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Candida
Overview:
Candida (also known as thrush) is a fungal disease which can affect many parts of the body, but is particularly likely to affect warm, damp areas such as the genital region.
Signs and Symptoms:
Thrush usually develops suddenly, but it may become chronic, persisting over a long period of time. A common sign of thrush is the presence of creamy white, slightly raised lesions in your mouth—usually on your tongue or inner cheeks—but also sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums, tonsils, or back of your throat. The lesions, which may have a "cottage cheese" appearance, can be painful and may bleed slightly when you scrape them or brush your teeth. In severe cases, the lesions may spread into your esophagus, or swallowing tube,
Causes and Organs Affected:
Candida is caused by the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans which normally lives in healthy balance with other (benign) bacteria and yeasts that inhabit our mouths, bowels, skin and other mucous membranes.
Risk Factor:
Probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus bacteria are "good" bacteria that normally inhabit the digestive tract and the vagina. Probiotic supplementation may help to address the imbalance caused by an overgrowth of Candida, and may help relieve digestive symptoms such as flatulence and diarrhoea.
Treatment:
Candida is more likely to develop in warm, moist environments. Try to wear cotton rather than nylon underwear, and always ensure a baby's nappy is changed as quickly as possible.
A healthy diet and lifestyle combined with good hygiene will reduce the likelihood of developing Candida. Avoid excessive amounts of yeast-based foods such as bread and try not to eat too many sugary foods.
Other Information:
A diet free of yeast and sugar will help your body to fight Candida infection. Avoid bread, alcohol, mushrooms and yeast spreads, as well as sugar in any form. (Hint - when checking ingredient lists, words ending in -ose, such as maltose, lactose and glucose, generally refer to forms of sugar).