Is There a Link Between Yeast Infections & Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can be an extremely painful condition, often requiring surgery. In recent years there has been growing awareness of the debilitating set of symptoms associated with the microbe candida albicans, which causes yeast infections ranging from thrush to far more serious disorders. Many experts now suggest that there may actually be a link between candida albicans and the development of some common types of kidney stone 3.

Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is a yeast found commonly in the gastro-intestinal tract 1. In a healthy subject it may cause no harm, but in subjects with low immunity or a compromised digestive system it has been shown to proliferate and cause many health problems. Studies have shown that a deficit of "good" bacteria in the stomach, as is often caused by a course of antibiotics, may allow candida albicans yeast to proliferate and negatively affect health.

Kidney Stones

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The sole function of the kidneys is to remove waste from the blood. Waste is transferred to the bladder to be excreted as urine. However, certain waste products may crystallize within the kidneys, and eventually form painful kidney stones. Most kidney stones are primarily composed of calcium compounds, particularly calcium oxalates. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds that are found in many different foods, mostly fruit and vegetables, although in low levels. Candida albicans as well as other yeasts and fungi are known to be sources of oxalates 1.

Oxalates

Since oxalates occur naturally in food it is difficult to avoid their consumption, but there is some evidence to suggest that candida albicans overgrowth increases the presence of oxalates. The naturopathic physician Tracy Tranchitella suggests that not only is candida albicans a direct source of oxalates, but also that a lack of normal "good" digestive bacteria—caused by candida overgrowth—can exacerbate the absorption and effect of oxalates.

Low Immunity

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There is additional evidence that oxalates inhibit the immune system. When this happens, the body is less able to defend itself against pathogens such as candida albicans. Indirectly this may cause the proliferation of candida yeast, which in turn increases the levels of stone-forming oxalates. Clinical studies have found some kidney and bladder stones to be infected with candida yeasts, precipitated with oxalate crystals and invading the surrounding areas.

Evidence

There is compelling evidence for a connection between yeast infections and calcium oxalate kidney stones 2. Oxalate levels are increased by the presence of candida, and in turn candida overgrowth is stimulated by increased oxalate activity. However, while research does show a vicious circle connecting the two disorders in some cases, there is no evidence to suggest that the two disorders always co-exist.