CANDIDA ALBICANS

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that is caused by a yeast known as Candida albicans.

This fungus is usually present in the mouth, throat, gastrointestinal tract and the genital region. It can also be present on the skin. Under normal circumstances, the fungus does not pose any risk to the body because the number of the fungus is kept under control by other bacteria.

However, when the fungus multiplies, that is when candidiasis sets in.

Candidiasis usually is seen to develop in people with compromised immune system.

If the infection is not treated, it can become quite serious. Candidiasis can develop in the blood, and from there it can affect different organs of the body, including the brain.

Everyone has candida, a form of yeast ( Candida Albicans ), normally confined to the lower bowels, vagina and the skin.

In healthy individuals with strong, functioning immune systems, it is harmless and kept in check by "good" bacteria, called Bifidobacteria and Acidophilus. But if the balance of the intestinal environment is altered by a compromised immune system or other factors, then opportunistic candida proliferates, infecting other body tissues. The candida becomes pathogenic, transforming from a simple yeast into an aggressive ( mycelial ) fungus that can severely compromise one's health. This condition is known as "candidiasis".

Many women get vaginal candidiasis, which causes a thick white discharge accompanied with itching and burning sensation. The infection can also develop in the mouth in the form of white ulcers on the tongue, gums and insides of the cheek.

Both men and women are susceptible to candidiasis. Breastfeeding mothers can pass on the infection to babies through breast milk.

It is very rare for the infection to pass through sexual contact.

Diet : 

In order to overcome candidiasis, sugar must be avoided in all it's various forms.

These include : sucrose, dextrose, fructose, fruit juices, honey, maple syrup, molasses, milk products (which contains lactose), most fruit (except berries), and potatoes (whose starch converts into sugar). Dr Black says, " In treating candida, my basic dietary taboos are sweets, alcohol, and refined carbo-hydrates." Many candidiasis sufferers also have allergies and sensitivity to various foods. Although candida albicans yeast is not synonymous to yeast in foods, such as bread, a cross-reaction between the food yeast and candida frequently occurs. As a result, foods containing or promoting yeast, such as baked goods, alcohol, and vinegar, should be avoided until possible sensivities are clearly diagnosed.

Try this simple test to see if you have candida.

First thing in the morning, before you put ANYTHING in your mouth, get a clear glass.

Fill with water and work up a bit of saliva, then spit it into the glass of water.

Check the water every 15 minutes or so for up to one hour. If you have a candida yeast infection, you will see strings (like legs) traveling down into the water from the saliva floating on the top, or "cloudy" saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass, or cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water.

If there are no strings and the saliva is still floating after at least one hour, you are probably candida yeast free.

Although self-help is therapeutic for candidiasis, a health regimen should be undertaken with the guidance of a practitioner who understands the condition and is willing to try a variety of treatment options. Recovery from chronic candidiasis seldom takes less than three months and is usually well advanced by six months, but it can take longer to recover completely. Medical studies show that until bowel candida is under control, local manifestations will continue to appear (such as vaginal thrush). Local treatment alone (for thrush, or other symptoms ) is not enough.

Many years of birth control pills & massive exposure to metals & pesticides can contribute Candida . 

I think part of the ongoing problem of re- infection cycles is that doctors do not consider yeast infections a serious systemic problem that can weaken a woman and impact her overall health--and even her moods. Plus the fact that antibiotics are still dispensed like candy in many places. people who do not read food labels or people who buy processed foods are at higher risk. The best advice I can give about diet is to eat fresh or seasonal local foods and nothing that comes packaged.

A good diet for sufferers is a supper of white fish or mutton, cruciferous vegetables (lightly/barely cooked) and dark leafy (inc. beet?) greens with a wedge of lemon or stir-fried with absolute minimal (sesame?) oil. A very light diet without heavy foods or many calories. Smaller portions than normal. Simplify. No starch or sugar. No heavy dressings or condiments. Probiotic foods like sauerkraut or fermented vegetables. Light soups and miso broths. Maybe a green smoothie for breakfast. Drink lots of water and green tea as beverages.

No fruit. Do this for a week and even a persistent case of yeast will come under control. Esp. look for the hidden sugars in your diet. If you work away from home, you may need to carry thermoses for soup and tea for lunch.

References:

1.   Kothavade RJ, Kura MM, Valand AG, Panthaki MH. Candida tropicalis: its prevalence, pathogenicity and increasing resistance to fluconazole. J Med Microbiol. 2010 Aug;59(Pt 8):873-80. doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.013227-0. Epub 2010 Apr 22.

2.   Martin KW, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses. 2004 Apr;47(3-4):87-92.

Anything you like to add  …………?

What is good for one may not be good for another. It's all about biochemical individuality. Everybody is different. There are only three things women need in life: food, water, and compliments.

Disclaimer :

The information in this article is solely for the purpose of communicating with my contacts/ followers and members of the LinkedIn Community… Further, users are advised to seek professional medical assistance in the event that they are suffering from any medical problem.Self over the counter medication/or supplements are not advised.