bad, creating an environment that is ripe for yeast and fungi to take over.

                      Is candida a yeast infection?

                      Technically yes, candida is a yeast infection but this warrants clarification. When most people say “yeast infection” they are referring to a vaginal yeast infection but the candida symptoms and causes we are discussing here pertain to the gut. Typically, yeast overgrowth is treated using antifungal medications, but these medications can have unpleasant side effects and it’s common for the yeast overgrowth to return as soon as you stop taking them. For example, many women suffer from chronic yeast infections because they medicate without completely understanding the connection between the microbiome and yeast balances in the body. Changing the yeast infection recurrence, like with candida, often requires a lifestyle or dietary change.

                      Not to mention, like antibiotic resistance, microbiological resistance to these conventional antifungal drugs is becoming problematic and it’s causing researchers to start looking for alternatives. Which is all the more reason to educate yourself and try to understand your yeast issues on a deeper level.

                      How candida affects your gut

                      I know, I know, you’ve heard this a million different times, but while yeast infections and diaper rash are well-known conditions and generally easy to spot, when overproduced in the gut, candida will break down the walls of our digestive tract and penetrate the bloodstream. When left untreated, it’s more dangerous than you think.

                      Candida can also be toxic to the system. Essentially, when candida breaches the intestinal barrier and enters the bloodstream it releases toxic byproducts—including acetaldehyde—into your body. Acetaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen and is responsible for “hangover” symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue, and liver damage—definitely not something you want floating around in your body in large quantities.

                      Candida and leaky gut

                      If you are thinking this sounds a lot like leaky gut, you are already ahead of the game. The connection between candida and leaky gut is intricate. A leaky gut creates the perfect environment for candida to multiply, pass through the intestinal lining, and enter the bloodstream along with the undigested food particles. This is characteristic of leaky gut syndrome. Meanwhile, candida itself can colonize the gut and damage the intestinal lining. If you have one, you’re probably more likely to have the other. They can also exacerbate each other, creating a situation where your gut health quickly snowballs into dis-ease.

                      Candida, the liver, and detox

                      Similar to leaky gut syndrome, candida overgrowth releases toxins into the bloodstream that must be filtered by the liver. If there are too many toxins due to candida overgrowth, it can overload the liver and interfere with its ability to do its job. This means over toxicity and trouble maintaining blood sugar levels, storing vitamins and minerals, and regulating hormones.

                      The connection between candida and the liver explains why many of the symptoms of candida overgrowth—like irritability, fatigue, and brain fog—are similar to those of an overburdened liver. It also explains why many candida cleanse or diet programs include liver support supplements and detoxification support.

                      Candida and inflammation

                      Candida overgrowth, leaky gut, an overburdened liver, and the physical and mental symptoms they create can trigger the immune system to react, causing chronic inflammation. Inflammation can manifest itself in uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain, skin rashes, or brain fog and can eventually lead to autoimmune disease.

                      The relationship between candida, the liver, inflammation, and gut health is extremely complex, but it’s helpful to remember that everything in the body is connected. Different organs rely on and interact with each other. Adopting a holistic approach instead of treating each symptom individually will give you the best chance at achieving optimal health. This is a perspective that is often missing in the conventional medical approach, leaving many people bouncing from one specialist to another, with a bunch of symptoms they can’t quite connect.

                      Causes of candida

                      The good news is that the healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. The bad news is that many different factors can disrupt the delicate gut balance and can cause the candida population to grow out of control:

                      Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Carbohydrates and sugar act like food for yeast and feed candida overgrowth in the gut.
                      Consuming a lot of alcohol. Most alcohol is fermented and contains sugars that will also feed the yeast.
                      Taking oral contraceptives. The birth control pill can disrupt the bacterial balance in the microbiome.
                      Eating a diet high in beneficial fermented foods (like kombucha, sauerkraut, vinegar, and pickles). These foods often contain yeast or have small amounts of alcohol that is produced during the fermentation process.
                      Living a high-stress lifestyle. Stress can slow down digestion and trigger inflammation.
                      Taking a round of antibiotics. Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with harmful bacteria which sets the stage for Candida albicans to take over.
                      Taking corticosteroids. Drugs like Prednisone, commonly used to treat severe allergies, skin problems, asthma, or arthritis are known to cause yeast infections in humans.
                      A weakened immune system. As you may know, a good portion of the body’s immune system resides in your gut. A compromised immune system puts you at a higher risk for gut imbalances and candida overgrowth.
                      Candida overgrowth and asthma

                      Essentially any medication, food, or lifestyle factor that disrupts the body’s natural environment can change the balance of the gut and set the stage for candida. Certain chronic diseases, like asthma, may require frequent antibiotic use and daily inhaled steroids, creating a perfect storm of factors that can lead to yeast overgrowth. If you have a chronic inflammatory condition that requires medication, it might be wise to see a functional medicine practitioner to see what you can do to counteract the effects of these drugs.

                      If you are someone who suffers from frequent colds, sore throats, or sinus issues, it’s important to note that antibiotics are one of the most prevalent causes of candida overgrowth, and also one of the most unknown. Remember that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections and should only be taken when necessary. Overprescribing antibiotics is a big problem in Western healthcare system and they can have negative effects on the microbiome, which dampens your immune system, leading to a greater susceptibility to the same conditions they are meant to treat.

                      At home candida test: the simple spit test

                      There are a few different tests for candida and none of them are error-proof, so it’s important to consider your symptoms when trying to determine if candida might be a problem for you. If all of your tests come back negative but you suffer from many of the symptoms of candida, you can always try making the recommended diet and lifestyle changes and see how you feel.

                      This do-it-yourself candida spit test lacks scientific backing, but many candida experts suggest it as simple, free, no-risk starting point. It works like this: when you wake up in the morning get a clear glass of water, before you brush your teeth or drink anything gather some saliva in your mouth and spit into the cup. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then observe what you see. If your spit looks particularly cloudy, or you see small white projections coming out of the saliva, it could be a sign that you have candida and you might want to try one of the more established tests mentioned above.

                      Candida cleanse: foods to avoid when you have candida

                      Sugar

                      Cut down on sugar. It’s important to note that this includes many salad dressings and condiments and even natural sweeteners like honey, coconut sugar, and agave. This can be a difficult adjustment, even if you are mindful of your sugar intake, completely eliminating sugar can leave you with strong cravings and feeling irritable.

                      Sugar has a strong effect on your body and brain and cutting it out can be difficult. Scientific research has shown that high glycemic index foods are linked to strong hunger and food cravings.

                      Carbohydrates

                      Many foods containing carbohydrates, especially complex ones, are not inherently bad for you. But when you are fighting yeast its very important to cut off its food supply completely, or it could take longer to get your symptoms under control. It’s a challenging lifestyle change, expect some slip ups and don’t beat yourself up.

                      Candida-friendly foods

                      At this point you might be wondering what you are able to eat. Nuts and seeds, avocado, vegetables, lean protein, and stevia for sweetener will be your allies on this candida diet. To help you get an idea of the daily routine of the candida diet we have provided a day’s worth of meal examples.

                      Candida diet: best foods for candida

                      Breakfast: for breakfast try unsweetened coconut yogurt with strawberries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and almonds. This will include lots of healthy fats and keep you feeling full until lunch.

                      Lunch: try a big leafy green salad and make a dressing using olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Top it with quinoa for some protein.

                      Dinner: grilled chicken or fish with steamed vegetables are all candida friendly.

                      Snacks: try making homemade guacamole and eat it with raw veggies or flaxseed crackers. Hardboiled eggs or mixed nuts are also great snacks on the candida diet.

                      Still not sure where to begin? Check out these 8 Recipes For The Candida Diet where we give you some great recipes that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

                      Candida diet: foods to eat when you have candida

                      While it is important to eliminate certain foods, it can also be beneficial to incorporate candida-fighting foods into your daily routine. Thankfully, there’s a long list of delicious foods that have strong antifungal properties.

                      Raw Garlic

                      Garlic is one of the best options for fighting yeast, one study showed that garlic oil was able to penetrate the cellular membranes of Candida albicans and very successfully disrupt the normal activity and functioning of the yeast.

                      Coconut oil

                      In a study conducted at Tufts University, coconut oil was suggested as the first effective dietary approach to fighting candida.

                      Olive oil and cinnamon oil

                      A recent study exploring alternatives to conventional antifungal medications demonstrated that olive oil and cinnamon oil both successfully combatted candida isolated from bloodstream infections.

                      Lemon

                      Citrus fruits have long been known for their antiseptic qualities and can help prevent the formation of biofilms (a film of bacteria that adheres to a surface).

                      Wild salmon

                      This excellent source of omega-3s can help fight fungal infections.

                      Ginger

                      Ginger was recently suggested as a natural antifungal option to during a time when many fungi are becoming resistant to conventional antifungal medications

                      Apple cider vinegar

                      It’s the only vinegar allowed on the candida diet, as it contains minerals that will help fight against yeast.

                      Cloves

                      Cloves have long been used in traditional medicine systems to fight a wide variety of ailments, including fungal infections.

                      Probiotics, prebiotics and supplements for Candida

                      Adopting the right diet is arguably your most important tool when fighting candida.

                      Diflucan and Nystatin are only available through your doctor, so if you are self-treating, another great supplement to fight candida is undecylenic acid. This is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is thought to be even more effective than caprylic acid in fighting yeast and helping to maintain a healthy microbiome.

                      When choosing a probiotic, here’s a tip: pick a good quality probiotic that includes the lactobacillus strain, as some studies have shown it to be particularly effective at fighting yeast.

                      If you are suffering from any of the GI conditions listed above, probiotics can even more important to maintaining your good health. Some studies suggest that prebiotics and probiotics will start to be included in the standard treatment protocols for inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis because of their ability to help control symptoms and exacerbations.

                      Fiber supplementation is also frequently suggested in candida treatment plans. Yeast overgrowth occurs in the digestive tract and its important to flush out those areas and keep things moving. This limits the amount of time the candida has to colonize and cause damage. Some good fiber supplements include acacia fiber or even raw chia seeds taken regularly. Fiber is also prebiotic, helping probiotics do their jobs better.

                      You can also consider herbal remedies with antifungal properties. Ayurvedic experts recommend valerian, wormwood, and mugwort. There are also plenty of probiotic foods and fun teas that can be easy to add to your daily routine.

                      What is candida die off?

                      It’s possible that in the beginning of your candida-fighting mission, you will experience something called candida die-off. This is similar to the flu-like symptoms you can experience when you start a detox program. While this is largely unstudied and unquantified from a yeast standpoint, the Herxheimer reaction is a byproduct of metabolic processing. (Most research here has been done on patients with syphillis. As your body gets rid of toxins and the yeast dies, your symptoms may get worse before they get better. Like any detox, start out slowly, drink a lot of water, rest, and if symptoms are too uncomfortable, ease up on your anti-candida regime or adopt a gentler approach. Keep the faith that you will start to feel better, look for signs like more restful sleep, well balanced blood sugar levels, and more mental clarity.

                      How to heal your gut after having candida

                      Once you have the yeast under control—which can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months—you can start slowly adding different food groups back into your diet.

                      However, it is important to continue to avoid inflammatory foods that can harm your GI tract. Remember, the strong relationship between candida and leaky gut? Many people with candida overgrowth also have a leaky gut and that can put them at increased risk of food sensitivities. You want to make sure you are not continually disturbing the intestinal lining as it tries to heal.

                      Foods like sugar, coffee, grains, alcohol, dairy, and starchy plant foods can all be very irritating to the intestinal lining and increase the risk of candida getting out of control again. Limiting or avoiding them might be wise, and make sure that if you do consume them, you pay attention to how you feel afterwards.

                      If you are thinking that this guide was helpful, but it is just too complicated an endeavor to take on by yourself, consider seeing a functional/integrative medicine doctor, or holistic Nutritionist.

                      Most integrative/functional medicine providers are trained in detecting and treating candida and many will even advertise candida as one of the conditions they are able to treat. Some facilities and providers even have specific candida treatment and prevention programs in place.

                      Can candida overgrowth cause adrenal fatigue?

                      In case you needed another reason to adopt a self-care routine, stress management can be one of the most important tools in fighting candida. Stress releases cortisol, a hormone that causes inflammation, which slows your ability to digest and inhibits your immune system. This is a problem because along with your good gut bacteria, your immune system works to keep candida in check. When your stress response interferes with your digestion it can pave the way for candida to overproduce. Adopting healthy coping mechanisms to deal with daily stress can be a very important tool in the prevention and treatment of candida overgrowth.

                      A word on exercise: although exercise can be a great stress-reliever it can also initiate the body’s stress response and lead to the release cortisol. Mild exercise like walking or gentle yoga, at least for the initial stages of the diet as they can lower cortisol levels. Yoga and meditation can be helpful tools for fighting candida. They will decrease stress and activate relaxation pathways in the brain and body. If you are worried about sticking to the diet, meditation and yoga can help you detach from the challenges and refocus your energies on healing from candida.

                      Yoga poses to help with detoxification

                      Yoga can help heal candida overgrowth Here are a few different types of poses to try if you’re battling candida.

                      Twisting poses are known to help with digestion and detoxification, as they massage the abdominal organs. Here are a few twisting yoga poses to try while you’re fighting candida:

                      Seated spinal twist
                      Supine spinal twist
                      Standing twists
                      Inversions revive our energy and help with blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification, among other things.

                      Simple variations to prep for handstand or headstand
                      Restorative poses (first pose in this sequence)
                      Headstand
                      Breathwork activates our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing blood pressure, helping with respiratory conditions, and also re-energizes us.