Candida

Genitals, gums, tongue, lips and inside the mouth.

Acute candida most commonly affects the vagina and female genito-urinary region, where symptoms may include:

• Yeasty, vaginal discharge that is usually whitish in colour and smells unusual
• The affected areas experience redness, itching and swelling
• Painful reaction to sexual intercourse and/or urination
• White lesions such as mucous membranes on the vaginal wall

Thrush can also be experienced by babies and people with suppressed immunity and it commonly presents itself as white, creamy lesions on the gums, tongue, lips and inside the mouth that are unable to be scraped off. Babies can experience nappy rash as well.

Many natural therapists believe that an overgrown candida can also cause more long-term health issues. Symptoms of this condition, referred to as chronic candidiasis, can include:

• Abdominal pain such as diarrhoea or constipation, bloating and flatulence
• Fatigue
• Depression, irritability, lack of concentration and pre-menstrual syndrome
• Recurring cystitis
• Increased susceptibility to infections due to depleted immunity
• Adverse reactions or a worsening of symptoms after eating certain foods or being exposed to certain chemicals.

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that usually lives in balance with the other bacteria and yeasts that inhabit our skin and mucous membranes such as the mouth, bowels and genitals.

If this balance is upset then Candida can multiply rapidly and may result in an outbreak of thrush. Factors that may trigger Candida overgrowth include:

• Antibiotic use
• The oral contraceptive pill (especially high-oestrogen varieties)
• Cortisone and other steroids
• Drugs designed to suppress digestive acid secretions (e.g. proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists)
• Pregnancy and menstruation
• Depleted immunity (e.g. HIV/AIDS)
• Poor dietary habits (such as excessive intakes of sugars, dairy products or yeasts)

When the Candida albicans organism proliferates due to the factors above, or the lining of the digestive tract is damaged, allowing the organism to entrench itself in the gastrointestinal system, chronic candidiasis is believed to take hold.

The natural therapy approach to Candida is about improving resistance to infection by immune system support and addressing the overgrowth of the Candida albicans at the same time.

• Good bacteria that normally inhabit the digestive tract and vagina are called probiotics and include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium animalis. Taking these probiotic supplements can help restore and stabalise these healthy flora, which may help rectify a Candida overgrowth. If using antibiotics then Lactobacillus reuteri  is an especially useful probiotic to take
• Taking garlic supplements may help as the anti-fungal properties in garlic are traditionally used to help manage minor fungal infections such as candida
• Natural therapies that support immune function such as Echinacea and the nutrients beta-carotene, zinc and vitamins C and E may be beneficial in cases of chronic candidiasis
• Symptoms of food intolerance and sensitivity to chemicals suggest that the liver’s detoxification mechanisms may need support. Milk thistle's reputation as a detoxifier that supports the regeneration of liver cells and protects the liver against potentially harmful substances means that it's often recommended
• Gentian is a herb that stimulates digestion and promotes gastric secretions. Taking this in combination with other digestive aiding herbs such as peppermint, fennel and ginger may be of help in fighting thrush. Low levels of gastric juices, digestive enzymes and bile are believed by natural therapists to be factors contributing to an overgrowth of candida

There are some lifestyle considerations to take into account if you are experiencing the effects of Candida.

• It's more likely to develop in warm, moist environments.
• Avoid tight clothing, and wear cotton rather than nylon underwear
• Avoid antibiotic use unless absolutely necessary
• A diet free of yeast-containing foods (e.g. yeasted breads and yeast spreads), alcohol and sugar is recommended by natural therapists

What you eat can also be important too; garlic's antifungal properties have been noted above and raw garlic should be eaten liberally to assist the body in fighting the infection.

Because yoghurt contains live probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis it's also a valuable addition to your diet.

Give your immune system the support it needs by consuming a diet high in fibre that favours fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.

• Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of thrush so they can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms or discuss what effect (if any) prescribed medicines may be having on your susceptibility to the condition
• If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional
• You should also seek medical advice if you're suffering from immuno-suppressive conditions