Candidiasis is a fungal infection which is caused by yeast-like fungi. In some cases, candidiasis is very persistent and unpleasant and can often come back. It is a common condition, which can lead to a large number of chronic symptoms. Candidiasis is not recognized by mainstream medicine.
Cause
A yeast often found in humans is Candida albicans. This yeast is present in almost everyone as a normal inhabitant of the skin, mouth, intestine and vagina and forms a certain balance with the bacteria present there. A candidiasis infection usually occurs when the immune system is weakened and the intestinal flora is disturbed. Therefore, the yeast can form wires. From that moment on, we speak of a fungus.
The disruption may be caused, for example, by the following:
- Prolonged stress situations.
- Prolonged use of antibiotics.
- Frequent use of processed carbohydrates, alcohol, fast-food and ready-to-eat products.
- Using the contraceptive pill.
- Prolonged use of synthetic cortisone preparations.
- Using other drugs.
In the majority of cases, the cause is a combination of one or more of the factors listed above. Candidiasis is not contagious.
Symptoms
There are three common types of candidiasis: the oral cavity (thrush, is common in infants), the vagina (vaginal yeast infection) and the intestines (intestinal yeast infection). Candidiasis can cause many symptoms and can disrupt the life of the patient completely. Possible signs and symptoms are:
- Digestive system. Abdominal pain, stomach pain, constipation or just diarrhea, dry mouth, acid reflux, bloating, flatulence, mucus in the stool.
- Hyperactive immune system. Food hypersensitivity, food allergy, hypersensitivity to chemical smells and perfume, other hypersensitivities.
- Poor immune system. Recurrent infections, such as recurrent pharyngitis and maxillary sinusitis or vaginal infections. This often follows, due to depletion of the immune system, after the stage of hyperactivity.
- Mental. Crying, depression, anxiety and panic attacks, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, feelings of unreality, nervousness, having no resistance to stress.
- Hormonal. In women: menstrual disturbances. In men: impotence. General: fluctuating blood sugars, loss of libido.
- Skin. Eczema, nail fungus, chronic rash or itch.
- Chronic fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, tingling and weak muscles, cold hands and feet, sleepiness.
Not all signs and symptoms occur only as a result of candidiasis.
Diagnosis
To diagnose candidiasis, all kinds of methods are proposed, such as Live Blood Analysis (LBA), electroacupuncture, kinesiology, bioresonance, etc. Scientific research, however, has never been able to prove that these methods can detect candida albicans or an infection with this yeast.
Treatment
In practice, it turns out that candidiasis can be best addressed on multiple fronts simultaneously. An adapted diet is always effective. There is an anti-candidiasis diet. By avoiding products with lots of sugar, the yeast becomes devoid of nutrients. In addition, supplementary medications can be used. In case of prolonged and severe symptoms, there will often be proposed to use medicines that keep off or kill the yeast. In natural medicine, supplements based on caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, pau d’arco and/or papaya are frequently used.
Prognosis
Vaginal candidiasis usually responds to treatment within a few days. Oral candidiasis is often difficult to treat, especially in combination with other immunological conditions. The results of the treatment depend on the size and the location of the infection and whether the patient has an underlying life-threatening illness. The presence of candidiasis in the bloodstream (candidemia) has a mortality rate of thirty to forty percent.
Considerations
- Take care of a strong immune system. Eat healthy and varied and take sufficient (night)rest.
- Restore and strengthen, where necessary, intestinal flora with so-called probiotics.
- Good hygiene is extra important in infants. When breastfeeding, it's wise to wash hands and nipples with lukewarm water before each feeding. Teats (of bottles) can best be boiled daily and stored in a dry and clean place.
- Don’t wash the vagina with soap, as it disturbs the natural acidity of the vagina. Preferably use lukewarm water.
- Keep the skin thoroughly clean and dry. Gently pat the skin dry, rather than hard rubbing. Optionally use talcum powder in skin folds and with babies to absorb the moisture.
- Try to avoid stress as much as possible. Prolonged stress is one of the main factors undermining the immune system and makes a person more susceptible to infections.
