Candida infection (Candidiasis) is one of the most common ailments known
to man, right up there with the common cold and ear infections. Candida
Albicans is a single-celled fungus present in the intestinal tract and
genitals. When an over-growth of the fungus occurs, it manifests itself
in a number of ailments such as: yeast infection, thrush, vaginitis, colitis,
bladder infections, some forms of diaper rash, severe constipation and
prostatitis. The list of symptoms goes on and on. More often than not,
it is misdiagnosed as another ailment. The key to recognizing a chronic
Candida over-growth is to identify the reoccurring pattern.
The most likely areas to be infected with Candidiasis are the mouth, ears,
nose, gastrointestinal tract, vagina, toes and fingernails. Athlete’s
foot and jock itch are relative to Candida infection, as well. Although
Candidiasis is generally treated as a feminine issue; men are also susceptible.
However, Candidiasis is rarely sexually transmitted.
The most severe cases of Candida over-growth are called Systemic Candidiasis.
This is when the fungus spreads throughout the body. Once it reaches the
bloodstream and invades the organ body system, it causes a type of blood
poisoning called Candida Septicemia. This almost always occurs in people
with severe underlying illnesses like advanced HIV virus or cancer.
Those who suffer from conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, arthritis,
adrenal problems, and severe pre-menstrual syndrome are more likely to
be effected by Candida over-growth. Some doctors believe this is because
the people that suffer from these conditions tend to have an easily compromised
immune system. When an immune system is in a compromised state, the fungus
proliferates and releases a toxin that weakens the immune system further.
People who suffer from chronic Candidiasis typically have food allergies.
Thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth or sinus, along with ringworm,
athlete’s foot, jock itch, fingernail and toenail fungus, and even
diaper rash are results of a combination of C. Albicans and food allergies.
Symptoms of a food allergy or environmental sensitivity can mimic those
of Candidiasis. If the condition is not properly diagnosed and treated,
Candidiasis can lead to environmental sensitivities. A large majority
of sufferers often experience an allergy to rubber, petroleum products,
tobacco, exhaust fumes, and chemical odors.
Some of the most common factors contributing to Candida over-growth are
corticosteroid drugs, antibiotics and a diet high in sugar. When the body’s
PH balance is upset, the friendly bacteria cultures (such as lactobacilli)
that normally metabolize sugars cannot thrive and work. Candida Albicans
flourishes in a sugar-rich environment. It is the same basic concept of
making beer. You add sugar to stimulate the yeast, so it will ferment
and make alcohol.
Oral contraceptives have proven to be a contributing factor for some women
that suffer from Candidiasis. Pregnancy has been shown to be a common
denominator, as well, because the body produces more glycogen in the vagina
induced by changing hormones. Glycogen is a polysaccharide, or complex
carbohydrate, that is the main form in which glucose is stored in the
body, primary to the liver and muscles. It is converted back into glucose
when it is needed to supply energy.
Antibiotics have become a hot topic when dealing with Candida over-growth.
Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria that cause head colds, ear and sinus
infections, and bronchitis. However, when it kills these detrimental forms
of bacteria, it kills off “friendly” bacteria - the bacteria
responsible for taming Candida growth and metabolizing sugar. A yeast
infection is a common occurrence for women that take antibiotics regularly.
Corticosteroids are a group of anti-inflammatory drugs, generally synthetic,
similar to hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. These
steroid drugs are used in treatment for asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema,
and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids can inhibit the storage of glycogen
in the body and these tend to kill off friendly bacteria.
Now for some good news! Candida over-growth can be easily treated. Probiotics,
such as acidophilus and multidophilus, are great treatment options. These
probiotics are supplemental forms of friendly bacteria cultures mentioned
previously. They are present in yogurt which was used to treat yeast infections
in traditional folk medicine. Candida over-growth is usually caused by
a lacking number of these cultures. Take acidophilus on an empty stomach
up to 3 times daily. Nutritionists recommend a non-dairy form because
the latter tends to contain sugar.
That brings me to the next topic, SUGAR. Try to limit your sugar intake,
especially if over-growth is a common occurrence. Candida loves a sugar-rich
environment. Try to avoid aged cheeses, alcohol, milk chocolate, and fermented
foods, as these tend be sugar-rich and harder for your digestive tract
to process.
Caprylic acid is another beneficial treatment for Candidiasis. It is a
strong anti-fungal agent and destroys Candida organisms. Every brand has
its own dosage recommendation; follow the recommended dosage on the bottle.
You should treat the infection with Caprylic acid for about 10-14 days.
It is not recommended to use caprylic acid long term.
Candida is such a common problem that people do not realize how severe
the consequence of not treating it can be.
Below, I have provided a list of symptoms commonly related to Candidiasis.
Some of them may surprise you. If you suffer from 5 or more symptoms you
may want to keep a log of you dietary intake and any issues that occur
along the way. Try to keep it for about 30 days and share it with your
doctor. If you suffer from 10 or more symptoms, you may want to contact
your health care provider and schedule allergy testing. Identifying a
health concern such as Candidiasis, before it becomes chronic, is key.
Possible Symptoms:
- constipation
- colitis
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- headaches
- bad breath
- rectal itching
- impotence
- memory loss
- mood swings
- prostatitis
- canker sores
- persistent heartburn
- muscle and joint pain
- sore throat
- congestion
- nagging cough
- numbness in face and
extremities
- tingling sensation
- acne
- night sweats
- severe itching
- clogged sinuses
- PMS
- white spots on the tongue
and/or mouth
- extreme fatigue
- vaginitis
- kidney and bladder infections
- arthritis
- depression
- hyperactivity
- hypothyroidism
- adrenal problems
Sources:
hon.ch/hondossier
Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Balch, Phyllis A. and James F.,
2000.
(N. Dussault
2005)
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