Intestinal candidiasis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Intestinal candidiasis occurs when the immune system is weakened, favoring the exaggerated proliferation of fungi of the kind Candida sp., mainly the species Candida albicansin the intestine, leading to the appearance of small whitish residues in the feces.

It is important that intestinal candidiasis is identified and treated quickly to prevent the fungus from reaching the bloodstream and spreading to other organs, causing complications.

Treatment is established by the general practitioner or gastroenterologist according to the severity of the disease and the person’s immune status, with the use of oral antifungals, such as Fluconazole, for example, being recommended.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of intestinal candidiasis are usually related to the disease that led to a decrease in the immune system and an imbalance in the intestinal flora. However, it is possible to suspect intestinal candidiasis when small whitish residues are observed in the feces, indicating excessive proliferation of the fungus.

When intestinal candidiasis affects the blood system, signs and symptoms may appear in other regions of the body, such as changes in the digestive system, nervous system and skin, for example.

How the diagnosis is made

The diagnosis of intestinal candidiasis is made through stool culture, which aims to identify microorganisms, in this case the fungus Candida albicans in feces. Understand how coproculture is done.

Furthermore, it is recommended that a parasitological examination of feces be carried out to rule out the presence of intestinal parasites.

Causes of intestinal candidiasis

Intestinal candidiasis occurs when there is an imbalance in the intestinal flora as a result of changes in the immune system. Thus, the main factors that can favor the development of candidiasis in the intestine are:

• Crohn’s disease;
• Irritable bowel syndrome;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• Chronic diseases, such as cancer and AIDS, for example;
• Pregnancy;
• Bad eating habits;
• Stress.

Furthermore, the use of some medications, such as antibiotics, contraceptives and corticosteroids, can favor the occurrence of intestinal candidiasis, for example.

What is the treatment like?

Treatment for intestinal candidiasis is through the intake of dietary supplements and medications that strengthen immunity, since the proliferation of the fungus depends on the person’s immune system.

Antifungal medications are usually recommended with the aim of reducing the growth rate of the fungus, such as Fluconazole, whose dose and duration of use must be recommended by the doctor according to the person’s age, severity of the disease and immunological status.

Diet for intestinal candidiasis

Dietary recommendations for intestinal candidiasis include avoiding foods containing simple sugar, fat, dairy products and yeast. Therefore, the diet can contain whole grain bread and pasta, fish, seafood, white and low-fat meat, which can help reduce symptoms.

The diet for intestinal candidiasis must be guided by a nutritionist or nutritionist, who must assess the degree of severity of the candidiasis and recommend the most appropriate diet.