Fungal / Candida
Normally fungus lives in balance in the body, but this balance can easily be broken, whether by excessive stress, antibiotics, or birth control pills, then it can weaken the imune system. Fungi and yeasts, including Candida, normally live in small amounts on the skin and within the mouth, digestive tract, and genital tract. In these locations, they usually coexist with beneficial bacteria without causing difficulty. When the surrounding microbial environment becomes disturbed—sometimes following antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, steroid use, or weakened immune function—yeast may multiply and produce a localized fungal infection.
A local fungal imbalance can irritate tissues and activate the immune response. This may leave a person experiencing discomfort, digestive disturbance, itching, soreness, or tiredness, depending on the area affected. The immune system, liver, and kidneys all help process the inflammatory substances and cellular waste produced as the body responds. However, these general symptoms have many possible causes and cannot confirm the presence of fungus.
When Fungus Enters the Body Fluids
Fungus circulating in the blood is medically known as fungemia; when caused by Candida, it is called candidemia or invasive candidiasis. This is different from ordinary thrush or intestinal yeast overgrowth. It is a serious infection seen mainly in people who are already very ill, hospitalized, immunocompromised, have recently undergone major surgery, or have a central venous catheter. It is not ordinarily found in the blood or body fluids of a generally healthy person.
If fungal organisms enter the bloodstream, circulation may carry them to internal tissues. They can then provoke inflammation and infection in areas such as the:
- Kidneys and urinary system
- Liver and spleen
- Heart and heart valves
- Brain and nervous system
- Eyes
- Bones and joints
The effect depends on where the organism settles. Inflamed or infected tissue may be less able to perform its normal work, and widespread infection can place considerable strain upon the whole body.
How the Glands May Be Affected
Glandular function may also be affected indirectly by fever, inflammation, immune activity, altered nutrition, disturbed sleep and the general stress response.
For example, illness can temporarily influence:
- The adrenal stress response
- Blood-glucose regulation and insulin requirements
- Thyroid hormone patterns during significant illness
- Reproductive hormones and menstrual regularity
These changes do not necessarily mean the gland itself is infected. Diabetes can increase susceptibility to candidiasis, so the relationship may also work in the opposite direction: an existing metabolic or immune difficulty may permit fungal growth.
Metaphysical insight – When fungus or Candida is in the digestive system, it may suggest you are being psycho/emotionally invaded by someone or something. You may feel out of control. Ask yourself if your normal living environment may have become upset or out of balance. Other questions
Are you feeling particularly insecure or worried? Is something eating away at you? What are you not digesting in life?