Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts of the genus Candida, which live naturally in small quantities in our bodies. When they overgrow, they can cause an overwhelming craving for sweet things, problems with short-term memory, difficulty concentrating, an inability to stay focused on a task for long, bloating, digestive problems, depression, anxiety or chronic illness. Diagnosing candidiasis clinically can be difficult because of the lack of specific symptoms and clinical signs. It is often seen in newborns and in people with weakened immunity — for example patients with AIDS or people treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The species Candida auris was not recognised before 2009. It can cause serious infections of the bloodstream, the intestines, open wounds and other sites. Some infections are resistant to all antifungal medicines and do not respond to treatment; mortality from this infection can reach 60%. Some patients may carry C. auris on the skin, in the rectum, in open wounds or in the mouth while feeling well and having no symptoms of infection. This state is called asymptomatic colonisation, and treatment with antifungal medicines does not eliminate it. C. auris is a pathogen that evades existing therapeutic options, is highly virulent and spreads easily in the environment, which makes it an immediate threat. It is also more resistant to environmental disinfection and often cannot be identified by microbiological testing alone — which only strengthens its potential as a "perfect villain".
Certain lifestyles or illnesses can deplete the good bacteria in the body and so make room for uncontrolled Candida growth. When the useful gut microflora is disturbed and the yeasts overgrow, they begin to break down the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream, releasing toxic by-products into the body and causing permeability of the gut and stomach. The intestine has mucous channels through which various nutrients normally pass. When Candida develops in the gut it grows into these channels as long filaments. The intestinal wall deteriorates, and partly processed proteins along with Candida pass into the bloodstream, causing toxicity and allergic and immune reactions.
A diet high in sugar, processed carbohydrates and refined grains encourages uncontrolled fungal growth — as do antibiotics, frequent alcohol, stress, various medicines such as anabolic steroids, and a weakened immune system. Candida is hard to diagnose because it causes a wide range of symptoms, among them chronic fatigue, mood changes, persistent vaginal and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, skin and nail infections, hormonal imbalance, sugar cravings, bad breath and reduced libido.
Symptoms
- itching
- redness
- burning on urination
- bloating
- frequent heartburn after eating
- discomfort around the anus
- a coated tongue
- heavy vaginal discharge, which may be yellowish and burning
- nail fungus
- mycosis
- fatigue
- headache
- weight gain
Yeasts of the Candida genus are extremely stubborn to treat. There are cases of candidiasis treated for years, because the infection subsiding for the moment is no guarantee it will not return. Candidiasis can appear not only on the genitals but on other parts of the body, for example in skin folds. In men it can affect the foreskin and the head of the penis. Self-treatment should never be started. A doctor must determine whether the fungus is Candida. With any infection present, blood tests usually show a raised white cell count.
Effective treatment of Candida involves
- stopping the fungal overgrowth through an appropriate diet;
- cleansing the gastrointestinal tract;
- repopulating it with good bacteria.
An effective internal measure is supplements or oils containing caprylic acid (also known as octanoic acid), which destroys the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungus. When a large number of fungi are destroyed, the body may feel weak, with headache, rash or diarrhoea, until it recovers. Supporting the development and growth of the useful microflora is the next step.
Cinnamon suppresses the development of microorganisms such as Candida. Cinnamon essential oil is particularly effective.
Oregano essential oil dehydrates the fungus and so slows its development.
Peppermint essential oil suppresses fungal growth.
Tea tree essential oil stops the development of the fungus and kills most of the Candida species. It is for external use only.
Proven effective against external candidiasis is grapefruit essential oil diluted in water — 50 drops of water to one drop of grapefruit oil. It is best combined with internal treatment. Treatment lasts a minimum of one month, and two is recommended, because Candida yeasts are extremely stubborn. Tea tree oil can be combined with grapefruit oil in a water solution and sprayed onto the affected areas. Avoid mucous membranes and other sensitive places such as the inside of the ears or the eyes.
Read more about the essential oils:
Read more about gut health here.
Supplements for suppressing fungal growth and cleansing the gastrointestinal tract
- GX Assist® GI Cleansing Formula
- PB Assist®+ Probiotic Defense Formula
- Pine pollen with xylooligosaccharides
This article is informational and does not replace consultation with a doctor.
Sources: Wikipedia · PubMed 29454824 · JAMA · PubMed 29878905
