Candida albicans is a type of parasitic yeastlike fungus that inhabits the intestines, genital tract, mouth, esophagus, and throat. Normally this fungus lives in healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body; however, certain conditions can cause it to multiply, weakening the immune system and causing an infection known as candidiasis.

The fungus can travel through the bloodstream to many parts of the body. Because candidiasis can affect various parts of the body - the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina - it can be characterized by many symptoms.

These include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, canker sores, persistent heartburn, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, acne, night sweats, severe itching, clogged sinuses, PMS, buming tongue, white spots on the tongue and in the mouth, extreme fatigue, vaginitis, kidney and bladder infections, arthritis, depression, hyper activity, hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, and even diabetes. Symptoms often worsen in damp and/or moldy places, and after consumption of foods containing sugar and/or yeast.
Because of its many and varied symptoms, this disorder is often misdiagnosed.

Avoid all forms of sugar (including alcohol)
See Real Food Diet - Juice Fasts - Mild Food Diet

Candida albicans is a type of parasitic yeastlike fungus that inhabits the intestines, genital tract, mouth, esophagus, and throat. Normally this fungus lives in healthy balance with the other bacteria and yeasts in the body; however, certain conditions can cause it to multiply, weakening the immune system and causing an infection known as candidiasis.

The fungus can travel through the bloodstream to many parts of the body. Because candidiasis can affect various parts of the body - the most common being the mouth, ears, nose, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina - it can be characterized by many symptoms.

Symptoms:
These include constipation, diarrhea, colitis, abdominal pain, headaches, bad breath, rectal itching, impotence, memory loss, mood swings, prostatitis, canker sores, persistent heartburn, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, congestion, nagging cough, numbness in the face or extremities, tingling sensations, acne, night sweats, severe itching, clogged sinuses, PMS, buming tongue, white spots on the tongue and in the mouth, extreme fatigue, vaginitis, kidney and bladder infections, arthritis, depression, hyper activity, hypothyroidism, adrenal problems, and even diabetes. Symptoms often worsen in damp and/or moldy places, and after consumption of foods containing sugar and/or yeast.
Because of its many and varied symptoms, this disorder is often misdiagnosed.

When candida infects the vagina
It results in vaginitis characterized by a large amount of white, cheesy discharge and intense itching and burning.

When the fungus infects the oral cavity
It is called thrush. White sores may form on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks.

In a baby, the white spots of oral thrush may resemble milk spots.
Oral thrush in an infant can spread to the mother's nipples by breastfeeding, and can lead to a situation in which mother and baby continually reinfect each other. Thrush may also infect a baby's buttocks, appearing as a diaper rash.

Candida infection may also take the form of athlete's foot or jock itch.

Systemic candidiasis
It is an overgrowth of candida everywhere, throughout the body. In the most severe cases, candida can travel through the bloodstream to invade every organ system in the body, causing a type of blood poisoning called candida septicemia. This condition almost always occurs in persons with serious underlying illnesses, such as advanced cancer or AIDS.

Candidiasis may affect both men and women; however, it is rarely transmitted sexually. It is most common in babies (an infected mother may pass the fungal infection to her newborn) and in persons with compromised immune systems.

Virtually all people with AIDS have some type of fungal infection.

Anyone who has been on long-term antibiotic therapy, or has taken antibiotics often, probably has an overgrowth of candida somewhere in his or her body.
Antibiotics weaken the immune system and also destroy the "friendly" bacteria that normally keep candida under control. As it proliferates, the fungus releases toxins that weaken the immune system further.

Other factors that increase the chances of contracting a yeast infection include pregnancy and the use of corticosteroid drugs. Very often, allergies to foods are present in people with candida infections. Oral thrush, athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch, fingernail or toenail fungus, and even diaper rash can develop as a result of the combination of food allergies and C. afficans. The symptoms of a food allergy or environmental sensitivity can also mimic those of candidiasis.
To further complicate matters, some people with candidiasis go on to develop environmental sensitivities as well. Many cannot tolerate contact with rubber, petroleum products, tobacco, exhaust fumes, and chemical odors.