What Is Candida? Understanding Yeast Imbalance

A microscopic view of a candida, a fungus that can cause a fungal infection.

Candida is a type of fungus (or, more specifically – yeast) that can cause fungal infections like candidiasis, candidemia, and oral thrush.[1] Dozens of species of candida are known to affect humans and Candida albicans is the most common.[2, 3] When the immune system functions normally, Candida is kept in check and exists harmlessly in the skin or mucous membranes like those of the gut and vaginal area. It’s even among the organisms that newborns acquire during natural birth, nursing, or from food.[4] However, a compromised immune system, and other factors such as poor diet, can lead to an imbalance where Candida overwhelms the body, a condition known as Candida overgrowth.

What Is Candida Overgrowth?

Everyone has some form of Candida in their body; it’s normal and not necessarily a health concern. The immune system typically keeps Candida in balance but lifestyle, health conditions, or other factors can trigger Candida overgrowth where the yeast multiplies and negatively affects the body’s normal processes. A Candida overgrowth can result in a myriad of concerns, including infection of the skin, throat, esophagus, blood, or genitals.[5, 6] A Candida overgrowth can disrupt the beneficial bacteria in the body. Candida cylindracea, for example, is important for digestion because of its enzymatic properties and pH levels.[7] An overgrowth, however, can disrupt the entire gut microbiota. Candida overgrowth can even contribute to leaky gut syndrome,[8] a condition where the protective barrier known as the intestinal mucosa becomes perforated with tiny holes that allow the contents of the digestive tract to leak into the bloodstream.

What Causes Candida Overgrowth?

There are a number of factors that can act as a catalyst for Candida overgrowth. Some of the most common include:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics attack all bacteria — good and bad — and upset the body’s internal balance in a big way. This disruption can harm the microbiome, allowing Candida to spread and cause infections.[1]

Alcohol

Chronic alcohol consumption can foster the overgrowth of certain species of Candida. This causes an imbalance in the body and can lead to health concerns.[9]

Weak Immune System

The immune system helps keep Candida in check but a compromised immune system can open the door for Candida overgrowth. Many medical conditions and medications can affect the immune system.[10, 11, 12]

Diabetes

Candida overgrowth is common in individuals with diabetes. High blood glucose (hyperglycemia) affects the immune system, reduces the antibacterial activity of urine, and impedes the digestive and urinary systems.[1, 13]

Health Conditions and Other Factors

Other factors that may put you at risk of candida overgrowth include:[14, 15]

  • Organ transplantation
  • Wearing dentures
  • Suffering from kidney failure or being on hemodialysis
  • Pregnancy
  • Being a patient in the intensive care unit

10 Species of Candida You Should Know

There are many different species of Candida and each interacts with the body in its own way.[16] Here are ten of the most common types of Candida and how they can affect your health.

1. Candida albicans

Known as an “opportunist” fungi, Candida albicans is responsible for the majority of fungal infections in humans.[17] Although Candida albicans is usually harmless,[18] unchecked it can disrupt normal physiological processes. Vaginal yeast infections and oral thrush are among its most common effects.

2. Candida glabrata

Candida glabrata exists in mucosal tissues. In recent years, mucosal and systemic infections caused by Candida glabrata have dramatically increased.[19] It is now the second-leading cause of Candida infection behind Candida albicans.

3. Candida parapsilosis

Candida parapsilosis is best known for causing infection among newborns and patients under intensive care.[20] Because one of the most common ways for Candida parapsilosis to spread is through hand contact with healthcare professionals, it is a major concern in hospitals.[21]

4. Candida krusei

Candida krusei is a concern for patients who suffer from malignancies in the blood or who have received transplants. Candida krusei can lead to serious infections in the bloodstream. The transmission of this particular organism has become the subject of further study, as the frequency of Candida krusei infections vary with geographical and temporal trends.[22]

5. Candida dubliniensis

Candida dubliniensis, which is structurally similar to Candida albicans, has been identified in the mouths of patients with HIV or AIDS.[23] It has also been found in the genital tracts of HIV-negative immunocompromised individuals and women suffering from vaginitis.[24]

6. Candida lusitaniae

Also considered an opportunistic yeast, Candida lusitaniae has been associated with infection in leukemia patients.[25] Additionally, Candida lusitaniae is known for its resistance to the antifungal drug amphotericin.[26] Resistance is uncommon among species of candida, making it one of the specimen’s defining traits.

7. Candida guilliermondii

Although uncommon and one of the lesser known species of Candida, Candida guilliermondii can strike immunocompromised persons.[27] What we do know is that it is a rare and invasive specimen that has demonstrated a reduced susceptibility to antifungal agents.[28]

8. Candida rugosa

Similar to Candida krusei, Candida rugosa is a fungal pathogen that has demonstrated unique geographic and temporal trends.[29] In recent years, it has been identified as the cause of candidemia in some patients.[30] Like Candida krusei and Candida glabrata, Candida rugosa is resistant to some antifungal treatments.[31]

9. Candida zeylanoides

Found in skin, nail, and blood samples, Candida zeylanoides has been reported as the source of fungemia — yeast in the blood.[32][33] It may be treated with intravenous amphotericin therapy.[34]

10. Candida tropicalis

Frequently encountered in tropical climates and known to cause candidemia, Candida tropicalis is one of the more common species of Candida known to affect humans.[35] A major concern with the specimen’s global presence is its resistance to treatment with fluconazole.[36]

How to Get Rid of Candida

If you recognize the symptoms of yeast infection or any other malady related to a Candida overgrowth, it’s important to act fast. Natural remedies such as tea tree oil,[37] star anise,[38] and eucalyptus[39] have a natural ability to fight out-of-control fungus and support the body’s processes to restore balance. Diet can also be an excellent solution to eliminating candida. Try the ultimate candida diet program for long-lasting results.

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†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.


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Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.

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