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Candidiasis, also known as thrush or moniliasis, is a yeast infection caused by the organism Candida albicans. This microorganism typically resides harmlessly on human skin, as well as in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and, in women, the vagina.

At times, Candida albicans may proliferate excessively, leading to pain and inflammation. Candidiasis can affect various areas of the body, including external skin surfaces, the vaginal and penile regions, and the mouth. In some cases, it may infect the bloodstream or internal organs such as the liver or spleen; however, cutaneous, oral, and vaginal manifestations are most commonly observed. Additionally, candidiasis is frequently identified as a cause of diaper rash. While these infections can be uncomfortable, they are generally not life-threatening.

Fatal outcomes can occur if candidiasis spreads to the bloodstream or vital organs such as the heart, though this is rare, even among individuals with compromised immune function, and is exceedingly uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals. Nonetheless, candidiasis remains a persistent concern and can pose significant risks to immunocompromised patients, including those with AIDS or undergoing cancer therapy who have reduced immune defenses.

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Causes of Candidiasis

Candidiasis does not result from external transmission, as yeast is naturally present on the human body. Various factors can contribute to excessive yeast growth. One of the primary causes is the use of antibiotics. Yeast coexists with numerous organisms, including bacteria, on the skin, in the intestines, and in the vaginal area. While these bacteria are typically harmless and help control yeast growth, antibiotics may eliminate them, allowing yeast, which is unaffected by antibiotics, to proliferate in their place.

Medications such as steroids and certain chemotherapy treatments can weaken the immune system and facilitate yeast overgrowth. Candida albicans infections, including oral thrush, are more commonly observed in individuals with compromised immune systems due to illnesses like cancer or AIDS, as well as those with diabetes or prolonged irritation from dentures. The use of birth control pills can raise the likelihood of developing vaginal candidiasis. Environmental factors such as hot weather and wearing tight clothing may also increase the risk by creating favourable conditions for candida.

Warning signs of Candida overgrowth

Persistent Fatigue

Arguably, the most debilitating and persistent symptom of Candida overgrowth is fatigue, which is typically enduring and challenging to treat.  It is difficult to perform even basic tasks that require physical exertion, such as walking long distances or engaging in social activities.

Mood Swings and Bipolar Disorder

Candida overgrowth can lead to various symptoms manifesting in the body, including personality and mood. When dealing with the latter, individuals may experience increased fragility and anxiety, along with irritability.

Recurring Urinary Tract Infections

Candida is a common culprit behind urinary tract infections especially when persistent infections occur over several months. Women may also face infections affecting the vagina, which can be caused by Candida itself or through sexual transmission.

Oral Thrush Symptoms

Oral thrush presents as a white coating on the tongue. This condition is a type of yeast infection that is closely linked to Candida. Early treatment is crucial, as oral thrush can quickly spread to other areas of the body if left unaddressed.

Chronic Joint Pain

Candida infection could enter the bloodstream, allowing it access to the body’s tissues and joints. The immune system, if functioning correctly, regulates bacterial levels, preventing candida from spreading to other parts of the body. If the candida manages to spread, the hips and knees are the most likely areas to be affected. Common symptoms of such an infection include stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Frequent Stomach Aches

Candida overgrowth predominantly impacts the stomach, making it the area most susceptible to symptoms. An excessive amount of candida can lead to various issues in the stomach and intestines, such as discomfort, gas, and other warning signs. Additionally, weakened intestinal walls may result in indigestion, while constipation is another possible outcome.

Signs of Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut is a condition in which the intestinal walls become significantly weaker due to an overgrowth of bacteria. Candida overgrowth can lead to a weak and permeable intestinal lining. Consequently, the immune system reacts aggressively, treating them as an attack on the body. This response can result in specific food allergies and sensitivities.

Persistent Fungal Infections

When the body’s natural defenses are compromised, an increase in rashes and other skin-related issues can occur. Infections of this nature are particularly prevalent in warm and moist environments.

Weak Immune System Function

If left untreated, Candida can severely weaken the immune system, making infections more prevalent and increasingly difficult to defend against.

How do you get candida overgrowth?

The healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your candida levels in check. However, several factors can cause the candida population to get out of hand: 

 

  • Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which feed the yeast)

  • Consuming a lot of alcohol 

  • Taking oral contraceptives 

  • Eating a diet high in fermented foods like Kombucha, sauerkraut and pickles

  • Living a high-stress lifestyle

  • Taking a round of antibiotics that killed too many of those friendly bacteria

The Candida-Hormone Connection

About 75 percent of women experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Candida produces a variety of substances, some of which interact with the immune system. Some research suggests that candida may also affect hormone regulation. For example, certain byproducts produced by candida can mimic estrogen, potentially influencing the body’s hormonal feedback mechanisms. These effects might extend to hormones such as thyroxin, possibly impacting thyroid function. Elevated estrogen levels have also been associated with an increased likelihood of vaginal candidiasis.

Adrenal Fatigue and Candida

Individuals experiencing chronic yeast infections, such as those caused by Candida, may have compromised immune systems, which can place physical stress on the body. In some cases, reduced cortisol production by the adrenal glands is observed, potentially affecting immune function further. Initial misdiagnosis is possible, leading to the use of antibiotics, medications, or stimulants for conditions believed to be chronic fatigue, IBS, or other ailments, which may impact adrenal gland activity.

In other instances, some individuals may develop adrenal fatigue prior to Candida overgrowth. Adrenal fatigue is associated with decreased cortisol, which can influence immune system strength. A weakened immune system may create conditions that facilitate the growth of Candida within the body.

For additional information on adrenal fatigue and treatment options, please click here.

Candida Fast Capsules

 

Candida Fast Capsules contain:

Echinacea. It supports your immune system in the fight against candida as well as other infections.

Sodium Caprylate. A fatty acid, which occurs naturally in coconuts.  It does not adversely affect beneficial organisms. It is fat-soluble, so will penetrate cell membranes. It survives digestive processes and is able to reach the colon. Caprylic acid (Sodium Caprylate) is often used in the nutritional world in order to combat overgrowth of yeast and fungi in the colon,especially the growth of Candida albicans. This is a fatty acid with 8 carbon atoms. It is produced by the body in small amounts, and is mainly found in coconut, but also in palm oil, hempseed oil, butter and other animal and vegetable sources. The fungicidal effect of caprylic acid has been proven in both in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In the pH area between 2.5 and 8.5, caprylic acid has been found to have a strong fungicidal effect on yeasts, particularly Candida albicans. The in-vivo results date back to the 1960s.

AMLA (Indian Gooseberry). Gooseberry has known antifungal properties, which is why it is great against candida infections. Also, candida infections occur more in diabetic patients. This is because the high sugar content in the body supports the growth of fungi such as candida. As gooseberries help control diabetes, they will indirectly suppress the growth of this type of fungi.

Burdock Root. Burdock is an anti-fungal and has been used effectively against candida for many years. It’s also used to purify the bloodstream and internal organs of toxins.

Zinc AAC.  Candida is killed by metallothionein (MT) proteins which are normally in high concentration in intestinal mucosa. MT is induced by zinc. Many persons with candida are low zinc and low MT persons. They usually exhibit low zinc in plasma, serum, or packed cells, but high zinc in hair.

Oregano. Oregano has two microbial chemicals that actually dehydrate all varieties of fungi and yeasts without harming good bacteria.

Each 400mg Vegicap contains: Echinacea 100mg; Sodium Caprylate 150mg; Amla 45mg; Burdock Root 50mg; Zinc AAC 5mg; Oregano 50mg, BioPerine 2,5mg.  Contains no fillers, preservatives or bulking agents.

Candida-Fast
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