Candida albicans is a normal inhabitant of the human body. It is termed as an “opportunistic pathogen”. Under healthy conditions, their number is kept in check by the friendly organism-Lactobacillus. When uncontrolled it poses a serious threat to health and well-being of an individual. Alternatively, since Candida albicans causes symptoms in conditions of chemical imbalance and lowered immunity, it may be considered as an "early warning system" of dangers ahead. These conditions may occur after antibiotic or steroid or cancer therapy, HIV infections, diabetes, unhealthy food habits and lifestyle in general, stress etc.
The
result of overgrowth of Candida albicans causes
symptoms which may be classified
under:
1)
The gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts.
2)
Allergic responses, and:
3)
Mental/emotional manifestations.
The
symptoms of Candida albicans are diverse in nature and
vary from one individual to another. They usually start
near the site of the initial yeast overgrowth. As
Candida is normally found on the skin and mucus
membranes, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract, the
infection first manifests as nasal
congestion and discharge, nasal itching, blisters in the
mouth, sore throat, abdominal pain, belching, bloating,
heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, rectal burning or
itching, vaginal discharge, vaginal itching or burning,
increasingly worsening symptoms of PMS, prostatitis,
impotence, frequent urination, burning on urination,
bladder infections etc.
If
left untreated for a long time, the
immune system is further weakened and Candida spreads to
all parts of the body causing more problems such
as fatigue,
drowsiness, disorientation, poor coordination, lack of
concentration, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, bad
breath, coughing, wheezing, joint swelling, arthritis,
failing vision, spots in front of the eyes, ear pain,
deafness, burning or tearing eyes, muscle aches,
depression, irritability, sweet cravings, increasing
food and chemical sensitivities, numbness and tingling,
cold hands and feet, asthma, hay fever, multiple
allergies, hives and rashes, eczema, psoriasis, chronic
fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and
fingernail/ toenail infections.
As
the Candida increases in number, it is known to produce
79 different types of toxins which circulate in the
bloodstream, thus explaining the plethora of symptoms.
The Candida undergoes mutation to the hyphal form in the
intestinal tract, burrowing deep into the walls causing
the contents of the intestinal tract to spill out. The
Candida also causes the immune system to produce
antibodies to everything resulting in sensitivities to
otherwise benign antigens. The female hormone, estrogen,
increases the amount of glycogen making women more
susceptible to Candida infections than
men.
The
Candida
albicans symptoms
are signs of a deeper malady which needs to be cured in
order to get rid of the yeast overgrowth. Antifungals
will get rid of Candida but not the conditions which
caused the overgrowth in the first place, thus setting
the stage for recurrence. A holistic approach to solving
the problem is the ideal choice. Adopting healthy eating
and living habits, managing weight and stress, natural
remedies are all part of the holistic healing
program.
