About the Candida Species

Candida albicans, the most prolific candida species, is a yeast-like fungus that lives naturally in a person's colon, digestive tract and skin. Sometimes, candida can overproduce in the body because of too many antibiotics, corticosteroids or a poor diet. This overproduction or candidiasis can overwhelm the body's natural bacteria and cause many adverse symptoms.

Function

Candida albicans helps protect the skin and even aids in digestion when it exists at normal levels. However, when candida grows rampant in the digestive tract, it is believed to perforate the delicate walls of the intestines (leaky gut syndrome) and cause a build-up of harmful toxins in the blood.

Identification

Candida overgrowth can cause more ostensible skin conditions such as vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush, which causes white and cream-colored bumps to form in the mouth and throat.

Internal Symptoms

Excess candida is also believed to cause internal conditions such as gastritis, migraines and even autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease, according to Allergyescapecom.

Types of Treatment

Candida overgrowth is typically treated by eliminating sugar and gluten from the diet. Taking probiotics or "friendly" bacteria supplements as well as doing colon cleanses can also help eliminate excess candida.

Warning

If left untreated, candida overgrowth can cause toxins and parasites to invade body cells and tissues. This can cause serious health problems and even death.

References

• About Candida - Candidiasis
• Candida Yeast Infection - Foods to Eat and Avoid
• Leaky Gut Syndrome

Resources

• Consumer health
• Identifying Candida Symptoms
• Candidiasis