CANDIDIASIS: Management Through Probiotics

Candida yeast is a normal inhabitant of our skin, gastrointestinal tract, and mucous membranes, including the vagina, mouth, and nasal passages. These eukaryotes naturally live in the vagina but they are only problematic when the bacterial balance is exasperated.

- Sonia Sharma , Alka Sagar ,Saurabh Singh Yadav

Potential Candida overgrowth can be associated with a history of high sugar/fruit consumption; severe stress; pregnancy, compromised immune system, taking antibiotic/steroid/birth control medication or even prolonged exposure to mold-ridden environments. Antimicrobial abuse is the major cause of Candidiasis. C. albicans, cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), in 50% of females of reproductive age and it can also affect the penis, resulting in itching, inflammation and urinary and sexual discomfort. Yeast infections ordinarily don't cause any recognizable vaginal odors, which distinguishes them from other vaginal infections. If there's an odor, it's usually rather moderate and yeasty. Excess of body weight exaggerates Candidiasis due to creation of skin folds and along with tight clothing create ideal sweaty and moist conditions for Candida overgrowth. Being obese makes it difficult to regulate blood glucose, and poorly managed blood sugar helps to feed Candida growth. The broader range of Candida-related symptoms can include thrush (vaginal or oral), diarrhea/constipation, bloating, belching, rectal itching, food intolerances, and a propensity towards stomach upsets, acne/eczema, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, mental disorders such as anxiety, confusion and 'foggy brain'.