Can you pass Candida back and forth? How can you prevent that?

The simple answer is unfortunately, yes...and very easily in fact.

Candida is not strictly "contagious", rather it is an opportunistic yeast/fungi. It lives synergistically in the gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts, as well as on other mucous membranes and on the skin, of many people without giving any problems but for others with impaired immunity (for whatever reason) or a genetic susceptibility...it takes advantage and causes stubborn infections. If the infection is in the intestines is when you have real problems as the toxins Candida produces are absorbed into the bloodstream and carried around the body causing multiple symptoms and illness.

If you have Candida infections (Candidiasis) you can easily transfer the organism to things such as clothing, bedding, wash cloths and towels and then re-infect yourself if they are not washed or replaced regularly.

You can also pass Candida back and forth to your partner through sexual contact. Your partner likely won't develop an infection but they can easily pass the organism back to you where it will cause further infection if your immunity/resistance is still low.

Best methods of prevention are to wash and/or replace anything that is in close contact with your body regularly and do the same for your partner. Use condoms and other physical barriers when engaging in sexual activity. Finally, do your best to treat your underlying condition, including supporting immune function with nutritional supplements, herbs, alternative therapies...and certain low toxicity drugs.

All the best!

So kissing is probably the same then? It really take away the enjoyment when you are worried about the bugs you are transmitting back and forth. .How long do you have to wear protection then only when you are cleansing or having symptoms or forever:S I am on the diet and nystatin for about 2 weeks now. Feeling worse than ever..Horrible fatigue and spaced out still having digestion problems and gas..this really sucks

Yes sorry! If either you or your partner has Candida in the mouth then it can be passed back and forth between you through kissing.

The issue of how long is really down to you and how you feel. It would be sensible to take protective measures until you have regained your health and been well for a while before you considered relaxing things.

I'm sure you have read elsewhere but it is natural to feel worse initially while on the diet and nystatin or other antifungals due to the so called Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction (or "die-off). Imagine that prior to the past two weeks Candida was poisoning your body by releasing toxic products as it fermented the food you ate. Now you are on the diet and particilarly nystatin, you are killing large numbers of Candida cells in a short time and as you do so the Candida cells release all the toxins they contain all at once. The result is that your body is actually more toxic now than before you started treatment. The hope with treatment like this is that as Candida numbers are reduced this reaction will subside as there are fewer and fewer Candida cells to release their toxins. This is when you should start to feel better.

Thank you for your reply you are kind but straight forward which is refreshing to say the least...also wondering about my kombucha if it would be safe to drink..i read yes but it goes against my logic a bit as it is sweet. also missing my zen tea which has all candida safe except green tea...I am dying to cheat and have square of dark chocolet only 3 grams of sugar and a cup of tea:evil:

You're welcome...I appreciate the thanks!

I have to admit to never having tried kombucha tea but from what I know of it they ferment tea with a special "kombucha" microbial culture of yeast and bacteria species by adding sugar. If it's fully fermented there would be no sugar left but the fermentation products are alcohol and acetic acid which would not be good for a Candida sufferer. Given that kombucha contains both yeast (including possibly Candida species) and the by-products alcohol and acetic acid I think it is best to stay clear or at least limit your consumption.

Your zen tea is actually a more Candida-friendly option I would guess.

It can be very hard to give up the things you love to eat and drink at first but it does get easier. I have been eating something close to the Candida diet for 10 years or so. I used to have a sweet tooth but I really don't miss sugary foods now...unless I am feeling particularly depressed!