Candida

Candida albicans is the most common of the microscopic yeasts which inhabit our skin and mucosal surfaces such as the intestinal lining, the nose, throat and wind-pipe. These yeasts are present in everyone and are completely harmless if maintained at the correct levels. In certain conditions, however, these yeasts can flourish, transforming into an invasive fungus which can wreak havoc on our health. Candida may affect over a third of our population, of which roughly 60% are women, 20% men and 20% children.

Despite its prevalence, Candida is not always recognised by conventional doctors; when it is diagnosed, patients are frequently given antibiotics to counteract infection, which only serves to aggravate the situation. Furthermore, there is little awareness as to the debilitating consequences for those with acute Candida infection, which has been implicated in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. Although anecdotal at present, evidence suggests that treating an underlying Candida problem can alleviate symptoms of these chronic conditions.

More information can be found in Shirley Tricket's book, Coping with Candida.