If this type of bacteria is killed or removed, the immune system will become weakened.  Candida yeast may become overgrown, which can have a negative effect on the body and overall health.  Oral thrush, skin infections and vaginal yeast infections can result from Candida overgrowth.

People who have severely weakened immune systems, such as AIDS or HIV, can develop a widely spread Candida yeast infection.  This is a serious condition, referred to as systemic candidiasis.  There are some people, who believe that Candida overgrowth is due to a condition in the intestines, which can cause fatigue, headache, mood swings, sinus congestion, depression, poor memory, poor concentration and cravings for sweets.

The excess of Candida yeast in the intestines can penetrate the intestine walls, which causes yeast overgrowth as well as unwanted particles to be absorbed into the body.  This is believed to activate the immune system, resulting in a somewhat allergic-type reaction and a hypersensitivity to Candida.

Contributing factors include:

• use of contraceptives, steroids, antacids, anti-ulcer medications or frequent and long-term use of antibiotics
• high-sugar diets
• pregnancy
• smoking
• food allergies and intolerances
• diabetes

There are some alternative practitioners who believe you can modify your diet in order to prevent Candida overgrowth or to get rid of an infection.  The following are the diet guidelines:

• Avoidance of sugar is the first step.  For one thing, when people suffer from a yeast overgrowth, they tend to crave large quantities of sugar.  Sugar allows the perfect breeding ground for yeast.  Those wishing to get rid of yeast overgrowth should eat limited quantities of sugar throughout the day.  Stick to 60 grams or less a day.
• Avoid foods, which contain yeast.  This includes any fermented foods, such as bread, cheese, tomato paste, mushrooms and beer.  Some believe that people who are allergic to Candida are also allergic to other fungi.  Not all practitioners believe this restriction to be necessary.

The length of the diet is dependent on the severity of the symptoms.  The worse symptoms are, the longer the individual will need to follow the diet.  People often say that it takes approximately four weeks to treat symptoms completely.

Herbs and supplements can also be beneficial for Candida treatment.  In some cases, a doctor will prescribe certain medications to treat a Candida overgrowth infection.  Start off with a small amount of herbs and work up to larger quantities.  You may feel sicker in the beginning of treatment, because as the yeast is killed off, it is believed that they release additional toxins into the human body, which may make the individual feel immediately out of sorts and/or sick.