Advice on Candida

What is Candida?
(16 Aug 2007)

What is Candida?

The answer to what is candida is fairly simple. Candida can be described as a genus of naturally occurring yeasts or fungi, which are found on the human body.

The places that Candida is generally seen in include the surface of the skin, mouth, intestinal tract, vagina and rectum. Although there are numerous different types of Candida, five of them are a bit more significant clinically, mainly due to their ability to cause an infection in humans. These five types of Candida include:

Candida Albicans or monilia
Candida Glabrata (earlier known as Torulopsis Glabrata)
Candida Krusei
Candida Parapsilosis
Candida Tropicalis

Out of these 5 common types of Candida, the most common one seen in most people is the Candida Albicans. In fact, the Candida Albicans fungi are present in all people, without leading to any problem. However, in case there is an overgrowth of Candida, it could lead to common yeast infections, such as vaginitis, thrush, diaper rash and a type of nail fungal infection, known as Candidal Onchomycosis.

Causes of Candida

It is a well known fact that the use of certain medication, especially antibiotics, is one of the most common causes of Candida Albicans infection. However, antibiotics could only trigger off such an infection in a body in which the health has already been compromised in a certain way. Given below are some of the other well known causes of Candida Albicans:

Certain progesterone creams
Excessive amounts of stress
Hormonal changes and fluctuations, seen in menopause, pregnancy and puberty
Suffering from dental mercury amalgam poisoning
Taking contraceptive pills
Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Using certain steroids, like hydrocortisone or prednisolone,
Low blood sugar

The consumption of certain food items could also cause the yeast infection to worsen, as they feed Candida, thereby allowing them to grow too fast.

Signs and Symptoms of Candida

There are many signs and symptoms of Candida that can be experienced by a person and most of them are quite unpleasant. Given below are some of the most frequently seen signs and symptoms of Candida:

Bloating and abdominal gas
Migraine or other types of sever headache
Severe fatigue or hyperactivity
Vaginitis, characterized by itching
Anxiety
Increased craving for sweets or alcohol
Lack of focus and concentration
Mood swings
Digestive problems
Irritability
Chronic pain
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Syndrome (GERD)
Sore throat
Thrush
Skin problems like eczema or acne

Apart from these, there are a few symptoms that can be experienced by those who have a Candida overgrowth.

Treatment of Candida

As soon as people notice the signs and symptoms of Candida, they tend to visit a doctor, for relief from the discomfort they are going through. Most health experts recommend the use of certain Candida home remedies, for treating the problem. Given below are some of the most commonly recommended Candida home remedies:

Yogurt is excellent for controlling the Candida overgrowth and at the same time, it soothes the skin. Increase the consumption of yogurt, or apply some yogurt to the area that has been affected.

Garlic is very helpful in curing a yeast infection and therefore, the consumption of raw garlic can either be increased in a diet, or crushed garlic can be applied to the area. Some people prefer using garlic oil instead, which is also quite effective.

Since stress is one of the factors that could cause an imbalance of hormones or even the Candida fungi, people are advised to engage in stress relieving techniques like yoga or meditation.

The home remedies for Candida mentioned above are quite safe, but should only be used after consulting a doctor.

answered by G M on 29 Mar 2011, 3:13:17

Candida-

Candida is a type of yeast common as fungal infection.
The basic variety effecting humans and animals is Candida albicans.
It can cause various infections basically being the thrush, occurring in oropharyngeal area or valve vaginal area.
It mainly manifests in the people suffering from HIV or cancers even after chemotherapies.
The other types of Candida besides albicans include. C parapsilosis, C.tropicalis, C dubliniensis, C glabrata
Genitourinary tract and gastro intestinal tract are responsible for majority Candida blood stream infections.

answered by D M K on 18 Nov 2007, 8:08:43

Advice on Candida

What is Candida? (16 Aug 2007)

What is Candida?
(16 Aug 2007)