Candida Albicans

Candida Albicans - The Yeast Infection Culprit

Candida albicans, sometimes known as Monilia, is the most common of the six species of yeast that live in the human body. It is present in more than eighty percent of the human population, usually making its home in the mouth, gastro-intestinal tract, and genital tract.

In most people, it is simply a harmless parasite, feeding off the sugar in the circulatory system, with its growth kept in check by the many beneficial bacteria which also colonize the body; it may even provide some benefits to humans that aren't understood yet.

When the balance between yeast and bacteria is upset, the normally small colonies of Candida albicans can grow out of control, causing several varieties of yeast infection with more or less unpleasant effects, most of which are easily cured with medications and proper diet.

The general term for an overgrowth of this yeast is candidiasis, but the infection goes by many other names depending on the affected region of the body. The most common are vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection), oral thrush, and vulvar rash. It can also be an infectious agent in pinkeye (conjunctivitis) or more serious eye infections like endophthalmitis.

In patients with a compromised immune system, such as those with cancer or HIV, the infections can become serious, as they can affect the esophagus, heart, liver, spleen, lungs, nervous system and more. Deep candidiasis, or fungemia, refers to a rare infection carried in the bloodstream of immuno-compromised patients, which can rapidly affect multiple organs and sometimes leads to death.

What is Candida Albicans?

Candida albicans is a yeast, which is a type of single-celled fungus that reproduces sexually. Like all yeasts, it gets its energy from sugars. Starches, carbohydrates and alcohol which break down into sugar in the body are also a source of nutrients.

Candida albicans normally forms benign colonies which grow upon the moist surfaces of the body, but when the helpful bacteria which "graze" upon it are absent or impaired, a colony can grow rapidly. Under certain circumstances, the unicellular phenotype can change into a different stringy, fibrous form, which extends root-like hyphae and pseudohyphae into the surrounding tissue, anchoring it and allowing toxins to penetrate below the normally impervious mucosal surface.

Where Does Candida Albicans Live?

Candida albicans prefers warm, moist, dark environments, with a pH between 4.0 and 5.0. It is especially widespread in the small intestine, but also thrives in the vaginal canal and the mouth. It can also appear under the arms, between the toes, in the folds of the vulva, or in any part of the body which remains warm and moist for extended periods, especially when enclosed in tight or synthetic clothing. Infants may develop yeast infections as an adjunct to diaper rash, if the folds of skin alongside the genitals and legs are not kept clean and dry.

It is estimated that more than half of healthy individuals (men and women alike) host colonies of Candida albicans, and that nearly seventy-five percent of women will have had an episode of vulvo-vaginal candidiasis at least once in their life.

What Causes Candidiasis?

The most common causes of yeast infections from Candida albicans are the use of antibiotics or steroid medications, vaginal douches, spermicides, and sexual lubricants containing glycerin, all of which can kill off the helpful bacteria which normally keep the yeast in check. Hormone shifts, such as those caused by pregnancy, oral contraceptives or menopause can also open the door to candidiasis. Poor hygiene in wiping or sexual matters can introduce harmful bacteria which attack the beneficial strains.

Diabetes mellitus is a contributing factor as it increases the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Likewise, a diet heavy in sugars, starches and carbohydrates can provide fuel for a growing yeast infection.

Tight clothing which does not allow the skin to "breathe" provides a breeding ground for yeast. Loose cotton clothing and underwear is recommended to curb infections. For infants suffering from yeast, the diaper area should be exposed to the air as much as is practical.

What are the Symptoms of Infection from Candida Albicans?

Symptoms of an overgrowth of the Candida albicans yeast may be seen in oral thrush, or a yeast infection of the mouth, painless patches of white or yellowish growth on the surfaces of the mouth, or on the tongue and uvula. Dry mouth and tongue and bleeding gums are sometimes also present.

In vaginal yeast infections, common symptoms include intense itching and burning and a cheesy white discharge. Pain upon sexual intercourse is sometimes present, and occasionally unusual menstrual cramping as well.

Candidiasis in the urethra or bladder can cause urinary tract infections that do not respond to antibiotics. The need to urinate may be very frequent or very infrequent depending on the location of the infection.

In infections of the gastro-intestinal tract, Candida albicans may cause constipation, diarrhea, mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, or lack of appetite. The infection can leave shallow ulcerations on the intestinal walls.

In any infection of Candida albicans, especially those in which the organism has shifted to its fibrous form which facilitates the entry of toxins into the bloodstream and body tissues, the patient may suffer fever, chills, muscle or joint pain, and any of several mood disorders, including: depression, lack of concentration, mood swings, anxiety, drowsiness or fatigue.

It is possible that candidiasis may be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

How Do You Treat Candidiasis?

Oral infections from an overgrowth of Candida albicans can be treated with medication in liquid or lozenge form, and skin infections with creams or powders. Severe systemic infections are usually secondary to some other disease or disorder, which may require hospitalization.

However, the common vaginal yeast infection can often be treated with home or over-the-counter remedies. The first time symptoms of yeast infection are encountered, a doctor should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis. Once it is confirmed, and the woman has learned the way her own body displays the symptoms of candidiasis, she may be more confident in self-treating if the infection should recur in the future.

Home remedies include the the direct application of anti-fungal substances to the vulva and vagina. This includes plain unsweetened yogurt, crushed garlic cloves, and boric acid. Health food stores can often supply "probiotic" capsules such as acidophilus, which deliver live beneficial bacteria to the system.

Stubborn or long-lasting yeast infections may require prescription antifungal medicines such as nystatin or clotrimazole (or one of several stronger "-azole" drugs) available from doctors.

Several doctors have suggested that one of the most effective treatments is to radically alter the diet in order to deprive the yeast of the sugars it needs to survive, and the carbohydrates which break down into sugar. By limiting the diet to meats, vegetables, fresh fruit, eggs, brown rice, tea, coffee, and water for several weeks, the Candida albicans yeast is forced to die off.

Foods that should be avoided during this detoxification period (often called the yeast diet) include: all sugars, including honey, syrup, molasses, and malt; all breads, grains, pastas and yeast; all dairy products; dried and citrus fruit; fruit and vegetable juices; nuts, seeds and legumes; popcorn and chips; soy sauce and vinegar; and, of course, any type of alcohol.

During the detoxification period, the dying yeast will give off massive amounts of toxins, which may lead to a short period of flu-like illness and fatigue. Some relief from this might be found in daily sweat baths in a sauna, hot tub, or hot bath, as well as mild exercise, sunshine and fresh air. The end result will be a much healthier feeling body that is free from recurring yeast infections caused by Candida albicans.