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 compromise 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 are 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 are 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.
