In this Week's Newsletter...

CANDIDA - YEAST (dealing with...)

Candida albicans is a type of parasitic yeast like 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, burning 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.

Continued...