Yeast (Candida), Mold, Fungus, Mushrooms
Updated January 30, 2023
Yeast syndrome, often called Candidiasis, is often caused by overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast called Candida species.  The condition is called a syndrome rather than infection because overgrowth or imbalance (dysbiosis) has several factors or root causes. These include: antibiotics, sugar, certain vaccines, diabetes, hormones (especially steroids and birth control) and other factors.
MoreMold, yeast, fungus and mushrooms are all a part of the same biological kingdom called Fungi. Depending upon the form and where it exists, it is has different names. Mold often refers to the presence within an environment such as a home or workplace. They also live in our internal environment, where they are called yeasts or fungi.
Yeast syndrome, often called Candidiasis, is often caused by overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast called Candida species.
Yeasts and molds make molecules that make us sick and well. Black mold in a home is well-known as a source of toxic air. Good yeast molecules are utilized to make bread, beer, wine, yogurt, sauerkraut, coffee and medicinals such as penicillin.
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From Open AI
Yeast, mold, fungus and mushroom are all types of microorganisms that belong to the kingdom Fungi. However, each term refers to a different type or characteristic of fungi:
- Yeast: A type of single-celled fungi that can ferment sugars to produce carbon dioxide and alcohol.
- Mold: A type of fungi that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae and can form visible colonies on surfaces.
- Fungus: A broader term that encompasses all fungi, including yeast and mold.
- Mushroom: A type of fungi that forms a fruiting body above ground, which produces spores (spores) to spread and propagate
From Open AI
Sure, here are examples of yeast, mold, fungus, and mushrooms, along with their presence in human food and body:
- Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast), Candida (a type of yeast that can cause infections in humans). Yeast is used in the production of bread, beer, and wine.
- Mold: Penicillium (used in the production of blue cheese and penicillin), Aspergillus (can produce mycotoxins harmful to humans). Mold can be found on food items such as bread, fruit, and cheese.
- Rusts: Puccinia (a type of rust that affects crops such as wheat and barley). Rusts are plant pathogens and do not typically affect humans directly.
- Smuts: Ustilago (a type of smut that affects corn). Smuts are plant pathogens and do not typically affect humans directly.
- Fungi: Aspergillus, Candida, Dermatophytes (cause skin infections). Some fungi can be harmful to humans and cause infections, while others can be beneficial, such as those used in the production of fermented foods.
- Mushroom: Agaricus bisporus (white button mushroom), Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom). Mushrooms are edible and are commonly consumed as a food source.
Note: Some molds and fungi can cause infections in humans if they enter the body through the respiratory or digestive system. It’s important to properly store and prepare food to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful microorganisms.
From Open AI
Sure, here’s a table of common household fungi and their characteristics:
Fungus | Characteristics |
---|---|
Cladosporium | A common allergenic mold found in damp indoor environments, can grow on wallpaper, textiles, and wood surfaces. |
Alternaria | A common allergenic mold found in indoor and outdoor environments, can grow on fabrics and in damp basements. |
Aspergillus | A type of mold that can grow on food and in damp indoor environments, can produce toxic byproducts called mycotoxins. |
Penicillium | A type of mold that is commonly found on food items such as bread and fruit, can produce the antibiotic penicillin. |
Stachybotrys | A type of mold commonly known as “black mold” that can grow on water-damaged building materials, can produce toxic byproducts. |
Note: Fungi can cause health problems in some individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions. It’s important to keep indoor environments clean and dry to prevent fungal growth.
From Open AI
Organism | Type | Filamentous or Single-celled | Typical Location | Impact on Humans | Toxins Produced |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alternaria | Mold | Filamentous | Damp indoor and outdoor environments, fabrics, basements | Common allergen, can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Aspergillus | Mold | Filamentous | Damp indoor environments, food items | Can produce toxic byproducts (mycotoxins) that can be harmful to humans, can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems. | Aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, patulin |
Candida | Yeast | Single-celled | Body | Can cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Cladosporium | Mold | Filamentous | Damp indoor environments, wallpaper, textiles, wood surfaces | Common allergen, can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Mushrooms | Fungus | Filamentous | Soil, wood, decaying plant material | Some mushrooms are edible and consumed as a food source, others can be toxic. | Amanitins, coprine, gyromitrin, muscarine, orellanine, psilocybin |
Penicillium | Mold | Filamentous | Food items (bread, fruit), damp indoor environments | Can produce the antibiotic penicillin, can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals. | Ochratoxins |
Smuts | Fungus | Filamentous | Crops (corn, wheat, barley) | Plant pathogens that do not typically affect humans directly. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Sporotrichosis | Fungus | Filamentous | Soil, plant material | Can cause skin infections in humans, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Stachybotrys | Mold | Filamentous | Water-damaged building materials | Commonly known as “black mold,” can produce toxic byproducts that can be harmful to humans, can cause respiratory symptoms in some individuals. | Macrocyclic trichothecenes |
Yeast | Yeast | Single-celled | Food items (bread, beer, wine), body | Used in the production of fermented foods and drinks, some yeasts can cause infections in humans. | Not known to produce significant toxins. |
Note: The toxins produced by fungi can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some fungi can produce multiple toxins, and new ones can be discovered. It’s important to be aware of the potential toxins produced by different fungi and to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.