Candida Albicans: Common Signs and Symptoms of Systemic Yeast Infection

Candida Albicans is a fungus that humans carry in their bodies at all times. These single-celled organisms gather largely in warm, moist places like the digestive tract or the vagina. Generally, this type of yeast is harmless and coincides normally with other bacteria and fungus in the body. When there is a change in your bodies environment, Candida can proliferate and disrupt the balance in the body which can lead to several different health problems. The most common problem is vaginal yeast infection in women.

Yeast Infection Causes

Many times, Candida infections will occur for no obvious reason. There are both direct and indirect causes. Direct causes are those that kill off the beneficial bacteria in the body. One direct cause is the consumption of antibiotics, and it is the most common cause. The job of an antibiotic is to kill harmful bacteria in the body, but many times they cannot tell the bad bacteria from the good, and destroy all traces of it. Other direct causes include vaccinations, birth control pills and chemotherapy. All of these act in the same way antibiotics do, killing all types of bacteria regardless of the role they play within the body. Other causes are indirect and cover a variety of areas. One indirect cause is toxin in the environment. These include pesticides, herbicides, and additives found in food and beauty supplies. Pesticides suppress the immune system, eliminating all resistance the destructive bacteria would usually face. In the same way, man made ingredients in health and beauty products will act in the same was as the pesticides and antibiotics do.

Symptoms of Systemic Yeast Infection

Initially, symptoms are confined to the digestive tract or vaginal walls where they clump together and form long strands. As the yeast spreads through the body, symptoms become easy to spot. Generally fatigue, feelings of depression, irritability and headaches will be the first sign. The immune system is becoming weaker as the yeast grows stronger, leaving you feeling sluggish and not quite yourself. Sometimes, thrush will appear. Thrush is whitish-blue patches on the tongue and throat which may appear inflamed and red at times. In women, vaginitis can occur. Vaginitis is defined by yellow or white discharge. Inflammation of the vaginal walls will cause burning and itching as well. Yeast can also enter the bloodstream and cause problems including: learning difficulties, respiratory disorders, blurred vision, urinary disorders, impotence, rashes, etc.

Treatment for Yeast Infections

Dealing with a yeast infection can be extremely frustrating. Most doctors will immediately prescribe medication, which can further aggravate the situation. The antibiotics may in fact make the condition even more severe. Eating plenty of vegetables and nuts can help overcome a yeast infection. Also try to limit intake of unrefined carbohydrates (such as oats, rice, and corn.) Watching for the symptoms mentioned above and acting as soon as you recognize one or more of them will result in a quicker and more comfortable recovery. Natural products target and help treat specific issues facing the overgrowth of Candida.