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:
·
The
gastrointestinal and genitourinary
tracts.
·
Allergic
responses
·
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.
