Candida albicans er en type gjær som kan påvirke ulike deler av kroppen, og manifesterer seg oftest som vaginale soppinfeksjoner og overvekst i tarmen. Vaginale infeksjoner medfører kløe, ubehag og utflod, ofte på grunn av ubalanse i floraen. I tarmen forstyrrer overvekst av Candida albicans fordøyelsen, noe som fører til oppblåsthet og endringer i avføringsmønsteret. Kosthold, helse og antibiotikabruk påvirker begge tilstandene, og det kreves skreddersydde behandlinger for å gjenopprette balansen og lindre symptomene.
Testing for Candida albicans is beneficial for those with symptoms suggesting gut dysbiosis, such as bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. It’s also useful for individuals with recurrent yeast infections, chronic fatigue, or unexplained gastrointestinal discomfort.
Candida albicans is a specific species of yeast, commonly found and known to cause infections. Candida spp. refers to the entire group of Candida species, encompassing various types that can be present in the gut. Testing for Candida spp. covers a broader range, identifying any Candida species present.
The use of antibiotics can lead to Candida overgrowth because these medications, while effective against harmful bacteria, also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in the body. Antibiotics cannot differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, so when they eliminate harmful bacteria, they also reduce the populations of helpful microbes.
In a healthy state, these beneficial bacteria in places like the gut and vaginal tract help control the growth of Candida, preventing it from overgrowing. However, when antibiotics reduce their numbers, Candida, being opportunistic, can proliferate unchecked. This overgrowth can lead to yeast infections in the vagina or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, manifesting as various digestive issues.