THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF SYSTEMIC CANDIDA YEAST INFECTIONS
Candida is a type of yeast that normally thrives on humans and animals. There are 45 known species of this fungus that are both beneficial and harmful to their hosts. The most significant one is Candida albicans which is a normal constituent of the human flora and is present in mucous membranes such as the mouth, intestines, rectum, and the genitals.
All humans have Candida albicans colonies in their body particularly inside the small and large intestines. Their presence in our bodies starts from the time of our birth. Yeast is not known to proliferate inside human fetuses. However, this fungus is transferred from the mother to the infant upon birth. During our lifetime, we also get this organism from our external environment.
The yeast’s population is controlled by friendly bacteria such as Acidophilus and Lactobacillus. Infections are a result of some changes inside the human body, allowing Candida to multiply rapidly. There is no exact explanation on what causes it but there are factors as described below.
Frequent and improper antibiotic/sulfa drug use. These medications kill harmful bacteria but they can also destroy beneficial microorganisms that feed on Candida, resulting in rapid growth of the latter.
Persistent use of prescription drugs is one factor. The use of such medications such as corticosteroids, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can also destroy antifungal bacteria, triggering Candida infections.
Observance of improper diet practices. Sugar-rich foods encourage Candida yeast overgrowth that causes intestinal infections. Examples are sucrose, glucose, and lactose-rich foods. Yeasts feed on sugar, digest it, and produce ethanol and acetaldehyde that can poison your body.
People that have chronic diseases and hormonal disorders are prone to yeast infection. Persons who have diabetes and AIDS have a high risk of getting such infections. On the latter, Candida multiplies rapidly due to the inability of the body to produce sufficient insulin. This is also observed on HIV-positive patients.
Vitamin, mineral, and enzyme deficiencies can cause abnormal Candida colony growth.
The body needs sufficient nutrients in order to function efficiently. An improperly nourished body is susceptible to attacks from harmful bacteria and yeasts. People who have weak immune systems are fighting a losing battle against yeast growth.
Like other organisms, yeasts such as Candida albicans need food in order to survive. They primarily depend on sugar because it is easy to digest, providing them energy to multiply. As they proliferate, they mutate into their invasive form and develop roots.
They implant themselves on the walls of the intestine and reproduce by means of spores. They also excrete toxic by-products of food that they consume into the bloodstream via the intestinal tract. These cause harmful reactions are characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms as described below.
Chronic diarrhea and gastritis– The symptoms of systemic Candida infection include frequent diarrhea and gastritis whereby the body eliminates toxins by means of bowel movement. Flatulence and rectal itching may also be observed.
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Food allergies – Allergies to certain foods are due to the irritation of intestinal lining by Candida albicans yeast. Consumption of sugar-rich food and fermented stuff such as beer and leavened bread aggravates this condition.
Frequent fatigue – During the onset of infection, toxins produced by Candida cause the body to feel constantly exhausted.
Generalized and severe symptoms – A person who is suffering from systemic yeast infection can also exhibit other symptoms such as fever, oral thrush, and muscle pain. Women can also experience vaginal yeast discharges. Severe signs occur when the toxins released by Candida are absorbed in the bloodstream and carried to different parts of the body. This can trigger life-threatening conditions such as brain damage.