Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth
Learn the most common symptoms of candida overgrowth and how they can contribute to child behavior problems including signs of ADHD and characteristics for autism. With the typical diet of children today there can often be large amounts of processed foods and sugar consumed on a daily basis. When a child is also put on frequent antibiotics due to ear infections or other bacterial infections it can unfortunately lead to overgrowth as well.
If you believe your child's behavior resembles any of these characteristics and he/she also has physical symptoms, there is a free candida saliva test to look for symptoms of candida overgrowth that you can try.
I also highly recommend that you take children to be evaluated by a practitioner that is familiar with symptoms of candida overgrowth. Not all doctors necessarily treat candida, so you will want to check first and may need to find a specialist that practices integrative or alternative medicine.
Two of the symptoms that are frequently confused with signs of ADHD are the inability to concentrate and hyperactivity. Therefore it is extremely important to rule out other possible causes of child behavior problems before diagnosing with any type of disorder.
Physical symptoms of candida overgrowth:
• Gas and bloating
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Headaches and migraines
• Vaginal yeast infections or jock itch
• Rectal itching
• Excessive fatigue
• Inability to concentrate or ‘Brain Fog’
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Indigestion/ heart burn or acid reflux
• Athlete’s foot
• Chronic pain
• Nausea
• Sugar Cravings
• Ulcers
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Bad breath
• Burning tongue or mouth sores
• White coating on tongue
• Abdominal pain
• Colitis
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Sensitivity to fragrances or chemicals - Olfactory dysfunction
Mental and Behavioral Symptoms:
• Feeling of spaciness
• Mood swings
• Poor coordination
• Poor concentration, focus and attention span
• Symptoms of ADHD, including hyperactivity
• Signs of autism
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Depression
• Memory Loss
• Irritability
• Learning difficulties
• Cognitive impairment
Two of the symptoms that are frequently confused with signs of ADHD are the inability to concentrate and hyperactivity. Therefore it is extremely important to rule out other possible causes of child behavior problems before diagnosing with any type of disorder.
In addition to our son having issues with sensory processing we found that he had yeast overgrowth as well. This explained why he had so many food sensitivities given that yeast can damage the lining of the gut leading to leaky gut syndrome.
Once we completed his candida treatment, his ability to concentrate in school improved immensely as well as his hyperactivity. He still has some food sensitivities, which may always stay with him. We also still have issues at times when his teacher reports he seems to be frequently in a daze, but it is usually when the yeast begins to come back and we have to reuse previously used supplements as well as reduce his intake of sugar/carbs etc.
References
1. Perkins, C. Identifying Candida Symptoms. www.holistichelp.net. 4-4-2011.
2. Davidson, R. Candida Albicans Symptoms. www.candida-albicans-cure.com. 4-4-2011.