Candidiasis is an infection caused by Candida albicans, an opportunistic yeast that lives in our gastrointestinal tracts, also known as the ‘gut’.
The gut contains over 100 trillion microbes, also known as the ‘gut microbiota’.
Candida albicans is but one species that normally lives in harmony with the rest of the microbes in the gut microbiota.
When something upsets the balance within the gut microbiota, Candida albicans can multiply and spread, invading and infecting tissues. This infection, called Candidiasis, can spread anywhere along the GI tract, as well as infect the skin. Issues such as dandruff, thrush, and vaginal yeast infections are often caused by Candidiasis. It can also cause rashes, as well as ear and sinus infections.
Many things can cause the microbiota in our gut to become unbalanced, such as medical conditions and/or treatments that cause immunosuppression (ie HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, corticosteroids, THC, and antibiotic therapy). Candida albicans also loves sugar. Too much sugar in the diet and/or high blood glucose (ie. Diabetes) can ‘feed’ the yeast, causing it to spread.
In severely immunocompromised individuals, the yeast can even cross into the bloodstream or organs causing life-threatening systemic infection. Even though anti-fungal drugs and special diets exist to treat candidiasis, the infection can be difficult to get under control. Candida albicans can create biofilms that protect it from the body’s immune system and anti-fungal drugs, making it hard to kill.
And when Candida albicans does die it releases toxins into the body, which create inflammation. This is not a microbe that wants to go quietly.
Unfortunately, Candida albicans is a natural part of our gut and can’t be completely eliminated from the body, which makes managing Candida albicans a full-time job.
MY EXPERIENCE
Candidiasis first became a problem for me during my nightmare years. One of the MS treatments I was prescribed upset the balance in my gut microbiota, causing Candidiasis to occur. As a result, I was plagued with vaginal yeast infections, rashes, facial dandruff, ear and sinus infections, and thrush. Unfortunately, over-the-counter treatments and anti-fungal drugs weren’t a lot of help.
As a woman with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Candidiasis became a serious cause for concern because it causes inflammation. When I discovered that inflammation causes MS relapses, with relapses being the worsening of current or creation of new MS symptoms, I knew I had to get a handle on my Candidiasis.
I got the best results preventing/managing these outbreaks of Candidiasis by incorporating Virgin Coconut Oil, Xylitol, and Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) into my beneficial diet, along with limiting sugar consumption. Keeping hydrated and taking Activated Charcoal has also helped flush out toxins.
I also use Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and the Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) (ACV) as natural remedies in my personal hygiene & body care, and medical care. I apply VCO and ACV topically to maintain healthy skin and treat facial dandruff. I use VCO alone to treat rashes and in my sinus rinse, which also helps manage my Sinusitis.
Managing my Diabetes, helps manage my Candidiasis.
And managing my Candidiasis, helps me manage my MS.
UPDATES:
I had a unfortunate experience with THC in 2003 that triggered a massively outbreak of Candidiasis in the form of large, extremely painful rashes. It that took over six months to completely clear up.
-Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy
REFERENCES
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Rafiee Zadeh, A., Askari, M., Azadani, N. N., Ataei, A., Ghadimi, K., Tavoosi, N., & Falahatian, M. (2019). Mechanism and Adverse Effects of Multiple Sclerosis Drugs: A Review Article. Part 1. International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, 11(4), 95–104.
Rodrigues, C. F., Rodrigues, M. E., & Henriques, M. (2019). Candida sp. Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(1), 76.
Singh, A., Verma, R., Murari, A., & Agrawal, A. (2014). Oral Candidiasis: An Overview. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 18(Suppl 1), S81–S85.
Talattof, Z., Azad, A., Zahed, M., & Shahradnia, N. (2018). Antifungal Activity of Xylitol against Candida albicans: An in vitro Study. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 19(2), 12.
Not in Kansas Anymore (www.notinksanymore.com) is a site/blog authored and managed by Jen, aka. Power Chair Dorothy (pwrchr-dorothy). This site/blog is intended to provide educational and research information, and to share the author’s journey.
The author of this site/blog is not a medical physician and this site/blog does not provide medical advice. This site/blog contains information that should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you choose to apply or implement any information posted at this site/blog, you do so at your own risk.
Not in Kansas Anymore 