All posts by YeastInfection.Org Team

Frequently Asked Questions #17

1. I have lupus. What infections should I worry about?

Lupus can cause many infections (respiratory system, urinary tract, shingles, etc). It weakens the immune system so that the body is unable to fight any bacterial, fungal, parasite overtake. Furthermore, if you have lupus, you are most likely taking immunosuppressive medicines to control your overactive immune system. Because the use of these drugs also restricts the body’s response to fighting infections, it leaves the affected person in a vulnerable situation where infections can easily overtake or overgrow. One such infection that you would be vulnerable to getting would be a yeast infection.

Because the body is already in a weakened immune state due to lupus, fighting infections can become that much harder and may require the need of medication to treat them. If your doctor prescribes you antibiotics, you must be careful with its use as some antibiotics, such as Sulfa, may lower your blood cell counts and even give you skin rashes. However, before you self-diagnose yourself with an infection, ensure that you are not dealing with the symptoms of lupus itself. For example, flare ups and inflammation are both common in lupus and a yeast infection, so make sure that you get your doctor to check the condition before you treat it.

While invasive fungal infections in those with systemic lupus are not frequent, they can be quite dangerous if present. A study conducted in Morocco demonstrated that there was high morbidity related to infections in those suffering from lupus. It is important that infections are promptly diagnosed and treated appropriately to decrease the risks of mortality.

2. I am pregnant and very itchy around my breast and belly. Why is that?

Being pregnant definitely changes a lot for a woman. These changes come in hormonal ways affecting mood, body changes (mainly stretching of the skin), leg cramps, nausea, preeclampsia, etc. One change that some pregnant women may notice is itchiness, mainly in the breast and belly area. Mild itching is common as 20% of women get itchy during their pregnancy. Itchiness during pregnancy is mostly contributed to the stretching of the skin of the breast and the belly. The stretching helps to accommodate the increase in size of those two body parts.

If you have severe itchiness accompanied by redness or flakiness of the breast area, you may be dealing with a yeast infection, mainly the growth of candida. It is actually not that uncommon for women to contract a yeast infection during their pregnancy. If you suspect having a yeast infection during your pregnancy, please consult your doctor before attempting at any treatment (whether over the counter or at home remedies) as not to compromise the health of your pregnancy and increase the risks of other problems. This includes refraining from taking any anti-fungal medications or natural anti-fungals, especially in the first trimester.

Once your doctor confirms the presence of an overgrowth of yeast, the first thing you can do is to make some changes to your diet. Stay away from alcohol, sugary foods. Include lots of garlic and oregano in your meal, cook with coconut oil. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, you can do very gentle douches and washes. In this video, you can watch Eric Bakker explaining why a pregnant or even a breastfeeding woman should stay away from antifungals during their pregnancy or breastfeeding time.

3. I am pregnant and very itchy in and around my vagina. Please help!

Most often than not, women who are pregnant can contract a yeast infection, especially in their second trimester. Signs of a yeast infection during pregnancy is the same as in those who are not pregnant. This includes white discharge which looks like cottage cheese and smells somewhat odd. Other common symptoms are itchiness, redness, irritation of the vagina accompanied by a burning sensation during sex or urination. Having a yeast infection will not affect the pregnancy, but they are hard to control as most of the available treatment will be off limits to the pregnant woman. The affected woman may be in a lot of discomfort as a result.

A pregnant woman is more susceptible to yeast infections during her pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the body’s inability to keeping up with the chemical changes that are occurring in the vagina. During pregnancy, there is more sugar in vaginal secretion which feeds the present yeast leading to an imbalance and overgrowth of candida in the area.

Before self diagnosing yourself with vaginal yeast infection, it is imperative that you seek medical consultation to confirm your suspicion. Your doctor will determine the best course of action to treat the infection. They may prescribe only vaginal creams or suppositories. It is important that you treat the infection before the delivery of your baby as yeast can pass through to the baby during birth. In babies, yeast infection shows up as oral thrush and diaper rash and will need treatment. Untreated vaginal yeast infection may also contribute to baby’s low birth weight and prematurity after delivery.

4. How is my multiple sclerosis related to the health of my gut?

Research now shows a clear link between multiple sclerosis and candida. There are two independent studies – one was done in 2010 in Madrid and the other one was done in 2012 in Switzerland. The study in Switzerland found candida linked to the development or onset of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatism. We have now become aware that candida is linked with many different kinds of autoimmune diseases. Eric Bakker explains the link between the two in his video here.

The importance of a healthy gut flora is integral in keeping a strong immune system. When the bacterial flora of the gut is disturbed or imbalanced, candida takes the opportunity to overgrow. The overgrowth can predispose us to many illnesses, diseases, and conditions. In this study, Dr. Zielinski explains how in the absence of a healthy gut environment, development of chronic illness are increased and the key cells that cause these illnesses develop an anti-inflammatory twin. The link between MS and candida in the body depends on how the immune system responds to the candida overgrowth. As a result, it can cause inflammation and other imbalances within the tissues and cells. With the presence of candida driven inflammation, the body is left open to development of foreign diseases. This happens when the yeast takes over the gut, breaking down the stomach’s lining and spilling itself into the bloodstream. The toxins, once in the blood stream, can trigger an autoimmune response attacking both the good and the bad cells.

If you suspect having candida or are not sure, you can begin by taking the following test. You will also want to request your doctor to do a comprehensive stool test to determine the presence of candida. Treating candida and bringing back a balance between your good gut bacteria and candida can be a start to healing inflammation, which as a result can help with MS. You can go on a candida cleanse, and try supplements which help with eliminating the yeast overgrowth.

References:

Frequently Asked Questions #16

1. Why do I have excessive phlegm?

It is normal for the body to produce phlegm. However, it becomes most visible or uncomfortable when one is sick. It is produced by the lungs and the respiratory system. People often use phlegm and mucus interchangeably. Before jumping into extreme conclusion, you will want to determine the cause of excessive phlegm. The regular amount is around 1 litre of mucus. This liquid is made by our body everyday. We need the mucus so it can line our tissues, protect and moisture it. However, when we have a cold, a sinus or allergies, the body goes on overdrive and creates more than the regular amount.

To help with this issue, you will want to drink a lot and keep hydrated. Keep a humidifier around so that your body moisturizes your throat and nose without having to produce extra mucus or phlegm. Using saline nasal spray will also ensure that your nose and throat airways are clear. Gargling with warm salt water can also help clear phlegm. If you are suscipious that the cause of excessive mucus is a candida overgrowth, you can discuss the symptoms with your doctor. They will look into your mouth and possible throat to see if there are any visible signs of oral thrush. If so, appropriate treatment will be suggested.

2. I constantly feel lazy to do anything. Do I have a disease?

With a compromised immune system, the body wears out fast because it’s fighting with bacteria, yeast overgrowth, parasites, etc. We now know how important it is to maintain a good gut-brain relationship in order to have quality sleep, be energized, have a strong immune system, and be in a good mood.

It is true that having a healthy lifestyle keeps a candida overgrowth at bay. Actually, a healthy life style is imperative in keeping any and all infections away. If you are constantly sleeping at different times, not getting enough rest, staying up later than usual, not taking rest, stressing too much, your body will tire itself out. As a result, you will be stuck in a vicious cycle of perpetually feeling tired. Adrenal fatigue can occur when the body doesn’t rest, and this can cause mood swings, constant fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Foremost, it can also cause laziness. When you are constantly feeling tired and weak, it’s inevitable to feel lazy and unmotivated.

Some of the symptoms of an overgrowth in candida is adrenal fatigue, laziness, tiredness. If you constantly feel too lazy or tired to do anything, add magnesium in your diet. Sometimes deficiency in magnesium can further lead to extreme fatigue and depression. Consider going on a candida cleanse to help establish the good gut health and fight the candida overgrowth. Probiotics also help in maintaining good gut flora and strengthen the immune system which then in turn helps you keep energized and in a good mood.

3. Why do I have such intense mood swings even though I am not depressed or have any psychological problems?

It can be quite frustrating to feel intense mood swings without understanding why they occur, especially if you have been cleared from having depression and other mental disorders. If you are unsure as to why you have mood imbalances, try linking it to your gut health. How is it? Do you feel that the health of your gut is good and balanced? Studies have now shown that mood imbalances can be caused by gut health issues. This is because, about 95% of serotonin, the hormone responsible for regulating mood, is produced in the gut!

A serotonin deficiency can lead to mood imbalances which include mood swings, anxiety and depression. An overgrowth in the yeast candida can supress the lining of the intestinal tract and supress the body’s (mainly the guts) ability to produce or secrete serotonin. High levels of candida can also make their way into the bloodstream, causing leaky gut, resulting in systemic wide infection in the body.

If unsure whether you have candida overgrowth or not, take the following test to find out. There are many ways that you can help get your mood back in balance. Create a healthy gut flora of your body and keep the ratio of good gut bacteria to yeast in balance. You can take supplements which help in keeping candida in check. You can take probiotics to increase the number of good bacteria in the gut.

4. What is the cause of my swollen lips?

Angular cheilitis is fungal infection of the lips, most commonly caused by the overgrowth of candida. If you have the following symptoms, you are probably dealing with this fungal infection: swollen lips, bleeding, sores on the lips, lips are red, itchy and cracked. Those who have had a fungal lip infection complain about feeling a burning sensation in the area. The irritation may even make it hard for some to eat. This happens when saliva is trapped in the corners of the mouth. Once it dries, it cracks resulting in constant moisturizing with the tongue. The moisture and the warmth is the perfect living conditions for the fungus to grow and therefore causing an infection.

You are at risk if you have the following: braces, dentures, smoke, suck your thumb, constantly lick your dry lips to moisture it. Conditions such as diabetes, anemia, HIV can also put you at risk of getting the infection. If you are unsure about having angular cheilitis, you can consult with your doctor. They will examine your mouth looking for redness, swelling, and blisters. Because symptoms resemble the ones with herpes, your doctor will want to swab the areas and get it tested to find out what the cause of the swollen lips are.

Like most other fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe antifungal creams such as nystatin or clotrimazole. At home remedies include putting coconut oil on the affected areas due to its antifungal properties. You can also put Vaseline on those areas to prevent the accumulation of moisture there.

References

Frequently Asked Questions #15

1. I suspect having swollen lymph nodes. What is the reason?

Yeast infection can cause swollen lymph nodes as a secondary consequence to a weakened immune system. Healthy lymph nodes assist the immune system in fighting bacteria, viruses. Swollen lymph nodes are commonly found around the neck. They can also be found around the groin, the armpits. To find out if you have swollen lymph nodes, get a test which can show a complete blood count test. This test will demonstrate the white cell count as well to show if there is an infection, whether a bacterial or fungal infection. Swollen lymph nodes occur mostly with food allergies.

To determine if you have swollen lymph nodes, you would be looking for swelling in the affected area. There will be pain and tenderness present. Many patients also have symptoms similar to a cold: runny nose, sore throat, fever, night sweats. To link whether your lymph nodes are related to candida, look for signs of gas and bloating, sugar cravings, body pain, etc. These are some of the signs of a candida overgrowth. The presences of excessive toxins in the body can also contribute to poor health. This can lead in the swelling of the nodes and sore throats. To treat the swollen lymph nodes, always drain the throat from excessive mucous. Massages can also help detoxify and drain the nodes. You can try sweating out to drain the nodes.

2. Why are my white blood cells so high?

White blood, part of the circulatory system, has the role to maintain the status of our immune system. It also stops infections from spreading, helps in fighting inflammatory responses in the body. When the white blood cells are high or elevated, there are four things that can cause them: fungal infection, bacterial infection, viral infection, parasitic infection. With a fungi overgrowth, some of it can makes it to the blood through leaky gut which can elevate the white cell count.

A reliable way of determining if you have candida is by doing a stool test. A stool test can show us if you have yeast living in your digestive system. Otherwise, there could be many other reasons for the elevation of white cell counts. To come to an informed understanding, you will want to know the type of white blood cells there are. Are they basophils or monocytes? Are they neutrophils or eosinophils? Elevated eosinophils white cells are found in a parasitic infection and allergies. Elevated monocytes are found with certain types of bacterial infections.

While elevated white cell counts can be due to Candida, one cannot make the assumption without further investigation. A test is the best way to let us know what kind of infection we are dealing with and then seek appropriate treatment.

3. I have really bad body odor despite being very vigilant about my hygiene. What could be the reason?

Body odor can be embarrassing and linked with bacterial and fungal issues. If you are on top of your hygiene and take regular showers and keep clean, it can be frustrating to keep having odor. We will explain, here, how a candida overgrowth can cause body odor. You don’t need to invest in expensive products to get rid of the odor. You can do so simply by eating a healthy balanced diet.

Body odor can occur due to poor fermentation in the gut and a toxic liver. If you’re consuming alcohol regularly, bread or refined carbohydrates such as candy, ice cream, you will most likely be dealing with bad body odor. If you follow a good lifestyle which includes eating clean, sleeping enough, chewing well, going to bed on time, you wouldn’t be dealing with bad body odor. There is a link between body odor and Candida. We commonly see it in combination with imbalanced levels of bacteria, yeast in overgrowth, poor levels of beneficial bacteria. It is further worsened by lifestyle and diet that are not conducive to creating really good health.

Those who are in good shape tend to not have smelly odor. To help with keeping your gut health in good condition, you can take a probiotic enzyme formula to really improve the upper, middle, and lower digestion. This will help you to get good fermentation and good bacteria. You can try CanXida Restore. The probiotic enzyme formula that was designed very much for these types of conditions.

References

Frequently Asked Questions #14

1. It has been three weeks and my baby’s diaper rash has not gone away. Why is that?

If your baby’s stubborn diaper rash hasn’t gone away after a few days despite all available treatment, you are most likely dealing with a yeast infection rash. A yeast infection diaper rash is actually a very common occurrence in newborn babies. Babies can get yeast infection on their bums for many reasons – the area is not being cleaned and dried properly, if you or the baby are on antibiotics, if baby has oral thrush, or if he or she is having frequent stools.

It is quite easy to find out if your baby has a candida overgrowth. You will want to check their tongue and the roof of the mouth for white spots. Having oral thrush can lead to having a diaper rash. OT looks the same in babies as it does in adults. Alternatively, a candida overgrowth in babies can also manifest itself through a diaper rash. Symptoms of this rash are the following: raised sore spots that look like blisters, concentrated mostly around the bum area, unresponsive to regular diaper rash medications, still there after 3 or 4 days, may bleed if one is rough.

Before heading to your baby’s doctor where you may be prescribe nystatin or a topical cream, you could try out natural at home remedies. Many parents swear on grapefruit seed extract for treating their baby’s rash. Because GSE can be potent and quite strong, it is advised to be added as drops into distilled water, which then can be sprayed on baby’s bum. Coconut oil, due to its anti-microbial/fungal properties, is a great natural ointment for diaper rashes with yeast infection as well. Change baby’s diaper frequently as to avoid wet and moisture sitting there for too long. Use water instead of baby wipes to clean baby’s bum. Always use a barrier cream on baby’s dry bum.

For more information on fighting diaper rashes, watch Dr. Bakker’s video where he gives other tips to help parents overcome yeast infection in babies:

2. I keep losing a lot hair when I shower. What could be the cause?

Hair loss happens to everyone. If you are losing between 80 to 100 hair strands a day, do not fret as it is normal. However, if you are losing hair in extreme amounts, it can be cause for alarm. Before jumping into major conclusions about the loss and going shopping for expensive shampoos or whatnot, rule out the main causes of hair loss. Causes can include hyperthyroidism, stress, post-pregnancy, anemia, chemotherapy, iron insufficiency, etc. If you suspect you may have thyroid issues or low iron count, it is never a bad idea to get your doctor to test your blood. A blood test can shed light into any deficiencies or thyroid malfunction. Once you have found the cause, you can get the appropriate treatment.

If none of the causes that are normally behind hair loss apply to you, you may be looking into fungal infection as one. A fungal infection of the scalp can lead to hair loss. It can be very uncomfortable and itchy. Symptoms of a fungal hair infection include severe dandruff, losing hair in patches, constant itchiness, and blisters on the scalp. To help treat a fungal infection, you can try some at-home remedies before getting help from a doctor. Apple cider vinegar, fenugreek seeds, coconut oil are some at-home staples that can be used in order to treat the infection. If the infection is constant and stubborn, contact your doctor if nothing works.

3. Is there a way to treat my ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a condition where the digestive tract is inflamed and ulcers are common, affecting the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. Many times, UC is confused with Crohn’s disease as they may share some of the symptoms. However, what differentiates them is that UC only occurs around the large intestines and colon, whereas Crohn’s disease can happen anywhere in the body, especially in the small intestines. Those who have UC complain about the condition being debilitating and very uncomfortable. Some of the main symptoms include diarrhea which has blood or pus in it, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding accompanied with pain, urgency to have a bowel movement. Exact causes of UC are not known, however, poor diet and lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on the affected person.

According to a study, those who have irritable bowel diseases like UC or Crohn’s are more susceptible to a candida overgrowth in their system. If you are unsure whether you have a yeast infection, you can ask your doctor to get your stool tested. The colonization of a candida overgrowth in the presence of UC can impact the treatment in a negative manner. Candida delays the healing process and may even further exacerbate your UC. The study stated that the treatment of the fungal overgrowth in such individuals will benefit the patients in treating their UC. Treating candida will help re-establish the gut flora and help decrease the inflammation in the digestive tract.

4. I have a bad fibromyalgia flare-up. What can I do about it?

Having fibromyalgia is no fun. This condition causes pain all over the body of the affected person. They may be dealing with brain fogginess, problem remembering or concentrating, insensitivity to pain, insomnia, IBS, migraines, muscle pain, and much more. Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, experts believe that it has to do with abnormal levels of chemical imbalance in the brain. As a result, the central nervous system is unable to process pain appropriately and send signals to the body. It has been noticed that people develop fibromyalgia soon after a physically or emotionally stressful period in one’s life (surgery, break up, accident, etc). Women are at a higher risk of developing it.

There is no exact test to identify this condition. However, once all ailments have been ruled out and your doctor confirms the diagnosis, you can go ahead with creating a good treatment plan. Treatment can include medication for depression or for pain management, lifestyle changes which include relaxation, exercises which help with reducing pain. Fibromyalgia is often seen in patients who have irritable bowel diseases or a candida overgrowth. Having fibromyalgia may cause a weak immune system which is unable to fight off a yeast infection. This can disturb the natural gut flora. If you suspect or are unsure if you have a candida overgrowth, it may be worth getting tested for it. Treating the candida overgrowth may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

5. My doctor said I have cutaneous candidiasis. I have never heard of it. What is it and how can I treat it?

Cutaneous candidiasis is the yeast infection of the skin. It is caused by a candida albican overgrowth in the body. As we know, this fungi loves to live on warm, moist and sometimes dark areas. Cutaneous candidiasis is usually found in the groin, folds of the body, underneath the breasts, etc. It looks red with satellite lesions distributed in patches. It can be quite uncomfortable due to the feeling of itchiness and/or burning. It happens on skin that is often moist and not exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include itching, burning, tingling.

Treating CC at home is possible. You will want to keep the affected area as dry as possible. If you have the environment, expose that area to sunlight. Avoid wearing tight clothing that may irritate the area. Do not use scented products. Do not scratch the area. Dietary changes are important as well. To get rid of a candida overgrowth, it is important to stir away from sugars and carbs. Stir clear from sodas, candies, refined foods that feed the yeast infection. You can use tea tree oil soap to wash the body. If you find that after a week or two, the infection is still there, you may want to discuss treatment options with your doctor.

References:

Frequently Asked Questions #13

1. My left nipple is really sore. What is the cause of it?

Many reasons could lead to a sore nipple. A shallow or incorrect latch for mothers who breastfeed, sore nipples can also occur before one is about to get their period. It can also occur due to infections or breast cancer and other diseases. Before jumping into any conclusions, you will want to examine the root of this cause. For example, many women who are about to get their period or who are on their period, will have sore nipples the first couple of days. If you are pregnant, you may have sore nipples due to the body producing more estrogen. High levels of estrogen along with progesterone can cause nipples to become sore and very sensitive.

If you are a breastfeeding mother, your nipples may be sore if your baby has a shallow or incorrect latch. To avoid any nipple pain or soreness, you will want to ensure that the baby has the perfect latch (latches can be hindered by tongue or lip ties). Sore nipples in a breastfeeding mother can also be due to nipple thrush. Nipple thrush is the yeast infection of the breast by candida albican. It can occur in the nipples or the breast tissues. Symptoms include nipple or breast pain. There is also a burning and itching feeling. Pain and itching can be from mild to severe. It usually is a stabbing or a shooting pain, radiating throughout the breast. Signs of a nipple thrush include nipples looking pink, reddening of the areola, dryness or flakiness of the nipple area. Nipple damage can occur as a result. Nipple thrush can be treated with antifungal treatments. You will want to treat both yourself and the baby. In many cases, if the mother is dealing with thrush of the nipple, the baby is most likely dealing with oral thrush. Please note that the thrush usually occurs on both breasts. If you feel sore nipple on one side only, it may be worth getting checked by your general practitioner.

2. I feel so itchy as though little bugs are sprawling all over me. I don’t have a skin condition and its driving me nuts. Why am I so itchy?

Itchiness of the skin can be caused by dry skin or some underlying medical condition. Here we will discuss itchiness as a symptom of having yeast infection. This itchiness can be found anywhere such as around the groin, vagina, neck, ears, anus or all over the body. Itchiness caused by yeast infection is usually due to an overgrowth of candida in the body. Candida can reside on the skin surface, especially on the margins of the mucous membranes of the skin. Those areas are moist, dark and warm – best environment for a yeast infection to thrive. For example, some people find they feel particularly itchy in the armpit area or under the breast or in the folds of the skin.

Some experts believe that candida can mutate its shape into a spore form. Once in this form, it can grab into the skin and latch into it through hooks called rhizoids. When this happens, the person feels itchy. The longer the yeast infection has been there, the more severe the itching will be. Another reason for the itchiness could be that your immune system has released the chemical, histamine which will try to attack the yeast causing inflammation as a response along with itchiness, redness, heat.

If the itch is unbearable, look into getting tested for candida. If not treated, the itch can affect you psychologically and physically. Furthermore, if the itchiness becomes chronic, it will be harder to get rid of. Chronic itching can cause you to scratch the surface too often or too aggressively leading to other unwanted infections. You can take the candida quiz here to see if you have it and if so, at what levels.

3. I was told that I have seborrheic dermatitis, which could have been caused by a unhealth gut health. Can you explain how?

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) commonly affects the scalp, some areas of the face and the chest. On the face, it can be found around the nose, or around the ears. It can also be found around one’s eyebrows. Wintertime is treacherous for those who deal with SD as the dry season can further exacerbate the condition. There is not much itching with this condition, as commonly found in eczema. It can be found in pink patches on the face or in yellow patches on the scalp.

As mentioned above, SD affects fatty glands and sebaceous parts of the body such as the chest, face, neck, etc.

In a recent study, it was shown through clinical and experimental evidence that there is a link between intestinal candidiasis and SB. In subjects who had a high quantity of candida and were dealing with SB, through oral therapy (nystatin), there was a long-lasting regression in their SB. Studies show that emotional stress and depression can also cause skin conditions such as SD. Stress is a culprit for many diseases, and skin conditions are no exceptions. Cortisol is one of the key hormones involved in increasing inflammatory conditions or decreasing inflammatory conditions. You must have noticed with people who have SD or eczema that when they are particularly stressed or anxious, their conditions will be more noticeable. SD can also be caused by systemic infections other than candida, such as Lyme disease, or some viral parasitic infection. You doctor can be diagnosed it by looking at the condition of your scalp or skin.

4. I get easily constipated no matter what I eat. How can I get better?

Constipation happens when there is a change in our bowel function. It makes it hard to pass a motion. Constipation does not necessarily mean not having a bowel movement for days. It could also mean irregular bowel movements. Someone who has their bowels all over the place is dealing with constipation as well. Eric Bakker puts it well: Their bowel will be all over the show. That can be constipation. So difficulty in passing a motion at a regular time, every day, is constipation. So don’t kid yourself.

Before you can start worrying about possible medical reasons for your constipation, look into your lifestyle. Have you recently change anything in your life? Your diet? Are you eating irregularly at different times of the day every day? Do you get enough sleep? Once you can link your bowel problems to changes in life or stresses, you can work towards making appropriate lifestyle and diet upgrades to fix the issues.

You would start worrying about your constipation once you have bad breath, or when you are constantly tired, when your joints are cracking, when you are easily irritable, etc. A constipation situation which does not get better with changes to lifestyle usually means deeper gut health problems. Not getting on top of your constipation will be harmful in the long term.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2380126/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBNzqC7rch8
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2533189