Omega-3 Supplements Fight Candida Overgrowth
Fungal infections are more common than you think; in fact, they are often the hidden cause behind popular maladies like ADHD. The organism usually responsible for these infections is candida, a type of yeast that can be found in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and genital area. There are several natural ways to fight the overgrowth of this bacteria, such as reintroducing “good” bacteria and taking omega-3 supplements.
Normally, candida growth is kept in check by good bacteria. However, certain factors like antibiotic use, a depressed immune system, and a high-sugar diet creates an environment that allows candida to thrive. When this happens, candida morphs into tentacle-like fungus spores that damage the gut wall and mucosal tissues. Candida can also produce a toxic gas that penetrates the damaged intestinal wall and enters the bloodstream. Through this passageway, they can reach various parts of the body and create candida colonies outside of the gut. Such areas include the joints, muscles, and sinuses.
Candida symptoms are generally grouped into three categories. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, you may have a candida infection.
Category 1: toxicity due to leaky gut
Muscle pain
Migraine
Food allergies
Group 2: damage to the endocrine system
Athlete’s foot
Cystitis
PMS
Thrush
Joint pain
Ear infection
Asthma
Water retention
Sinusitis
Chronic fatigue
Group 3: intestinal problems
Flatulence
Diarrhea
Bloating
Itchy anus
Treating a candida infection involves reintroducing “good bacteria” like bifido bacteria or lactobacilli into the gut so they can become the dominant bacteria once more. These bacteria can also restore food absorption and efficient digestion, which will help you recover from any nutritional deficiencies the candida infection caused. However, bacteria alone will not solve the problem; you’ll need to make dietary changes too. The simplest way is to avoid eating sugar, yeast, and simple carbohydrates, which candida thrives upon. Eat only fresh food and drink lots of clean water.
Omega-3 supplements with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) also have certain properties that can quell candida infections. Once in the body, these fatty acids get converted into leukotrines and prostraglandins, which improve immune cell response and regulates hormones. Their anti-inflammatory benefits also alleviate joint problems and irritable bowel-type symptoms from the infections.
Stress is one factor that aggravates candida infection symptoms. Omega-3 fats can improve your brain’s response to stress, balances mood, and neutralizes the negative effect of cortisol, the stress hormone.
One other reason to take omega-3 fats and GLA supplements is the nutritional deficiencies caused by the candida overgrowth. Low vitamin and mineral levels prevents the body from absorbing and utilizing the fatty acids you consume. Some studies suggest that candida overgrowth is linked to low levels of omega-3 fats. When you supplement your recovery plan with omega-3 fatty acids, you can overcome the problems posed by poor nutrient absorption in a gut filled with hostile candida bacteria.
You can obtain EPA from fish oil supplements and GLA from primrose oil extract. Look for a supplement that has both EPA and GLA for easier consumption.