Causes
There are several theories on what can cause candidiasis. Candida is a normal resident of the bowel. In certain situations, the amount of candida in the bowel can increase, resulting in an overgrowth. Conditions in the bowel must be favorable for the fungus to grow.
Candidaisis is most often attributed to one or more of the following:
- Alcohol.
- Chemicals and toxins.
- Chemotherapy.
- Chronic constipation or diarrhea.
- Diabetes.
- Diets high in sugars.
- Excessive stress
- Having a repressed immune system due to medication or disease.
- Intestinal parasites
- Multiple pregnancies.
- Oral antibiotics kill off the "good" bacteria in the intestine, which allows candida to proliferate.
- Steroids.
- Thyroid disease.
- Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids, and anti-ulcer medications.
Symptoms
Candida overgrowth can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Often people may experience as many as 20 of the following list of symptoms.
Allergic and Upper Respiratory- Blurred vision
- Bronchitis (recurrent)
- Burning or tingling
- Chemical sensitivity
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Earaches
- Allergic rhinitis (hayfever)
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and tension
- Nasal congestion
- Head tension
- Numbness
- Painful, swollen, stiff joints
- Shortness of breath
- Sinusitis
- Sore throats
- Swollen lips or face
- Urticaria (hives, wheals or welts)
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- ADHD
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Feelings of unreality
- Hyperactivity
- Inability to concentrate
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Poor memory
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Bloating
- Oral thrush
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Gas
- Halitosis (bad breath
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Inflammation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose Intolerance
- Rectal itch
- Bladder infection (recurrent)
- Burning on urination
- Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder)
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Frequent urination
- Impotency
- Infertility
- Loss of sexual feelings
- Prostitis
- Adrenal and thyroid gland malfunction
- Cold hands or feet
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Low body temperature
- Lupus
- Acne
- Athlete's foot
- Dandruff
- Diaper rash
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Excessive perspiration
- Facial rash
- Fungous infection of the nails
- Impetigo (skin infection)
- Inflammation of hair follicles (candidiasis folliculitis)
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Tinea cruris (jock itch)
- Cramps
- Endometriosis (irregular, painful menstruation)
- Menstrual irregularities
- Painful intercourse
- Pre-Menstral Syndrome (PMS)
- Recurrent yeast vaginitis
- Vaginal burning, itching or discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Chronic fatigue
- Eye Fatigue
- Excessive weight loss
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Obesity
- Symptoms worse upon waking
- Tingling and numbness
