Chronic Candida and the Oxalate Connection
Tracy Tranchitella, N.D.

The Yeast Issue
In recent years the increased awareness of molds, fungus, and yeasts in our food and environment has led many health practitioners to look at these organisms in association with chronic illness.  For years, alternative health practitioners have recognized the relevance of diet, lifestyle, stress, digestive problems, parasitic and yeast infections as causative agents in chronic illness. Today, chronic candida seems to be an epidemic among people with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, hormone imbalances, and digestive system complaints. 

Candida albicans is a form of fungus of the genus Candida.  It is a ubiquitous yeast that can become pathogenic if a favorable environment or the host’s weakened defenses allow the organisms to proliferate.  The key point to understand is that it does not become a problem unless our body allows it to overgrow and overpopulate the intestinal tract. Candida does not become a problem all on its own.  It does not live in isolation from the rest of the body, nor does it become deeply rooted in the body without a dysfunction in our own immune defenses.

Much of this dysfunction starts at the mucosal lining of our intestinal tract, as well as the lining of the lungs, nose, sinuses, bladder, urethra, and vagina.  Here the immune system secretes powerful chemicals that neutralize infectious organisms, allergens, and toxins and helps maintain a normal balance of beneficial bacteria.  If this mucosal lining is compromised from food sensitivities, parasites, pathogenic bacteria, antibiotics, drugs, poor diet, gluten intolerance and heavy metals, we become more susceptible to an overgrowth of candida.

It has become very popular in alternative medicine to assign many conditions of ill-health to chronic candida and then use various medicines, herbs, and dietary restrictions to eliminate the yeast.  Although candida may play a role in chronic illness and lead to symptoms of fatigue, depression, joint discomfort, bloating, gas, lethargy and hormonal imbalances, attempts to eliminate candida 100% are usually met with frustration and unsatisfactory results. 

Many people suffering with chronic candida have imbalances in the other systems of their body that keep them in a state of ill health. In the endocrine (glandular) system, we often see adrenal fatigue leading to further hormone and blood sugar imbalances.  In the digestive system, we see decreased mucosal immune function and chronic intestinal inflammation due to food sensitivities and chronic bacterial and parasitic infections.  In the immune system, we see decreased mucosal immunity allowing for more frequent infections of the digestive and respiratory tracts.

To completely eradicate candida, it is necessary to do a thorough assessment of lifestyle and diet followed by specific laboratory tests to establish the underlying reasons why candida is an issue.  Many of these tests assess the intestinal system for infections and immune function; blood testing for presence of yeasts, bacteria, and parasites, and urine and saliva testing to determine the underlying state of the body’s ability to handle stress.  All of these diagnostics are essential to adequately evaluate your body for chronic candida, and to help prioritize a successful treatment program.  Food sensitivities, parasites, and bacterial infections are all important factors contributing to a dysfunctional digestive system and the need for proper elimination of these issues is essential for good health.

The Oxalate Connection
A new connection that is being recognized with respect to chronic candida (and digestive imbalances, including inflammation and leaky gut) is the role of Oxalates. Oxalates are organic compounds naturally occurring in many foods, mainly vegetables and fruits.  An accumulation of oxalic acid (oxalate) crystals in the kidneys can cause kidney stones (calcium-oxalate crystals).  However, oxalate crystals can accumulate all over the body including the muscles and connective tissue cells, causing muscle aches and pain associated with fibromyalagia and other chronic pain conditions. These crystals can also accumulate in bones, blood vessels and even the brain.

Candida and other forms of yeast/fungus are known sources of oxalates - another reason to stay on top of candida.  The good bacteria in our digestive system normally helps to keep oxalates in check by breaking them down so they can be eliminated.  A lack of normal digestive bacteria, as found with chronic candida, can lead to increased oxalate availability and absorption into the blood.  Oxalates are also said to suppress the immune system and make an individual more susceptible to candida overgrowth. This creates a vicious cycle where you need to decrease candida and oxalates simultaneously in order to get a handle on the problem.

For years now people with a condition called congenital hyperoxalosis have been prescribed low oxalate diets.  In this genetic disorder, individuals rapidly develop kidney stones and degenerative and crystallized arthritis.   There is a condition in women called vulvodynia or vestibulitis.  This condition creates chronic pain and inflammation in the vulvar area and has been associated with chronic yeast infections and deposition of oxalates in these sensitive tissues.  Many women have found that a low-oxalate diet greatly reduces their symptoms.  The Vulvar Pain Foundation has cookbooks available for people dealing with high oxalate levels.  For people who have generalized pain and inflammation in any part of their body a trial of a low oxalate diet could be just the ticket to stop the chronic cycle whose cause seems so evasive.  To read more about the low oxalate diet you can contact the Vulvar Pain Foundation (http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org/) or visit our website resource center at www.mystillpoint.com.

Tracy Tranchitella, ND is a Naturopathic Physician at Stillpoint Center for Integrative Medicine in Temecula.  She specializes in general naturopathic medicine, women’s health and detoxification, supplement and herbal programs.  If you would like further information please call 951-693-2267 or visit our website at www.mystillpoint.com.