Please don’t get too wigged out when I use the word fungus! We are all covered in fungal communities; they take up residence on us and within us, forming tight-knit colonies according to their kind. Many of these fungi are harmless, and a good number are quite necessary for health. However, when the bad guys move into the neighborhood, or if there is an over growth then things get more serious.

1. Fungi vs. bacteria

Let’s first take a quick look at the difference between fungi and bacteria...

Both are minute organisms that are found in almost every ecosystem on earth, and both can associate with other groups of living things.

The main difference between fungi and bacteria is their cellular structure.

Bacteria are prokaryotic (pro-car-rotik) organisms, meaning they do not possess a nucleus, while fungi are eukaryotic ( you-car-rotik) organisms, meaning they have a very well-defined nucleus.
While both organisms have cell walls, what makes up these cell walls is different.

Fungi, for the most part, have long hollow tubes that form networks (hyphae). Each of these tubes is bordered by a strong wall made from chitin — the same substance that forms the exoskeletons of insects. Hyphae grow from their tips and reach out in a branching manner to form a network called mycelium. As the mycelium grows, it produces fruiting bodies and other structures that are rich with reproductive spores.

Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually by a process of branching fragmentation and budding (as in the case of yeast).

Fungi are scavengers, feeding off dead stuff — kind of like the buzzards you see cleaning up roadkill along the highway.

Bacteria multiply by binary fission when parent bacterium divide to make the same sized daughter cells.

Bacteria, on the other hand, are a little more sophisticated in the fact that they can actually manufacture their own food.

Types of fungal infections

There are several fungal infections that result from different types of fungi entering the body.

For instance, Aspergillus fungi can be inhaled through the mouth or nose and can cause fever, cough and wheezing. In very severe instances, this fungal infection can spread to other organs including the brain, skin and bones and even lymph

Cryptococcus neoformans is found in the soil or in bird droppings. This fungus also enters the body through the mouth or nostrils and can cause a lung infection resulting in a cough or chest pain.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that is commonly found in eastern and central United States in soil that contains bird and bat feces. When spores are disturbed, they can be inhaled and can cause flu-like symptoms, body aches, fever and cough.

Lets look at Candida Albicans

Candida Albicans usually referred to as “Candida” or “yeast” is a fungus

Candida Albicans is a type of fungus that is present in all humans. The fungus is found on both the skin and mucus membranes. In small amounts, it is harmless to the body.

However, when the growth of yeast increases dramatically, the results can be absolutely devastating. Did you know that yeast overgrowth is considered to be one of the most prevalent, yet unrecognized conditions to man?

When you have a healthy body, the yeast is kept under control by the healthy bacteria and immune system within your body. However, medical antibiotics — and those found in much of the meat we eat — will upset the balance of your friendly bacteria.

Antibiotics are non-selective. That means they get to work inside your body to kill off .e.g. a bacterial infection not matter what kind of infection it is. Unfortunetly, they weaken or even kill off a lot of the the good bacteria that keep Candida in check.

The Candida then begins to flourish because there is not anything to keep in balance and before you know it, it’s completely out of control. Antibiotics are not the only contributor to the upset of your healthy bacteria; cortisone, some birth control pills and certain drugs have an effect on it, as well.

Once the Candida has reached an overgrowth in your body it can run rampant throughout your body. It thrives on sugar, carbohydrates, moldy foods, fermented foods and vinegar. If you’ve ever noticed that your cravings for any of these are very strong, chances are, you have a Candida overgrowth in your body.

When the level of Candida is elevated in your body, toxins are released into your bloodstream in high amounts. These waste products have a profound effect on your well-being and are linked to many health problems.

Signs of Candida gone wild

The effects of Candida overgrowth will worsen over time, and will seriously compromise physical, mental and emotional well-being. According to researchers, hidden, deviant fungus may be the reason for any number of seemingly unrelated health complaints.

Just another reason why it is so important to not look at symptoms in isolation. Very often, you will find that two seemingly unrelated things, like muscle twitches and frequent bladder infections, are the result of Candida gone wild.

Here are 32 signs that yeast may have moved in and is slowly taking over your body. If you suffer frequently from more than three of these, it may be time to learn more about Candida.

Fungal infections on skin or nails
Athlete’s foot
Toenail fungus
Fatigue
Fibro-myalgia
Constipation
Bloating
Diarrhea
Bad breath
Dry mouth
Joint pain
Numbness
Hair loss
Headaches
PMS
Heartburn
Burning eyes
Lack of impulse control
Hyperactivity
Poor concentration
Brain fog
ADD, ADHD
Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis
Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Strong cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates
Eczema or psoriasis
Hives
Seasonal allergies or itchy ears
Urinary tract infections
Vaginal or rectal itching

The spit test

Candida overgrowth is one of the most difficult health issues to detect because of the small amount that is present in everyone. The best way to determine if you have yeast overgrowth is by taking a look at your lifestyle and diet.

Do you crave sweets and carbohydrates, experience constant illness, experience mood swings, bloating, or have a mental illness that doesn’t respond to medication. Many folks generally feel “unwell” or seem to pick up every cough or flu that is going around. Chances are you’re experiencing Candida overgrowth and need to make some changes to your diet.

You can also try the spit test. Yeah, we know, it sounds a little gross, but a spit test offers a really good analysis of what is going on inside your body and may show signs of a Candida overgrowth. The best time to take this test is as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you even get out of bed.

How to do the spit test

Gather as much spit as possible in your mouth.
Spit into a clear glass with room temperature filtered water.
Watch carefully.

The saliva will float at first. Watch to see if there are thin projections extending downward into the water after 15 minutes or so. They may look like hairs or strings. If this happens you may have a candida overgrowth problem.

If your saliva is very cloudy and sinks to the bottom within a few minutes, or parts of the saliva slowly sink, yeast overgrowth is a possibility. The particles are candida colonies which band together.

If your spit is still floating after about an hour, it is likely that your candida is under control.

Another way to check your condition is to google “candida questionnaire” and you will find a more symptomatic approach to finding out if you have yeast/candida overgrowth.

The downward spiral

Candida can be linked to serious health problems. Once this fungus begins to thrive in the body, general health will spiral downward. The cravings for sugar and other foods that feed the candida t will get stronger, and on and on it will go. The fungus/candida will “demand” more and more sugar type foods and you cravings can skyrocket. Its not that “you” want the sugary foods – it’s the fungus!

Eventually, the immune system becomes so weak that the symptoms are no longer tolerable. Often physicians will prescribe antibiotics to treat the symptoms, thus killing off the last of any friendly bacteria. When Candida is in this advanced state, depression and even suicidal thoughts can be common.

How to kick the bad fungus over the hill.

If you have symptoms and your spit test is positive for yeast, it is a pretty good indication that you have a candida overgrowth problem. The first step in addressing the problem is to simultaneously:

1. Kill off the overgrowth of Fungus/ candida

2. Adjust your diet so you don’t feed the critters any more

3. Support your good health pro-bacteria

4. Support your immune system

Taking a multi herb supplement that contains anti fungal properties is necessary to kill off the overgrowth. It should contain at least some of the following: Olive leaf, Garlic, Caprylic acid, oregano, grapefruit seed extract, berberine

Eliminate all processed foods and sugar, and begin eating only wholesome, organic foods if possible. The following foods also help the body heal from the assault of candida overgrowth and encourage the proliferation of healthy bacteria:

Coconut oil

The anti-fungal properties of coconut oil will kill off fungus overgrowth.

This tropical treasure has strong anti-fungal properties, which will kill the bad bacteria and support immune system functioning. Replace your other cooking oils with coconut oil and add liberally to foods or your coffee. Aim for two tablespoons daily to start.

Garlic

Garlic also has strong anti fungal properties and will destroy unfriendly bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria. It detoxifies and encourages healthy liver and colon functioning. Use garlic liberally to jazz up your food or chew freely on two to three cloves per day. Note: Raw garlic is far superior in its efficacy.

Seaweed

Eat fresh seaweed to flush toxins and fungus from the body.

It may not be too appealing to look at, but seaweed is a highly nutrient-dense food that can fight against yeast overgrowth. Many times, people with yeast overgrowth suffer from hyperthyroidism, and seaweed is rich in iodine, which helps balance the thyroid gland. In addition, seaweed is a detoxifier and helps to flush toxins out of the body while cleaning the digestive system. Eat fresh seaweed or take high-quality kelp supplements for best results.

Pumpkin seeds

These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have antiviral and anti fungal properties. They help to reduce the inflammation caused by yeast and fight depression as well. Add pumpkin seeds to your cereal, salads or even eat them as a tasty snack.

Ginger

Ginger is a powerful detoxifier that increases circulation and flushes toxins out of the liver while supporting the immune system. It helps reduce intestinal gas and soothes inflammation from Candida overgrowth. Make ginger tea by grating a 1-inch piece of ginger root and adding it to two cups of boiling water and a fresh slice of lemon.

It is very important to take a good quality pro bacteria that has a count of around 4-6 billion and at least 4 different strains of pro bacteria. You want to replace your healthy bacteria and “out number” the bad guys!

Also, support your immune system with organic fresh foods, drinking enough water and perhaps taking Ashwagandha or Holy Basil. These are adaptagens and help your body deal with stress and support immunity. Vitamin C, D and Zinc can also support your immune system.

****** If you are interested in learning more about Candida, how to combat it as well as how to rid yourself of constipation, IBS, hemorrhoids, gas, pain, bloating or more, find out how on Vanessa’s online course “Gut health formula - complete guide and protocols to heal your gut naturally.

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Fungus, Candida, Bacteria and the Spit Test!