What Is Candida?

Candida is yeast, considered a normal part of our bowel flora,generally found in the mouth, throat, intestines andgenitourinary tract. Its purpose is to fight off harmfulbacteria that it encounters in the body. Its presence in the body, then, is not problematic and isbalanced by a well-functioning immune system and friendlybacteria. If the immune system ceases to function properly, orthe level of friendly bacteria in the body becomes too low - ascan happen when too many antibiotics are introduced to the body- then Candida overgrowth may occur. Other things thatcontribute to Candida overgrowth are toxic metals - such asmercury found in dental amalgams; genetic disorders; hormonalimbalance brought on by pregnancy, birth control pills orthyroid disorder; and even drinking too much alcohol which killsthe friendly bacteria and allows Candida to grow. The symptoms of Candida overgrowth range from uncomfortable todebilitating. Yeast infections, an overgrowth of Candida in thegenital region, and thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth, aretwo of the most familiar conditions associated with Candida.Other symptoms of Candida overgrowth can range from hair loss tochronic fatigue. Milder symptoms of Candida include body rashes,acne, thrush and yeast infections, food allergies, sinusitis andtonsillitis. More problematic symptoms are fatigue, muscle andjoint pain, and psoriasis. Candida may also affect mental andbehavioral responses; forgetfulness, confusion, sleeplessness,depression and anxiety. Finally, the most severe symptoms ofCandida can include hives, high blood pressure, and evenmalfunction of the endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems.http://www.candidarelief.com/candidasymptoms/Candida releases toxins into the blood; among them, ethanol,which may cause symptoms of alcohol intoxication, andacetaldehyde which can damage organs and contribute to memoryloss and distorted thinking. Obviously, Candida is not to betaken lightly; and it is contagious. It cannot be airborne butcan be transmitted via sexual contact. If the other party has ahealthy immune system, however, the Candida will be killed andthe person will not suffer any symptoms. It is also difficult to diagnose for a number of reasons. Itshares symptoms with other conditions such as gluten intoleranceand hypothyroid - and any combination of these can be presentsimultaneously, adding to the difficulty of diagnosis. Evenhealthy people have Candida present in their systems, so simplyestablishing its presence does not make for a diagnosis.Available tests are able to recognize only a few of the 150known strains of Candida. The cells in the specimen may diewhile waiting for analysis resulting in a false "normal" result.Along with the test, then, other factors have to be consideredbefore a diagnosis can be made. The doctor must consider if thepatient has a history of factors that are known to result inCandida infections and establish that there are symptoms presentassociated with it. Additionally, the knowledgeable physicianwill experiment with dietary and antifungal therapy to see ifthe there are reactions consistent with Candida overgrowth. Once the presence of a Candida infection has been establishedthere are a variety of ways to alleviate symptoms and bring theCandida under control. Any antibiotics must be discontinued.Anti-fungal treatments, such as fluconazole, nystatin andketoconazole may be prescribed. Changes to the diet, such aselimination of sugars and white starches, and the addition ofessential oils and acidophilus, may be recommended in order torestore balance to the system. While the diagnosis and treatmentof Candida may be difficult, the return to good health is wellworth the journey.