Candida infections are typically known as yeast infections and strike thousands of individuals each year. There are about twenty different types of Candida but the most common one is Candida albicans. Candida that causes vaginal infections is almost always present in the human body, but when the controlling organisms are removed, the Candida multiplies to the point where the symptoms appear. Diagnosis of Candida is normally by one of three methods: a stool Candida culture, a serum Candida antigen measure, or a serum Candida antibody test. Once the yeast begins to proliferate dramatically, it may takes weeks or months or treatment in order to complete eliminate the yeast from the body and at the same time to promote the regrowth of the good bacteria.



Who gets Candida?

The yeast infection typically affects parts of the body that remain warm and moist. This can include the vaginal area in women, men's foreskin or penis, the mouth, the nostrils or the ear. Sometimes new mothers who are breastfeeding will have symptoms of Candida on the nipples. Infants Candida shows up as diaper rash. Nearly seventy-five percent of women experience yeast infections at some point during their lifetime.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of yeast infection include a gray or grayish white discharge particularly when the vagina is involved along with pain, severe itching and burning of the vulva and the vagina. When Candida grows unrestrained in the intestinal trace, the person may manifest symptoms such as eye fatigue, frequent urination, conjunctivae, irritable bowel syndrome. Inflamed hair follicles throughout the body, eye fatigue, hives, facial rash--the list goes on and on. If you have experienced any of the causative factors recently and are showing the symptoms, it may be appropriate to be tested for the presence of Candida.

What are the causes?

The major cause associated with the start of a yeast infection is a missing or weak immune system. It has been found that taking antibiotics or steroids will cause symptoms of Candida yeast infection. It is believed that killing off the helpful bacteria in the system along with the bad as happens when using antibiotics allows the Candida to multiply unchecked. Other factors which have been implicated in the onset of a Candida yeast infection include diabetic onset, cuts in the skin in areas where profuse sweating occurs, taking contraceptives, semen, and menstruation. When the Candida multiplies rapidly in the body it actually becomes pathogenic rather than remaining benign. The fungal yeast infection can spore through the intestinal wall since the yeast has already weakened and irritated the tissues. This allows toxins and undigested food to leak into the bloodstream.

What role does diet play?

In understanding the role of diet in curing Candida infections, a review of the class of compounds known as phytochemicals is important. These compounds play a vital role in the defense systems of humans and plants. Phytochemicals are the compounds that fight infection. They are effective against fungus infections. Some of the best known phytochemicals are garlic and onion. These two foods are effective against a wide variety of illness and infections such as Candida. Although not all health professionals and Candida patients agree about the perfect anti Candida diet, most suggest that the following foods should be avoided: mushrooms, yeasts, soda, alcoholic drinks, caffeine, cheese, chocolate, refined sugars and many fruits.

Are there natural remedies?

Candida is usually treated by medical professionals through prescription doses of anti fungal drugs or antimycotics. These drugs include clotrimazole, ketoconazole, nystatin and fluconazole. Both ketoconacole and nystatin are used topically. Candida in infants, manifested as diaper rash can be treated by being scrupulous about removing wet or soiled diapers as soon as possible and making sure the child is thoroughly cleaned and dried following each diaper change.

When a change in diet and prescription medications have reversed the growth of the the Candida, it is generally helpful to promote the re-growth of the good bacteria. This is done by increasing the amount of good bacteria--Lactobacillus acidophilus in the body. Yogurt of containing live active cultures will help to aid the regrowth of the good bacteria in the intestinal tract.

Often remedies that clear the intestinal tract of the overrunning yeast are combined with natural substances for a complete detoxification of the system.