The Candida albicans yeast is an opportunistic fungus and a normal part of your gut flora. It does not proliferate outside the human body. Overgrowth of the yeast can, however, cause a number of health issues including fatigue, weight gain, joint pain, and vaginal yeast infection.
Transmission:
Candida albicans is usually transmitted from mother to infant through childbirth, and remains as part of a normal human’s microflora. As a part of a healthy human’s microflora, issues only arise in the case of overgrowth or imbalance, for example, a change in the normal acidity of an orifice.
However, candidiasis can be spread through contact with excretions of mouth, skin, and feces from patients or carriers. Additionally, disseminated candidiasis may originate from mucosal lesions, unsterile narcotic injections, and catheters.
Symptoms:
Candida overgrowth can be difficult for a physician to diagnosis because it is a naturally occurring member of our gut flora. However, burning and itching are usually the first noticeable symptoms. Broader effects of a Candida imbalance include:
- Itchiness and irritation
- Fatigue
- Vaginitis
- Oral thrush
- Digestive issues
