Signs and Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth or Infection

What are the typical signs and symptoms of candida overgrowth or infection?

The candida albicans yeast organism normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat and genitals. However, according to some theories, the yeast can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, allowing undigested protein and toxins to enter the blood stream and then spread throughout the body.

In addition, the organism can emit approximately 70 different toxins, further disrupting the immune system.

Proponents of the candida yeast epidemic theory state that many of the chronic illnesses today can be traced to a systemic candida yeast infection. Symptoms of candida overgrowth affect every system of the body and can even incapacitate the affected individual.

Candida overgrowth symptoms fall under three main categories - problems with gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, allergic reactions, and emotional / mental difficulties. Candida symptoms may vary from one individual to another , and from week to week. Several systems may be affected at once, or one system at a time may be symptomatic.

Some of the most frequent signs and symptoms of candida overgrowth include:

• abdominal gas and acid reflux - the yeast infection can affect the digestive system
• acne - standard acne treatment can encourage yeast to flourish, especially the prescription antibiotic tetracycline
• anxiety
• athlete's foot
• chronic pain
• cognitive impairment
• constipation
• cravings for alcohol
• cravings for sweets
• depression
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• earaches
• eczema
• erectile dysfunction
• excessive fatigue
• headaches
• hyperactivity
• inability to think clearly or concentrate; head fog
• indigestion
• irritability
• itching
• learning difficulties
• low sex drive
• migraines
• mood swings
• muscle weakness
• persistent cough
• poor memory
• pre-menstrual syndrome
• rectal itching
• sensitivity to fragrances and / or other chemicals
• sinus inflammation
• sore throat
• thrush
• vaginitis

As you can see, the candida yeast can affect most of the major systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, nervous, reproductive, respiratory, and urinary systems. Indeed, the potential symptoms of candida infection are very extensive.

As far as the symptoms of candida overgrowth or infection go, there are several generalized effects:

• Mental cognitive - an affected individual may complain of mental fogginess, loss of alertness, fatigue, memory issues, or poor recall. They sense a loss of creativity, purpose or productivity in the workplace.
  
  
• Energy - Some patients experience chronic fatigue syndrome, or are otherwise lethargic, drowsy, and unenergetic.
  
  
• Emotional - Affected individuals may experience mood swings, periods of depression, a general feeling of being unbalanced, and tandem with angry outbursts.
  
  
• Somatic - Affected individuals may have frequent headaches or even migraines. In addition, other systems will be affected, most often initially the digestive tract.

On top of the abovementioned symptoms of candida infection, some holistic practitioners believe that yeast overgrowth acts as a key contributor to various health conditions. These include: