Candida Albicans has become a household word for many health conscious Americans. Candida is a yeast that lives in the human digestive system. It has the ability to change from a yeast and become a fungus. As a fungus it operates in a similar fashion to any other fungus such as athletes’ foot fungus, etc. Candida is kept at low levels by the friendly bacteria that also reside in the digestive tract. The friendly bacteria feed on the Candida, thus a balance in the body is maintained. Modern medicine’s “gift” of antibiotics, birth control pills, cortisone and chemotherapy kill this friendly bacteria as do street drugs, alcohol, and junk food diets.

Once this friendly bacteria has been destroyed, the yeast begins to overgrow and take over the digestive system. Left untreated, it becomes a fungus and grows into a plant-like structure complete with roots. These roots can break through the intestinal walls, allowing the yeast to travel to other areas of the body such as the sinuses, throat, reproductive organs, the lungs and skin just to name a few.

It is capable of producing over 100 symptoms. This makes it extremely frustrating for anyone with this condition to be able to find out or understand what is exactly wrong with them. Billions are spent each year on antibiotics, creams, nasal sprays, unnecessary hospital visits, operations and antidepressants, due to the ignorance and arrogance of the medical profession. It is written in their own journals that antibiotics can cause this condition yet they continue to boldly prescribe them and are resentful when discussing their side effects. One doctor who was backed into a corner on this subject during a radio talk show became hysterical with fear and began screaming: “THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS CANDIDA!”

The symptoms of Candida are so confusing that even a practitioner who wants to know about it can be confused. I truly believe that proper testing is the answer. It is my deep-seated belief that those who want to get well must find a practitioner who offers accurate testing. This way the real problem can be found and not overlooked.

Look over the list of all the possible symptoms Candida can cause and you will see why I so firmly believe that by symptoms alone one can be misled into treating a “major symptom” and miss the true culprit.

SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDA

Intolerance of perfumes, odors, fumes, fabric shop odors and tobacco smoke.
Complaints that worsen in damp, muggy or moldy places.
Athletes’ foot, jock itch, fungal infections on the skin or nails.
Craving for sugar, bread or alcohol.
Prostitis or vaginitis.
Diarrhea.
Constipation.
Abdominal distention, bloating or pain.
Gas or flatulence.
Rectal itching or rash.
Colic.
Diaper rash.
Vaginal itch, burning or persistent infections.
Kidney, bladder infections.
Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder with possible infection).
Sinus infections.
Joint pain or swelling.
Acne.
Hives.
Rashes.
Itching skin.
Eczema.
Psoriasis.
Loss of sex drive.
Impotence.
Fatigue.
Feeling drained.
Memory loss.
Feeling spaced out.
Numbness, burning or tingling.
Muscle aches.
Muscle pains.
Flu-like symptoms.
Endometriosis (irregular or painful menstruation).
Cramps or menstrual irregularities.
P.M.S.
Spots in front of eyes.
Erratic vision.
Drowsiness.
Irritability or jitteriness.
Mood swings.
Depression.
Suicidal feelings.
Headaches.
Hypoglycemia.
Feeling of swelling and tingling in the head.
Heartburn.
Indigestion.
Belching.
Intestinal gas.
Mucus in the stools.
Hemorrhoids.
Dry mouth.
Sores or blisters in the mouth.
Bad breath.
Nasal congestion.
Nasal discharge.
Nasal itching.
Post nasal drip.
Sore or dry mouth.
Sore or dry throat.
Cough.
Pain or tightness in the chest.
Wheezing or shortness of breath.
Asthmatic symptoms.
Burning or itching eyes.
Burning on urination.
Ear pain.
Ear aches.
Ear discharges.
Painful intercourse.
Food allergies or food reactions.
Hayfever.
General allergies.
Thrush.
Hair loss.

As you can see, the symptoms are so varied no one person has all the same set as another. The average Candida sufferer has 20 or more of these (while others have less and some have more). Many times they have given up on ever finding out what was wrong with them because all of these symptoms seem unrelated.

One patient spent 7 days in the hospital, was wheeled from one examination room to another–a grand tour of the hospital–only to be told it was all in her head. She was charged over $6000.00 for that stay. Upon her release a stool analysis was done and Candida was found. In addition, her symptoms were worsened by all the jello and the horrible hospital food.

Symptoms of Candida, regardless of what they are, will worsen in hot, humid or muggy weather. Like any mold or fungus, heat and humidity help it grow and spread. Symptoms can also vary according to one’s diet. Sugar, alcohol, starches, fermented foods, sweets (even fruits) will increase symptoms by feeding the yeast organisms. This will cause them to grow and release more toxins which will produce symptoms. Stress is key in triggering symptoms. It has long been recognized that stress plays a part in lowering the immune function of the body. The immune system is what tries to keep the yeast under control. Simply being over-worked, over-tired, or over-stressed will cause an increase in Candida and therefore its symptoms.

The environment one lives in can play a big role if one is exposed to toxic metals, fumes, smoke, pollution, and in direct contact with various chemicals. The immune system can become overloaded and therefore further dip which will allow more yeast to grow.

If one finds that these conditions cause an increase in symptoms, there is a very good chance that Candida is present. Proper testing is essential to determine this for sure and to find out how bad the condition is. Blood tests can be inaccurate if they only test for Candida antibodies and antigens. These tests can show positive even after the Candida is gone or if one simply has an allergy to yeast.

Another new test can tell us the following: 1) How much friendly bacteria is present and able to fight the Candida. 2) How much harmful bacteria is present that can weaken the friendly bacteria acting as a friend to Candida. 3) How much harmful bacteria is present that can cause symptoms along with the Candida. 4) How well the digestive system is breaking down and absorbing all the foods we eat. 5) If there if is any inflammation or irritation in the intestines or colon from the Candida. 6) If the Candida has caused damage or leaks in the intestinal walls allowing allergens or toxins to come into the body. 7) How well the immune system in the intestines is working to fight the Candida.

This wonderful new test can help us understand exactly what Candida is doing and what damage it has created. This helps us understand the symptoms and their origin so as to eliminate much of the guessing that could otherwise take place. Candida can be trickier than a used car salesman and more confusing then our current economic problems. You could go crazy trying to figure out what all the symptoms mean and why they happen etc, etc. Please!!! find competent help. Don’t drown in a sea of confusion or yeast!

Michael Biamonte holds a Doctorate of Nutripathy, and is a New York State certified Clinical Nutritionist. He is a professional member of the International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists,The American College of Nutrition and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. He is listed in “The Directory of Distinguished Americans” for his research in Nutrition and Physiology.