Also known as an "opportunistic" infection or systemic candidiasis, systemic yeast infection is a grave overgrowth condition where Candida penetrates into the deeper areas of the body. It occurs when candida evolves from its normal state of yeast to become a type of fungus invading the blood circulation, liver and urinary tract.

Compared to local subtypes, systemic yeast infection is very hard to detect and eliminate.

Three levels of candidiasis exist, ranked according to severity:

1. Occasional yeast infection (for example, oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, candida balanitis), occurring in three quarters of the population, especially women and infants, at least once in a lifetime.

2. Chronic or recurring candidiasis, possibly a symptom of more serious problems such as an impacted immune system.

3. Systemic yeast infection, affecting the whole body rather than just one area and provoking symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, headaches from migraine, debilitation, dizziness, sensory disorders, muscular pain, breathing disorders, gastrointestinal problems like oral Thrush, diarrhea, constipation and rectal itching. These are also symptoms of “opportunistic” infection.

When Candida species, naturally occurring in warm moist parts of the body (vagina, mouth and intestines), multiply out of control, yeast infections happen. When the immune system does not control Candida growth in your body, the condition is one of systemic yeast infection. Conditions favor systemic candidiasis, when the immune system fails to keep control of Candida and/or when there is high sugar/acid or toxins in the intestinal environment.

Upon systemic yeast infection happening, Candida starts to invade all body parts and organs, including the digestive system, respiratory system, eyes, liver, esophagus, skin and blood. Serious “opportunistic” infection may have a high impact on the well-being and daily activity of an individual.

There is no single cause for systemic yeast infection, which can be provoked by different internal situations, including a compromised immune system, deficient white blood corpuscles (granulocytopenia), an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, neglected local yeast infection and the loss of benign bacteria. Moreover, various external factors can worsen an existing condition. These include foods that nourish the yeast, antibiotics, contraceptive pills, tight clothing and stress.

Previously the assumption was that a candidiasis was local and could be eradicated with anti-fungal medication applied to the skin. It is now widely understood that excessive yeast growth in the body is the result of a deeper internal imbalance, due to several causes or factors or a group of conditions and circumstances. With this in mind, thinking about holistic remedies for this medical condition may be particularly useful.

An important point is that overall holistic treatment is not the same as simple changes in diet. Although it may already be highly beneficial for systemic yeast infection sufferers to eliminate candy, products made with flour and refined flour (examples include glutinous grains, pasta, bread and cereals), as well as reducing dairy products, alcohol, fruit and soy products (most of these contain anti-nutrients), this is only one part of the solution. These foods (particularly sugars and refined carbohydrates) nourish the yeast that is favored by high-sugar environments. Additionally, large amounts of probiotics, vegetables (green ones in particular) and healthy fats (such as coconut oil and avocado) are required to bring back a healthy intestinal flora.

Dietary changes like these can bring relief immediately, but it is the combination with a complete program of holistic treatment for systemic yeast infection (such as homeopathic cures, herbal remedies, changes in diet, lifestyle and detoxification) that will resolve the hidden reason for “opportunistic” infection, and therefore be much more effective compared to most classical treatments that remain superficial for this condition.