Candidiasis (an outbreak of the candida fungus) can cause havoc in the body. Among the many symptoms of Candida overgrowth are mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, lack of focus and brain fog. With our brains being inextricably linked to the gastrointestinal tract, it is essential to keep the gut in good health if we wish to experience optimal mental health.
Even if Candida overgrowth is not the root cause of a mood disorder, it can be helpful to address this potential problem as part of an overall healing diet. Below are some foods and herbs that can assist you naturally.
The fresh young shoots of Barleygrass are extremely rich in many compounds that help to ensure optimum function of the brain and central nervous system. Regular consumption of this nutrient dense superfood ensures a plentiful supply of B complex vitamins alongside many important minerals. Just one serving provides 52% of the RDA for folate, also known as vitamin B9, folate is works to keep mood steady and is needed for the synthesis of serotonin. This is an important neurotransmitter that directly contributes to mood in a positive way.
High in Vitamin B6, Bareygrass is one of the best sources of this important nutrient that helps with the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. Neurons in the brain need GABA to induce calmness when over-excitement occurs. GABA also works to produce endorphins which fight depression and anxiety. Of the many other minerals contained in Barleygrass, magnesium is perhaps the most important if you are feeling tense and anxious. Also known as "nature's chill pill", magnesium is crucial in the production of energy and neurotransmitters and many studies have shown an association between depression, anxiety and tension as a result of deficiency in magnesium.
For the brain and body to produce the hormones and neurotransmitters required to keep you feeling calm and motivated, it must be provided with the necessary nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and antioxidants to accomplish this task. Chlorella is abundant in all of these compounds and has shown great value in the ability to keep the brain functioning smoothly, helping this important organ to literally keep "firing on all cylinders".
A diet rich in nutrient dense wholefoods will go a long way to protect mental health, with processed foods containing many toxic chemicals that are known to cause brain fog, anxiety and irritability. Many of the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis are potent neurotoxins and endocrine system disruptors - Chlorella is a potent superfood that can help to reverse many of the damaging effects of everyday living. It is extremely rich in chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifier, and contains omega 3 fatty acids which increases the funtionality of the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Depression and anxiety are both characterised (in part) by low brain levels of serotonin.
Chlorella is phenomenally rich in many of the nutrients and powerful antioxidants required for optimal brain health.
There is incontrovertible evidence that the brain needs healthy fats to function properly, with this important organ itself consisting of at least 60 percent fat. Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is the miracle food for the brain, rich in antioxidants with incredible anti-stress properties. This effect is due to Coconut Oil naturally lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone), by relaxing the adrenal glands which are responsible for producing cortisol.
Coconut Oil uniquely feeds the brain with medium-chain triglycerides, these are necessary to the development of babie's brains and are also found abundantly in breast milk. MCT's are rapidly metabolised into ketones by the liver, these are an alternative source of fuel that easily cross the blood/brain barrier, recharging malfunctioning cells and improving cognitive function. Coconut oil is also powerfully antioxidant, especially to the brain.
Symptoms of Candida overgrowth can include anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression. Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is also powerfully anti-fungal. It contains "caprylic acid" that works by penetrating the cell walls of the Candida yeast and causing it to rupture. This inhibits the growth of the yeast cell, eventually causing it to die. Other anti-fungal compounds present in this oil are "capric acid" and "lauric acid", with the 3 fatty acids working together to mount a multi-faceted, highly effective attack against Candida albicans.
Did you know that 90 - 95% of the important neurotransmitter serotonin is made in the gut? This is why optimum gut health is so closely linked with the smooth functioning of the brain (called the gut/brain axis). A deficiency of serotonin can lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression - if you are suffering from Candida overgrowth this can suppress the production of serotonin.
One of nature's most powerful anti-fungals is the Pau D'arco herb, well known for its ability to combat Candida. This works in conjuction with a healthy diet, if you suspect you have Candida overgrowth you will need to cut out sugar in all of its simple forms and reduce complex carbohydrates whilst treating with this potent herb.
