Candida is a genus of fungus known as yeast. It exists naturally on the skin and the human body, especially in the areas such as:
- Mouth
- Intestines
- Vagina
Candida can overgrow and bring on infection. This can be because of:
- A weakened immune system
- An imbalance in the body's bacteria and fungi
In medical terminology this infection is called candidiasis. The leading cause of candidiasis is the species Candida albicans. Nevertheless, other lesser-known Candida species can trigger a similar reaction in the body. This blog post offers an overview of Candida and natural supplements for yeast overgrowth, used to naturally treat this common fungal infection.
Symptoms of a Candida Infection
Candida infections are common fungal infections in humans. The symptoms of candidiasis are different for different locations of the infection. Common symptoms of oral candidiasis also known as oral thrush are:
- White patches in the gums, cheeks, tongue, and throat.
- Pain when eating.
- Redness or soreness in the mouth.
- Reduced taste.
- A dry, cottony feeling in the mouth.
- The typical symptom of esophageal candidiasis is difficulty swallowing.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) are as follows:
- Itching in Vagina.
- Soreness of vagina.
- Redness in the vaginal area.
- Pain and/or burning during urination.
- Vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese consistency.
In severe cases, a Candida infection is prone to spreading. To put it simply it spreads through the bloodstream to multiple organs, like the following:
- Heart
- Brain
- Eyes
- Bones
This is known as invasive candidiasis, that causes symptoms such as fever and chills.
Candida Albicans Diagnosis
- Oral thrush is normally diagnosed by a doctor looking inside the mouth.
- Esophageal infections are diagnosed through an endoscopy.
- Vaginal yeast infections are diagnosed on the basis of vaginal lab culture.
Treatment of Candida Albicans
Antifungal drugs are often administered as a preferred treatment. They can either be topical (applied to the skin), oral (taken by mouth), or given intravenously (into a vein). The option for treatment will be based on the location of the infection. Some vaginal infections can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical medicines. Anyways, most of the Candida infections typically involve prescription medications from a doctor.
Supplements Can Help With Candida
Supplements are usually used as a support for over-the-counter or prescription antifungals your healthcare provider prescribes. They include the following:
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Vitamin D
- Medium-chain triglycerides
- Other supplements, such as garlic and tea tree oil
Probiotics
Probiotics are foods or supplements that comprise live microorganisms meant to maintain or increase the “good” bacteria in your body. Probiotics come in different forms like the following:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic bacteria known to prevent Candida overgrowth.
- Bifidobacterium, another most common probiotic strain.
Prebiotics are nutrients that drive growth of healthy bacteria in the body. By increasing “good” bacteria, prebiotics enable fungi like Candida to be under control. Prebiotics exist in asparagus, garlic, bananas, and honey in natural form. There are also prebiotic supplements, like lactoferrin, that you can take orally.
The Sum Up
Candida overgrowth is basically treated with antifungal drugs. However, natural supplements for yeast overgrowth may support the treatment of yeast infections and oral thrush.
