Candida is just one of many kinds of fungus that exist in the body. It is a type of yeast that lives normally on the skin and inside the body, typically in the mouth, throat, gut and vagina, without causing any problems. But when the environment is right, or parts of the body are imbalanced, the yeast can multiply and grow out of control leading to infection.
There are several types of infection, called candidiasis, each presenting with a specific set of symptoms, which makes diagnosis of a root cause difficult. Candidiasis is most often caused by weakened immune systems, but can also occur in individuals using contraception pills, cortisone and different steroids, or eating diets rich in refined starches, yeast, and additives/chemicals. Overall it responds well to treatment once it’s been identified.
• Thrush – most common in newborns, the elderly, and immune-compromised adults
• Genital Yeast Infection – common for adult women, but men can also get it, and there is a possible risk of transmitting the infection during sex; caused by pregnancy, diabetes, use of some medicines/lubricants/spermicides
• Diaper Rash from Yeast Infection – caused by prolonged exposure to wet, soiled diaper
• Invasive Candidiasis – occurs if yeast enters the bloodstream, potentially traveling to the heart, brain, eyes, bones, etc., and with potential for serious infection.
Symptoms
There are nine major symptoms associated with Candida overgrowth:
• Chronic Fatigue – prolonged periods of exhaustion, sometimes accompanied by headaches, joint pain, difficulties with memory and concentration
• Mood Disorders – mood swings, anxiety, irritability, depression
• Recurring Vaginal and Urinary Tract Infections – characterized by itchiness/redness of the vagina, pain/burning during urination, thick & white vaginal discharge, discomfort during sex
• Oral Thrush – appearance of white or yellow patches in and around the mouth, redness/soreness in the mouth and throat
• Sinus Infections – cough, post-nasal drip, congestion
• Intestinal Distress – flatulence, burping, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, and stomach cramps due to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
• Brain Fog – lack of focus, poor physical coordination, and difficulty in concentrating on tasks and poor memory.
• Skin and Nail Fungal Infections – including Athlete’s foot
• Hormonal Imbalance – one of the byproducts of candida mimics estrogen, leading to a serious hormonal imbalance that affects menopause, PMS, libido, water retention, weight gain, and more
Facial Indicators
As a holistic and alternative medicine practitioner, Dr. Amos pays attention to her client’s face, which often exhibits indicators of health issues. Indications of candida/yeast include:
• Red patches on the skin
• White or yellow patches in and around the mouth
• Skin blemishes
Testing and Treatment
Antifungal medications successfully treat most forms of candida, but long-term eradication is based on fortifying an individual’s immune system with dietary changes and nutritional supplements.
Following Functional Medicine and holistic protocols, a specific treatment plan is designed to tackle each patient’s individual needs. Treatment methods applied may include:
• BIOSET
• Cupping
• Electro Dermal Screening
• Food and Environment Sensitivity
• Organ Detoxification & Restoration