Can Candida Come From Gardening?

Getting hands dirty in the garden means exposure to microorganisms along with the potential temperature chill of being outside. However, candida and its accompanying infections cannot come from gardening. According to the Mayo Clinic, candida is naturally occurring in the body.

What is Candida?

Candida is a kind of fungus, related to yeast. It is normally occurring in the body, specifically in the mouth, skin, vagina and intestinal tract.

Kinds of Candida Infections

Overgrowth of candida can lead to a vaginal yeast infection and oral thrush. A more serious condition, invasive candidiasis, which affects major internal organs, is also possible.

Causes of Candida Infections

An imbalance of yeast and bacteria in the body which leads to a yeast overgrowth is the cause of candida-related infections. An imbalance can be caused by a weakened immune system, such as that which exists with HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. In addition, pregnancy and diabetes can make individuals susceptible to these infections, as can the use of antibiotics and any activity that changes the balance of bacteria and yeast in an area of the body.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Yeast infection (vaginal) -- Causes
• Mayo Clinic: Yeast infection (vaginal) -- Risk factors
• The Free Dictionary: Medical Dictionary -- Candidiasis
• Mayo Clinic: Oral thrush -- Causes
• The Free Dictionary: Medical Dictionary -- Candida

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Candida Cleanse: Does it Treat Candidiasis?