DO YOU HAVE CANDIDA OVERGROWTH?
DO YOU HAVE CANDIDA OVERGROWTH? If you are experiencing chronic symptoms ranging from Brain Fog, Intestinal Discomfort, Joint Pain to Fatigue, but your doctor is at a loss to explain the reason, Candida Overgrowth could be to Blame! What is Candida? Humans host a complex microbial ecosystem composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists and archaea – each playing key and interconnected roles in maintaining health and supporting biological functions. The gut microbiome varies greatly between individuals, both in size (total microbial load) and composition (species diversity), due to differences in physiology, diet, lifestyle, and environment. Candida is a yeast-like fungus that naturally lives on and inside the human body – primarily in the mouth, gut, skin and vaginal tract – without causing harm under normal circumstances (1). However, Candida can become opportunistic under certain conditions and cause infection – when the normal balance within the microbiome is disrupted or the host’s immune system is weakened (1). The main drivers of candida overgrowth include poor diet, antibiotics, stressful lifestyle, alcohol, high blood sugar, contraceptive hormones, immune suppression and gut disrupting drugs. Over 150 Candida species have been recognized to date. But Candida Albicans is the most frequently associated with HUMAN INFECTIONS. It is a dimorphic Gram-positive yeast, not acid-resistant, saprophyte (fungus that lives on dead or decaying matter) in 40–75% of healthy humans (28, 29). And is responsible for over 80% of human yeast infections (28,30). Among humans – Candida Albicans is the most studied and clinically relevant – an overgrowth of which affects millions of people; many of whom are unaware of the cause of their symptoms. In fact, it is estimated that one in three people suffer from yeast overgrowth due to Candida Albicans! Candida albicans is a common opportunistic yeast that causes oral thrush, vaginal infections, and gut issues! The genus name Candida is attributed to the traditional “white robes” worn by Roman candidates (candidatus) running for public office. The term albicans is derived from another Latin word albico/albicatus, which means “to be white” or “verge on white.” In essence, the term Candida albicans is redundant meaning “white to be white” and is associated with white color [2]. What is Candida Overgrowth or Pathogenicity? Candida overgrowth happens when the natural balance between Candida yeast and beneficial bacteria in the body is disturbed, allowing candida to multiply excessively and cause infection. This can occur in various parts of the body such as the gut, mouth, throat, or genital area. When Candida overgrows, it disrupts the normal microbial balance and can lead to symptoms and infections collectively known as Candidiasis. In most individuals with a healthy immune system, C. albicans is a harmless microbe that exists in harmony with other members of the gut flora that keep candida under control. Candida begins to overgrow when the environment in the body changes due to the following factors: Repeated use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (kills both good and bad bacteria creating room for fungus to grow) Changes in the host immune system (e.g., during stress, poor diet and lifestyle, infection by another microbe, or immunosuppressant therapy) Variations in the gut environment (e.g., shifts in gut pH, gastritis, or nutritional deficiencies) and, Conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, organ transplantation Damaged physical barriers (damaged mucosal barriers such as mouth, gut, genital surfaces due to trauma, chemotherapy, or medical devices for example catheters) These conditions favor the trigger of fungal proliferation causing Candida to grow out of control, invade deeper tissues and turn into an aggressive pathogen causing wide range of infections (1). These infections range from: superficial mucosal and dermal infections, such as oral thrush, diaper rash or skin rash, and vaginal yeast infections (75% of women will have yeast infection or UTIs at least once in their lifetime), to more serious blood/organs related and deep tissue infections with sizable mortality rates (approaching 47% in some cases) (1). While women are more susceptible to vaginal or genital yeast infections (also known as UTIs in lay term), men and kids can also be infected. Certain factors, such as prolonged antibiotic use, increase the risk of candida overgrowth for both men and women. Prolonged Antibiotics use promotes yeast (fungal) infections, including gastrointestinal (GI) Candida overgrowth and penetration of the GI mucosa making the host more susceptible to yeast infections. Candida albicans may also play a role in the persistence or worsening of some chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (5,6). Many of the illnesses and symptoms that plague men and women and children today – from fatigue, bloating, and weight gain to prostates, brain fog, arthritis, allergies, ear infections and depression can be traced back to surprising factor – an overgrowth of yeast called Candida Albicans (5,6). In addition to these concerns, candida has also been linked to arguably more serious and debilitating illnesses such as autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, autism, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and mental illness (5). Infection caused by Candida are especially serious in immunocompromised individuals (such as those with diabetes, nutrient deficiencies, AIDS/HIV or those undergoing anticancer chemotherapy/radiation immunosuppression therapies) and healthy people with implanted medical devices such as catheters, pacemakers, prosthetics, heart valves, dentures etc. (1,6). Candida’s ability to shift from a harmless commensal to an aggressive pathogen exemplifies its opportunistic nature – it takes advantage of weak immune system or disrupted microbial imbalance to cause a disease. Factors that lead to Candida Overgrowth Diet high in sugar and refined carbs – Candida thrives on sugar. Repeated Antibiotic use – Antibiotics kill beneficial and non-beneficial bacteria (not fungi), that normally keep candida in check. This disrupts the microbial balance allowing the yeast to overgrow. Low stomach acid (Impaired Upper Digestion) – impacts gut microbiome and again makes the environment favorable for candida overgrowth Weakened Immune System and Health conditions – Conditions such as HIV/AIDs, diabetes, cancer, chemotherapy, and use of immunosuppressive drugs increase susceptibility to candida Excess alcohol consumption – Excess alcohol can lead to leaky gut, change gut flora and thus act as a fuel source for candida overgrowth. Estrogen Dominance – Changes