Candida albicans is a yeast like fungus that exists in balance with other bacteria in healthy humans inhabiting the mouth, bowels, skin and other mucosal membrane.  It is responsible for various clinical manifestations one of which is “Thrush”. Did you know that approximately 75% of women will contract candidiasis of the vagina during their lifetime? Candida usually occurs when the natural balance of the bacteria is disrupted.

What are the symptoms of a candida (thrush) outbreak?

When a candida outbreak is acute the all too familiar symptoms include:

• Whitish vaginal discharge that may smell yeasty
• Redness and swelling of the affected area
• Itching, that can become unbearable in the affected area,
• Pain during urination and/or sexual intercourse
• White lesions on the vaginal wall

What are the symptoms of chronic candidiasis?

All too often chronic candidiasis is overlooked. Overgrowth of candida causes havoc everywhere in the body, affecting your immune system, hormone balance and causing chronic long-term issues, including:

• Recurring vaginal yeast infections
• Mood swings
• Sugar cravings
• Fatigue
• Depression, anxiety
• Migraine headaches
• Inability to concentrate
• Bloating, flatulence and abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Pre-menstrual symptom
• Recurrent cystitis
• Toenail or skin fungus
• Depleted immunity
• Allergies

How does the bacteria get out of balance, triggering a candida overgrowth?

When Candida albicans is able to proliferate or if the lining of the digestive tract is damaged, then the Candida is able to become entrenched in the gastrointestinal system. Causes of this include:

• Antibiotic use
• Poor dietary habits, including overconsumption of sugar, dairy products and yeasts
• Stress
• Oral contraceptive pill
• Diabetes
• Menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Surgery
• Bacterial infection
• Cortisone and steroids
• AIDS/HIV
• Drugs designed to suppress digestive acid secretions (protein pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antogonists)

How do we get rid of it?

• Remove foods that encourage the growth of candida including sugar, sweets, alcohol, soft drinks, fruit juices and yeast during the kill-off phase.
• Avoid or eat sparingly, high carbohydrate foods initially, including grains, fruit and starchy vegetables.
• A healthy wholefood diet will help to build up the immune system.
• Included some protein at every meal.
• Food should be cooked if possible and easy to digest to minimise fermentation in the gut.
• Raw garlic has anti-fungal properties and can help fight the infection.
• Include yoghurt that contains good bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Your healthcare professional may also recommend a probiotic to help restore and stabilise healthy gut flora, digestive enzymes to improve digestion, an immune enhancing formula to support and improve immune system, a detox formula to support the liver and provide further dietary recommendations.

Article by Naturopath Janne Ramsay