Candida is a classification consisting of more than 20 species of yeast. Many species live in symbiosis with humans externally and internally, causing no symptoms. Some species, most notably Candida albicans, can overgrow when the normal balance of microorganisms is upset, leading to yeast infections. Candida yeast infections, or candidiasis, are relatively common and usually occur in moist, hidden areas such as the vagina, mouth, intestines, underarms and nail beds. Health experts estimate that 75 percent of American women suffer from at least one vaginal yeast infection, and over 90 percent of AIDS victims suffer from oral yeast infections, commonly called "thrush" (Reference 1).
Weakened Immune System
People with weakened or damaged immune systems have the greatest risk of developing candidiasis. Immune systems become compromised by diseases, such as AIDS and diabetes; by treatment protocols, such as chemotherapy and radiation; or from poor nutrition or from high levels of stress. A weak immune system cannot control Candida overgrowth, which initially creates isolated infections, but it can eventually spread to vital organs through the blood and create life-threatening systemic infections.
An overview article in the scientific journal, "Critical Reviews in Microbiology," estimates that candidiasis spreads systemically in about 15 percent of cases, the majority occurring within AIDS patients, and the mortality for that group is nearly 45 percent (Reference 2). The brain, heart and kidneys are the organs most affected.
Antibiotics
Another common cause of candidiasis is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, as cited by MedlinePlus. Antibiotic use, especially for more than a few weeks, kills off too much of the "good" flora and fauna in people, which upsets the normal balance needed for proper digestion, a healthy immune system and appropriate alkalinity levels. Canadida species are quick to take advantage of imbalances, demonstrating rapid overgrowth and changing into its more dangerous fungal form, which can burrow into various tissues and release harmful toxins.
It should be noted that foods, such as meat and dairy products, can be contaminated with antibiotics because domestic farm animals are given antibiotics to reduce the incidence of disease. Antibiotics and other drug residues contaminate municipal water when people flush them down the toilet. These residues are not adequately filtered out, as noted by a study on Pubmed (Reference 4).
Other Pharmaceuticals
Other pharmaceuticals, aside from antibiotics, can cause of candidiasis. Common drugs that people take long-term that are most related to Candida over-growth include steroids, headache medications, birth-control pills, immunosuppressive drugs and synthetic hormone supplements, as cited on MedlinePlus. In general, all pharmaceutical products create acidity in the body and all are considered toxic to some extent, therefore, all drugs have the potential for contributing to Candida overgrowth and infection.
Diet
An inadequate diet is another common cause of candidiasis. "Candida Albicans: A Nutritional Approach," notes that high starch diets, as well as coffee, meat, alcohol, refined and artificial sugars dramatically increase acidity within the tissues of the body, which provides a better environment for Candida species to proliferate (Reference 5). Conversely, an alkaline diet retards the growth of Candida and many other pathogens. Diets high in refined sugars are also associated with higher rates of diabetes and cancer, which affects the immune system as noted above. A lack of necessary vitamins and minerals can further weaken the immune system as well.
References
- "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; 2008
- "Critical Reviews in Microbiology"; Candida Infections: An Overview; F.C. Odds; January, 1987
- MedlinePlus: Vaginal Yeast Infections
- Pubmed: Fate of antibiotics during municipal water recycling treatment processes
- "Candida Albicans: A Nutritional Approach"; Louise Tenney; 2007
