Candida and Alcohol abuse go hand in hand

Candida and Alcohol Abuse

June 5th, 2010 · 3 Comments ·

Cynthia, I have had the following over the past 6 months – white hairy tongue, skin rashes, and a constant irritation of the penis with little red dots. I’ve been to Derm, Ear nose Throat, Urologist, and General Practice Doctors and prescribed all sorts of things. My question, can these all be related to alcohol abuse and Candida infection. Right now the pain I am experiencing is intense and I can’t seem to get to the bottom of it with doctors? I’m scared that it might be something going on that they can’t figure out.  ~Mike.

Hi Mike,
Absolutely. The symptoms you are experiencing can most definitely be related to alcohol abuse and Candida. It’s always important to rule out other more serious conditions, but you’ve already done that, so you have that covered. The white hairy tongue, rashes and genital inflammation are distinguishing symptoms of Candida yeast.
Candida and alcohol abuse, alcoholism or addiction in general, often occur together. Drinking alcohol creates and perpetuates an overgrowth of yeast, and Candida perpetuates alcohol abuse and addiction.
People with an alcohol problem almost always have an overgrowth of Candida yeast. It is sometimes one of the primary issues that leads to alcohol abuse or addiction to alcohol, and yet on the other hand, drinking alcohol often leads to the development of Candida overgrowth.
On one hand, the person with Candida has so many symptoms that make them miserable, like depression, anxiety, irritability, etc.,that they seek relief in alcohol, and yet Candida itself often results in cravings for alcohol.
Alcohol is a sugar. It is the most refined sugar you can consume. It doesn’t have to be digested, it is absorbed directly through the gastrointestinal wall. Sugar is Candida’s favorite food source – it is what makes it proliferate. When someone drinks alcohol on a regular basis, it encourages Candida overgrowth.
Candida yeast ferments sugar to generate energy in order to survive. This fermenting process creates a variety of toxins in the body — alcohol is one of the primary. Candida can release so much alcohol in the body that the person can feel and appear drunk, even when they haven’t ingested any alcohol.
Both of these issues often result in cravings for alcohol.
Additionally, Candida disrupts crucial neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin, that are at the root of alcohol addiction and can create or perpetuate the cycle of addiction. To overcome alcohol abuse, or addiction to alcohol, Candida overgrowth must be addressed; and to overcome Candida one must give up alcohol.
I have an entire chapter on the Candida and alcohol connection in my book – Get Sober Stay Sober: The Truth About Alcoholism. I encourage you to check it out to learn more. Additionally, you can find everything you need to know about Candida in my other book, Candida Secrets, it also contains a chapter about alcohol.
I am a recovered alcoholic with 22 years of uninterrupted and craving-free sobriety, and addressing Candida was a crucial step in the process of overcoming cravings and sustaining sobriety.
If you’re seeing a traditional doctor, no, they are not likely to provide you with a correct diagnosis, as they are not educated about Candida. A doctor of alternative medicine, functional medicine or environmental medicine with expertise in Candida will be required. However, even they may not be aware of how it relates to alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
All the best,
Cynthia

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Tags: Candidiasis