The parasitic yeast Candida Albicans (Thrush) is a fungus which lives on and in our bodies; it is part of our ecosystem. It is normally found in the bowel and mouth from infancy and so long as it stays in those areas, where the body’s defence system can keep it under control, all is well. But we are hearing more and more about Candida in the popular press. Is it really such a health hazard for some people, or is it just the ‘in thing’ to have?The answer is that, unfortunately, chronic candidiasis is a serious thing and it does cause health problems, including the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It could be argued that the problem is not new, but that it has simply gone unnoticed for years. Medical awareness of candidiasis is still poor, but as public awareness grows many people are using self-help methods with good results. Chronic Candida can be controlled and full health restored except, perhaps, where it co-exists with a serious illness such as AIDS.A Man-Made ProblemThe increase in fungal infections over the past three decades seems to be the result of ecological carelessness towards the planet and the human body. The pollution of the planet needs no elaboration, but the gradual weakening of the human immune system has not had so much publicity; the damage done there is more subtle, but just as sinister. Many medications – substances which purport to restore or maintain health – start the damage; we complete it by our insistence on fuelling our bodies with a diet which at best is unhelpful, and at worst harmful.Some of the medicines involved in causing Candida are undoubtedly vital in life-threatening illnesses, but the injudicious use of them can also be life-threatening, or at the very least can cause chronic ill-health. These medicines include antibiotics, contraceptive pills, steroids, tranquillizers, sleeping pills in the Valium group, and some ulcer medications.*67\326\8*