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What Is Candidiasis?
Candida albicans is a
single-celled yeast-like fungus that can be found in and on
the mucous membranes of many regions of the body. Within a
healthy immune system (and given ample amounts of good
“friendly” bacteria) this fungus remains in balanced
proportion. However, when the healthy balance or correct
intestinal medium is disturbed, the friendly bacteria lose
their stronghold and this fungus (as well as related yeasts
and fungi, bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other
pathogenic substances) is allowed to multiply and colonize
throughout the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal
tract.
If the yeast gets out of control, and the gastrointestinal
tract lining becomes weakened and permeable, the fungus can
infiltrate into the blood and migrate throughout the body.
Once this environmental change has taken place, a state of
dysbiosis may follow where there are more pathogenic
micro-organisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract than
there are beneficial ones.
Symptoms of Candidiasis:
Symptoms range from gastrointestinal tract troubles such as
bloating, excessive gas, halitosis, chronic abdominal
distension, diarrhea, thrush, colitis, chronic indigestion
and digestive weakness, to skin problems such as acne, scalp
afflictions, nail fungus, diaper rash, athlete’s foot, jock
itch, hive-like symptoms, rash, eczema and psoriasis to
female disorders such as hormonal system changes, disruption
of normal monthly cycle (PMS, dysmenorrhea, early periods,
etc.), vaginal itching, cystitis, yeast infections, bladder
disorders, and vaginal swelling. Similar male disorders,
neurological and neuromuscular disorders, respiratory
disorders, emotional or mental disorders and cardiovascular
disorders, have all been linked to Candidiasis.
The most important thing to remember is that with decreased
immune system activity. these symptoms run unchecked. It is
therefore very important to build up the immune system
through right eating and selective use of herbs.
Candida Albicans
First identified in the 1950's, it is estimated that over
85% of the American population has an overgrowth of Candida
that is raging out of control.
It is surprising that most people think Candida afflicts
mainly women as a "yeast infection". Candida infects people
of all ages including infants, adolescents, and adults, both
male and female, yet the symptoms manifest in many ways not
only as a "yeast infection".
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