Candidiasis

Candida belongs to the yeast family and commensally lives in human body. ^[1] The most significant member among all species of candida is “Candida albicans” which is normally found in colon and genital tract, along with several pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. ^{[1, 2]} Candida albicans lives in human population with no harmful effects, but these organisms should keep in check because if the microfloral environment upset may cause various health related problems. ^[1] Candida albicans overgrowth can cause Candidiasis or Thrush. Use of antibiotics results in elimination of this good microflora and can cause gas, bloating and discomfort. So it’s very important the check the levels of candida albicans. ^{[2, 3]}

Candidiasis or Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. Candida belongs to the yeast family and commensally lives in human body. ^[1] The most significant member among all species of candida is “Candida albicans” which is normally found in colon and genital tract, along with several pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. ^{[1, 2]} Candida albicans lives in human population with no harmful effects, but these organisms should keep in check because if the microfloral environment upset may cause various health related problems. ^[1] Use of antibiotics results in elimination of this good microflora and can cause gas, bloating and discomfort. So it’s very important the check the levels of candida albicans. ^{[2, 3]}

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Manifestations of Candidiasis

Disproportionate quantities of candida can cause infection like diaper rash, vaginitis, thrush, are some of the common manifestations of candida infection. Candidiasis can affect assorted body parts including mouth, ears, nose, toe-nails, fingernails, gastrointestinal tract and vagina. It can be characterized by wide and varied array of symptoms including constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headache, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, canker sores, persistent heart burn, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, acne, night sweats, severe itching, extreme fatigue, vaginitis, kidney an thyroid problems, diabetes, arthritis, and even diabetes. ^[2]

Overgrowth of Candida albicans may occur in blood and in genital tract which affected an increased number of population, who are immunocompromised. ^[4] Candida overgrowth can also cause various health concerns including fatigue and weight gain. ^[1]

These symptoms often worsen in moldy places, or after consumption of sugar or yeast containing food. When candida fungus infects mouth the condition called thrush characterized by white sores of tongue, gums and inside the cheeks. Thrush may also infect baby’s buttocks, manifest with a diaper rash. Candida infection can also take the form of Athlete’s foot or Jock itch. ^[2]

Systemic Candidiasis is the condition in which overgrowth of candida occur everywhere in the body. Candida can travel through bloodstream to assault every organ system in the body and causing a severe condition of candida septicemia. ^[2]

Contributors of Candida Infections

toenail fungus, even diaper rash can results in combination of food allergies and candida albicans. Use of antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria along with the harmful organisms and it is another cause of yeast infections. Along that anything that suppresses immune system, including HIV and AIDS, also often leads to these severe types of candida infections. People with robust immune system and eat a healthy diet with low sugar and yeast are seldom affected.

Yeast including candida use sugar to nourish them. If body’s microfloral balance is upset for some reason, friendly bacteria like lactobacilli have the potential to metabolize sugar so that candida albicans can’t thrive in this sugar rich environment.

Nutritional & Herbal Supplements that are beneficial for Candidiasis

Acidophilus

Candida lives inside each and every one of us but if it’s unchecked overgrowth may results. Supplementation with Acidophilus may help to combat the overgrowth of candida. ^{[2, 3]}

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty acids shows favorable effects on candidiasis and has positive effects on healing of cells which are destroyed by fungus. ^[3]

Caprylic Acid:

Caprylic acid acts as an antifungal agent and helps to destroy the candida organism. ^[3]

Pau d’arco:

Pau d’arco is well known herb which contains an antibacterial and antifungal agent and may have wholesome effects on candidiasis. ^{[3, 5, 6]}

Aloe vera:

Aloe vera has antifungal in action and has positive effects in killing of yeast cells. ^{[3, 6]}

Garlic:

Garlic is antifungal in action and may help to combat yeast infection. ^{[2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]}

Barberry:

Barberry has remarkable property to fight infection. ^{[3, 6, 9]}

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_(genus)#Clinical_characteristics
2. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 115, 185. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
3. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 71, 97, 105, 263, 264, 671. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candida_albicans
5. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 204, 463, 464. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
6. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 33, 123, 165, 166, 168, 220, 222, 225. New York: Gramercy Books.
7. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 11, 122. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
8. Georges M. Halpern, MD, PHD (2004). Ulcers free! Nature’s safe and effective remedy for ulcers. Page No. 139. U.S.A: Squareone
9. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/barberry-000224.htm

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.