Candidais a type of fungus that is commonly found on the skin and in the gut and is usually harmless until an overgrowth occurs. An overgrowth ofCandidain the gut can cause flare-ups of existing gastrointestinal diseases such asulcerative colitisand Crohn’s disease.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the part of the body involved.Symptoms ofCandidain the gut may include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Mucusdischarge in stools
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Bloody stools (rare)
Some practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) claim that an overgrowth ofCandidain the gut can also cause yeast syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such asfatigue,migraines,headache, and poor memory. They often advise aCandidacleanse for this condition, which is adietthat eliminatessugar, white flour, yeast, and cheese.
Although there is little evidence that dietary changes can stop yeast overgrowth in the gut, adopting healthydiethabits can definitely keep your gut bacteria healthy.
6 causes of Candida overgrowth in the gut
Typically,Candidaovergrowth is prevented by a healthy immune system and balanced bacterial flora in the gut. When these two factors are affected,Candidacan build up in the gut and cause infection:
- Gut inflammation:Diseases such asulcerative colitisand Crohn’s disease predispose a person toCandidaovergrowth because there are already lesions in the gut that can be easily infected by fungi.
- Diabetes:Diabetesincreases bloodsugarlevels, which creates a favorable environment for fungal buildup.
- Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use:PPI is used in the treatment ofacid reflux. The decrease in acid production increases the risk of bacterial and fungal buildup.
- Antibiotics:Antibiotics, especially the broad-spectrum ones, kill a lot of good bacteria in the gut that are used to fight against theCandida.
- Steroid use:Long-term use of steroids can affect the immune system and increases the risk of bacterial infection in the body.
- Immunosuppressivedrugs:Anticancer drugs affect immune cells and increase the risk of bacterial buildup.
How do you diagnose Candida in the gut?
To diagnoseCandidagut infection, astoolsample is taken to make cultures and assess the level of fungal growth.
While a small amount ofCandidain the gut is normal, a higher amount causes concern when symptoms of infection are already present. Your doctor may insert a small scope into your stomach (endoscopy) to observe the walls of the gut. They may also take a tiny sample of your intestinal lining (biopsy) to check forCandidagrowth.
Can Candida overgrowth be prevented?
You can preventCandidaovergrowth by taking measures to combat predisposing factors:
- Avoid using antibiotics unless absolutely necessary
- Take益生菌保持良好的植物(酸奶、酸乳酒,等等)。
- Keep blood sugar levels under control
- Avoid tobacco andalcohol
- Eat nutritious andfiber-rich foods
- Avoid unnecessary use of drugs such asproton pump inhibitors对酸性
How do you treat Candida in the gut?
Treatment ofCandidaovergrowth in the gut involves:
- Antifungal drugs such asitraconazoleandfluconazoleto keep fungal growth in check
- Probioticsto promote the growth of good bacteria
- Stopping unnecessary medications
- Drugs to treatinflammatory bowel disease
- Diet rich in soluble fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/candida-cleanse/faq-20058174
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163673/
https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1009710
https://www.clinicaleducation.org/resources/reviews/treating-gastrointestinal-candida-colonisation/
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