Fungal related disease (FRD) and more specifically Candidiasis is now commonly encountered and often triggered by antibiotic use and a diet high in refined carbohydrates. Candida albicans is frequently involved constituting one of the yeasts, which are found in small amounts in even a healthy bowel. Yeasts like moulds and mushrooms belong to the kingdom of fungi.
SYMPTOMS:
- Chronic Fatigue
- Generalized Malaise
- Gastrointestinal Complaints (Bloating, Wind, Diarrhoea), IBS
- Food Intolerances
- Recurrent Infections
- Allergies
- Skin Problems
- Decreased Concentration or “Brain Fog”
- Depression
- Irritability
- Craving for Sweets or Carbohydrates
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) symptoms
- Migraine
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Reduced alcohol intolerance
These symptoms are frequently due to an overgrowth of yeast in the bowel. This in turn is often due to antibiotic use destroying not only the harmful, but also the beneficial gut bacteria and therefore creating space for the fungus to take over. Refined carbohydrates like sugar are the fungi’s favourite food and let them thrive. The fungus’ aggressive activity creates damage in the gut lining and the fine filter mechanism of the bowel becomes compromised leaving enlarged holes (so-called “leaky gut”), which can allow incompletely digested food particles to enter the blood circulation. These particles mimic natural cytokines (leading to inflammatory reactions like migraine, asthma, eczema, arthritis etc.) and natural hormones (leading to mood swings, fluid retention, bloating and weight gain).
This process also upsets the acid/base balance leading to magnesium loss through the kidneys. Magnesium is particularly important in driving the energy cycle within the cell; low levels result in severe fatigue at cellular level as well as cramps, stiffness, aching, headaches, abdominal pain and circulatory problems.
Yeasts will also take advantage of any nutrition in food leading to deficiencies, in particular B- vitamins (metabolic processes, brain and nervous system) and zinc (immune/allergic reactions).
DIAGNOSIS:
Several investigations are available to test for Candida including blood tests for Candida antibodies, Gut Fermentation Profile, Poly-Ethylene Glycol test and Short-Chain Polypeptide level test. Unfortunately all of these tests can show false positive results due to other causes of leaky gut or previous Candida infection.
In practice the most reliable test has been a simple questionnaire developed by Norwegian Doctor Heiko Santelmann after treating 900 patients and having 145 questions statistically analysed to work out, which ones would predict patients getting better with antifungal treatment.
Fungal Disease Diagnostic Questionnaire
(According to Dr Santelmann)
| NO | YES | ||
| 1 |
Have you at any time in your life taken a course of antibiotics? |
0 | 3 |
| 2 |
Have you at any time in your life either:
|
0 | 3 |
| 3 | Are your symptoms worse on damp, muggy days or in mouldy places? | 0 | 3 |
| 4 | Do you crave sugar/refined carbohydrates (or get hypoglycaemic easily)? | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | Do you have a feeling of being “drained”? | 0 | |
| – occasionally or mild | 1 | ||
| – frequently or moderately severe | 2 | ||
| – severe or disabling | 3 | ||
| 6 | Are you bothered with vaginal burning, itching or discharge (or similar symptoms form the penis)? (Or do you have other fungal infections like ringworm or athlete’s foot)? | 0 | |
| – occasionally or mild | 1 | ||
| – frequently or moderately severe | 2 | ||
| – severe or disabling | 3 | ||
| 7 | Are you bothered by burning, itching or tearing of the eyes? | 0 | |
| – occasionally or mild | 1 | ||
| – frequently or moderately severe | 2 | ||
| – severe or disabling | 3 | ||
| TOTAL SCORE | |||
|
Score 0-3 = FRD unlikely Score 4-9 = FRD probable Score 10-21 = FRD almost certain |
In several cases, when the suspicion has been high due to the symptoms suffered, the antifungal regime has been successful, even when the above questionnaire did not display a very high score.
| Phase 1: | “Detox” with a special medicine to kill off and flush out many of the gut microorganism over an initial clearing out period (7-10 days). This is often very energising. |
|---|---|
| Phase 2: |
This consists of three components: Antifungal treatment with a herbal preparation Killing off the fungus can cause significant symptoms due to “die-off”. This occurs because the yeast tends to be full of toxins, which are released and absorbed into the bloodstream. An organ support remedy helps the liver, pancreas and kidneys to cope with this extra work and to minimize “die-off” toxic effects. This remedy contains 24 different low potency homeopathic preparations chosen to support liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen The space made available in the bowel by eliminating the fungus needs to be recolonized by “friendly” bacteria supplied through probiotics. |
| Phase 3: |
Once Candida/other fungi levels have fallen to about 50%, nutritional supplements can be added, now having a much better chance of being absorbed. These can include zinc, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamins B or a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Phase 2 and 3 last for 3-4 months together and should be accompanied by diet avoiding refined carbohydrates, esp. sugar, and foods containing moulds and yeast (a special diet sheet will be supplied). |
| Phase 4: | This is a maintenance phase with a reduced dose of antifungal and a full dose of probiotics whilst phasing out the organ support remedy. |