Candida is a categorization of over 150 species of yeast, although less than 10 of them cause yeast infections, or candidiasis, explains DoctorFungus, the mycosis information website. The site goes on to note the most common yeast to cause symptoms, in both men and women, is Candida albicans. Candida species usually live benignly in the human body, but they can be opportunistic, flourishing when certain health conditions change. In men, Candida typically thrive in moist, protected areas such as the mouth, esophagus, underarms and genitalia, especially under foreskins.
Compromised Immunity
Men with compromised immune systems have a high risk of developing candidiasis somewhere in their bodies, notes MayoClinic.com. Compromised immunity can occur from diseases such as cancer and diabetes or from infections like HIV and mononucleosis. Some medical treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can lead to lowered immunity, and so can high levels of daily stress. A poorly functioning immune system cannot control the unwanted proliferation of the Candida species.
In immune-compromised men, candidiasis usually begins in the mouth. In fact, over 90 percent of men with AIDS eventually suffer from candidiasis in the mouth, or oral thrush. From initial, focal yeast infections, candidiasis can spread systemically through the body and become life-threatening. Frank C. Odds, author of the article "Candida Infections: An Overview," published in the journal "Critical Reviews in Microbiology," estimates that candidiasis spreads systemically in about 15 percent of severely immune-compromised patients, with their mortality rate approaching 45 percent.
Overuse of Antibiotics
Misuse and long-term use of broad spectrum antibiotics is another common cause of Candida infections, according to HealthScout. Antibiotic agents cannot discriminate between pathogenic bacteria and symbiotic bacteria, so much of the beneficial bacteria in the intestines is eliminated, which allows the opportunistic Candida species to proliferate unchecked. Within a pathogenic yeast colony, Candida changes into its fungus type, which can burrow into tissues and release harmful toxins.
Antibiotics are also consumed unknowingly. For instance, many meat and dairy products are contaminated with them as modern farm strategies attempt to control diseases in farm animals. Antibiotics are also found in municipal drinking water due to people disposing of their prescriptions in sinks and toilets.
Other Pharmaceuticals
The misuse and overuse of other pharmaceuticals can cause candidiasis as well. Common drugs that men take that are most related to opportunistic Candida growth include corticosteroids, headache medication, immunosuppressive drugs and synthetic hormones, states HealthScout. As a rule, all pharmaceuticals create acidity and toxicity within the body to some extent; thus, all drugs have the potential to create an internal environment favorable to Candida overgrowth.
Dietary Factors
A poor diet is another potential cause of candidiasis. The book "Candida Albicans - A Nutritional Approach" states that diets high in starch, refined sugars, artificial sugars, protein, coffee and alcohol dramatically increase acidity levels within the body, which provides a favorable environment for Candida overgrowth. On the other hand, an alkaline diet rich in fruits and vegetables retards Candida growth, as well as most other pathogenic microorganisms. A poor diet also lacks vitamins, which are important for many elements of health, including a strong immune system.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Oral Thrush
- DoctorFungus: Candida spp.
- "Critical Reviews in Microbiology"; Candida Infections: An Overview; Frank C. Odds; January 1987
- HealthScout.com: Candida Albicans
- "Candida Albicans - A Nutritional Approach"; Louise Tenney, M.H.; 2007
