Candida handbook V1.O

It's George.

First and foremost, some potential signs and symptoms of Candida overgrowth include:

1. Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, white coating on the tongue or gas (especially after eating carbs).
2. Brain fog that, even though it might sound weird, it’s very similar to a low-grade hangover (since it releases acetaldehyde) which is experienced once again, especially after eating carbs.
3. Blood sugar regulation issues.                                                                                    
4. Intense sugar cravings.
5. Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, jock itch, oral thrush, bad breath, acne and eczema.
6. Chronic fatigue.
7. Frequent infections.                                                                                                  
8. Leaky gut.
9. Developing more and more food intolerances.

Now, how can a Candida overgrowth lead to these symptoms?

Here are some basic explanations.

First, it disrupts the balance of gut microbiota, reducing beneficial bacteria.                              

This leads to fermentation of undigested carbohydrates, producing gas and bloating by 2–3-fold as most studies suggest.

It also secretes aspartyl proteases and phospholipases, damaging the mucosal bilayer, which can lead to bloating and general discomfort.

When it comes to the oral cavity, it forms biofilms creating a white coating on the tongue.

Then, it metabolizes sugars via fermentation, producing acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that crosses the blood-brain barrier and impairs neuronal function, causing brain fog, confusion, and a “hangover-like” feeling.

In animal models for example, candida-induced inflammation reduced cognitive clarity by 30%.

Candida also consumes glucose for growth and biofilm formation, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels, especially after high-carb meals.

In diabetic patients for example, an overgrowth led to a 2-fold increase in insulin resistance.

Regarding sugar cravings, candida albicans thrives on glucose and its overgrowth may signal the host to consume more sugars through gut-brain axis modulation of hormones that control our appetite such as ghrelin.

Many studies show that a Candida overgrowth increased sugar cravings and ghrelin levels in 20–30% of patients.

Fatigue-wise, candida overgrowth triggers cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, causing systemic inflammation that disrupts energy metabolism, the acetaldehyde impairs mitochondrial function, reducing ATP production. 

Biofilms and mucosal damage impair nutrient absorption (especially when it comes to B vitamins and iron), which are critical for energy production.

Then, candida overgrowth overwhelms mucosal immunity, reducing IgA and phagocytic activity, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.

And finally when it comes to effects such as developing a leaky gut and food intolerances, the overgrowth degrades tight junction proteins such as occludin and ZO-1 (it’s shown to reduce ZO-1 expression by 40%), increasing intestinal permeability allowing toxins and antigens to leak into the bloodstream triggering immune responses and food intolerances (Candida-induced leaky gut has shown to lead to a 30% increase in food intolerances).

Then of course, we have more rare symptoms that are extremely multifactorial such as anhedonia, histamine and oxalate intolerance.

The latter should not be used as tools for self-diagnosis since once again they are multifactorial and even though candida may be a contributor, it’s usually not a primary cause unless we are talking about chronic unaddressed infections.

Can a chronic candida albicans overgrowth for example deplete B vitamins such as B1 and B6 while increasing oxalic acid so much to the point of an oxalate \and even sulfur) intolerance?

Yes.

Can it also release so much acetaldehyde and thus salsolinol all the way to making someone experience symptoms of anhedonia?

Also yes.

But is it misleading to include these as the primary symptoms of a candida overgrowth out of context?

Also yes, at least in my opinion.

Now if you struggle with these symptoms (or have done tests that confirm and overgrowth) and want to know:

• What candida even is, its structure, protective mechanisms and more.
• Why do most people approach a candida cleanse in the wrong order and thus not only do not get rid of the overgrowth but also create plenty of new problems.
• The main causes of a candida overgrowth.
• If you have to restrict carbs in order to effectively get rid of candida.
• The most underrated causes of candida overgrowth and how to address them.
• Tests you can do.
• How antifungals actually work, which ones are the most effective, why and how to approach combination therapy by understanding the complementary mechanisms of each tool.
• How to actually properly manage die off symptoms.
• How to use certain foods as medicine. and more.

You can check out this program.

• The main lessons are close to 500 pages
• There are plenty of studies inside of it
• It has over 25 meal plans you can use.
• One special bonus

BUT:

• It is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
• You must give me some feedback in order to see if i can present this program better (the entire reason for the discount).The feedback can not be something like "it's too complicated". Because not every person will have to implement every single tip in the program. I would appreciate and be able to use feedback such as: could you analyze this part a bit more? Could you break down this concept in simpler terms? Could you add some more meal plans? and so on.Or if you want, i could even take all of your questions and add it as a F.A.Q file inside the program if it's easier for you to navigate.

If you have any questions let me know.

-George