Candida albicans is a strain of yeast that is a normal resident amongst the flora in the intestinal tract. Candida actually serves some useful functions, but sometimes it can overgrow for various reasons. If it spreads, it may cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms until treatment is provided to kill or crowd out the excess fungus.
Causes
Several factors can lead to an overgrowth of candida.
Millions of antibiotic prescriptions are written every month, and at least half are unnecessary, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotics kill off many of the good bacteria along with the bad, so candida may flourish with the lack of competition.
Certain unusual medical conditions that weaken the immune system such as AIDS, cancer, herpes and hepatitis may allow for the overgrowth of undesirable microbes.
Candida feeds on sugar. Children who consume a high-sugar diet may be contributing to growth in a candida colony. A 1993 study from St. Jude's Children's Hospital that was published in the journal Infection and Immunity showed in a mouse study that dietary sugar contributes to increased candida populations in the intestinal tract.
Types
Candida overgrowth can take various forms, depending upon the location in the body and severity of the overgrowth. Infants may have thrush in the mouth, or they may experience a diaper rash caused by yeast. Esophagitis is caused when thrush spreads to esophagus, causing pain and difficulty in swallowing. Girls can get vaginal candida infections, and it can also overgrow on the skin or rarely, in the bloodstream. Because candida's normal environment is the intestinal tract, this is also a very common site for proliferation of yeast.
Symptoms
Thrush usually results in a white tongue and can also cause white patches on the cheeks and throat. Yeast infections of the diaper area typically cause sore patches in nearby areas as well, such as the tummy or thighs. A candida rash will often have outlined edges and may contain pus. Consult your child's doctor for diagnosis of any rash, as there are other conditions similar in appearance. A vaginal yeast infection can cause itching, burning, and thick white discharge. In the gut, overgrowth may cause a number of physical symptoms in children such as gas or bloating, diarrhea or constipation, hypoglycemia and dry skin and itching, with or without a visible rash. Behavior and mood might also be affected and include such symptoms as hyperactivity, irritability, mood swings, fatigue, insomnia and extreme food cravings, particularly for sweets.
Prevention/Solution
The primary cause of yeast overgrowth is use of antibiotics, so they should only be used if absolutely necessary and when prescribed by your child's doctor. After an antibiotic course is completed, supplement with probiotics to fill the gap created by the bacteria that were destroyed. In a Scottish study published in 1994 in the journal Microbios, investigators found a number of strains of Lactobacillus probiotics were effective inhibiting candida growth.
External candida problems can sometimes be avoided by keeping the body cool and dry, wearing natural, loose fabric undergarments, changing diapers and undergarments regularly, wiping from front to back after bowel movements, and keeping hands clean.
In both the treatment and prevention of candida overgrowth, dietary restrictions can be a helpful tool. Probiotics may also be prescribed to further crowd out the excess fungus.
Theories/Speculation
Candida overgrowth may contribute to leaky gut syndrome, or intestinal permeability. This condition is characterized by tiny holes in the gut wall. One way the holes could be created would be for the yeast colony to grow hyphae---root-like cells---that spread intestinal cells apart so that microbes and even food particles can escape into the bloodstream. It is further theorized that the immune system then forms antibodies for protection against the perceived invaders, thus creating a food allergy or intolerance.
Mercury, several other metals and food chemicals can kill friendly intestinal bacteria, stimulate the immune system, and thereby may allow candida to flourish. Many natural health advocates therefore advise avoiding metals and chemicals.
References
- Children's Hospital: Thrush
- JAC Oxford Journals: Fluconazole vs. Nystatin in the Prevention of Candida
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Get Smart
- Infection and Immunity: Modulating Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate Supplementation on Candida Albicans Colonization
- NCBI: Inhibition of Candida Albicans by Lactobacillus
