Candida Symptoms

Candida are yeast (154 different species) that are members of normal flora of skin, gastrointestinal tract and genitals. It is also found in the environment, particularly on leaves, flowers, water, and soil. The most widespread and important of the candida species is Candida albicans.

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Candida albicans is a dimorphic organism. This means that under normal conditions it is a sugar fermenting budding yeast. In acidic pH or when our immune system is weakened, it shifts into its fungal form and becomes pathogenic (disease causing, harmful). This condition is known as candidiasis. Candida overgrowth then sets off a cycle that leads to the further weakening of the body's defenses, which in turn allows candida to spread even further.

To break the cycle it is usually necessary to address many of the contributing factors, but eliminating candida is the first and crucial step. Without that, no treatment is likely to have a substantial and lasting effect.

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What is candidiasis?

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Our gastrointestinal tract is lined with mucus that is home to up to 500 different species of microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeast. These organisms serve very important functions. They produce enzymes that help us digest food and keep pathogenic microorganisms in check. The intestinal ecosystem, however, is very fragile and can be easily thrown out of balance by

• Large and/or repeated doses of antibiotics

• Orally administered steroids (contraceptive pill and other steroid-containing medication)

• Stress

• Compromised immune system due to illness, chemotherapy or heavy metal toxicity

• Diabetes

• Parasites

• Acidic pH in the digestive system (due to red meat and refined sugar consumption).

• Poor Diet

When the protection of the useful microbes and that of the intestinal lining is impaired, proliferation of harmful organisms starts (dysbiosis). Candida transforms itself from a harmless yeast form to a pathogenic fungal form, a condition called candidiasis. Antibiotics contribute to this state twofold. They kill or suppress many of the useful bacteria in the intestines (together with the bacteria they were supposed to kill elsewhere in the body) and also serve as growth promoting factors for candida.

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Men's or Women's Candida symptoms may include:

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• Vaginal Yeast Infection

• Constant fatigue

• Oral Thrush (white film in mouth or on tongue)

• Abdominal pain

• Bloating and indigestion

• Joint pain with arthritis-like symptoms

• Chronic sinus drainage -which antibiotics don't help!

• Weight loss OR gain and the inability to change it.

• Brain "fog" -easily feel overwhelmed by mental tasks

• Fungus on the fingernails or toenails

• Reoccurring Urinary infections  

• red, itching eyes

• Skin rashes on the body (eczema, atopic dermatitis)

• Anal itching

• Rashes on or around the sexual organs

• Hair loss

• Depression from feeling low and "bogged down" all the time.

Dangers of uncontrolled candida growth

When Candida growth becomes uncontrolled the following happens: First, fungal metabolites and/or toxins interfere with the functioning of nutrient-uptake and their transfer into the bloodstream. Then the fungus grows long stringy structures (rhizoids) that can penetrate the upper cell layer of the intestinal wall causing symptoms very similar to those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

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Candida Related Diseases:

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

"IBS is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by alterations in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, typically over months or years. A diagnosis of IBS has been reported by 10 to 20% of adults in the United States, and symptoms of IBS are responsible for over 3 million yearly visits to physicians. Research suggests that IBS is one of the most common functional GI disorders. IBS exhibits a predominance in women, with females representing over 70% of IBS sufferers."

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IBS and Candida

As we say above, there are many reasons for IBS. Candida is one condition that can create or worsen this imbalance. Candida takes advantage of weakness or imbalances in the system. For instance, the overuse of antibiotics where the beneficial flora are killed in the gut, allowing fungus to overrun in our digestive tracts. This fungal yeast then ferments (That's what yeast does - give it sugar and it ferments!) and causes gas. It "irritates" the intestinal and stomach linings causing pain.

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Crohn's disease/Ulcerative colitis

"Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the general name for diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and to another type of IBD called ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. Theories about what causes Crohn's disease abound, but none has been proven. The most popular theory is that the body's immune system reacts to a virus or a bacterium by causing ongoing inflammation in the intestine."

Leaky Gut Syndrome is thought to be the underlying cause of bowel disorders and very likely the stage of candidiasis that contributes substantially to food intolerances, environmental sensitivities, allergies and asthma.

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Sinus Infections

Many of you may find it hard to believe this but there is ample proof that most sinus infections are so hard to control because the sinus cavities are not infected with bacteria but filled with fungal yeast!

The following report from the Mayo Clinic concluded that most people with sinus infections are actually dealing with fungal sinusitis! It also shows that the antibiotics given for many sinus infections (to kill bacteria) are not going to work for long. In fact, by killing off the body's beneficial floral bacteria in the gut-they contribute to the fungal yeast overgrowth throughout the body -including the sinuses! They just make your condition worse in the long run!

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We reprint the article here for you.

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Fungus causes most chronic sinusitis, researchers say:

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The Mayo Clinic Breakthrough

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(CNN) -- "Fungus may be the cause of almost all cases of the most frequently reported chronic disease in the United States, sinusitis, instead of only a few as previously thought. And that may be the reason millions of sinus sufferers do not find relief from antibiotics and nasal sprays, according to Mayo Clinic researchers.

"We were able to find fungus which was never thought to be there in almost every case of chronic sinusitis," said Mayo Clinic's Dr. Jens Poinkau.

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Sinusitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the nose and sinuses. Nearly 37 million Americans suffer from it. Sinusitis commonly causes chronic headaches, runny nose, nasal congestion and a diminished sense of smell and taste.

Fungus and mold spores are present in the air and are breathed in all the time. The Mayo Clinic research team looked at 210 patients with sinusitis and discovered more than 40 different kinds of fungi in their nasal passages.

"The amazing thing is that also the inflammation which leads to chronic sinusitis was there in a reaction to the fungus," said Poinkau. Jordan Josephson, an ear, nose and throat specialist in New York, said he was not surprised by the findings.

It was previously known that fungus caused some cases of sinusitis, he said. "The problem is that until recently, when technology improved in our laboratory, we weren't able to culture out the fungus. So now we get better fungal cultures, and we're now getting fungus on more and more of our patients," Josephson said. Now that the fungus problem has been identified, researchers hope to develop better treatments to fight it and to control the body's sensitivity to it.

"The problem is that patients are sensitive to the fungus. And until we find something to change the DNA of that person, or the genetics of that person, change their sensitivity to the fungus, they are always going to be sensitive to that fungus," said Josephson. While research into chronic sinusitis continues, pharmaceutical companies are setting up clinical trials to test medications to control the fungus. They estimate it will be two years before any treatments are available."

Interesting that the doctors take the task of expecting to find a way to control the fungus through drugs. Why not kill it at the source? That's what we are going to suggest. But what is the source of this fungus? Why do you have it in the first place?

For many reasons including the use of antibiotics and our love of sugary foods and drinks, yeast has overgrown and gone wild in our bodies.

Many people live with this Candida yeast overgrowth and don't know it, never heard of it, have no idea what it is.

But if you have chronic sinus blockage, drainage or pain and have taken antibiotics in your lifetime you most likely are dealing with a fungal overgrowth in your digestive tract which easily spreads throughout the body.

Food intolerance and environmental sensitivities
As the intestinal mucosa becomes permeable, macromolecules (partially digested dietary proteins), toxins and pathogens can enter the bloodstream and reach organs that they normally would not. Food intolerance and environmental sensitivities are adverse reactions to certain nutrients and environmental pollutants (tobacco smoke, dust, chemicals etc.) that do not involve the immune system's actions. They cause milder symptoms than allergies, but they are not harmless. They can be the prime cause of many niggling, long-term problems that are able to run down the immune system and make one feel ill over time.

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Allergies and autoimmune disorders
Allergies develop when the agents (antigens) that entered the bloodstream set off a reaction by the immune system. Some of these molecules are similar to molecules of human tissue and when the immune system develops antibodies to attack the antigens it attacks healthy tissue as well and autoimmune disorders develop. It is possible to distinguish between the toxic and allergic reactions by testing for antibodies against suspected antigens.

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Thrush

From MayoClinic.com

"Oral thrush is a condition in which the fungus Candida albicans grows out of control. Like most healthy people, you probably have small amounts of the fungus in your mouth and digestive tract and on your skin. You can't see the fungus and normally won't know it's there — it usually doesn't cause problems because normal bacteria (flora) in your body keep its growth in check. But when this balance is disturbed — by medications or illness — Candida can grow out of control, leading to problems such as diaper rash and vaginal yeast infections as well as oral thrush.

Oral thrush causes creamy white lesions, usually on your tongue or inner cheeks. The lesions can be painful and may bleed slightly when you scrape them or brush your teeth. Sometimes oral thrush may spread to the roof of your mouth, your gums, tonsils or the back of your throat.

Although oral thrush can affect anyone, it occurs most often in babies and toddlers, older adults, and people whose immune systems have been compromised by illness or medications. Oral thrush is a minor problem for healthy children and adults, but for those with weakened immune systems, symptoms of oral thrush may be more severe, widespread and difficult to control."

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Causes

When the defense mechanisms are down from either physical or mental exhaustion the overgrowth of Candida yeast is more likely. It is common in women either pregnant or on oral contraceptives. Antibiotics will deplete the naturally occurring bacteria in the gut and disturb the natural balance of the body. This will cause the overgrowth of fungal yeast which leads to thrush. Thrush is otherwise known as Candidiasis, Moniliasis, or yeast infection."

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Oral thrush

"Oral thrush is characterized by ulcers or lesions in the mouth caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. The lesions are painful, slightly raised, whitish in appearance, and cause a dry mouth."

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Vaginal Thrush

A vaginal yeast outbreak causes itching and sometimes odor and a cheesy discharge. The area is often redder than usual. It is often painful too, especially on intercourse, and may be associated with frequency of passing water and burning or pain on passing water. It may therefore be confused with bladder infections (cystitis). Vaginal thrush, however is usually associated with itching, which cystitis is not.

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Men's Candida Symptoms

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Certain things can happen in lives that just change everything.

A Candida yeast rash on your genitals ranks as one of those things.

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It's embarrassing to even think about having an intimate relationship with someone knowing that you could be giving them your problem. Or maybe you just have too much discomfort to even think about such things as "intimate relationships".

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Male candida is not a misnomer

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I didn't want to think of myself as having "Candida". I thought it was a woman's problem. Turns out I was wrong. Candida is simply an overgrowth of yeast in the body that can manifest in women or men. Women often experience this as a vaginal infection. For men, Candida often manifests as a rash on your skin. This could be on your arms, your face or the more closed and damp areas like your groin/genital area. Here are some symptoms:

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Symptoms of Male yeast Infection

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• Irritation / soreness on the head of the penis

• Reddish rash / itching on the head of the penis

• Small blisters on the head and shaft

• Rash that spreads into the groin and anus with itching and irritation.

• Clumpy discharge from the penis.

Any of the above symptoms can also indicate an STD -- sexually-transmitted disease. Please check with your doctor and rule out any possible STD's. You may need specific medications to treat an STD.

You might wonder: how did all this happen? Why Me? Well, there are many possible causes and they are not always your fault.

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A Yeast Infection Can Be Caused By

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• A weakened immune system from prolonged illness or high stress

• Sexual Transmission from a woman with a vaginal yeast infection

• Antibiotics that kill the beneficial bacteria in the gut. (This beneficial bacteria is what keeps the natural yeast in our bodies from growing wild!)

• Lifestyle: eating -- or drinking -- lots of sugars and carbs.

• Men with diabetes can easily develop yeast infections because high levels of sugar in the urine create an environment beneficial for yeast to overgrow

Can I really get it from my partner?

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From Wikipedia

"In penile candidiasis, the causes include sexual intercourse with an infected party, low immunity, antibiotics, and diabetes... However, yeast infection on the penis from direct contact via sexual intercourse with an infected woman is not uncommon."

The Mayo Clinic's Answer on Sexual Transmission of Yeast Infection

"...women can also get yeast infections from men. So it's important to treat both partners if a yeast infection is suspected. To minimize the risk of passing the infection to a partner, it is generally recommended that you abstain from sexual activity until all of your symptoms are gone."

Candida Yeast Overgrowth happens in a body that is "ripe" for it. As always, Knowledge is Power! There are many treatments that are NOT going to get rid of your problem. Topical creams may work temporarily -- but your rash will likely continue to resurface. Pharmaceutical antifungals like Nystatin will only temporarily help as they only treat the symptoms and not the cause.

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For Men, the Yeast Infection story can get Worse

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The fungus can start on the head of the penis and it can travel down the shaft, into the moist areas of the groin and onto the anus where it can develop into a painful itchy anal rash. Though rare, the fungus may even travel inside the shaft of the penis where it would then cause a yeasty discharge. This is a horrifying sight and creates painful urination.

You may also have the other symptoms of Candida yeast overgrowth, fatigue, stomach bloating / indigestion / burping, brain fog, fungal sinus infections, white film on your tongue, etc.

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Candida Yeast Infection needs to be dealt with from the inside out. Taking a few minutes to understand this now can help you avoid years of frustration. Believe me, I know! If you don't go after IT, IT will continue to go after you (and get worse) until you do something about it!

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Candida overgrowth often contributes to malabsorption (decreased nutrient uptake) as well, a problem that can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that in turn can affect a large number of enzymatic functions throughout the body. Of the mineral deficiencies most notable are copper, zinc (typical of children with autism) and magnesium.

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Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis

One of the many symptoms always listed for Candida overgrowth is "itchy rash". Walk into a doctor’s office with an itchy rash and it’s most likely to be labeled "eczema", "atopic dermatitis" or "atopic eczema". But these rashes are often caused by yeast overgrowth.

Skin rash is not the only symptom that eczema sufferers have in common with Candida sufferers. A craving for sweets, a worsening of skin rash under damp conditions and food allergies are some others.

One of the treatments for eczema has been an "alkaline diet". This diet is similar to the classic Candida diet. People who could follow this diet perfectly would often find that their eczema went away. This diet works the same way for Candida sufferers.

We believe these diagnoses of "eczema", ''atopic dermatitis" or "atopic eczema" are often none other than a yeast rash from the systemic overgrowth of Candida, also known as Candidiasis.

Candidiasis and the nervous system
The effect on the nervous system of candida overgrowth is also manifold. Candida produces toxins (canditoxin and ethanol) that affect our brain and it releases metabolites that are also toxic and interfere with our biochemical processes. Overgrowth leads to the release of these molecules in large quantity.

Canditoxin, when injected into rats, causes unsettled behavior, paralysis of the limbs and ultimately death. We read a mention (but could not find the Japanese reference) that canditoxin also causes long-term impairment of the immune system.

Ethanol (alcohol) is known to cause fatigue, aggression, depression and toxicity. Most notable of the fungal metabolites is tartaric acid, a very toxic molecule similar to malic acid. Malic acid is a key molecule in the energy producing biochemical process of our cells (Krebs cycle). By replacing malic acid in the Krebs cycle, tartaric acid compromises cellular energy production, and is likely to be directly linked to the fatigue and cognitive problems (brain fog) that often accompany chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, for example. Tartaric acid is highly toxic to muscles (and the kidneys), which would explain why muscle pain is so prevalent in many of the disorders discussed here. Another yeast metabolite, arabinose, has been also been suggested to play a role in hypoglycemia and protein dysfunctions.

In addition to the above-mentioned inhibition of energy production, effects of canditoxin and ethanol, it has been shown that the brain can be reached by partially digested molecules from dairy and wheat products such as casomorphine (from dairy products) and gluteomorphine/gliadorphine (from wheat and other grass seeds). These molecules, if they enter the brain, act like morphine by interacting with the brain's opioid system. The opioid system is central to the regulation of cognition, pain perception, memory, blood pressure, sexual activity and some aspects of immune function.

Summary

In summary, candidiasis is a condition that develops when the immune system is weakened and/or improper diet is followed. Candida overgrowth then sets off a cycle that leads to the further weakening of the body's defenses, which in turn allows candida to spread even further. This cycle is illustrated here.

To break the cycle one usually has to address many of the contributing factors, but killing/removing candida is the first and crucial step. Without that, no treatment is likely to have a substantial and lasting effect.

In the light of the above discussion it is not surprising that candidiasis has been linked to so many symptoms, such as:

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• food and environmental allergies/intolerances/sensitivities

• neurological and psychological problems (hyperactivity, irritability, mood swings, depression)

• Cognitive problems (brain fog, problems with short term memory)

• overall feeling of sickness (low energy and aches and pains)

• digestive problems

• sleep disturbances

And it is also less surprising to see candidiasis as an etiological factor is disorders as diverse as:

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• high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)

• neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism/PDD, AD/HD)

• autoimmune diseases (Addison's disease, Fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc.)

• bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome)

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Asthma

The more commonly known symptoms of candidiasis are:

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• dry, itchy, flaky skin

• acne

• jock itch

• athlete's foot

• severe diaper rash

• Thrush

• recurring vaginal infections

Once you have read through the following and have decided that this is a concern for your health there are a few steps you have to take to treat candida.

Dietary changes. It is a well established fact that Candida thrives on sugar and foods which are quickly converted into sugar in your body.

These foods include alcohol, starchy carbohydrates, dairy, and processed grains. Removing these foods from your diet, or severely reducing them, will in essence starve the Candida and thus stop the problem.

It will also be important to make sure you’re regularly evacuating waste (bowel movements). Candida causes constipation and a backup of waste matter in your intestines and colon help to create an ideal environment for Candida overgrowth.

Laxatives are harmful to your digestive tract and are not recommended, however, a colon cleanse and a high fiber diet will generally help to repair the problem.

Lifestyle changes. Your doctor will also recommend exercise. Exercise is essential for a healthy digestive and immune system. Both are required to combat Candida overgrowth. Supplements.