I was interested in Candida and Self Harm, I then looked up low self esteem and the very last paragraph said it all, hopelessness, helplessness

Candidiasis / Systemic Candida Overview

Candida albicans is an opportunistic yeast that normally inhabits the mouth, throat, intestines and genitourinary tract of most humans and is usually considered to be a normal part of the bowel flora (the organisms that coexist with us in our lower digestive tract).  However, it may become pathogenic when there is a disturbance in the balance of flora, or a debilitation of the host from other causes.
The job of Candida albicans is to recognize and destroy harmful bacteria: Without it, we would be defenseless against many pathogenic bacteria.  In a healthy person, Candida albicans numbers in the millions and is controlled by a properly-functioning immune system and "friendly" bacteria.  However, if the number of friendly bacteria is decreased (through antibiotics, birth control pills, acne medication and steroids), the immune system is weakened, or other conditions for yeast proliferation occur (diet high in sugar and processed foods, improper pH in the digestive system) Candida albicans will shift from yeast form to mycelial fungal form and start to invade the body.

The excessive proliferation of Candida albicans is called Candidiasis and can be in the intestines, vagina, mouth, or esophagus. Systemic candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida throughout the body. It is estimated that 1/3rd of the world population suffer from Candida albicans overgrowth.
Candidiasis can be a difficult condition to diagnose, some treatments are less than effective, and recovery can be prolonged.  However, when candida is a problem (whether lab testing confirms it or not) and treatment is effective, there can be great health gains.
Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge, as well as, cravings for sugar, alcohol and bread products are frequently present.
Some of the more advanced signs that your intestinal bacterial balance is beginning to spin out of control:

• Gas and bloating
• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• Acid reflux
• Skin problems
• Overall sickness
• Headaches
• Urinary tract infections
• Trouble sleeping
• An inability to lose weight
• Sugar cravings, especially for heavily refined carbs

 
Symptoms of Candida fungus overgrowth are caused by toxins released.  Not all listed symptoms will occur in all individuals and up to 20 symptoms can be present.

• Dysfunctioning Glandular and Organ Symptoms:
  • Adrenal and thyroid malfunction
  • Cold hands or feet
  • Diabetes
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Impotence
  • Low body temperature

• Gastrointestinal:
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bloating
  • Coating on tongue (oral thrush)
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Gas
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Inflammation
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Obesity or/and excessive weight loss

• Psychological and Allergic:
  • Acne
  • Blurred vision
  • Bronchitis (recurrent)
  • Burning or tingling
  • Chemical sensitivity
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing
  • Earaches
  • Hayfever
  • Headaches
  • Hives
  • Muscle aches, pain, weakness and tension
  • Nasal congestion
  • Head tension
  • Numbness
  • Painful, swollen, stiff joints
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sinusitis
  • Sore throats

• Emotional and Mental:
  • ADD, ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Disorientation
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of unreality
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Hyperactivity
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Low energy
  • Mental confusion
  • MS
  • Nervousness
  • Poor memory

• Skin:
  • Acne
  • Anal itch
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Dandruff
  • Dermatitis
  • Diaper rash
  • Dry skin
  • Eczema
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Facial rash
  • Fungal infection of the nails
  • Hives
  • Impetigo
  • Jock itch
  • Lupus
  • Psoriasis
  • Tingling and numbness

• Genitourinary:
  • Bladder infection (recurrent)
  • Burning on urination
  • Cramps
  • Cystitis(inflammation of the bladder)
  • Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation)
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Frequent urination
  • Impotency
  • Infertility
  • Loss of sexual feelings
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Painful intercourse
  • PMS
  • Prostitis
  • Recurrent yeast vaginitis
  • Vaginal burning, itching or discharge

Diagnosis and Tests
Documenting and diagnosing candida overgrowth can be very confusing as different doctors interpret lab tests differently.  Despite this confusion, many people treated properly for a suspected infection improve significantly over time.
Treatment and Prevention
To cure candidiasis it is essential to find what caused the Candida overgrowth.  If the cause is not found and treated, it is possible that treatment will not be effective and/or that Candida will recur.
Causes

•  Sugar
•   Artificial sweeteners of any kind (found in “diet” beverages and food items, chewing gum, and even toothpaste)
• Processed foods
•  Chlorinated water
• Pollution
•  Antacids
• Laxatives
•  Alcoholic beverages
• Agricultural chemicals and pesticides
•  Antibiotics (from medications and/or antibiotics found in meat and dairy products that we ingest)
• Birth control pills
• Acne medication
• Steroids
• Low quality supplements
• Mercury amalgam fillings
• Food allergies or sensitivities (gluten & dairy)
• Environmental mold
• Pregnancy
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of enzymes
• Stress caused by abuse or trauma
• Unresolved childhood trauma
• Repressed emotions: anger, rage, shame, sadness
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, frustrated, lack of self-worth and low self-esteem