The symptoms associated with Candida could be due to the action of toxins rather than the yeast itself.

Candida albican

There is little doubt that the single most important cause of candidiasis is a history of antibiotic treatments.

In addition to their desired effects, they also kill off healthy bacteria in the gut. This 'flora' is vital for optimum health and proper gut function. A reduction leads to the overgrowth and increased pathogenicity of other microorganisms such as Candida species. A poor immune function associated with long-term illness, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes. Other factors include the use of steroids - arthritis and asthma patients are particularly prone, and hormone treatments such as the contraceptive pill. In addition there are environmental factors implicated such as poor adrenal function, a diet high in refined sugars, poor nutrition and surgery.

Candida albicans is a natural part of our bodies flora. It is a yeast that is present in our intestinal tract, skin, and genito-uranary tract.  In this form it is an important part of the very fine balance of microorganisms that exists for our health. 

However, Candida can change into a pathogenic form (disease causing), a filamentous fungal form, which can extend out small threads called hyphae into the surrounding cells, leading to the so-called 'leaky gut syndrome', which is an important part of the aetiology of this condition. It is also known that Candida can secrete a number of powerful toxins into the surrounding tissues and ultimately the bloodstream.

It may be that many of the symptoms associated with Candida could be due to the action of such toxins rather than the yeast itself.