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Page 66
| and, in women, in the vagina. This is a harmless microorganism when it occurs in normal amounts. It is only when an overgrowth of this yeast occurs that a problem develops. |
| Some of the common symptoms of candidiasis are chronic fatigue, intestinal cramping, bloating, frequent belching, appetite loss, general malaise, allergies, chronic or recurring vaginal yeast infections, PMS, depression, foggy thinking and irritability. No wonder the diagnosis of candidiasis is often difficult! |
| Most often, candidiasis is concentrated in the digestive tract, sometimes involving a condition called ''leaky gut.'' This occurs when the intestinal wall becomes too porous, leaking undigested proteins into the blood which, in turn, increases the risk of food allergies. When the immune system is already compromised, as in people with AIDS or in those undergoing chemotherapy, candida can become systemic, traveling to other parts of the body via the blood. This can manifest as thrush (candida overgrowth of the mouth), inability to concentrate and chemical sensitivities as well as other symptoms. |
| Candida overgrowth is most often associated with chronic use of antibiotics which destroy much of the intestinal flora or "friendly bacteria" of the digestive tract, which keep candida in balance. What makes candidiasis such a tough nut to crack is that it is usually not diagnosed until it becomes systemic. Important: Women with recurring or chronic yeast infections should be tested for HIV before they decide to self-medicate. Chronic yeast infections are one of the most common presenting complaints in women with HIV. |
| Although the problem of candida overgrowth (candidiasis) has been around for a very long time, it has only been since William Crook published The Yeast Connection in 1984 that the magnitude of this ailment has become apparent. Many people with chronic candidiasis have a wide range |
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