Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida. Candida is carried by 30-50% of the population and is commonly found on the skin, mouth, gut and vagina. However, Candida overgrowth can become excessive in some individuals and cause further health issues. Candidiasis, the overgrowth of yeast, can occur in immunocompromised individuals. However, it can also occur in others, especially women. Many Candida treatments do not address the root of the issue and cause re-infection.
Candidiasis can occur from:
· Antibiotic treatment
· Drinking alcohol
· Eating sugar or excessive fruit
· Imbalanced gut bacteria
· Oral medications
· Stress
· Weakened immune system
· A diet high in refined carbohydrates
· Proton-pump inhibitors
· Birth control pills
1. Digestive issues
Candida can cause digestive issues. As well as upsetting the healthy balance of gut flora in the body, overgrowth leaves toxins that can damage the cell wall and lead to a leaky gut. Gut colonisation creates inflammation, leading to a vicious cycle of persistent bloating, stinky flatulence, abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, which are all signs of irritable bowel syndrome.
2. Brain fog
Gut colonisation of Candida can lead to other symptoms, including poor memory and cognitive impairment, commonly called “brain fog”. Brain fog can make it difficult to concentrate and decrease information retention, hindering work, school and home life. Some people may even develop hyperactivity.
3. Mood disorders
Mood disorders are also common with Candida. There is a strong link between the microbiome and mood. Therefore, many people with Candida can suffer from anxiety and depression. It may also be common to have irritability and mood swings.
4. Skin issues
Body signs of Candida overgrowth are recurrent thrush, oral thrush, tinea, or skin rashes. Candida rashes can be present in the warm and moist parts of the body, like the armpit and groin. The itchy visible rash can vary between smaller patches and large red patches. Candida can also present with a creamy white tongue.
5. Recurrent infections
Overgrowth of Candida can cause immune dysfunction and recurrent infections like urinary tract infections. Candida can also affect the sinuses, causing congestion, recurrent postnasal drip, sore throat and sinus infections. Women with Candida overgrowth are at a higher risk of suffering from recurrent thrush, which they can also pass on to their partner.
6. Fatigue
Chronic fatigue and general fatigue can be linked to Candida overgrowth. Chronic fatigue is characterised by at least six months of fatigue along with other signs like headaches, muscle and joint pain, poor concentration, forgetfulness, and insomnia.
7. Nutrient deficiencies
Common nutrient deficiencies like magnesium, vitamin B6, and low essential fatty acids also characterise Candida. Low levels of these nutrients can also feed into other signs of Candida, like fatigue, poor immunity, mood disorders and brain fog, potentiating the disease.
8. Autoimmunity
Many autoimmune conditions are associated with increased levels of Candida. These include lupus, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s and rheumatoid arthritis. Candida may contribute to development and worsen the symptoms of these autoimmune conditions, often associated with leaky gut.
Candida treatment
Candida is commonly eradicated with naturopathic treatment, which involves dietary change, killing the fungus with herbal medicine, and treatment to correct nutritional deficiencies.