Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most abundant, have a dual function, namely:

• Disposes of putrefied food. It consumes putrefied food matter in the digestive tract before potentially harmful bacteria can feed on it, thereby multiplying and becoming a health threat. 

• Decomposes the body after death. It decomposes the body much like a fungal mould on a dead tree. It achieves this by changing from a round yeast cell to a fungus that excretes toxins and forms hyphae that grows into the mucous membranes and body tissue. To prevent this premature decomposing activity from happening while still alive, Candida species are kept in check by the beneficial bacteria in the body. If this balance is disturbed it causes Candida species to overgrow, forming large colonies. Candida species produce over 79 toxins, most of which turn into alcohol within the body. These toxins cause diseases and malfunctions within the body.

Due to current life styles the microbial balance in especially the digestive and urogenital tracts is disturbed more easily, causing Candida related disorders. This microbial imbalance is called Bacterial Dysbiosis and the most common causes are stress, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, stimulants, chlorine and sodium fluoride in drinking water, alcohol and birth control pills.

Candida related disorders

Candida species that overgrow as a result of Bacterial Dysbiosis cause inflammation and damage to mucous membranes in the body rendering it permeable. This permeability in the Digestive Tract is called Leaky Gut Syndrome.

The general health consequences of Bacterial Dysbiosis and the subsequent overgrowth of and damage caused by Candida species in the digestive tract are:

• Ineffective digestion of food – Inadequate enzyme volumes due to lowered levels of beneficial bacteria result in ineffective digestion.
• Poor nutrient absorption – Nutrients in food are not fully available due to ineffective digestion. 
• Poisoning of the body – Toxins produced by Candida species, pollutants ingested with food and half digested food can enter the bloodstream through the damaged intestinal mucous membrane. Further poisoning can take place through a constipated colon caused by half digested food that putrefies in the colon. When elimination in the form of regular bowel movements does not take place, fermentation and toxemia occurs. It can best be described as the process by which the body becomes poisoned by re-absorbing its own waste.

The following specific health problems can occur because of Bacterial Dysbiosis and the subsequent overgrowth of Candida species, namely:

• Digestive tract - ulcers, colitis, appendicitis, diarrhoea, constipation, intestinal gas and bloating, spastic colon / irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc.
• Heart - degeneration and weakening of the heart muscles, etc.
• Nervous system - acute pain in limbs, irritability, depression, insomnia, poor concentration, anxiety, etc.
• Eyes - sclerotitis, iritis, cataracts, etc.
• Skin - wrinkles, pigmentation, eczema, acne, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, etc.
• Muscles - muscle degeneration, muscular rheumatism, etc.
• Joints - joint deformities, joint pain and stiffness, etc. 
• Urinary and reproductive organs - diseases of the uterus, degeneration of the breast tissue, bladder infection, frequent urination, impotence, vaginal infection, etc.
• Respiratory tract - rhinitis, nasal itching or drip, canker sores, congestion, clogged sinuses, burning tongue, hay fever; etc.
• Other disorders - headaches, hair loss, night sweat, fatigue, allergies, lowered immunity, auto-immune diseases such as diabetes, etc.

The impact of Bacterial Dysbiosis and the subsequent overgrowth of Candida species on general health and well-being are schematically presented in below:

Impact of Bacterial Dysbiosis on general health

 

 

 

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Candida & Bacterial Dysbiosis

Just as skin lines and protects the outside of the body, mucous membranes line and protect the inside of the body and provide the first line of defence against invasion by microbes or parasites. It protects bodily cavities and canals that lead to the outside such as the gastrointestinal tract (mouth to anus), the respiratory tract (nose to lungs) and the urogenital tract (genital organs to bladder & kidneys).

These mucous membranes are inhabited by beneficial micro-organisms assisting the control of potentially pathogenic invaders. Small amounts of yeast, such as Candida species, compose a normal part of this microflora and it is kept under control by the beneficial bacteria, preventing an overgrowth.