Candidiasis – Candida albicans infection

Candida albicans

Candida and other yeasts are found everywhere in nature, including in soil, food and the human body. The intestine contains bacteria, yeasts and fungi that together help maintain a healthy environment. In low numbers, yeasts are normal inhabitants of the mucous membranes. One important yeast species is Candida albicans. An increase in Candida cells in the intestine can cause symptoms. This excessive growth of Candida (candidiasis) is often referred to as a “fungal infection”, although Candida is a yeast.

Candida cells attach themselves to the intestinal wall and cannot easily cross the intestinal barrier. They therefore rarely enter the bloodstream. Women may experience chronic vaginal symptoms. The use of the contraceptive pill can increase the number of Candida cells. An increase in these yeasts can also occur on the skin, in the mouth, oesophagus and on the tongue. In newborn babies, mild yeast overgrowth in the form of oral thrush—usually during the first four weeks of life—can occur and does not necessarily require medical treatment. Temporary overgrowth may occur after birth because the immune system is still developing.

Causes

Candida albicans and other yeasts can be present in the intestine, mouth, vagina or on the skin without causing symptoms. They occur there naturally and are kept under control by other organisms. An infection may develop when the local “environment” changes. When conditions become favourable for the yeasts relative to the organisms that keep them in check, the yeasts can gain the upper hand and the controlled situation can develop into an infection.

Risk factors

The use of antibiotics greatly reduces the gut flora. The number of intestinal bacteria decreases, as does their diversity, meaning the variety of species. This is accompanied by an increase in yeasts such as Candida. High numbers are also seen more often in intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease. In infection with the parasite Dientamoeba fragilis, an increase in Candida levels is often observed. In people who are overweight, Candida levels are often increased, particularly when the diet contains too much starch. People with diabetes, high insulin levels and blood sugar problems often have a Candida infection. Excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to Candida overgrowth.

Candida infection

Women may experience chronic vaginal symptoms. The use of the contraceptive pill can increase the number of Candida cells. An increase in these yeasts can also occur on the skin, in the mouth, oesophagus and on the tongue. In newborn babies, mild yeast overgrowth in the form of oral thrush—usually during the first four weeks of life—can occur and does not necessarily require medical treatment. Temporary overgrowth may occur after birth because the immune system is still developing. Candida cells attach themselves to the intestinal wall and cannot easily cross the barrier, so they rarely enter the bloodstream.

Types of Candida

Candida and yeasts such as baker’s yeast have many similarities. Candida albicans is the best-known Candida species. Candida albicans is the species most commonly found in the intestine; 46% of the other Candida species consist of Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis. Food contains many yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast). Sourdough bread is baked using wild yeasts, including Candida milleri. Beer and wine also contain natural yeasts. These species are rarely found in the intestine.

Diet

A “Candida diet” and eating sourdough bread are often recommended. However, the advice given here is to follow a low-starch diet. Avoid all grains, prepare soups and salads, and eat vegetables and fish. Not only may Candida growth decrease, you may also feel considerably better, and if you are overweight you may lose weight, which can result in normal insulin levels. The main benefit attributed to the extensive Candida diet—a sugar-free diet from which all starch-rich products and juices have been removed—is that the gut flora improves and overall health improves.

Analysis

A stool culture can be performed; it is recommended to request this together with tests of digestion and gut flora. At levels above 4,000 yeast cells per gram of stool (4∙10³), treatment may be considered. This does not exclude the possibility that some people may already experience symptoms at lower levels due to yeast overgrowth. An allergy to yeasts may also be present. In people with a weakened immune system, diabetes, those undergoing chemotherapy, or those using corticosteroids, an infection is not without risk. It is also possible to request a swab from the vagina, mouth or rectum. In cases of chronic gastrointestinal complaints and increased yeast levels, it is preferable to always request a test for parasites.

Treatment

Treatment consists of a combination of diet and medication.

1. For both a moderate increase and severe yeast overgrowth, the advice is to change the diet. This is an important element in the treatment of Candida albicans in the intestine. Follow a low-starch diet. Avoid sugar (including all biscuits, sweets and hidden sugars), as well as starch-rich foods such as bread and rice, because they consist of more than 60% starch.
2. Treatment of parasites if present.
3. Treatment using various natural products.
4. Conventional medication, nystatin, is available on prescription from a doctor. Nystatin has relatively few side effects. It can also be supplied sugar-free by Wauters natural pharmacy. After a few days, the yeasts have already disappeared. However, they may return. Some patients feel better for as long as they use this medicine; it can be used for a prolonged period.

Candida: yeasts and fungi

Candida and other yeasts and fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi. The two main fungal phyla are Basidiomycota (which includes mushrooms) and Ascomycota (which includes moulds and yeasts). The word Ascomycota is derived from the Greek “askos”, meaning “leather wineskin”. “Myco” comes from the Greek word “mykes”, meaning “fungus” or “mushroom”.

Tests to detect Candida

The number of yeasts is determined using a stool culture. Normally, 1–3 × 10³ yeasts are present in the intestine. It is therefore considered normal to find 1,000–3,000 Candida cells in 1 gram of stool. Lower counts are not considered abnormal either. The test is combined with a gut flora test. The starch content is also assessed and the amount of calprotectin is measured, which can help determine whether there is inflammation in the intestines. If the gastrointestinal complaints are chronic, a test for intestinal parasites is recommended. In cases of parasitic infection, Candida may be present in large numbers.

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