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Candida
To gain control over Candida, one should be properly diagnosed using proven tests so that the underlying causes can be identified and treated. |
Candida is the popular term for candidiasis, which is a yeast overgrowth.
All of us have moderate amounts of Candida and most people do not experience any ill effects. However, in some cases, Candida can change into a more aggressive form; it can penetrate the rest of the body through the intestinal wall, producing a multitude of symptoms.
Symptoms may vary from person to person, fluctuate in severity, and be intermittent. Sufferers may experience incapacitating fatigue, problems with concentration and short-term memory, flu-like symptoms such as pain in the joints and muscles, sore throat, white coated tongue, chronic sinus problems, headaches (including migraines), bloating, hayfever and various other allergies. Damage to the intestinal wall can cause “leaky gut syndrome”, which allows toxins to permeate into the bloodstream. Often this condition leads to severe food allergies, migraines, and muscle aches.
Candida albicans is a yeast organism which colonises the human mouth, throat, bowel and vagina at birth. In the bowel it is normally kept in check by friendly bacteria, and when the bacterial balance is altered it can overgrow and change its form.
Bacterial balance is altered by several factors, most commonly antibiotics, pregnancy, the oral contraceptive pill, steroids and diabetes. The normal yeast form can convert to a fungal (mycelial) form with finger-like outgrowths (hyphae) which can penetrate the walls of the intestine, allowing matter to pass from the gut into the bloodstream.
Toxins such as ammonia, alcohol and certain proteins enter the body, and may have distant effects either directly, through a chemical effect, or indirectly, through an immune reaction to the foreign material. There is also evidence that the Candida organism can produce its own toxin(s).
The identification of the syndrome is mainly from the history and clinical features (there may be evidence of thrush infection, or other yeast-related problems, such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff, athlete’s foot and intertrigo), though antibodies to Candida are sometimes found in blood tests and Candida organisms can sometimes be grown from stool samples.
How Breakspear can help with Candida
While there are many over-the-counter dietary supplements that claim to offer relief from typical Candida/yeast infection/thrush symptoms, as well as herbal remedies and lotions to ease the discomfort, the popular perception is that Candida is the consequence of antibiotics usage and that when antibiotics are used in conjunction with the contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy, or steroids, the natural balance is disrupted and that stopping the treatments may offer relief.
To gain control over Candida, one should be properly diagnosed using proven tests so that the underlying causes can be identified and treated. Treatment programmes should be tailor-made and on-going to monitor progress.
At Breakspear Medical Group, if Candida is suspected, there are a number of tests that can be performed to confirm diagnosis. These tests may include urinary organic acid analysis, a test for Candida antibodies, and urine peptides investigation.
Treatment for Candida is a combination of diet, allergy treatment and anti-yeast measures. The diet is designed to discourage the growth of Candida by excluding sugar, and to avoid yeasts and moulds and their fermentation products, which may have an allergic cross-reaction with Candida. Oily fish and live yoghurt are recommended foods. Many types of mushrooms can also be beneficial.
People with allergies are more likely to have yeast overgrowth than others, and where there are increased amounts of yeasts, then allergy is more likely to develop. Breakspear Hospital uses the method of
low-dose immunotherapy (also known as provocation/neutralisation) to identify and reduce allergic reactions to foods, common moulds, yeasts, chemicals and other allergens.
The yeasts themselves can readily provoke an allergic reaction. Often there is a combination of yeast overgrowth and yeast allergy. Vaginal fluid in women with recurrent thrush contains high levels of the histamine-releasing antibody IgE (immunoglobulin E) directed against the cell wall of the Candida organism. Histamine suppresses the cellular immune response, and IgE antibodies against Candida also attack some immune cells (lymphocytes) because they share structural features with Candida. These two effects compound the problem of overgrowth by further suppressing immunity. Breakspear Medical Group specialises in building the body’s immune system by way of dietary changes and supplements.
To make an appointment to see one of our doctors, telephone Reception 01442 261 333.
If you have any specific questions regarding prices, estimates and treatment programmes, please contact one of our Patient Liaison Officers, by phone 01442 261 333 ext. 293, or email: liaison@breakspearmedical.com.
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