Candida Side Effects

The Candida organism populates the human intestines and is known as the “bad bacteria.” When Candida overgrowth occurs, side effects may appear truly bizarre, as they can range from severe headaches, memory loss, mood swings, clogged sinuses, rashes, sores and arthritis. Most side effects are particular to the area of the body affected by Candida. The most severe side effect of Candida, called systemic candidiasis, can even cause death, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation 2.

Thrush

Side effects of an oral Candida overgrowth appear as small white bumps on the tongue, gums and inner cheeks. This type of infection is cured easily with a prescribed liquid of a “swish and swallow” medication.

Vaginitis

When a woman experiences a cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, she most likely has a yeast infection 3. Annoying itching, pain and burning are the most frequent side effects of this type of Candida overgrowth. Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate the symptoms and cure the infection. Women should note, however, that most store remedies contain sulfa, and those women with a sulfa allergy should consult their doctors.

Skin Eruptions

Candida side effects on the skin may affect both men and women. The effects often appear as red and raw breaks in the groin area, under the breasts or in the abdominal skin folds of an overweight person. The tiny bumps can also contain pus that seep onto the skin, which simply proliferates the infectious process, as reported by the website Skinsight. The most often prescribed treatments for Candida skin eruptions are a medicated powder for the skin folds and an oral antifungal medication in tablet form.

Intestinal Yeast Infection

This overgrowth of the Candida organism—the bad flora—crowds out the good flora of the intestines. The side effects from this type of Candida behavior cause an inability to absorb nutrients from food. Constipation, severe headaches, irritability, diarrhea, colitis, acne, tingling sensations, extreme fatigue, depression and hypothyroidism may result, according to Phyllis Balch in her book “Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing.” Altering the diet to eliminate all forms of sugar and starch since Candida feeds on sugar, treatment with antifungal medications and repopulating the bowel with good flora decreases the side effects of this Candida infection, states Balch 1.

Systemic Candidiasis

A Candida infection in the bloodstream may have serious consequences, including death, reports the Oral Cancer Foundation 2. The Candida organism infects every organ and causes Candida septicemia. The type of side effect for Candida can be found in AIDS or cancer patients because of their compromised immune systems, says Balch 2.