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