Gluten sensitivity is an intolerance to grain protein, whereas candidiasis is a fungal infection. Although both conditions are often associated with the immune system, they are not related. Having a gluten sensitivity doesn’t make you any more likely to develop candidiasis. The same can be said about candidiasis increasing the risk of gluten sensitivities. The causes of these two conditions are quite different.
Gluten Sensitivity
If you suffer from gluten sensitivity, eating anything containing this protein triggers an immune response within the gastrointestinal tract, notes an article published in the 2011 “BMC Medicine.” The immune system releases anti-gliadin as well as other antibodies that cause inflammation of the intestinal walls, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain and weight loss. These antibodies may also result in joint pain, muscle cramps, leg numbness and increased the risk of osteoporosis.
Treatment
Treatment for gluten sensitivity usually revolves around diet. While gluten-free diets are most often used to improve symptoms associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, the same holds true for gluten sensitivity. Eliminate all foods containing barley, bulgur, rye, wheat, durham, farina, spelt, triticale, semolina and graham flour, suggests MayoClinic.com. This means you'll likely need to cut out most breads, cereals, pastas, crackers, cakes, cookies, candies, gravies, soups, salad dressings and sauces from your diet, unless otherwise noted on the packaging. Talk to a doctor or dietitian to establish a diet to best suit your needs.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a yeast infection caused by Candida albicans. This fungal microbe naturally occurs in the mouth, vagina, stomach and urinary tract as well as on the skin. Normally, bacteria keep the level of Candida albicans within a healthy range. When anything disrupts the balance of bacteria, however, an overgrowth of this microbe can occur, leading to an infection that results in itching, irritation and pain in the affected area of the body. You may also develop white patches in the mouth and throat, white creamy discharge from the vagina or blisters around the groin, depending on the area of overgrowth.
Treatment
Treatment for candidiasis often involves medications. Antifungal drugs are by far the most common, such as miconazole, ticonazole, clotrimazole and fluconazole. Your doctor will likely recommended using the medication for anywhere from two days to two weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. As the infection improves, symptoms should improve. Talk to a doctor to determine the best form of treatment for your infection.
References
- BMC Medicine; Divergence of Gut Permeability and Mucosal Immune Gene Expression in Two Gluten-Associated Conditions: Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity; Anna Sapone et al.; 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; University of Maryland School of Medicine Researchers Identify Key Pathogenic Differences Between Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Gluten-Free Diet; January 2010
