Candida Yeast infection or Candida Albicans is an infection originating in the digestive and intestinal track. Over 30 million people worldwide display the symptoms of Candida everyday. Robert T. Wheeler, a Member and former director at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research believes that Candida is fatal in almost 40% of the cases.
The clinical symptoms are indigestion, inflammation, pain, and coating on tongue, stiff joints and sinusitis, white fungal skin patches like dandruff, acne, vaginitis, discharge, itch, bladder infection, menstrual irregularities, pain, cramps, lowered libido, infertility, impotency, prostate problems.
Women are the risk group, as about 75% women are likely to have at least one Candida infection before they reach menopause, and up to 45% will have two or more. It is triggered by hormonal changes due to pregnancy and monthly periods, consumptions of steroids and antibiotics, birth control pills, heightened blood sugar levels and unhealthy dietary habits.
Conventional medication has been found to be ineffective for treating Candida. At best, it temporarily helps to control the condition. However, people with unhealthy dietary habits are at a greater risk and organic diet is considered to be a potent weapon to counter Candida yeast infection. Food substances that feed Candida yeast should be avoided. These include fruits, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, chocolates and caffeine, refined sugars and carbohydrates. Alcohol should be avoided as it further worsens the situation.
Diet should comprise of food rich in friendly bacteria like Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus, as they help in restoring the natural balance of the micro flora. Drinking lots of water helps the body to cleanse itself of the toxins. Garlic is known to limit the infection and grapefruit extract is hailed as an organic cure for the condition.
A healthy and balanced diet, minimal alcohol intake, blood sugar and weight control together with good hygienic way of life will help in stalling or curing any possible Candida infection.
Sources:
1. Dr Jan Schmid: Molecular Microbiology of Candida albicans , September 17, 2004 Massey University
2. Pathogenic Yeasts and Fungi: A Growing Health Concern, CAMBRIDGE, May 13, 2003.
3. The Candida Yeast-Autism Connection Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D. Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon
4. ASM conference on Candida and Candidiasis in Austin in March 2004 (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/highlights/0406candida_e.html)
Publish date: 11/02/04
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