How to Diagnose and Relieve a Candida Albicans Intestinal Yeast Infection

A Candida Yeast Infection is caused by a fungal organism which, it is believed, is present in everybody's gastrointestinal (GI) tract no matter what their age, how healthy they are or their gender.

Candida Yeast Infection in women or oral thrush which can infect anyone including young babies.

In a normal healthy host, Candida Yeast Infections.

A poor immune system, either through medication or through illness, can allow the candida albicans to thrive and spread. Candida infections are not unusual in HIV patients or in people who have been treated with Chemotherapy. Also a persons lifestyle can impact on their immune system, especially if they have stressful jobs or ongoing stressful personal situations.

Also, a poor diet has been attributed to an increased risk of a candida infection. This is particularly true of diets that are high in sugar.

Unfortunately as it grows the Candida Albicans can change from its relatively harmless "yeast" form, into the fungal form, which lines the GI tract walls and, if allowed to overgrow, uses its long root like tentacles to penetrate the intestinal lining and release spores into the rest of the body.

If this occurs, then a break down may occur between a person's intestinal tract and their circulatory system and so allow the introduction of allergens, poisons, irritants and toxins into the bloodstream. If the openings are large enough then partially digested proteins may also enter the bloodstream, a situation known as leaky gut syndrome.

Although it has been hard to diagnose in the past, as candida is a normal part of the GI tract flora, there have been some advances. A simple blood test known as a Candida Albicans Assay test can often be enough to diagnose whether a person has an increased level of Candida antibodies in their bloodstream.

To help a diagnosis ensure that you keep a record of any symptoms you may be suffering from and discuss them with your medical practitioner. There are a number of conditions that can have similar symptoms to a candida overgrowth, so the more you know about the condition the better chance you have of fighting it.

Treatments have been shown to be effective against candida albicans infections once it has been successfully diagnosed, and they usually include a course of anti -fungal medication, a change in lifestyle to reduce stress and an anti-candida diet.

To reduce the risk of another Candida albicans intestinal yeast infection occurring, it is important to understand the initial cause of the infection and treat that to reduce the chance of further episodes.