Candida albicans thrush is not an uncommon problem. It comes from a fungus that is found in the mucus membranes and G.I. tract of most humans. This naturally occurring yeast can also be found in the vagina, rectum, or mouth. If left untreated, it can go systemic and travel through the blood into other parts of the body. It needs some moisture to survive on the skin and is a relatively harmless organism unless it grows out of control.

Changes in the natural chemistry of the body often makes Candida albicans, or Monilia, grow out of control. This overgrowth generally starts to cause problems when the balance within the gut is upset. Some of the localized problems appear as a white, creamy substance accompanied by itching and discomfort.

Often, Candida albicans thrush is referred to as Monilia, especially when infection occurs in or around the mouth. Whenever there is too much yeast in a region of the body an infection can occur. Yeast cells generally colonize in typical areas in the body, in particular, the mouth, intestines, and genital regions. There are a few major factors that can cause this imbalance to occur.

Heavy use of antibiotics are the most likely cause of a Monilia infection. Part of what antibiotics do is to kill bacteria. They kill friendly, yeast regulating bacteria as well as the harmful bacteria, but do not affect yeast cells at all. When this happens, the yeast are left unregulated to colonize in susceptible regions. The most common regions for thrush to occur is in the mouth and vagina. These areas are moist, warm, and dark, good conditions for fungus.

Candida Albicans is called thrush only when it occurs in the mouth. It is most often found in the mouths of infants. Once the mouth is infected it can spread to the esophagus and digestive tract. Rarely, it can infect other bodily systems. When it spreads, it is usually due to a compromised immune system due to other health conditions which inhibit the immune system.

The symptoms of Candida albicans thrush are a white residue, usually clumpy, red or bleeding patches of skin, and itching on the tongue, gums, and other mouth surfaces. Most experienced doctors can pick thrush up on sight. Cultures are taken to identify the type and to treat the particular type that is present. When the culture comes back positive for Monilia the doctor will normally treat it with a prescription antifungal. However, these often aren’t enough to keep Candida from coming back.

Treatment for this type of thrush requires over the counter medication. Severe cases might require the prescription of a stronger ointment or mouth wash. Thrush due to antibiotics or changes in the body will most often clear up when the medication or change is corrected. However, it is important to know that sugar is the primary food source for Candida yeast and if one is serious about treatment, then avoiding sugar and yeast in the diet is strongly recommended. Also, once the Candida yeast colonies have been killed, it is of utmost importance to repopulate the gut with friendly bacteria so that the yeast colonies that haven’t been killed can be regulated once again.

Thrush is a relatively simple organism and is easily fixed. However, if left untreated for too long, it can become a very relentless and resilient problem to be rid of. Major changes in diet, hormonal balance and antibiotics are usually the cause, and correcting these changes can usually provide quick relief. If you find that Candida albicans thrush is a recurring issue in your life, then it is probably ideal to follow the anti Candida diet along with following the 5 step Candida cleanse program in the ebook, Yeast Infection No More. This program is one of the most effective methods we’ve found at eliminating Candidiasis for good.

Learn more about thrush treatments. Stop by Doc Walton’s site where you can find out all about treatments for Candida albicans thrush so that they never come back.

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