| Candidiasis | |||||
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- What is candidiasis?
- Symptoms of candidiasis
- Causes of candidiasis
- Treatment of candidiasis
- Important candidiasis facts
Candidiasis is causes by an overgrowth of a common yeast - candida albicans, the most prolific of the candida yeast genus (it is also caused by other varieties of candida, but they are rare).
Candid normally exists in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and vagina (in women) without any adverse effects. It is only when this yeast becomes too prolific and there is an overgrowth of it, that it can cause a condition named candidiasis - which is basically an overgrowth of the candida yeast.
The most common symptoms of candidiasis depend on where in the body the infection is occuring - mouth, intesting, skin, vagina (or penis). If there is a more prolific infection, then it can affect the whole body and cause more generalised symptoms:
- Cottage-cheese like patches inside the mouth (if the mouth has been infected with candida overgrowth)
- Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas or burping (belching)
- Fatigue
- Genital itching and burning
- Headache
- Itchy rash on penis (men)
- Mood swings
- Poor concentration
- Poor memory
- Skin rashes, patches, and blisters - in the groin, between fingers and toes and under the breasts (folds of the skin)
- Sugar craving
- Vaginal discharge like "cottage cheese"
There are many reasons why candidiasis develops:
- Bacterial infection - some existing bacterial infections may lower immunity and "good" bacteria and make it easier for the candida yeast to overgrow and cause candidiasis
- Certain drugs - antibiotics especially can reduce the "good" bacteria which normally prevent the overgrowth in the candid yeast
- Diabetics - people with this disease have depressed immunity and tend to be more susceptible to candidiasis
- Overweight - people who are overwight and obese are more susceptible to many opportunitistic diseases
- Poor immunity - people with certain disease that suppress immunity tend to be prime candidtates for developing candidiasis (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy patients, people on high dose steroids,
- Pregnancy - infection is more common in pregnancy (probably due to the many changes in the body)
Diagnosis and testing
Candidiasis is usually diagnosed by the following way:
- Vaginal swab - a doctor (or nurse) will take a swab from the vaginal area which will be tested to determine if the infection is from the candida yeast
Conventional treatment
A medical practitioner will prescribe medication depending on the type of candidiasis (where it is located, mouth, intestine, vagina, skin):
- Antifungal medications - there are a variety of tablets sold in pharmacies which can be purchased without a prescription in Australia; there may be some side effects in some people, depending on the dose
- Creams with low-strength corticosteroids - topical vaginal creams can be used with corticosteroid tablets, which should only be taken over a short-term
- Topical vaginal creams and suppositories - these are also sold in pharmacies which have anti-fungal medication in this format; there may be some side effects in some people, depending on the dose
Most conventional treatments last from a few days to a number of weeks, depending on how resistant to treatment the candidiasis infection is. Be sure to take all medications exactly as prescribed as reinfection can occur with an even more resistant strain or another type of strain of the yeast.
Alternative / complementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
- Acidophilus - the friendly bacteria makes the intestinal tract more acidic, inhibiting the growth of candida albicans, as well as producing hydrogen peroxide, which also kills the canndida albicans yeast, prevents overgrowth and reduces symptoms by promoting proper intestinal flora
- Fibre - foods high in soluble fibre should eaten each day to help improve and balance bowel flora; suitable soluble fibres are: flaxseeds, oats and psyllium
- Herbs - certain herbs have been shown in studies to help alleviate the symptoms
- Echinacea - this herb has proven anti-fungal properties, so will improve the condition
- Garlic - this herb is best if eaten or taken as a supplement, it has potent anti-fungal properties and can assist with reducing symptoms
- Pau d'arco - this is a potent anti-fungal which can be used on the infected areas (vagina and skin but NOT stomach or mouth) to quickly relieve symptoms
- Tea treee oil - diluted tea tree oil can be used on the infected areas (vagina and skin but NOT stomach or mouth) to quickly relieve symptoms, as it is a potent anti-fungal
- Lifestyle - there are certain other factors which can prevent recurrence of candidiasis
- Antibiotics - it is important to avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily, as they can kill off both the "good" and "bad" bacteria (flora) and cause candidiasis in some suceptible people
- Bottle feeding babies - ensure the all part of the feeding bottles are sterilised properly
- Cotton (or silk) underwear - these materials allow the vaginal area to "breathe" and give less opportunity for candidiasis to begin
- Good hygiene - women should always wipe from the vagina to the anus when going to the toilet, never the other way, as that can spread infection
- Vaginal douches - women should avoid using vaginal douches or deodorants, as these cause a disturbance of the acidity and flora balance in the vagina and can lead to candidiasis
- Minerals - some minerals seem to be depleted in people with candidiasis, while others seem to increase resistance
- Zinc - studies show zinc increases resistance to candidiasis
- Nutrition - certain foods should be restricted (or even eliminated), while others need to be increased; the Candida diet may need to be adhered to for a minimum of 4 weeks, but could be recommended longer depending on how long symptoms have been experienced and how bad they are, after which the foods will be slowly introduced back into the diet (as long as they do not cause adverse effects)
- Animal fats - reduce these as they may contribute to inflammation
- Confectionary - any type of "sweet stuff" including chocolate, ice cream and lollies should be avoided when treating candidiasis to get the best result, as candida growth is promoted by sugar
- Fibre - extra fibre stimulates the bowel flora to get rid of the extra candia and bring the balance of flora back to normal
- Fish - these contain beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which assist with relieving inflammation
- Fruit - most fruits are eliminated or greatly reduced on a candid diet, as candida growth is promoted by sugar
- Nuts - these contain beneficial omega 3 fatty acids, which assist with relieving inflammation
- Processed foods - these will put extra stress on the body as they contain too much sugar or fat will assist the candidiasis to worsen
- Sugar - sugar and sugary foods should be avoided when treating candidiasi, as candida growth is promoted by sugar
- Wholegrains - these contain fibre (to help bowel flora become balanced and health) and B vitamins which may be depleted
- Yeast-containing foods - any fermented foods, such as cheese, tomato paste, vinegar should be avoided as the yeast inside them may stmulate growth of candida
- Yoghurt - especially if it has been fortified with acidophilus, will help to lower levels of candida albicans and reduce symptoms
- Omega 3 fatty acids - the omega 3 essential fatty acids reduce inflammation which is present in the area which has been infected with candidiasis
- Vitamins - supplementation of a few of the vitamins may be necessary as treatment
- Biotin - this vitamin is effective in stimulating the immune system to return the flora balance back to healthy levels
- Vitamin A - stimulates and supports the immune system to reduce symptoms and help return the flora back to healthy levels
- Vitamin B complex- B vitamins (vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid) stimulate the immune system to return the flora balance back to healthy levels
- Vitamin C - stimulates and supports the immune system to reduce symptoms and help return the flora back to healthy levels
- Vitamin E - stimulates and supports the immune system to reduce symptoms and help return the flora back to healthy levels
- Some women who think they have thrush may have another vaginal disorder and should see their doctor for a definite diagnosis (never self-medicate)
- Candidiasis is a common condidtion in many people
- Most cases (around 90%) of candidiasis are caused by the candida albicans yeas, but not all
- People with depressed immunity tend to be more susceptible to getting candidiasis
- More than 50% of all women will develop vaginal candidiasis at least once in their life and mainly without any real identifying cause
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 2 September 2007
Related Articles
references
- Connolly P . The Candida Albicans Yeast-Free Cookbook. McGraw-Hill; 2nd edition, 2000
- Crook, WG. The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough. Jackson, Tenn., Professional Books, 1983, 1984, 1986
- Enfert C; Hube B (editors) (2007). Candida: Comparative and Functional Genomics. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 9781904455134
- Jones T, Federspiel N, Chibana H, Dungan J, Kalman S, Magee B, Newport G, Thorstenson Y, Agabian N, Magee P, Davis R, Scherer S (2004). "The diploid genome sequence of Candida albicans". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 101 (19): 7329-34
- Martin JM, Rona ZP. Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Three Rivers Press; 2nd Rev edition, 2000
- Murray MT. Chronic Candidiasis: Your Natural Guide to Healing with Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods. Three Rivers Press, 1997
- Santelmann H, Laerum E, Roennevig J, et al. Effectiveness of nystatin in polysymptomatic patients. A randomized, double-blind trial with nystatin versus placebo in general practice. Fam Pract. (2001) 18:258–265
To learn more, go to ACT Health Candid Fact Sheet.
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
