Like
various bacteria and virus, yeasts are present
everywhere and carried through the air primarily as
spores as well as by other means. Some fungi are
dimorphic and alternate between the spherical or yeast
form and the root-like or hyphal form. Candida albicans,
which is the main cause of intestinal
Candidiasis, is dimorphic. It is the hyphal
form which penetrates into tissues and is particularly
difficult to treat.
Candida
forms a part of the normal flora of our body. It is
forever lurking in moist and dark places of the body.
When our resistance to infection weakens, it can grow
rapidly in our bodies. This normally happens when one or
more predisposing factors compromises the immune system
and the yeast population escapes competition from the
beneficial bacteria which kept its population in check.
Some potentiating factors which result in
intestinal Candidiasis are repeated use
of antibiotics which kill the beneficial bacteria,
diabetes mellitus, HIV, hormonal imbalance, use of
medicines such as steroids, ulcer medications, birth
control pills, estrogen replacement therapy, and
suppression of immune system due to radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, and organ transplant surgery. A high sugar
and starch diet is also a predisposing factor,
especially in diabetic
patients.
When
the harmonious coexistence of friendly bacteria and
Candida in the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted it
leads to intestinal Candidiasis. In some types,
the roots penetrate the mucosal lining of the intestine.
When this mucous membrane lining is penetrated by the
hyphae, it becomes possible for partially digested food
particles, toxins, and yeast products to pass into the
bloodstream causing systemic Candidiasis. As the immune
system attempts to grapple with the foreign substances
in the blood a variety of symptoms occur. There is a
general feeling of malaise and chronic fatigue. Thrush,
bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea,
intestinal cramps, rectal itching is also present. It
affects the nervous system causing depression and
irritability. There are frequent bladder infections,
menstrual irregularities and decreased libido. As
resistance is further lowered, a variety of infections
and allergies set in, which can even be
life-threatening.
Treating intestinal Candidiasis requires a comprehensive and holistic approach which involves reduction of predisposing factors to Candida overgrowth, enhancing immune function, improving digestion and elimination, supporting liver function, and inhibiting Candida growth. The protocol generally involves several kinds of treatment, such as Candida diets which are basically sugar free as yeasts thrive on sugar, and high in proteins; probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are given to rebalance the microflora; herbal supplements; cleansing and detoxification etc. Along with these, patient-centric therapy like lifestyle changes, reducing stress, detoxifying the body, psychological support are also warranted to prevent recurrences.
