From antibiotics to chronic stress, a variety of factors can trigger this pesky yeast.

By Michael Biamonte, CCN

 The causes of candida are not a mystery. They are also not the same for every person. Some people develop candida due to a combination of causes. Let’s explore some of the most common ones.

1.     Antibiotics: Antibiotics are a common cause of candida. They destroy both harmful and good bacteria. When antibiotics destroy friendly bacteria, candida have a chance to multiply. Anyone who has been treated with antibiotics for acne, major dental work or any condition for which antibiotic use has been frequent—more than one course of seven to ten days—is a prime candidate for candida.

 2.     Birth control pills and copper IUDs: Oral birth control pills are mostly composed of the hormone estrogen. Supplemental estrogen in the synthetic form has been found to promote the growth of yeast. Several years ago, the Great Smokies Medical Lab published studies showing that hormones could affect intestinal bacteria. A common complaint of women on birth control pills is a yeast infection.

The copper IUD is another possible yeast promoter. Researcher David Watts, Ph.D., has observed that copper promotes the growth of yeast. Often women with a copper IUD develop excessive levels of copper in their tissues. Excess copper can depress the adrenal, thyroid and immune systems, making it more difficult for the body to resist yeast.

3.     Chronic stress: Stress can cause yeast growth for several reasons. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can raise blood sugar and depress the immune system. Elevated blood sugar can feed yeast cells, allowing them to grow quickly; meanwhile, depressed immune function leaves the body defenseless against the sudden growth of yeast. These two reactions tend to happen together as cortisol levels go up. That’s how stress causes candida.

Also, cortisol can be addicting to the body, as it raises blood sugar and relieves inflammation. A few studies have shown that the body can try to keep cortisol levels elevated. There are several simple nutrients that help lower cortisol levels back to normal by telling the nervous system to relax.

 4.     Tap water consumption: Unfiltered tap water is high in chlorine, which has been found to destroy friendly intestinal bacteria. This will allow candida to flourish.

 5.     Parasites and intestinal worms: These are more common than most of us realize. Some researchers have estimated that more than 85 percent of people living in North America and Canada have parasites, which can be large and wormlike or microscopic. Either way, they destroy the friendly bacteria in the intestines, making yeast overgrowth possible.

6.     Constipation: Constipation can be caused by candida. However, constipation can also lead to candida. If someone does not have candida but then becomes constipated for any reason, candida may begin to grow. That’s because a slow-moving digestive tract becomes very alkaline—the environment where candida grows best. The more alkaline the digestive tract, the happier the candida.

These are just the most common causes of candida. To read the full list, or for personalized treatment,  visit Health-Truth.com/the-true-cause-of-candida/.

Michael Biamonte has a doctorate in nutripathy and is a New York State-certified clinical nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists and the American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in The Directory of Distinguished Americans for his research in nutrition and physiology.