Oral Thrush: Another form of Candida
September 11, 2009 by Jennifer
Filed under Candida Symptoms
Oral thrush is another result of candida, an overgrowth of Candida Albicans, a yeast-like fungus that resides in all humans. When it grows at its
Tongue coated in oral thrush
natural rate, candida helps our bodies maintain a healthy state. If it overpopulates instead, trouble arises, and oral thrush is just one of many problems that may occur.
What is Oral Thrush?
Oral thrush looks almost like milk curds. The areas of thrush are white to creamy yellow patches occuring on the tongue, gums, cheeks, the roof of the mouth, the back of the throat and the lips. Even though it looks as though the patches could be rubbed off, you should not do that. It can result in small, painful ulcers appearing. Thrush on the tongue can cause dry mouth and if the clusters of thrush coat the throat, swallowing becomes painful and difficult.
Causes of Oral Thrush
Newborn infants are most commonly effected by oral thrush, but people of all ages can experience the condition. The natural balance in the digestive system can be disturbed by several factors, including:
- Antibiotics
- Birth: Newborns can be exposed to the condition by traveling through the birth canal of a mother with a vaginal yeast infection
- Aging: Older people have a lower natural resistance
- Diet
- Lowered immune system
- Immuno-suppressant drugs
- Irritation from dentures
- Diabetes
Thrush Treatments
So how do you treat oral thrush? Conventional medicine prescribes antifungal drugs, which helps to stop the growth of the yeast. Unfortunately, oral thrush can be a persistent foe, going on for months or consistent recurrences.
Like other forms of candida, you can take better control of this irritating, painful condition. Following a low sugar, low carbohydrate diet is one step that has benefited many candida sufferers. In the case of oral thrush, eating natural yogurt is quite helpful, encouraging the return of a natural balance of bacteria in your mouth. Fresh garlic is another good addition to your diet.
Oral thrush is just one of many problems caused by candida, or candidiasis. Other issues can include a variety of symptoms, such as excessive fatigue, headaches, PMS, diarrhea, constipation, gas, mood swings, craving for sweets or alcohol, dizziness and an assortment of others.
You can learn more about oral thrush and candida here at this site or consult with a naturopathic physician for more information and advice.
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