Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is considered an opportunistic infection.  When the immune system is compromised due to illness, poor nutrition, excess intake of refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, or overuse of medications such as antibiotics, yeast growth can proliferate causing many symptoms of illness.
Yeast metabolizes sugar and creates ethanol, acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide as byproducts.  These alcohols cause free radical damage which leads to fermentation in the tissues, which encourages more yeast proliferation.  Yeast causes sugar cravings, which means the yeast calls for what it needs to survive, and does not take well to efforts to eradicate it. The alcohol produced causes foggy thinking, depression, PMS symptoms, poor memory, and many metabolic disturbances.
 Candida can manifest as many symptoms that may seem unrelated, therefore it is sometimes difficult to determine if candida is the problem.  Symptoms often go unrecognized.  Candida releases toxins that interfere with the correct functioning of the endocrine system, affecting the thyroid and adrenal glands.  Candida may affect the digestive system with symptoms such as bloating, cramps, diarrhea, constipation and food allergies.  Symptoms of candida can also manifest on the skin as eczema, hives, acne, psoriasis and nail infections.
Candida thrives on sugar, which is in many forms.  Sweet fruits, sugars, honey and carbohydrates such as breads and crackers made with yeast, can accelerate the growth of candida.  Alcohol beverages such as beer and wine can exacerbate yeast overgrowth because their byproducts are the same.  Dairy products contain a high sugar content, though yogurt and kefir are beneficial due to the probiotics.  Pickled, fermented and mold-containing foods are best avoided during a candida cleanse.
Fermented foods contain yeasts or fungus. Cultured food contain beneficial bacteria.
Herbal Natural Options
Herbs that help to discourage candida include chamomile tea, pau d' arco tea, grapefruit seed extract, licorice root tea, black walnut tincture, garlic and caprylic acid among others. One to three months of one or more of the above herbals, three times a day, along with the reduction of sweets and carbohydrates, should give you a good start at reducing candida in your system.  Incorporating those  things on a daily basis and reducing sweet s and carbohydrate consumption will help to reduce yeast overgrowth and aid in achieving optimal health.
Some folks will do a candida cleanse once or twice a year, but it's best to incorporate a well-balanced diet with the reduction of sugar and simple carbohydrates, to re-establish and maintain a healthy inner terrain to minimize yeast growth.  Replace sweets and carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates, vegetables, especially green vegetables, and high quality, varied, nutrient dense foods, proteins and salads.
(This article is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Any suggestions given are purely for educational purposes.  This information is not intended to replace the assistance of a physician or to discourage the seeking of appropriate medical care.)