Candida Symptoms & Diet

The yeast in the candida genus are found in the human body and usually do not cause any health problems. They are kept in check by your body's immune system and the bacteria found in your body. In some cases, the yeast can grow out of control and cause an array of health issues.

Causes of Infection

Infection can be caused by coming into contact with foreign candida or by an imbalance in your body that causes overgrowth of candida in your own system. A weakened immune system can be a cause of candida overgrowth. HIV/AIDS, chronic stress, chronic health problems and some medications may cause your immune system to weaken. An imbalance of your body's normal bacterial composition may also cause candida overgrowth.

Symptoms

A candida infection is called candiasis, symptoms may vary in accordance with the part of the body that is infected. Yeast infections are common in the esophagus, mouth, pharynx, the gastrointestinal tract and the genitalia. Candiasis usually causes redness of the skin or mucous membrane, itching and mild discomfort. White or grey discharges are also common symptoms of a yeast infection.

Treatment

Candiasis is usually treated using a anti-fungal drugs as well as a proper diet. Drugs can be administer orally or can be applied as a cream. Candiasis has been known to develop resistance to some anti-fungal drugs and in such cases physicians switch to a different anti-fungal medication.

Diet

Yeast infections can be suppressed by maintaining a proper diet. If you are suffering from a yeast infection you should avoid foods that are high in sugar or contain yeast. Sweets, soft drinks, aged cheeses, caffeine products and alcohol are all examples of products that should be avoided. Protein products, plain yogurt and non-starchy vegetables are beneficial to candida sufferers. Plain yogurt contains bacteria that kill yeast cells, these bacteria are known as pro-biotic bacteria.

Complications

Candiasis usually only causes mild discomfort but if left untreated can cause serious complications in certain individuals. Vaginitis is a common complication of candiasis. Certain research has shown that a yeast infection can speed the spread of cancer in a patient.