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What is candida?
Yeast is a fungus that's cientifically called candida albicans, and
cultivates in moist areas on the human body; thereby causing infections.
Candida infections can be chronic for some individuals. This constant
cycle is called candidiasis.
Candidiasis is associated with metabolic disorders like autoimmune
diseases (AIDS, Addison's disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, and rheumatoid
arthritis), bowel diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, high LDL
cholesterol, and neuron disorders (Autism).
Candida is also known as thrush, a disease that has white spots and
ulcers found in the mouth caused by the parasitic fungus.
Because the number of patients with immunocompromised systems has been
on the rise in the past 10 years, candida has also increased. Candida
thrives in a weakened immune system. In a weakened immune system,
candida can affect the organs, causing pain and dysfunction. Over 85% of
AIDS patients develop a yeast infection. Dehydration then becomes a threat.
Of the 20 strains of candida that can live in the human body, candida
albicans is the most prevalent. Candida albicans is found in all humans,
and when found in low concentrations, performs healthy functions and
assists the ideal intestinal flora levels. This is one way how we know
our bodies are in balance.
It's estimated three out of every four women will have a yeast infection
at least once in their life. However, candida infections affect both men
and women.
What are the risk factors for candida infections?
* antibiotics
* cancer
* chemotherapy
* contraceptions
* dental plates
* diabetes
* endocrine conditions
* immune deficiencies
* iron deficiency
* malnutrition
* pantyhose
* plastic pants worn by babies
* skin diseases
* systemic steroids
* the young and old
* warm climate
Why are candida infections often misdiagnosed?
Because candida symptoms are many and varied, it is often defined as
psychosomatic or simply misdiagnosed. The following candida symptoms,
anxiety, chemical and digestive sensitivities, decreased sex drive,
depression, fatigue, headaches, hives and itching, joint and muscle
weakness and pain, sleep disorders, and vaginal yeast infection mimic
multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). These symptoms have also been
compared to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and food allergies.
Returning infections may be misdiagnosed because of the similar symptoms
to diabetes, leukemia, and AIDS.
For women, if the above symptoms are experienced and accompanied with a
vaginal discharge, medical advice should be sought because the symptoms
are often confused with appendicitis, kidney infections, or pelvic
inflammatory disease.
Infections do not have to be present in order for yeast-related problems
like the following symptoms to appear: abdominal bloating, anxiety,
bladder infections, cravings for sugar or alcohol, constipation,
depression, diarrhea, difficulty in concentrating, dizziness, ear
problems, fatigue, hives, impotence, infertility, irritability, mood
swings, menstrual problems, muscle and joint pains, psoriasis,
respiratory problems, and unexpected weight gain.
It's unnecessary for a yeast problem to be diagnosed if there aren't any
medical signs of infection. These symptoms may include discharge,
itching, a rash, or soreness.
If you experience chills, fever, illness, or a worsening rash, seek immediate medical advice. A medical professional must be sought before
an accurate diagnosis can be made.
How can candida infections be properly diagnosed?
For a woman to receive an accurate diagnosis, this means a complete
gynecologic examination.
For children and healthy adults to receive an accurate diagnosis, an
examination in the mouth or on the skin is sufficient.
For people with weakened immune systems to receive an accurate
diagnosis, a medical professional only need to look at the symptoms.
Additional tests may include a specimen, catheter tips may be sent in
for culture, a biopsy may be taken, or a CT or MRI may be scheduled.
What are the dangers of candida infections?
Candida yeast overgrowth has become the cause of many health disorders.
Candida albicans easily becomes out of control and then threatens our
health. Recent studies show that candida infections have a mortality
rate of 30-40%. Candida has now become the fourth leading common cause
of hospital stays for blood infections.
Yeast infections are usually minor, but serious infections can develop
if left untreated.
If in your bloodstream, candida can cause fever. If the candida
infection spreads to the brain, mental and behavior alterations will be
noted.
What causes candida infections?
A weakened immune system and a high carbohydrate diet seem to be the
leading culprits. A big contributor to a weakened immune system is
stress. Eliminate stress and excess carbohydrates and you will relieve
your candida symptoms.
A healthy digestive system also wards off candida. Your body will
function and digest properly if you ease stress in your life, increase
physical activity, and get enough sleep.
Birth control pills and certain drugs stimulate overgrowth of yeasts.
Antibiotics are also known contributors of candida infections.
Diet is a big contributor to candida. It's important to reduce sugary
foods and carbohydrates from your diet since candida thrives in a sugary
environment. That includes all refined and natural sugar foods like
fruit, syrup, juices, and honey.
Yeast products like alcohol, yeast, and white bread should also be
eliminated from your diet.
Be aware that additives and preservatives are harsh on the digestive
system. The most common environmental toxin we ingest is the toxins in
our food. Start the habit of reading labels to see what chemicals are in
the foods you eat, and then consider other options, if needed.
What are the treatments for candida relief?
Diet modification will help. Stress relief will help. Some medical
professionals may recommend antifungal prescription drugs as treatment,
but careful consideration must be given to the possible side effects.
There are natural supplements specially designed to relieve and
alleviate your candida infection symptoms.
Probiotics (live bacteria) are a fairly new treatment option.
Proper treatment can successfully rid candida infections, and usually without any other problems. The following irritations will usually clear
between one-two weeks: vaginal yeast infections, diaper rash, and
thrush. For those with a weakened immune system, infections take longer
to rid and usually come back and are harder to treat.