Some of the most common symptoms of a systemic fungal infection are sinus problems, digestive disorders, thrush, vaginal yeast infection, athletes foot, cracking sound in neck, stiffness in joints and muscles, failing eyesight and toenail fungus. Nursing mothers can experience breast rashes. Children are also targets for Candida overgrowth. Many are born with it or develop it after their first exposure to antibiotics. A pregnant woman may experience an increase in Candida growth due to hormonal changes normal to pregnancy. If she already has Candida or is very susceptible, an outbreak may occur in the birth canal. The baby will then contract it and become infected as it passes through the birth canal.

Severe diaper rash, rectal rashes or infections, rashes in the genital area, and colic are the most common symptoms in babies.

The above conditions are the result of systemic fungal infections. It is the location of the infection that produces different symptoms and has been labeled by the medical community as different diseases.

Any program designed to control Candida and to restore healthful intestinal balance should also include dietary considerations. It is important to avoid fruits, breads, pastas, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, candies, cheeses, nuts, mushrooms and any other foods that are rich in carbohydrates or molds because these provide an ideal nutritional environment for Candida. Food allergies are common in people with Candida. Allergies are, in reality, reactions due to the excess yeast growth. Asthma or eczema is also a common indicator of Candida.

Most medical doctors don't know about Candida. This infection is very difficult for the medical community to treat. There is no medication to treat a systemic fungal infection. Drug manufacturers have not been able to develop any drugs, which are effective against invasive Candida and other systemic fungal infections. A few drugs have been developed to treat infection “symptoms” such as thrush, vaginal yeast infection, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. The athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are two of the most common problems. This "moisture loving infection,” which lives in tissues or bones in the feet, is capable of traveling out through the moisture-rich skin between the toes. They then feed on the skin tissues and cause what is commonly known as "athletes foot". Neither the off-the-shelf drugs nor prescription drugs will kill the infection throughout your body. The infectious germs are still living inside your body, waiting to come up again. Many doctors will diagnose a person with other illnesses and treat them with drugs and antibiotics, which actually make the fungal infection worse and more serious illness like persistent drowsiness, "tired all the time" feelings, lack of co-ordination, headaches & migraines, mood swings, loss of balance, nervous irritability, tightness in chest, ear sensitivity or fluid in ears, heartburn and indigestion, constipation or diarrhea can follow.

Why don't I feel like I have an infection?

Fungal infections are very different from bacterial infections. They do no feel at all the same. The signals of a fungal infection are very subtle. That little cracking sound in the neck or knees, that annoying stuffy nose, dandruff, graying hair or that receding hairline are all subtle symptoms of a fungal infection. It usually isn't until we are seriously infected and been to several doctors, who ware unable to help, that we start searching for the real cause of our illnesses.

Is systemic Candida contagious?

Yes, through sexual contact. The fungus overgrowth is normally present in the mouth and vagina. It is recommended to treat your sexual partner for infection the same time as yourself.

How does an infection of this type cause cancer and anther life-threatening diseases?

Cancer is a nutritional deficiency disease. We have known this for years, but have not known, until now, why we have become so deficient in vitamins and minerals. An invasive Candida infection consumes the nutrients we eat before they have a chance to feed our body cells. When cells become deficient of nutrients, cancer (and other diseases) occurs.

Can a fungal infection cause knee degeneration and knee replacement surgery?

The fungal infection infects the knee joints and feeds on the tissues and bones. It continues to live there year after year causing arthritis symptoms and joint degeneration.

Is there a way to prevent infection?

It is impossible to avoid all situations that could lead to infection. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to guard against infection. A consistently poor diet can promote poor intestinal health, creating the perfect environment for infections to thrive.

What are the most common symptoms of Candida?

Common symptoms and potential indicators include: abdominal bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, foul smelling stools, bowel irritation, joint and muscle pain, heartburn, headaches, itching, bad breath, fluid retention, food sensitivities, allergies, sugar cravings, mental confusion (brain fog), fatigue, feeling chilled after a bath or shower, general ill feeling.

Candida manifests itself primarily in five (5) areas of the body.

1. The Digestive System - symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, bloating, intestinal gas, cramps, diarrhea and/or constipation, and allergies to food.

2. The Nervous System - symptoms include abnormal fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, drowsiness, and difficulty in focusing, memory loss, depression, insomnia and mental fog.

3. The Skin - symptoms include hives, psoriasis, eczema, excessive sweating, acne, and chronic fungus infection of the skin and nails.

4. The Genital-Urinary Tract- in men, common symptoms include chronic rectal or anal itching, recurrent infection/inflammation of the prostate gland, impotence, genital rashes, jock itch and loss of interest in sex. In women, common symptoms include PMS (depression, mood swings, bloating, fluid retention, cramps, craving for sweets, headaches prior to menstruation), recurrent bladder or vaginal infections, yeast infections, and a loss of interest in sex.

5. The Endocrine System- an intimate relationship exits in the body between The Immune System, The Nervous System and The Endocrine System (glandular system - adrenal glands, pancreas, parathyroid, pineal gland, pituitary gland, male and female sex glands, thymus and thyroid gland). The thyroid and adrenal glands in particular may be involved. It is not uncommon to find that victims of both hypo and hyperthyroidism, especially the autoimmune variety, are linked to fungal overgrowth