Candida Albicans is a yeast which everyone has, but which is usually controlled and confined to certain areas of the body, such as the digestive tract, the vagina and certain skin areas.
Candidiasis is the illness which occurs when this yeast multiplies, becomes uncontrollable and takes over many areas of the body.
Usually the body's immune system and a host of friendly bacteria control the yeast, but when the immune system is weak then Candida can increase. An immune system can be weakened by stress, medicines such as antibiotics, a bad diet or a bad environment.
Candida Albicans loves sugar and usually people with Candidiasis have been eating too many sugary things. Often we do not realise how much sugar is added to some processed foods, so this sugar can be taken in ignorance. A sweet tooth develops and this is bad news for the immune system.
Candida Albicans is found in two forms. The most common form is as a simple yeast which causes thrush in the mouth or the vagina. The second form is that of a dangerous fungus which can push its way through the digestive tract into the mucus membrane where it causes much damage. This damage allows undesirable toxins to enter the bloodstream (known as 'leaky gut' syndrome) which in turn leads to a mass of allergic reactions. This is often known as systemic candidiasis.
Candidiasis can cause many different symptoms which is probably why it has not been taken seriously in the past or has been difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms can include: bloated stomach, sugar cravings, fatigue, thrush, sore throat, sinusitis, tonsillitis, digestive disturbances, wind, anal itching, menstrual disturbances, cystitis, hormonal irregularities, food intolerances, skin problems, alcohol intolerance, bad breath, nail infections, mood swings, unexplained muscle pain or joint aches, weight fluctuations, and 'foggy brain'.
Candidiasis has also been connected to other illnesses: ME or CFS, endometriosis, allergies, fibromyalgia, infertility, diabetes, IBS, heart disease, colitis, Crohn's disease, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, eczema, and AIDS.
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