Candidiasis can be
classified as an opportunistic infection. This is one of
the diagnoses on an HIV positive patient. The infection
is caused by a common genus of yeast called
candida. This type of yeast is considered a
commensal or non-parasitic. This means that this type of
yeast thrives within the human body without having any
adverse effect on it. What causes the infection is the
abnormal overgrowth of candida in the body that
kills the beneficial bacteria needed by the immune
system. Candida usually infects the mouth,
genitals, throat and intestines. Usually, a more serious
infection will occur a month or a year after obtaining
candidiasis.
Thrush is
the candidiasis of the mouth. When the infection
spreads deeper down the throat, it is called
esophagitis. These cause sore throats, loss of appetite,
nausea, and pain when swallowing. It appears as white
patches that seem like cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast
infection also appears like cottage cheese or as a
white, thick discharge that usually smells of beer or
spoiled bread. Symptoms include itching and an
uncomfortable burning feeling.
Candida
can also be malignant and can cause infection in the
brain, intestines, heart, joints and
eyes.
Candidiasis
Prevention
There is
no proven measure to prevent exposure to candida
as of yet. There are anti-candida diets
prescribed by some nutritionist but these are not
entirely done to eliminate candida in the body,
but to halt its proliferation. Strengthening the immune
system is the best way to prevent worsening the effect
of candidiasis in the body.
Medical
Treatments: Pros and Cons
Again, the
aim in the treatment of candidiasis is not to
eliminate the candida in the body but to control
it. A healthy immune system balances the amount of
candida. Probiotics that is beneficial to
the body decreases due to candida infestations.
On the contrary, too much intake of antibiotics can
further promote candida outgrowth.
There are
two types of medical treatment for candidiasis.
One is the local treatment wherein the medication is
directly applied on the infected area. Creams and other
liquids can be applied externally. Troches and lozenges
are prescribed against thrush. Vaginal yeast infections
are treated by suppositories.
Most
doctors prefer to use local treatment at the onset as it
has fewer known side effects than systemic medication –
the other type of treatment. The medications used to
control candida overgrowth are antifungal drugs.
Local treatment is preferred because medications
sometimes become resistant to candida. Systemic
medication is therefore needed only if local treatments
fail or when the infection becomes malignant. Systemic
drugs usually come in pills.
The most
notable side effects of Candidiasis medications are
vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Almost 20% of
people who uses these drugs acquire the side
effects.
Candidiasis
oftentimes reoccurs. Antifungal
drugs are prescribed for long-term maintenance. This
causes the yeast to mutate and eventually, the system
will be resistant to the drug.
Read More about
Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) Medications
Natural
Therapy and Holistic Approach
There are
a few known naturopathy tips that are medically unproven
but statistically works. Here are some natural treatment
methods known to help achieve immediate relief from
candidiasis:
- Reduction
or elimination of sugar intake.
- Garlic
supplements or raw garlic have antifungal and
antibacterial properties.
- For
thrush, gargle tea tree oil diluted in
water.
- Eat
yogurt with live lactobacillus strain after taking
antibiotics.
An
effective cure
for
Candidiasis must be multi-dimensional
and must not be limited to lifestyle and dietary
changes, or specific natural remedies. The holistic all
natural approach is based on taking specific herbal and
vitamin supplements while following a complete set of
dietary principals, lifestyle changes and specific
Candidiasis
control protocols. This approach is aimed at tackling
all the underlying conditions that trigger Candida
overgrowth, and as such can cure all types of yeast
infections thoroughly and prevent their recurrence,
safely and effectively.
