Chronic Candidiasis

Chronic Candidiasis

DIAGNOSTIC SUMMARY

• Chronic fatigue and malaise

• Gastrointestinal bloating and cramps

• Vaginal yeast infection

• Allergies and/or low immune function

• Carbohydrate craving

• History of broad-spectrum antibiotic use

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Candida is normal in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and vagina. Overgrowth, depleted immunity, damaged GI mucosa allow absorption of yeast cells, particles, toxins; result is “yeast syndrome,” or “feeling sick all over”: fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and digestive disturbances. Women are eight times more likely than men to have syndrome; contributors are estrogen, birth control pills, and greater antibiotic use.

• Causal factors: multifactorial; correct factors predisposing overgrowth; requires more than killing yeast with antifungals, synthetic or natural; prolonged antibiotic use is the key factor in most cases—suppresses normal intestinal bacteria that control yeast, suppresses immunity, generates antibiotic-resistant mi-crobes, may contribute to Crohn’s disease.

• Related syndromes: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut associated with Candida overgrowth; may produce identical symptoms to the yeast syndrome.

DIAGNOSIS

• Screening method: comprehensive questionnaire (see Textbook, “Candida Questionnaire”).

• Best method: clinical evaluation—knowledge of yeast-related illness, detailed medical history, patient questionnaire.

• Comprehensive stool and digestive analysis (CSDA): more clinically useful; evaluates digestion, intestinal environment, and absorption; indicates underlying digestive disturbance; may pinpoint other causes (e.g., small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, leaky gut syndrome).

• Laboratory techniques (used only to confirm): stool cultures for Candida, antibody to Candida, Candida antigens in the blood; rarely needed; confirm what history, physical examination, CDSA reveal; confirm Candida is factor, monitor therapy.

THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS

Comprehensive approach more effective than simply killing yeast with drug or natural agent; address causes. Eradicate Candida with natural therapies; follow-up stool culture and analysis confirm Candida eliminated. If symptoms remain after yeast is eliminated, condition is unrelated to Candida; consider small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, pancreatic enzymes, and berberine-containing plants. Address predisposing factors, recommend Candida control diet, support organ systems as needed.

Diet

• Sugar: chief nutrient of Candida; restrict sugar, honey, maple syrup, and fruit juice.

• Milk and dairy products: high lactose content promotes Candida; contain food allergens; may contain trace levels of antibiotics disrupting GI bacteria, promoting Candida.

• Mold and yeast-containing foods: avoid foods with high yeast or mold levels: alcohol, cheese, dried fruits, peanuts.

• Food allergies: common in patients with yeast syndrome; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for immunoglobulin (Ig) E- and IgG-mediated food allergies.

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Tags: The Clinicians Handbook of Natural Medicine

Apr 3, 2017 | Posted by admin in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off

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