Candida is normally inoffensive yeast, an organism that lives naturally inside our bodies in small populations within the intestines. Sometimes, however, under certain conditions is can mutate into a fungal infection. The aggressive fungal form invades the body's systems and causes a great deal of damage.

How does this happen and how is it treated? Well, there are a number of causes, and not too many possible treatments. Before evaluating treatment options, it is necessary to understand the cause of the imbalance. Common causes of environmental imbalances are changes in blood sugar levels because of diabetes, changes in hormone levels as a result of pregnancy, puberty, menopause and menstruation, changes in normal gut flora due to intestinal infections or the intake of antibiotics, or a compromised immune system, such as AIDS.

The fungal form of Candida is a far worse companion than the simple yeast infection. The fungal-form of Candida develops aggressive roots that penetrate the intestinal walls, and create the opportunity for partially digested food particles to penetrate the blood stream, and establish food sensitivities. The fungus also ferments the sugars in our colon. This can cause a problem with gas, excessive bloating of the stomach, and extreme discomfort.

The fungal form of Candida also attacks the nervous system. Sufferers of fungal Candida experience mood swings, depression, fogginess of the brain, and poor concentration. There are several theories as to why this occurs. But they are just that, theories. One such theory holds that when the fungus pierces the wall of the intestine and allows the partially digested food to pass into the bloodstream, exorphins are released. They can affect the neurological reactions by switching them on and off. Thus creating the depression and mood swings.

There are hormonal changes associated with fungal Candida that aren't too pretty either. Severe menstrual pain, thyroid conditions, and auto-immune deficiencies are known to be a result of fungal Candida. Other symptoms that are hormone related and indicate a Candida overgrowth are pain in the muscles and joints, sugar cravings, athlete's foot, thrush of the mouth, sinusitis, poor concentration, and intolerance of perfume.

There are diets and treatments available to rid your body of this awful fungus, but they aren't quick fixes, and sometimes the damage to your body's organs can be permanent. A couple of the more natural treatments are cranberry extract and garlic. Other items to be addressed once you've begun to rid your body of the fungal infection are the leaky gut and a general detox, since Candida can produce up to 100 different toxins.