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Candida/Yeast Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Related Terms
Candida is a yeast that grows naturally in the body. It is found in moist areas like the skin, mouth, digestive tract, and vagina. The yeast growth is balanced by other bacteria so it does not cause problems. Yeast overgrowth can lead to a fungal infection.
Candida infections are serious in certain groups of people. These include preterm infants, the elderly and critically ill, and people with immune system problems.
Treatment is with medications. They come in several forms including topical, pill, injection, or IV. Candida is part of the body’s normal makeup and will always grow back.
Natural Therapies
There are no natural therapies that are used to treat candida infections. However, probiotics are helpful in lowering candida levels in high-risk people, thereby reducing their risk of infection. Probiotic products vary widely in the specific strains they contain. Look for varieties of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Likely Effective
Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that are likely to provide benefit.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution
Talk with your doctor about all herbs or supplements that you are taking. Some may cause problems with your treatment plan or other health problems.
References►
1. Hatakka K, Ahola AJ, et al. Probiotics reduce the prevalence of oral candida in the elderly—a randomized controlled trial. J Dent Res. 2007;86(2):125-130.
Li D, Li Q, et al. Efficacy and safety of probiotics in the treatment of Candida-associated stomatitis. Mycoses. 2014;57(3):141-146.
Ishikawa KH, Mayer MP, et al. A multispecies probiotic reduces oral Candida colonization in denture wearers. J Prosthodont. 2015;24(3):194-199.
Hu HJ, Zhang GQ, et al. Probiotics prevent Candida colonization and invasive fungal sepsis in preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pediatr Neonatol . 2017 Apr;58(2):103-110.
Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 11/13/2020