Candida albicans is a naturally occurring and common bacteria found on the skin, in the intestines and in the mucous membranes. Candida often lives harmlessly in the body, according to Science Daily; however, in patients with suppressed immune systems it can cause deadly infections. Alternative medicine links overgrowth of candida as a result of dietary imbalances to numerous health problems including fibromyalgia and autism; though conventional medicine does not concur with this diagnosis, according to Real Age.
Features
Overgrowth of candida manifests in many different health complications. In women, candida causes vaginal yeast infections characterized by itchiness, burning during urination, redness and a yeasty odor. Overpopulation of candida causes oral thrush, resulting in redness and soreness inside the mouth. Candida also triggers diaper rash in infants. Candida does not typically penetrate deeply into the body, except in immunosuppressed patients such as those with AIDS or cancer, wherein candida becomes invasive and life-threatening. The medical name for this condition is systemic candidiasis.
Effects
According to Dr. William Shaw, Ph.D., board certified in clinical chemistry and toxicology by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry and founder of the Great Plains Laboratory, diet --- particularly sugar --- has a direct impact on the proliferation of candida. Restriction of dietary sugar dramatically reduced the severity and frequency of vaginal infection caused by overgrowth of candida in his female patients.
Significance
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alternative health practitioners believe other foods contribute to candida overgrowth, including excessive consumption of dairy products, and foods with high yeast concentrations such as peanuts and alcohol. Proponents of the candida diet also allow limited amounts of processed foods and forbid tomato paste and mushrooms. However, the Center points out that the scientific evidence for the candida diet contains conflicting reports and may help advocates feel better simply because it is a clean, healthful diet.
Considerations
Probiotics --- or "friendly" bacteria such as acidophilus, bulgaricus, and bifidus found in many yogurts --- can help keep candida regrowth in check. Other dietary agents that may reduce the amount of yeast in the body, particularly in the digestive tract, include grapefruit seed extract and garlic.
Warning
Certain alternative therapies have been suggested for candida overgrowth, including caprylic acid, betaine hydrochloride, barberry, and essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, oregano and tea tree. The online medical encyclopedia Real Age warns that the scientific backing for use of these treatments in candida management remains flimsy and some treatments may become toxic after prolonged use.
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