Candidiasis (moniliasis) is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast found in the human body known as candida. Candidiasis symptoms can appear anywhere in the body affecting the skin, nails, mouth (oral candidiasis), as well as external symptoms such as digestive issues, memory, mood swings and others. This often leads to mistakes in the Candidiasis treatment where individual symptoms are treated without addressing the root cause of the infection.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a naturally occurring yeast-like fungi found in small amounts in the digestive system, mouth, vagina and skin. The Latin origin of the name means white, which is the color of candida.
Our body normally hosts over 3 pounds of 500 different types of bacteria and yeast, especially in the digestive system. One of their many functions is to help the body with digestion and nutrient absorption, since not all food can be fully digested by the body alone (for example fiber).
Candida and yeast can actually help the body in cases of bacterial overgrowth, digestion of excess sugars and even in cases of heavy metal toxicity.
Candidiasis (Moniliasis)
Normally the growth of candida is being controlled by good bacteria, and as everything in life – as long as there is balance, everything is fine. When this balance is being disturbed, candida changes into a more aggressive fungal form that spreads and releases over 80 different toxins. These toxins can get anywhere in the body, suppress our immune system and cause a wide variety of health issues all over the body.
Did you know?
- This condition is also referred to as candida overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, candida or yeast infection.
- The medical term of this infection is called Candidiasis.
- When this condition affects the mouth, tongue or throat it is called thrush, or oral thrush.
- When this condition affects the vagina, it is called vaginal yeast infection, commonly referred to as yeast infection.
- Most yeast infections are caused by a specific strand of yeast called Candida Albicans (Moniliasis).
What is causing us to get out of balance?
While there are many contributing factors, common ones are:
- Not enough good bacteria to keep candida in check. Common reasons for this may be due to use of antibiotics or medication that reduce the amount of good bacteria
- Diet that feeds the Candida more than the good bacteria. Usually a.Diet that is high in sugars, processed food or in general, bad eating habits
- Low or compromised immune system due to health conditions or other treatments
- High estrogen levels.
- High levels of stress.
- Birth control pill
- Overeating
- Hormonal issues
- Exposure to toxins or heavy metals
- Other health issues such as bacterial infections
For the complete list, see: candida overgrowth causes.
Candidiasis, candida and yeast infection symptoms
A person with Candidiasis and yeast infection usually experience health issues and symptoms across multiple body systems:
- Skin & Nails issues.
- Digestion issues, bloating, gas.
- Low energy, fatigue.
- Poor memory, focus issues, brain fog.
- Behavior changes and mood swings.
- Headaches, migraines.
- Sinus infection.
- Weight gain, difficulty to lose weight, eating disorders.
- Muscles & joints pain.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Low sex drive, impotence in men.
- Allergies.
Sounds familiar? Keep reading as we explain about this condition further.
How common are Candidiasis, candida and yeast Infection?
It is believed by many health experts that in north America 7 out of 10 people suffer from candidiasis and yeast infections. Considering the standard American diet and the wide use of antibiotic, this is not surprising at all.
This means that in north America alone, over 220 Million people suffer from candidiasis and yeast infections.
Candidiasis Testing
Candidiasis test and candida overgrowth test often present challenges to patients and health practitioners in getting an accurate candida diagnosis. Many of the candida tests that are commonly available are not always enough to identify the candida overgrowth or its severity. One of the reasons for this is that it is normal to find candida in the body. People’s tolerance and response to the candida overgrowth may be completely different in terms of symptoms and the way they feel.
For this reason, healthcare professionals usually rely on multiple factors to test for candida overgrowth and yeast infection issues. (source). These candida tests include:
- Existing candida and yeast infection symptoms.
- Medical history of the patient.
- Physical examination.
- Laboratory tests such as candida stool test, saliva test (not the spit test!), blood test, urine test, candida antibodies test, skin test, vaginal discharge test, and others.
- The existence of multiple candida overgrowth and yeast infection symptoms along with risks factors are usually good indications to start the treatment for candida overgrowth.
To see our self candida assessment, see: Candidiasis home test.
Candidiasis Treatment
Conventional doctors usually start with a treatment of topical, vaginal and/or oral antifungal medication. This symptom-based approach does not always address the cause of the infection, which in most cases is in the gut. Furthermore, in candida yeast may develop resistance to antifungal medication. The result is reoccuring yeast infections and candida issues.
As a natural alternative, many people go towards the candida cleanse for Candidiasis which typically include 3 major parts:
- Best Doctors For Candida Overgrowth & Yeast infection - June 7, 2019
- Candida Cleanser : The Complete Natural Solution - June 2, 2019
- Strongest Candida Killer : Best Natural Antifungal Supplements & Foods - May 20, 2019