Candidiasis

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a
genus of yeast-like fungi (formerly known
as Monilia ), often harmlessly present in the
mouth of healthy people. In some
circumstances, however the
microorganisms may proliferate to produce
a symptomatic infection of the mouth,
intestines, vagina, skin or (rarely) the entire
body. The species most often involved is
Candida albicans.
When the infection involves the mouth or
the vagina, the condition is commonly
referred to as “thrush”. Thrush occurs
particularly in babies, but it may also occur
in debilitated adult or those with dentures.
It usually forms a white curd-like deposit on
the tongue, cheeks and palate which may
cause severe discomfort.
The symptoms of candidiasis include
moodiness, extreme food sensitivities with
gas and bloating after meals, depression
and general weakness of the body.
Generally this condition is caused by the
suppression of acute diseases such as colds,
fevers, and other inflammatory diseases
with excessive use of antibiotics. In fact,
even taking so-called natural anti-
inflammatory such as ascorbic acid (vitamin
C) in high doses can predispose one to this
condition.
Patients with reduced immune defenses
(for example, those with any severe illness
like HIV/AIDS and those on drugs that
suppress immunity) may get generalised,
life-threatening candida infection, involving
most organs.
Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most
common causes of inflammation and
itching of the vagina ad vulva, typically
producing a white, curd like discharge.
Vaginal candidiasis is becoming increasingly
common, perhaps partly because of
changes in vaginal acidity brought about by
oral contraceptives. It is often seen in
pregnant women and diabetics.
Candida albicans may occasionally infect the
entire intestinal tract, causing anal itching
and forming a reservoir for repeated
accidental infection of the vagina.
One who indulges in cold, raw foods, and
lacks in proper protein balance can give rise
to the candida overgrowth condition.
Another cause is eating too many rich or
denatured foods like cakes and pastries.
In Holistic Lifecare, some of the natural
remedies being advanced for the treatment
and total cure of candidiasis include the
extracts of local herbs such as Allium cepa,
Senna alata, Plumbago zeylanica and
Jatropha curcas.