Candida Albicans Vs The Yeast Infection

Many people hear the term "yeast infection" and automatically assume the topic of conversation is going to awkwardly stray to the feminine vaginal yeast infection. While the common feminine infection is worthy of its own discussion on treatments and cures, it is important for the general public to understand that yeast infections come in a wide variety of forms and that they can affect not only grown women but men and children as well.What is Candida albicans?Candida albicans is the formal name for the yeast organism that lives naturally within the human body. You've heard of good vs. bad bacteria living in the body, and the Candida albicans organism has a balanced relationship with the good bacteria in your body as well.Trouble occurs when the balance between the Candida albicans organism and the good bacteria in your body become unbalanced. This is incredibly common if you are ill, are suffering from intestinal difficulties, or have just finished a course of antibiotics. When you take an antibiotic, both the bad bacteria and good bacteria in your body are affected. When the good bacteria are killed, there is nothing to keep the Candida albicans organism in check and, as such, you begin to experience an overgrowth.How Do Candida Overgrowths Manifest?A candida overgrowth can manifest in a wide variety of ways and many of the symptoms can be easily confused with other ailments. The most common, as noted, is the vaginal yeast infection in women. Another common yeast infection often seen in children is known as oral thrush. Toenail fungus, jock itch, irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut syndrome, and fungal skin infections can all be contributed to or affected by a Candida overgrowth.The signs and symptoms of a Candida infection often mimic other conditions, leading to incorrect treatments that can actually make the condition worse. Some of the symptoms you may experience include changes in your taste or hearing, changes in your vision, feeling fuzzy-headed, depression, lack of self-esteem, agitation, anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, headaches, confusion, and dizziness. You may even feel drowsy, crave carbohydrates, bloat, develop gas, experience the development of mucous in your stool, or lose your appetite.The Long Term Effects of Candida albicansLeft untreated for a long period of time, the Candida albicans organism can severely alter your quality of life. As you become more tired and uncomfortable, you may continue to seek treatment via traditional medical routes. If you are misdiagnosed, you'll continue to take antibiotics that will, ultimately, make the condition worse.Your best bet is to ask your doctor to test you for a Candida overgrowth. Your doctor can order the blood test designed specifically for this purpose and then complete it in his office. You can also try the spit test at home. In the morning, before eating or drinking, spit into a glass of water. Watch the spit over the course of an hour. If it floats at the top, you do not have a Candida infection. If stringy arms start branch down into the water, you likely do have a Candida infection.If you do have an infection, your doctor will need to start the proper course of treatment right away. While a simple vaginal yeast infection can often be treated with a cream, a total body overgrowth will require use of the Candida diet, probiotics, and anti-fungal supplements.Don't forget. Candida albicans can impact the lives of men and women of all ages. Pay attention to the symptoms and talk to your doctor if you have a concern. The sooner you're diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat you.