Gastrointestinal Health: Candidiasis Flashcards
Q: What is Candidiasis?
A: Candidiasis is an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a common commensal yeast that inhabits mucosal surfaces. It is usually controlled by native bacteria and immune defenses but can cause infections in the mouth, genitals, and skin, and become systemic in cases of severe immunocompromise.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of candidiasis?
A: Signs and symptoms include frequent UTIs, fatigue, bloating, sugar cravings, joint pain, depression, anxiety, brain fog, food sensitivities, and skin or nail fungal infections.
Q: What is the pathophysiology of candidiasis?
A: Candidiasis occurs when the host’s bacterial environment or immune system is disrupted, allowing Candida to proliferate. It can penetrate epithelial cells and switch from a commensal to a pathogenic form.
Q: What are the key risk factors for candidiasis?
A: Risk factors include antibiotic use, high sugar intake, low immunity (low SIgA), dysbiosis, chronic stress, impaired liver function, low digestive secretions, and toxin exposure.
Q: What tests can be used to detect candidiasis?
A: Common tests include stool testing (mycology culture), organic acids test (elevated arabinose), saliva test (candida antibodies), and blood test (circulating candida antigens).
Q: What is the naturopathic approach to treating candidiasis?
A: The naturopathic approach focuses on creating an environment where Candida cannot overgrow while optimizing the body’s natural healing. This involves promoting detoxification, adopting an anti-candida diet, using natural antifungals, addressing predisposing factors, restoring nutrient deficiencies, and supporting the microbiome.
Q: How do you promote detoxification and elimination in candidiasis treatment?
A: Resolve constipation, drink >1.5L of water daily, increase soluble fiber intake, eat mucilage-rich foods (flaxseeds, chia seeds), and support liver function with silymarin or binding agents (e.g., chlorella).
Q: What is the anti-candida diet?
A: The anti-candida diet eliminates refined sugars, minimizes carbohydrates, and avoids gluten, dairy, yeast, and mold-containing foods (e.g., alcohol, vinegar). Focus on non-starchy vegetables, low-sugar fruits, and organic options.
Q: What are the recommended anti-fungal and anti-biofilm agents for candidiasis?
A: Natural antifungals include berberine herbs, caprylic acid, Pau d’Arco, oregano oil, thyme, rosemary, and allicin. Biofilm disruptors include proteolytic enzymes (e.g., serrapeptase) and plant-based agents like allicin, curcumin, and berberine.
Q: How can predisposing factors for candidiasis be addressed?
A: Help clients manage stress, advise on sleep hygiene, recommend avoiding alcohol, sugar, and smoking, and review ongoing medications with GP support.
Q: How can nutrient deficiencies be restored in candidiasis treatment?
A: Use diagnostic testing to identify deficiencies (e.g., zinc, vitamin D) or introduce a high-strength multivitamin/mineral supplement.
Q: How can the microbiome be supported during candidiasis treatment?
A: Support the microbiome by increasing SIgA with Saccharomyces boulardii, and include prebiotics (e.g., FOS) and probiotics (multi-strain formulas with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria) in meals.
