After a prolonged period of mysterious symptoms, getting a diagnosis brings a mixture of feelings. On the one hand, there is relief that the case is finally solved. On the other hand, you are likely to feel anxious about what that means for life in the future. Finding out you are facing a candida overgrowth is one of those mixed feeling moments because, despite finally having an answer, you also have a lot of questions. Here’s what you need to know about life post diagnosis.
What is Candida?
So, what is candida? Candida is essentially yeast in the body, which is a type of fungus. It is found in the mouth, the skin, and the intestines, and in normal circumstances, this is not a problem. However, the risk comes when a person develops candida overgrowth. This happens in the intestinal tract and can be dangerous if left unresolved. It causes various symptoms, some of which are debilitating.
Candida Symptoms
A candida infection is essentially a fungal infection. The most common symptoms of candida include stomach pain, exhaustion, UTIs, rashes, and joint pain. Further symptoms include brain fog, constipation, heartburn or GERD, and even a low libido. It can happen for a range of reasons, most commonly owing to somebody taking antibiotics for a pre-existing infection. Aside from antibiotics, it may also occur because of eating too much sugar or too many carbohydrates, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, certain types of oral contraceptives, elevated stress, and diabetes.
How is Candida Overgrowth Treated?
The treatment for candida varies depending on how severe it is. There are a few options, but the first step should always be to head to a private clinic that can provide a candida test to determine the best course of action for the days to come. It may include a change in diet, pre and probiotic interventions, and anti-fungal products. The only way to know is to get expert advice on the matter and confirm the root cause.
Can Candida Overgrowth Be Completely Cured?
There is no way for a yeast/fungal infection to naturally cure itself within the body. It will take external intervention in the form of antifungal medication or probiotic paths to put a stop to it and ‘cure’ the condition. Thankfully, fungal infections are highly curable in a lot of cases as long as you catch them at the right time and figure out the underlying causes.
Management Tips
If you are diagnosed with this condition, while you are waiting for treatment, there are a few tips to take on board to ease the symptoms and make things a little better. Firstly, take a look at your diet because there are lots of foods you can eat that will improve gut health in general and support a healthier internal environment. You can also stop smoking and quit booze as these two factors cause all sorts of problems and make things like this condition worse.
Dealing with life after a candida overgrowth diagnosis will look different for everyone. It is imperative to engage with professional input as they will guide the best course of action regarding a suitable treatment plan. Learn as much as you can and embrace the healing journey.
