Intestinal Candida: Symptoms and Natural Cures

Candida often affects the mouth, skin, and genital sphere, but the intestinal form proliferates in the intestine, causing characteristic symptoms. Let’s see what the causes, symptoms are, and natural remedies to resolve intestinal candida.

Intestinal candida is a condition that occurs when Candida, almost always normally present in somebody’s district in a ” silent ” way, turns into a real pathogen.

For this to happen, favorable conditions must be present, first of all, a decrease (serious or transient) in the immune system. Even a diet too rich in sugar could be a factor favoring the proliferation of Candida in the intestine.

Intestinal candidiasis is a pathological condition for which new scientifically valid evidence is expected since the scientific literature on the subject is relatively poor. Theories propose the role of some classes of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in protecting from the proliferation of candida in the intestine and a correlation between the severity of the condition and immune response capacity, but new confirmations are expected.

In this article, we will list the knowledge currently available, emphasizing that it is a condition to be studied in more detail and that the data available are to be confirmed.

When we speak of ” candidiasis, “we refer mainly to Candida albicans, a mushroom of the Saccharomycetes family. In addition to it, there are other fungi (fungi) of the genus Candida, which are only in rare cases the cause of infection. Candida often leads to ” superficial ” pathological manifestations, but in severe cases, it can also cause deep and disseminated pathologies.

Causes of intestinal candida

In general, candidiasis occurs mainly when there is a drop in the immune system or favorable factors such as stress, pregnancy, prolonged use of antibiotics and cortisone, advanced age, and hormonal imbalances. It can be common in some pathologies, even serious ones, which imply a compromise of immunity. Diabetic subjects are also more likely to suffer from this disorder.

In the more specific case of intestinal candida, it is believed that among the factors favoring its development, there is also the alteration of the ” normal ” or ” dysbiosis ” intestinal flora, together with incorrect eating habits, insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, and excessive use of sweets and refined and non-wholemeal products.

Symptoms of intestinal candida

The symptoms of candida in the intestine are mainly reflected in the alteration of intestinal functions. Therefore, the person will experience digestive difficulties of various types and alterations of the intestinal transit, with possible alternation of diarrhea and constipation.

Meteorism is usually present, i.e., air with a feeling of a swollen and hard stomach, and recurrent abdominal cramps and/or pain may occur. Sometimes there is a more general malaise, with excessive tiredness and sleep problems. Finally, the presence of headache is possible.

Sometimes, but not always, intestinal candida occurs concurrently (or after a short time) with the same problem in other areas of the body, particularly at the genital level (genital candidiasis).

Intestinal candidiasis tests and diagnosis

The diagnosis of this pathological condition is often not immediate, as it is a poorly studied condition and for which specific tests are not performed routinely. The suspicion of intestinal candidiasis is arising at the moment when the person complains of various symptoms that lead to an alteration of the intestinal flora, such as, for example, disturbances of the Alvo, meteorism, flatulence, digestive disorders, tiredness.

It is often a condition that becomes chronic: it is not detected immediately and continues over time. It is possible to perform a generic examination in the stool to look for fungi (fungi). Still, it is not particularly useful as the presence of Candida is ” normal ” in the intestine.

The ” clinical ” diagnosis, based on the person’s visit by a doctor who, based on signs and symptoms, can suspect the presence of this condition, would seem more important.

There are more specific tests that some laboratories perform on a stool sample, such as the ” microbiota test. ” This examination could identify more specifically the presence of intestinal candida, but it is a still little-known and not widespread procedure, to be performed for a citizen’s payment and for which new evidence is expected. You can ask your doctor for advice on whether or not to perform this test as well as its limitations.

Since symptomatology is almost always vague and non-specific, the differential diagnosis should be placed mainly with other intestinal pathologies (such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic inflammatory bowel disease or IBS, etc.).

So-called ” organic ” diseases using blood chemistry (blood) and, if necessary, instrumental tests (usually abdominal ultrasound or, in the judgment of the specialist, more in-depth investigations such as magnetic resonance, endoscopy, or others) should be excluded.

Once different pathological conditions are excluded, it will be possible to confirm the suspicion of intestinal candida and set a specific therapy associated with lifestyle actions such as correcting the diet and maintaining suitable and constant physical activity over time.

Intestinal candida: natural remedies

To eradicate intestinal candida, the most effective natural remedy is lactic ferments, to be selected on medical advice to restore the normal intestinal bacterial flora.

In addition to them, the intake of essential oils with the correct criteria would also seem to show positive effects on improving symptoms. In severe cases, the diagnosis is also followed by conventional antifungal therapy, to be undertaken with different dosages depending on the clinical-pathological picture and in association or not with antibiotic therapy.

Probiotics

Supplementation with lactic ferments must always be associated with a correct dietary setting and resolve the present intestinal dysbiosis. There are extremely different types, not equivalent to each other. For the correct choice, an expert professional must be sought.

Essential oils

The essential oils deemed effective in the treatment of candidiasis, which can also be used in combination with conventional therapy, are tea tree oil, lavender, and thyme. The first would seem to have the greatest effect among all and can be taken using specially designed products, so you should ask your doctor for advice.

Remember that essential oils should not be ingested or put in direct contact with the skin due to their toxicity if misused. Furthermore, they should not be used or should be used with caution and under medical supervision during pregnancy, pathologies, and the child.

It is also important to remember that for intestinal well-being, in addition to the metabolism as a whole, a sedentary lifestyle should be avoided if possible, with constant physical activity at least two or three times a week. Furthermore, the intake of water during the day (hydration) should be kept adequate (at least 1.5 liters between meals, except in special cases that require a different setting).

Feeding tips

When intestinal candidiasis is present (or strongly suspected), certain foods should be eliminated, at least for a period. However, it is good to remember that important changes in eating habits must always be supported by the professional advice of a qualified nutritionist, able to advise the correct times and ways of the suspension and the possible reintroduction of the various foods, as well as the quantity and balance of the various nutrients.

Unbalanced interventions could worsen the present condition instead of solving it. We see below some foods recommended in intestinal candida and those that should be avoided instead.

Foods to Avoid:

• White flour (white bread, white pasta, etc.)
• White sugar and foods containing it (sweets, jams, canned goods, ice cream, etc.)
• Ready drinks and fruit juices
• Alcoholic beverages
• Yeast and leavened foods
• Milk and derivatives
• Sausages and salami

Recommended foods:

• Water
• Whole grains
• Wholemeal flours
• Seasonal fruit and vegetables
• Legumes (in moderation)
• Cold-pressed vegetable oils
• Seeds
• Dried fruit
• White meat
• Fish