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Candida, a dangerous enemy most often ignored

Candidosis is a fungal infection caused by the yeasts of the Candida species.

Candida albicans is the predominant cause of candida infection. Candida albicans normally exists in the body in small amounts, especially in the intestinal tract and the urinary tract, as well as in the vagina. This becomes a danger when it grows uncontrollably, putting life into danger if it gets into the bloodstream and spreads to different organs and brain. This is called Systemic Candidosis. This can have very serious consequences, including: heart failure, kidney failure, respiratory distress. Routine laboratory tests prescribed by family doctors omit testing to detect excess Candida fungus. In most cases, the different symptoms of Candidosis are misdiagnosed, and inappropriate treatments are prescribed such as antibiotics that do nothing but help to multiply the fungus.

Candida Albicans

A typical person has an average of about 2 kilograms of microorganisms living in the intestinal tract. For good health, at least 80-85% of these bacteria should be beneficial bacteria (probiotics). Anything that damages the balance of beneficial bacteria and impairs the immune system makes us more susceptible to a Candida infection. One of the most common causes of unintentional destruction of beneficial bacteria is the administration of drugs such as antibiotics, contraceptives and steroids. Overexposure to heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins can also kill good bacteria. The same can happen with drinking water with chlorine, eating processed foods, excessive consumption of sugar, alcohol or gluten.

When the beneficial bacteria level is declining, fungal colonies begin to grow uncontrollably. As they spread in the body, they release large amounts of harmful toxins in the intestinal tract.

Because of our lifestyle, we are all exposed to candida infections. However, in the greatest danger are people with a weak immune system, diabetics and overweight people.

Untreated, Candidosis can develop certain successive structures called rhizomes that are able to shelter in the intestinal walls. Once in the bloodstream, Candida can spread throughout the body compromising the following systems: digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, excretory, reproductive and immune.

These types of systemic Candida infections can cause a wide range of symptoms including: mental confusion, low memory, anxiety, depression, unexplained fatigue, low sex drive, infertility, itching, rash, low body temperature, bladder infections, vaginal infections, asthma, allergies, food sensitivity, permeable bowel syndrome (leaky gut).

Maintaining a proper balance between beneficial bacteria and harmful bacteria is actually the secret to avoiding uncontrolled growth of Candida. A good start to doing this is to avoid eating refined foods, sugar, certain medicines, etc. As for antibiotics, they should only be given in genuinely needed cases (for serious bacterial infections and never for viral infections) and always together with the highest quality probiotic supplements.

SYMPTOMS AND MANIFESTATIONS

PHARYNEGEAL MUCOUS CANDIDITES

Mucosal tissues are abundantly populated by plasma cells, which occupy both the connective tissue underlying epithelial surfaces and dedicated mucosal lymphoid tissues such as the tonsil in the oral pharynx and Peyer’s patches in the intestinal wall. The infection with candida also shows lesions of the face, scalp, hands and nails. Chronic cutaneous-mucosal candidosis is occasionally associated with vitiligo and mouth ulcers.

OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDOSIS

People affected by Oropharyngeal Candidosis usually have a history of HIV infection, diabetes, dental prosthesis wear, or have been exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics or inhaled steroids.

Although patients are generally asymptomatic, the following manifestations may occur:

  • Inflammation and pain of the mouth;
  • Burns of the mouth or tongue;
  • Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing food);
  • The presence of white spots on the oral mucus.

Physical examination reveals a diffuse erythema and white spots that appear on the surface of the mouth, throat, tongue and gums.

The 5 types of oropharyngeal candidosis are the following:

  • Membrane Candidosis: is one of the most common types of Candidosis. It is characterized by the appearance of yellowish white spots and cheesiness on mucosal surfaces.
  • Chronic atrophic Candidosis (dental stomatitis): is also considered to be one of the most common forms of the disease. It is characterized by chronic erythema and swelling of the palatine (which comes in contact with the prosthesis). Erythema (from the Greek erythros, meaning red) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes.
  • Erythema Candida: is associated with an erythematous area in the mouth.
  • Angular Stomatitis: Inflammatory reaction characterized by pain, erythema and cracks in the corners of the mouth.
  • Mixed Candidosis: Any of the above-mentioned combination of candidosis.

ESOPHAGIAN CANDIDOSIS

Esophageal candidosis is an opportunistic infection of the esophagus by Candida albicans. The disease usually occurs in patients in immunocompromised states, including post-chemotherapy and in AIDS. Patients with esophageal candidosis may be asymptomatic or may have one or more of the following symptoms::

  • Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing);
  • Odynophagia (painful swallowing);
  • Retrospective pain;
  • Epigastric pain;
  • Nausea and vomiting;
  • Pyrosis (heartburn);
  • Gastric reflux.

Physical oral examination can almost always reveal the presence of oral Candidosis.

GASTRO-INTESTINAL CANDIDOSIS

The following symptoms may be present:

  • epigastric pain;
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • abdominal pain;
  • abdominal gas;
  • bloating;
  • irritable bowel syndrome;
  • rectal itching;
  • colitis;
  • heartburn;
  • fever and chills;
  • indigestion;
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • extreme fatigue after eating.

CANDIDOSIS OF URO-GENITAL TRACT

Types of candidosis of the uro-genital tract are as follows:

  • Vaginal and vaginal candidosis: erythema of the vagina and labia. It is characterized by a branched-off appearance with strong smell, itching and irritation of the labia.
  • Balanced Candida: pruritus of the penis gland, presenting whitish areas.
  • Candida Cystitis: often patients are asymptomatic, but invasion of the bladder can lead to dysuria, hematuria and suprapubic pain.
  • Asymptomatic Candidosis: Most patients with persistent candidemia are asymptomatic.
  • Candida Pyelonephritis: it is manifested by pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, vomiting and hematuria.
  • Mycotic stones: intermittent obstruction of the urinary tract with anuria (pathological cessation of urination) followed by renal failure.
Candidoza avansata

HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF ADVANCED CANDIDOSIS?

In patients with immunosuppression, candidosis may become so severe that patients’ lives may be endangered. Infections may occur in the following forms:

CANDIDA – SEPTICEMIA

Septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection. It’s also known as bacteremia, or blood poisoning. Septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body enters the bloodstream. The most common candida infections that can lead to septicemia are:

  • urinary tract infections;
  • lung infections;
  • kidney infections;
  • infections in the abdominal area.

Bacteria from these infections enter the bloodstream and multiply rapidly, causing immediate symptoms. It is manifested by chills, fever and even the elimination of a small amount of urine and renal insufficiency. The infection most commonly develops in patients who have implanted a vascular device (for example a central catheter). Through the catheter mucus can develop mucosal plaques that can break and reach other parts of the body. This type of affection can also be found in the short-term implanted vascular devices.

In the past two decades, fungal pathogens have been a major cause of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients, and most of these were in central catheter patients.

What is the source of the infection? Endogenous flora of patients, fluids and contaminated equipment and also the colonized hands of medical staff.

CANDIDA – EDOCARDITIS

Endocarditis is inflammation of your heart’s inner lining, called the endocardium. It’s usually caused by bacteria. When the inflammation is caused by infection, the condition is called infective endocarditis. It is an infection that starts with fever, heartbeat, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), anemia. In large blood vessels, fungi can be collected, blocking the circulation, leading to embolization.

ESOPHAGEAL CANDIDIASIS

It develops when oral candidosis spreads to the gastrointestinal tract. Mouth ulcers, mouth inflammation that can cause swallowing pain can lead to anorexia and malnutrition. If the infection extends to the intestine, it can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, ulceration.

CANDIDA MENINGITIS

Meningitis is an inflammation of the mucosa of the brain (meninges), it is not usually fatal, but can become chronic. Depending on the degree of immunosuppression of a patient, the fungus can invade cerebral tissue, potentially life-threatening, thus requiring parenteral antifungal therapy.

CANDIDA PYELONEPHRITIS

It refers to the inflammation of both kidneys and can most likely occur in patients with urinary catheters implanted in the long term. In fact, candidosis is a major cause of urinary tract infections of hospitalized patients. The existing candida on the skin and perineal tissues come from the catheter to the bladder, ureter and kidney, and in this case can cause infections. Antifungal medicines can help prevent the spread of kidney disease.

PULMONARY CANDIDOSIS

It develops when the oropharyngeal infection extends to the lungs or when the fungal emboli infiltrates into the lung tissue. Symptoms of lung infection include: difficulty in breathing, increased fatigue and persistent cough. Fever cannot be present in patients who have a significantly lower immune function – a category where lung infection is most likely to occur.

Treatment of Candidosis is very important, but treatment can be difficult and unresponsive if it is not accompanied by an anti-Candida diet.

Tratarea candidozei este foarte importanta, dar tratamentul poate fi dificil si fara raspuns daca nu este insotit de un regim alimentar anti-Candida.

Alimente recomandate impotriva candidozei

Recommended foods

Vegetables

asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, onion, spinach, tomatoes, courgettes, pickled cabbage, pickles (only in brine).

Fruits

avocado, lemon, green lemon, olives

Cereals

avocado, lemon, green lemon, olives

Meat / protein

eggs, chicken, turkey, eggs, anchovies, herring, salmon (wild), sardines.

Dairy products

butter, kefir, yoghurt (probiotics)

Fats and oils

coconut oil, linseed oil, olive oil, sesame oil.

Sweeteners

Stevia, xylitol.

Beverages

water, chicory, herbal teas.

The following can be consumed in moderate quantities (avoid if possible) (beans, beets, carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, apples, apricots, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pears, brown rice, wild rice, beef, lamb, decaffeinated coffee, green tea, vegetable juice.

Foods to avoid

Fruits

Bananas, dates, fruit juices, grapes, mango, raisins.

Cereals

Barley, rye, wheat.

Meat and fish

Pork, processed meat, crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crab), tuna.

Dairy products

Cheese, milk, sour cream, whey products.

Spices

Barbecue sauce, horseradish, ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, white vinegar.

Fats and Oils

Canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, margarine.

Sweeteners

Agave syrup, aspartame, honey, molasses, corn syrup, sugar.

Non-alcoholic beverages

Black tea, coffee, diet or normal acidic beverages, energy drinks, fruit juices.

Alcoholic beverages

Beer, cider, liqueur, wine.

Testul simplu pentru candidoza

A simple test for Candidosis

Look for the following, possible symptoms

  • Recurrent vaginal infections.
  • Constant fatigue, dizziness, poor mood.
  • Sticky white saliva and whitish deposits on the tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth.
  • Abdominal pain, abdominal gas, indigestion.
  • Persistent constipation or diarrhea
  • Articular pains like those caused by arthritis.
  • Saliva leakage.
  • Loss or weight gain without the ability to control.
  • Blurred, ineffective mind.
  • Fungus on your toes or feet.
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (antibiotic resistant).
  • Irritated eyes, red eyes, tearful eyes.
  • Red spots on the skin (eczema, atopic dermatitis).
  • Itching and irritation in the anal area or around the sexual organs.
  • Hair loss.

You don’t know if you have Candida?

Answer YES or NO to the following questions:

  • Have you ever had vaginal infections characterized by: the appearance of a whitish, grungy leak? Bad smell? Or stinging or itching in the vaginal area?
  • Have you ever taken antibiotics?
  • Have you ever taken birth control pills?
  • Have you ever used anti-asthma inhalers?
  • Crave for sugar or sweets?
  • Crave for bread, eat bread daily?
  • Do you feel the need for alcoholic beverages, drink alcohol regularly?
  • Do you have intestinal gas, bloating?
  • Do you often feel tired or get tired easily?
  • When you get up in the morning, do you have whitish deposits on your tongue?
  • Suffer from depression characterized by lack of workmanship?
  • Do you often have headaches?
  • Do you have allergies (itching of the skin, itching in the throat, allergic cough)?
  • Do you have vaginal itchiness (in women)?
  • Do you often have vaginal infections (in women)?
  • Do you have itching in the anal area (in women or men)?

If you respond YES to at least 3 of the above questions, the chances are very high to suffer from a Candida infection.

Simple test for oral Candidosis

In the morning, when you get up, collect the first saliva in your mouth and spit it in a glass of water. If the saliva remains compact or spreads evenly, you are OK. But if the saliva begins to spread into the water in the form of tentacles in different directions, you also suffer from oral candidosis

Our recommendations

Provita Nutrition offers a full range of products for treating systemic Candidosis, included in a complex protocol consisting of 2 situations:

For lighter cases of candidiasis, the minimum products to be administered are included in the Reduced Protocol:

For women suffering from vaginal Candidosis, use Tea Tree Oil Therapeutic Soap and vaginal irrigation with Pau d’Arco tea.

Men may also be asymptomatic candidates. Untreated, simultaneously with the female partner can re-infect her. It is therefore recommended that men follow the reduced protocol.

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