Candidiasis is a Fungal Infection Due to Yeast

Candida is a type of yeast fungus that uses the human body to sustain it. Typically, Candida co-exists with other types of microorganisms in a balanced fashion in the gut, mouth and other locations. When various types of bacteria that prevent Candida overgrowth die off or the fungus receives enough food to grow rapidly, then a yeast infection or Candidiasis takes place. The most common type of yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans, which is one of several hundred species. The other common sources of infection include Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. These infections in normally healthy people cause minor irritation and life disruption. In those who have weakened immune systems, Candidiasis can cause serious chronic health complications and organ damage. Candida albicans, for example, has been observed breaching the blood brain barrier. In rare cases, it can even cause coma and death.

Causes of Candidiasis

Medical research hasn't pinpointed all potential causes of Candidiasis. Some healthcare practitioners within the United States still deny that the systemic version of Candidiasis, also known as Invasive Candidiasis, even exists although many medical research institutions have observed it. That said, several facts are known about the likely causes of Candida infections:

• Broad spectrum antibiotics, antibiotic overuse and chemotherapy destroy gut bacterial flora and healthy bacteria in other areas of the body so badly that Candida has a chance to flourish where it normally would have difficulty.
• Candidiasis also seems to occur often in pregnant women, diabetes mellitus patients and people who endure high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time. These infections appear to be linked to hormonal changes and sugar consumption that allow Candida to grow beyond the body's immune system and gut defenses.
• As with any fungus, simple sugars feed Candida, which means that people with weakened immune systems or gut bacteria problems who eat a lot of foods or drink beverages that break down into simple sugars in the bowels are at higher risk of infection than healthy people.

Symptoms of Candidiasis

Candida symptoms vary by the location and extent of the infection. For example, Oral Candidiasis can cause cracked lips and white patches on the tongue, cheeks, tonsils and throat. Genital Candidiasis involving the vagina or penis can cause painful irritation and inflammation of the skin in the genital area, an itchy, red rash, difficulty urinating and a white, lumpy, thick, smelly discharge. Systemic/Invasive Candidiasis can cause bloodstream overgrowth, septicemia and the damage or shutdown of many major organs. Symptoms that can occur across various types of Candida infections include:

• Sugar and carbohydrate cravings
• Sinus or upper respiratory infection
• Digestive and gastrointestinal issues
• Certain dandruff episodes
• Chronic fatigue
• Bouts of weakness
• Joint and muscle aches
• Nutritional deficiencies

Treating Candidiasis

The key to treating Candidiasis is to eliminate as much of the fungus as possible as quickly as possible while strengthening the immune system and repopulating healthy bacteria with the body, as needed. No matter the type of Candida overgrowth, treatment typically starts with one or more fungus countering medications in the form of prescription pills and topical products. Although a person can find over-the-counter fungus fighting products, it's critical that they see a doctor to confirm that an infection in one spot of their body isn't merely the only outward sign of a larger infection located elsewhere. An experienced doctor usually recommends a combination of at-home treatments:

• An increase in multivitamins and other nutrients, especially B and C vitamins and magnesium, help the immune system and good bacteria. A doctor might focus on B and C vitamins and magnesium.
• Foods, such as garlic, coconut oil, ginger, aloe and certain fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi promote the growth of probiotics or good bacteria in the gut along with probiotic capsules.
• Removal of any simple sugar foods and drinks, including most added sugar, alcohol-containing, high carbohydrate and certain dairy products.

All of these treatments only succeed if a patient sticks to their regimen of medications and their dietary changes. Risky behavior, such as "cheat" days during sugar cravings can allow the Candida to regrow rapidly and take over.