PROBLEMS WITH PARASITES: THE FEATURE OF CANDIDIASIS
One feature of candidiasis supports the idea of an immune reaction being involved: many patients are affected by yeast-containing foods, such as bread, beer and yeast extract. This suggests that there is a cross-reaction between the Candida antigens and those of other yeasts: antibodies whose primary targets are the Candida antigens also bind to similar proteins, produced by their cousins in the yeast world. A number of patients show a more general sensitivity to fungi, and are affected by inhaling spores from moulds. The usual sources of these are damp houses, compost heaps (a fungal paradise), rotting leaves, over-ripe fruit and other ‘mouldy’ items. Such people may also be made ill by eating mushrooms.
A third possibility is that the Candida provokes antibodies which happen to cross-react with some of the body’s own proteins. Such antibodies have in fact been found, and they specifically attack the ovaries. Many women with candidiasis have severe premenstrual problems, irregular periods and reduced sex drive – symptoms which clear up when their Candida infestation is treated. It is possible that these symptoms are due to hormonal upsets, caused by antibodies affecting the ovaries.
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