Definition: Candidiasis is a fungal (yeast) infection caused by Candida species. While they are usually normal inhabitants of the skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary tract, overgrowth of these organisms can cause illness.

  • Candidiasis presents most commonly as a vaginal yeast infection, oral thrush, or diaper rash.
  • Ethanol is one of the toxins produced by Candida species during the fermentation of sugars in the gut leading to the so-called “auto-brewery syndrome.”  This syndrome is characterized by symptoms of drunkenness after the ingestion of carbohydrates which is resolved after treatment with antifungal drugs.
  • Candida-related complex (CRC) refers to a non-systemic yeast infection that can cause a wide array of systemic symptoms and contribute to or exacerbate various disease conditions.
  • CRC should be suspected in patients with typical symptoms who have a history of recurrent vaginal yeast infections or oral thrush, have received multiple courses of antibiotics, or are taking oral contraceptives or glucocorticoids.
  • CRC is a clinical diagnosis since there are no definitive diagnostic tests for it. A positive response to specific antifungal therapy provides retrospective confirmation of the diagnosis.

Common CRC related signs and symptoms:

  • Mood issues such as depression, anxiety
  • Hyperactivity, irritability
  • Headache
  • Difficulty with memory and concentration
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Recurrent urinary tract symptoms
  • Decreased libido
  • Acne
  • Dry skin
  • Menstrual disturbances
  • Premenstrual tension
  • Increased sensitivity to foods, inhalants, and drugs
  • Worsening symptoms of certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, myasthenia gravis, and schizophrenia

Risk Factors:

  • Impaired immune function
  • Diabetes
  • pregnancy
  • Medications such as antibiotic use, glucocorticoids (steroids) and oral contraceptives

Treatment

Foods to avoid:

  • Sugar and Sweeteners
  • Alcohol, wine, and Beer
  • Dried Fruit and Fruit Juices
  • Fermented Foods and vinegar
  • Dairy products
  • Other potential offending food groups may include: gluten and grains, beans and other legumes, mushrooms, and starchy vegetables such as squash
  • Foods to eat more of include: coconut oil, garlic, cruciferous vegetables, ginger, olive oil, cloves, cinnamon, wild salmon, lemon juice

Certain medications and supplements may be useful in treating candida infections

To schedule an appointment please contact us

Carolina Integrative Clinic

254 Towne Village Dr, Cary, NC 27513, United States

Email: office@ciclinic.com

Tel: (919) 869-6661

Fax: (919) 301-9349