Candida albicans is a species of yeast (which in turn is a type of fungus) that resides naturally in our body, particularly in the gut. Its population is normally kept in check by healthy bacteria (such as Lactobacillus Acidophilus ) and other intestinal flora. If this balance is lost the yeast can rapidly grow into an outbreak (or yeast infection known as Candidiasis) to cause negative symptoms.
Yeast infections normally take hold in warm, airless, dark and damp parts of the body as these are most conducive to yeast growth. Vaginal Candida, oral Candida and intestinal Candida are some of the most common forms of the disease. Candida can also cause diaper rash in babies and balanitis (inflammation) of the penis in men.
The superficial forms of the disease normally result in a red rash that can become very itchy. Intestinal and systemic forms of the disease are associated with a wider range of symptoms that vary from individual to individual. These include headaches, digestive problems, joint pain, inflammatory bowel disease and even memory loss and problems with focus.
One of the main risk factors for developing a Candida yeast infection is the prolonged or excessive use of antibiotics. Other causal factors include hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy and use of oral contraception), steroid use and high sugar diets (yeasts feeds on sugar). Topical forms of the disease, such as vaginal Candida, can spread via direct contact with an infected partner.
To eliminate the milder forms of yeast infection, home remedy treatments are available for a natural candida cleanse. Most pharmacies stock a broad selection of over the counter topical anti fungal creams. For more chronic cases dietary and lifestyle adjustments may be needed, such as following a Candida diet food list, to address the root cause of the Candida outbreak rather than simply its symptoms. Oral anti fungal drugs tend to be taken as a last resort, due to possible negative side effects
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