Candida Albicans, often called "yeast", is only one of a number of different kinds of fungi that can be found in and around our bodies. It's a lot like weeds in the lawn. One or two aren't a problem but once they get a hold they can take over. Normally our immune system keeps them in check. People with depressed immune systems, such as aids or tuberculosis patients, often have severe fungal infections. Exposure to toxins like tobacco smoke, diesel fuel, etc. can suppress the immune system. Antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, high levels of stress hormones and other drugs can cause imbalances in the normal bacteria in the intestines, leading to overgrowth of fungal forms. A diet high in simple sugars and other carbohydrates can promote fungal growth. And then there is the problem of exposure. In this climate most homes are built with crawl spaces under the house. The heating and cooling systems are usually in this space. This space is usually full of molds which are pulled into the living space by the heating and cooling system. Any place that is damp and dark will promote growth of fungal forms.

Candida is the most common cause of vaginal yeast infections and many skin conditions. Some researchers believe that Aspergillus Niger, the common black mold found everywhere in damp, dark corners inside and outside the house, is an even more common cause of systemic fungal infections. Fungal infections cause many skin problems including "jock itch," "athletes foot," many cases of dandruff and chronic sinusitis. These conditions are often misdiagnosed and improperly or unsuccessfully treated. Many people have also have an overgrowth of yeast forms in the large intestine. Because fungal forms are normally present the problem is overgrowth and an imbalance in the normal mix of bacteria in places like the gut, sinus, skin and vagina. We call such an imbalance dysbiosis. Fungal overgrowth causes local irritation, inflammation and chronic immune response. Such imbalances in the large intestine are linked with autoimmune diseases. All forms of dysbiosis cause systemic inflammation which is increasingly implicated as a cause of everything from arthritis, to cancer and heart disease.

Systemic fungal infections also create toxins including alcohols and aldehydes which are oxidants (these are the bad guys that use up anti-oxidants) and need to be detoxified mainly by the liver. These toxins also commonly cause "brain fog," and generalized fatigue and spaciness. Some people reportedly have elevated blood alcohol because of yeast in the gut.

Yeasts in the gut also create "leaky gut." Normally the intestines have a tight junction between the cells forming a barrier to the contents of the gut. Yeast forms can actually punch holes in this junction, allowing partially digested foods, particularly proteins, into the blood stream. The immune system will attack these foreign proteins creating an allergic or antigenic reaction. This is not usually the kind of dramatic allergic response like the kind that happens to someone allergic to bee stings. It involves other parts of the immune system and is commonly delayed by hours or even days and produces symptoms like joint pain, generally fatigue, achiness, etc., which may be difficult to correlate with a specific exposure.

Dysbiosis and fungal overgrowth in particular can be a major factor in "generalized unwellness' and such syndromes as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Because these symptoms are often vague, changeable, unspecific and are difficult to diagnose and treat.

Treatment can be complex and can involve significant life style changes. It all depends on how significant your health problems are and how much you want to be healthy. The choice is yours. Overcoming systemic fungal problems and other dysbioses is all about getting healthy. It's treating your body like an organic garden. Instead of toxic pesticides (drugs) we try to give your body what it needs to restore balance. Otherwise healthy people can often recover in a fairly short period -- weeks or at most months. People with chronic problems may take months to years to recover.

Systemic fungal infections live on sugar. The first step is controlling sugar intake and blood sugars. Foods that cause spikes of blood sugar. The glycemic index and glycemic load are measures of how fast a food increases blood sugar. Basically white sugar, white flour and white potatoes, pastas, breads and pastries, alcohol, ice cream, and other sweets, all cause sudden increases in blood sugars.

Fungal exposure can also set off allergic reactions to inhaled spores which can lead to asthma and other conditions. In addition fungal forms can grow in the lungs and airways

The Three R's

Remove - This means stop feeding the fungus and take measures to suppress its growth.
Repair - Healing the gut wall.
Re-innoculate - Replacing the fungal forms with beneficial bacteria (like acidophilus).

Remove

Removal starts with the diet. Changing the diet can be difficult for some people. Many people are literally addicted to carbohydrates, using food like a drug. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is one simple and effective approach to dealing with the emotional component.

The advantage of following a candida diet is that it is the same low carbohydrate diet that has been shown to be the most effective way to lose weight and lower risk for a wide variety of diseases including heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Nystatin and related drugs are often used either topically or internally. These drugs are strong liver toxins and can make sensitive people worse. The drug package insert states that these drugs should only be used with constant monitoring of liver function to prevent serious liver damage, but this is rarely done. In some cases such drugs are needed but unless the causes of dysbiosis are addressed, the symptoms tend to recur.

Fortunately there are a number of non-toxic alternatives. I typically start with capryllic acid (Thorne's SF722 or Undecyn), a simple fatty acid that suppresses yeast forms without being toxic to humans. There are many products available but a professional evaluation can help find the best product since each individual is unique.

Removal also means avoiding exposure of toxins, or helping the body process those toxins which are unavoidable. This can include supplying nutrients that are needed by the liver to rid the body of toxins. It can also mean taking a look at exposures in the home and at work. Cleaning supplies can be a major source of toxic exposure. Some people need to address mold in the home to fully recover.

Stress is another factor in dysbiosis. Stress causes high levels of blood cortisol, a steroid hormone related to cortisone. Stress also can interfere with digestion. There is a reason why we feel better and digest our food better when we sit down in a relaxed atmosphere and have a leisurely meal. A burger in the car is often only partially digested. Poorly chewed and partially digested food will ferment in the large intestine. EFT can be very helpful in changing how we handle life challenges.

Repair

Repair involves supplying nutrients to restore mucosal integrity, that is repairing damage done to tissues that normally protect us from fungal overgrowth, as well as repairing damage to the immune system.

Re-innoculate

Once the yeast forms and the factors that have allowed them to overgrow are

removed, we need to replace them with healthy forms of bacteria. Traditionally, cultured foods like buttermilk, yogurt, some cheeses, sauerkraut, mi so, and others supplied beneficial bacteria. It's a lot like planting a cover crop in a freshly plowed field to prevent the weeds from taking over. There are several excellent products which can provide beneficial bacteria which will survive and thrive in the human intestinal tract. 

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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Manlove, unless otherwise noted. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Manlove. Dr. Manlove encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.