Invasive Systemic Candidiasis - the Silent Killer

Conditions such as oral or vaginal thrush, tinea, jock itch and the like are annoying in the least, debilitating at their worst, but handled properly these are easily diagnosed and easily treated. But what if we don't completely get the infection back under control? Or what if there are no discernible symptoms and we miss it?

If you are healthy then in most cases this is not a problem, the delicate balance of organisms will be restored eventually and you will be no worse off.

However there is the slight possibility that the infection will find it's way into the bloodstream and begin to cause problems with the internal workings and systems. This is appropriately named Invasive Systemic Candidiasis.

The major difficulty with this is that because of the variety of parts that may be attacked, the symptoms can be too varied or subtle for a definite diagnosis to be achieved.

The fungus can reach the bloodstream and internal organs by a variety of methods like; Through an untreated primary infection - tinea, thrush or any candidia skin infection that spreads into the intestinal tract, through any open wound, surgery, a long course of antibiotics, catheterization or having lowered immunity - as in HIV.

Candida often first spreads in the Gl tract causing digestive problems like; gas, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, indigestion, nausea. It also creates major cravings for sugar, starches and alcohol. (Of course the more of these foods that are consumed, the worse you begin to feel as they feed the yeast which repays you by releasing toxins and interfering with digestion even more).

If left untreated, the yeast can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.

At this point, the immune system is put under far too much pressure and begins to falter. As the candida spreads through the body, symptoms grow more diverse and involved ranging from high fevers to blurred vision - Specific signs and symptoms depend on the site of infection:

Eczema

Jumpy Legs

Blurred vision

Skin lesions

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Depression

Thyroid function anomolies

Increased susceptibility to infections

Chronic fatigue,

Depression

Muscular and joint aches

An 'itchy bum'.

PMS

Impotence

Memory loss

Mood swings

Brain fog

Recurrent infections such as "jock itch", tinea, ringworm and vaginal or urinary infections

Sensitivity to smell

Prostatitis

That drunk feeling after one wine, beer, or certain foods

Aching joints

Acne

Heart murmurs

Fevers

Cough, chest infections

These are only a few of the numerous symptoms of Invasive Systemic Candidiasis and they can be worsened if you have eaten foods containing high levels of sugar or yeast. The severity of the symptoms may also increase if you are in contact with a damp or moldy atmosphere.