Is a Hidden Infection Causing Your Fatigue?

Are you suffering from unrelenting fatigue that doesn't seem to respond to any intervention?  Perhaps you've asked your doctor to check your thyroid function and it came back normal.  Perhaps you've been testing for iron-deficiency anemia this, too, was normal.  Or perhaps you've been told by an integrative medical doctor that your adrenal function is suboptimal.  Maybe what you haven't thought of is the fact that you could be harboring hidden pathogens in your body that are robbing your energy and stealing your steam!

If basic testing fails to reveal a cause of your fatigue, you may want to have your doctor test for occult infection. More sophisticated investigations can reveal the presence of all kinds of pathogens capable of colonizing the body and evading the immune system.  Some of them include: Parvoviruses, HHV6, Epstein-Barr, Cytomegalovirus, Mycoplasma, and Borrelia burgdorferi. Other patients have a history of chronic fungal infections or biotoxin exposure.  A history of chronic mold exposure is a feasible explanation for such symptoms, as is the presence of B. burgdorferi.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest.

Chronic fatigue syndrome has eight official signs and symptoms, plus the central symptom that gives the condition its name:

• Fatigue
• Loss of memory or concentration
• Sore throat
• Enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits
• Unexplained muscle pain
• Pain that moves from one joint to another without swelling or redness
• Headache of a new type, pattern or severity
• Unrefreshing sleep
• Extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise

If you see a good medical detective, a physician trained in functional medicine, they can work with you to test for any of these underlying causes of the fatigue,

A study of 375 patients with apparently no cause for their disabling fatigue revealed pathological stimulation of white blood cells with abnormally elevated patterns of natural helper and natural killer cells, important infection fighting agents in the immune system in 53% of patients.  It showed depleted levels of IgG subclass three in 59% of the study population.  More than 50% had circulating immune complexes and many tested positive for ANA antibodies, usually seen in autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Why is it that some patients who get an infection recover and have no fatigue and others may be colonized with pathogens and suffer from intractable lack of energy?

It appears that part of the answer lies in the genetic polymorphisms or variances in our bodies response to infection and inflammation.  For those who develop severe fatigue in response to toxic exposure, like mold or infection, their immune systems respond more robustly to the threat with massive production of cytokines, like IL-ß1 or TNF-alpha.

Moreover, polymorphisms in TNF-alpha,IL-1β, interferons (IFNs), IL-6, and IL-10, acting together or separately can make the severity and response of immune system more profound in response to infection.  Why does this happen?  Well these pathogens can trigger TLR's (toll-like receptors) by either PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or DAMPs (damage associated molecular patterns).  Activation of the TLRs causes a massive cytokine surge that becomes like a domino-effect and keeps on going unrelenting in susceptible individuals, contributing to the inflammation, depression and fatigue.  This vicious cycle of pro-inflammatory cytokines that continue to trigger more inflammation and amplify the cycle, leading to more damage and inflammation.

The initial infection followed by chronic inflammation of the immune system could explain the cause of fatigue in these genetically susceptible individuals.  Some patients also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, or brain fog as well.

What are some common hidden infections that may be causing your fatigue?

• Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Human Herpes Virus (HHV-6)
• Parvovirus (Parvo B19)
• Mycoplasma sp.
• Borrelia Burgdorferi
• Chronic mold and mycotoxin exposure

Chronic fatigue syndrome is just a label.  It's useful to identify a group of symptoms that causes significant fatigue and may affect one's life dramatically causing inability to function or hold a job. It does not represent one clincial entity but the cause may be multi-factorial and different in each individual.  It may share a final common pathway of dysfunctional immune activation and inflammation that keeps on going in a self perpetuating manner (like the Energizer Bunny gone bad!)  From a functional medicine perspective it's important to get to the root cause of the chronic fatigue symptoms and cognitive impairment.   Most of these infections, including the inflammatory response (CIRS) to mold and mycotoxins can be measured by ordering conventional lab testing through a knowledgable practitioner.  Ask your doctor to see if he can help you determine the root cause of your fatigue.  Treating the root cause (or infection in this case) just might give you back your life!

References:

1. The Putative Role of Viruses, Bacteria, and Chronic Fungal Biotoxin Exposure in the Genesis of Intractable Fatigue Accompanied by Cognitive and Physical Disability
2. A narrative review on the similarities and dissimilarities between myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and sickness behavior

Natural Treatments for Adrenal Fatigue

Symptoms that indicate you may have Adrenal Fatigue...

Click here to take the QUIZ:  Do you have Adrenal Fatigue?  

• Morning fatigue -- it's hard to "wake up" until 10 a.m., even if you've been awake since 7 a.m.
• Afternoon feeling of sleepiness or brain fog from 2 to 4 p.m.
• You may have a burst of energy at 6 pm
• Sleepiness at 9 to 10 pm but often you resist going to sleep and get a "second wind" at 11 p.m. that lasts until about 1 a.m., when you finally go to sleep.
• Cravings for foods high in salt
• Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
• Mild depression or anxiety
• Lack of energy, fatigue
• Decreased ability to handle stress,
• Feeling easily overwhelmed
• Increased allergies
• Lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or laying down position
• Decreased libido
• Frequent sighing or air hunger
• Inability to handle foods high in potassium or carbohydrates unless they're combined with fats and protein

 Dr. Jill's Top Treatment Strategies for Adrenal Fatigue

 "Optimal adrenal health is one of the major keys to the enjoyment of life" If you have adrenal fatigue take these simple steps of necessary lifestyle and dietary changes to revive your adrenals and begin to enjoy life again!

 

LIFESTYLE TIPS

• Identify and remove stressors - this is the most important step. Emotional stressors such as relationships or financial problems needs to be dealt with and normalized.  It might require a change in hours, who you spend time with, or even occupation.  Make the necessary changes to restore your health.
• Go to sleep by by 10pm.  You may need to set an alarm and begin getting ready for bed by 9pm.
• Whenever possible get rest in the morning from 7-9am, the optimal hours to restore adrenal function.
• Include something you enjoy every day, a leisurely walk, 30min of reading a great book, weekly massage, etc...  Schedule these necessities into your calendar so that you are sure to carve out time for self-care.
• Incorporate humor into your day, laugh at comics, watch a funny video or just belly laugh about something funny with your spouse.
• Avoid becoming over-tired, by ensuring proper bedtime and avoiding activities that cut into your time for restful restorative sleep.  Try red light at night and avoid computer screens, iPads or stimulating blue light after 7pm.
• Consider a melatonin supplement 3-6mg at bedtime to help regular cortisol before bed.
• Exercise gently at least 5 days per week, preferably morning and not late in the day.  Try swimming, gentle bike rides, walking, yoga, stretching, or any restorative activity that incorporates breathing.  Avoid high adrenaline activities, like kayaking, competitive sports, running, cross fit or high intensity training until you are well on your way to healing.
• Drink high quality, purified water with added minerals.  Natural mineral waters, like San Pellegrino are also helpful to restore the missing minerals, like magnesium and have the added benefit of sulfur.
• Avoid negative people who drain your energy and instead make time for friends and family who lift you up, support you and encourage you.  Life is too short to waste time on those who steal your joy.
• Consider taking specific adrenal-supportive nutrients with your doctor:   Some of my favorites are Vitamin C, B complex, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E.
• Consider adaptogenic herbs, like ashwaganda, rhodiola, ginseng, and licorice.
  • You can order either of my favorite formulas Adrenal Manager or Adrenal Essence  direct from Xymogen using code: DrJill and last name: Carnahan

DIETARY TIPS

• A poor unhealthy diet is a key causes of Adrenal Fatigue
• Always eat breakfast before 10am. The body's glycogen supply needs to be replenished after going through the night. Try to eat your lunch before noon and evening meal before 6 p.m.
• Avoid coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Coffee and tea act as stimulants and interrupt sleep pattern. Herbal tea is acceptable because it does not contain caffeine.
• Eat within one hour of waking.  Fasting is hard on the adrenal glands so minimize time overnight fasting.  Never skip breakfast and be sure your first meal contains high quality protein and no refined carbohydrates or sugar.  Eat your starches in the evening and never in the morning.
• Drink a large glass of water in the morning immediately upon waking with 1 teaspoon of Redmond real sea salt and 1/2 squeezed lemon.  You can also use 1 scoop of my favorite adrenal supportive electrolytes in water:  Thorne Catalyte (Order online using code: HCP1004064)
• Sprinkle sea salt liberally on food to taste provided blood pressure is normal. Foods high in potassium such as banana can make the adrenals worse and should be avoided.
• Adopt a whole food organic diet, devoid refined grains and all processed food, such as breads, pastas, and rice cakes and crackers.
• Eat 5-7 servings of organic veggies daily
• Avoid high starchy foods, such as white rice and white potatoes.  Some people do better with a serving of complex starch, like brown rice, quinoa or sweet potato in the evening to lower cortisol and help them sleep.
• Avoid high sugar fruits and all juices, especially at breakfast.
• Eliminate trans fats (we all should do this anyway!)
• Eat wild-caught seafood at least 3X weekly or taking a high quality mercury-free fish oil supplement.
• Eat foods rich in adrenal-supportive nutrients, such as Organic 85% dark chocolate, leafy greens, nuts, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, flax and chia seeds, and organic grass-fed animal proteins.
• Combine protein and fat at every meal and snack. This will ensure sustained energy is available at and between meals.  Avoid eating only fruit or carbohydrates alone as this may cause blood sugar instability.  Upping your total fat intake with olive oil, coconut, and avocado may also help.
• Whole fruits may be eaten later in the day at lunch and dinner except banana, fig, melons, or dried fruits.  Berries and apples are wonderful low-glycemic options.
• Take small amounts of protein and fat such as nuts, cheese or nut butter before bed if you have difficulty falling asleep or awaken frequently between 2-3am.

Follow these easy tips and before long your adrenals will be recovering and you'll be on your way to feeling fabulous!

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DID YOU MISS PART I?  Read it here: Could You Have Adrenal Fatigue?

Quiz: Could you be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue?!

Take this simple quiz to find out if you might have Adrenal Fatigue or Adrenal Dysfunction...

1. Do you have difficulty awakening from sleep in the morning, often hitting the snooze button multiple times?
2. Do you need coffee to get going in the morning?
3. Have you recently gained weight, especially around the middle?
4. Do you feel like you get every cold and flu bug that is going around, that your immune system is shot?
5. Do you have more difficulty dealing with stress and deadline pressure than you used to?
6. Do you have a lack of interest in sex?
7. Do you frequently feel lightheaded upon standing quickly?
8. Do you struggle with poor memory or "brain fog"?
9. Do you feel especially tired in the mornings and afternoons between 3-5pm?
10. Do you feel the need to snack or eat frequently to maintain a normal blood sugar?
11. Do you crave salty foods?
12. Do you feel extremely tired between 7-10pm but get a second wind if you stay up later?
13. If you are female do you struggle with PMS:  heavy bleeding, moodiness, fatigue during menstrual cycle?  If you are male, do you feel like you stamina, energy and ability to maintain muscle are decreased?
14. Do you frequently have pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reason?
15. Do you notice improvement of symptoms stress levels are lower, such as during a vacation or time away from work?

If you answered more than 10 of the questions above "yes",  you may have a condition of adrenal dysfunction often referred to as Adrenal Fatigue.

The adrenal glands sit over the kidneys, where they play a significant role in the body, secreting more than 50 hormones necessary for life, including epinephrine, cortisol, DHEA, progesterone and testosterone.
Since they produce so many essential hormones, the adrenal glands are responsible for many of the functions we need to stay alive and healthy, including:

• Energy production - carbohydrate, protein and fat conversion to blood glucose for energy
• Fluid and electrolyte balance
• Fat storage

One hormone in particular, cortisol, is extremely important for keeping our body systems in balance, as well as protecting our cells. For example:

• It controls the strength of the immune system: Too much cortisol weakens the immune system, setting the motions for increased susceptibility to infections and cancer, while too little leads to an overactive immune system and autoimmune disease.
• It normalizes blood sugar.
• It regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance

As the manufacturer of adrenaline, they are the "glands of stress," but are also the first glands to fail during prolonged or intense periods of stress. The problem with stressors is that they are "cumulative," in the sense that their impact tends to add up in the body over time until your adrenal glands just can't take anymore. Adrenal "fatigue" or dysfunction used to be rare, but is now all too common because of our lack of relaxation and other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, sleep deprivation, poor eating habits and excessive caffeine intake, as well as exposure to environmental toxins and allergens.
Adrenal fatigue should not be confused with another medical condition called Addison's disease where the adrenal glands are not functioning at all. While Addison's disease is often caused by autoimmunity, Adrenal Fatigue is largely caused by stress along with a host of other factors, like accumulation of toxic exposures, hidden infections, hormone imbalance, or even nutritional deficiencies.

More signs and symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include:

• Mild depression or anxiety
• Multiple food and or inhalant allergies
• Lethargy and lack of energy
• Increased effort to perform daily tasks
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Dry and thin skin
• Low blood sugar
• Low body temperature
• Palpitation
• Unexplained hair loss
• Alternating diarrhea or constipation

The ability to handle stress, physical or emotional, is a cornerstone to human survival. Our body has a complete set of stress modulation systems in place, and the control center is the adrenal glands. When these glands become dysfunctional, our body's ability to handle stress and fight infections is decreased.

Causes of Adrenal Fatigue Include:

Excessive stress can be from many sources. Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes. Mental, emotional or spiritual stress may be a major factor, too. Financial, family or other stress may also contribute to burnout. Even infections can play a role.

STRESS

Any excessive stress can deplete the adrenals. Excessive workload, long hours, lack of sleep, or emotional stress are common.  Other stressors in cities are noise and electromagnetic pollution. Cell phones, microwave towers and appliances like televisions, cell phones, wearable electronics,  microwave ovens and computers give off strong EMF fields that can be stressful to our bodies

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

Many people today have subclinical deficiencies of essential nutrients, like B vitamins, Vitamins A, C and E, Magnesium, Zinc,  and other trace elements.  When under stress, the need for nutrients is even greater. Refined carbohydrates stress the adrenals as well. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies.   The Standard American Diet is both high in processed carbs and sugar and lower in quality fats and protein and many times lacking in micronutrients.

Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues. Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. These include  The reasons for this begin with how food is grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils.  Our soils of today contain a fraction of the magnesium as soils hundreds of years ago did.  Processing and refining further deplete nutrients. Habits such as eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value derived from food and our ability to digest it.  Allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients as well.

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS

Toxic chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the food. Sources may also include dental materials or beauty products, such as shampoo, lotions, make-up.   Cleaning our home with toxic chemicals may also take it's toll.  Over-the-counter and prescribed medications also add to the body’s toxic load.   Check out these 10 Tips to decrease your exposure. Toxins may also be generated internally due to microbial imbalances in the gut and impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it may ferment in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed through the intestinal lining. A healthy body has the ability to eliminate many toxins on a daily basis. However, as adrenal weakness develops, the body’s ability to eliminate all toxins decreases. This produces a vicious cycle in which weaker adrenals impairs the elimination of all poisons, which then further weakens the adrenals.

CHRONIC INFECTIONS

Chronic infections may originate in infected teeth or gums, though they can be located anywhere in the body. They contribute greatly to the toxic load of the body. Infections also cause inflammation and stress that must be countered using the adrenal hormones such as cortisol and cortisone.

One of the most commonly overlooked causes of Adrenal Fatigue is intestinal infections that gives rise to an inflammatory response. Such infection can occur sub-clinically with no obvious signs at all. Infections in the gut, including giardia, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), fungal dysbiosis, and h. pylori infection are just a few that may contribute to adrenal dysfunction.

STIMULANTS OR EXCESSIVE EXERCISE

Stimulants damage the adrenal glands by pushing the secretion of stress hormones and adrenaline and over time depleting the body of essential neurotransmitters. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common culprits.

Less obvious but no less important stimulants may include anger, rage, arguments, hatred, unforgiveness, loud music, tragic news, and even movies with suspense or excessive violence. Other activities that may act as stimulants  include vigorous exercise or recreational drug use.  Even high risk sports, like surfing, diving, or extreme climbing if done in excess may deplete the adrenals.  Most of these activities provide a temporary “high”, which is caused in part by the secretion of high amounts of adrenal hormones. Over time, however, this weakens the adrenals and can eventually lead to adrenal depletion and insufficiency.  

TOXIC EMOTIONS

Uncontrolled emotions are another cause of adrenal burnout. These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid. Don’t worry, be happy is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to high strung, Type A, nervous individuals as they are especially prone to adrenal burnout.  Prayer and meditation release calming neurotransmitters and take the body from a state of fight and flight into the parasympathetic mode of relaxation and can be extremely helpful in healing adrenal fatigue.  In addition, cultivating an attitude of gratitude can do wonders for you adrenals.

More stressors that can lead to Adrenal Fatigue:

• Emotions, like anger, fear, guilt
• Chronic illness
• Chronic infections
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Excessive exercise
• Gluten intolerance
• Malabsorption and poor digestion
• Toxic exposure
• Severe or chronic stress
• Surgery
• Sleep deprivation
• Excessive sugar in diet
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Processed foods, additives, chemicals and genetically modified ingredients, like corn, soy, canola.
• Infected teeth, gums or root canal

Chronic stress is very common in western society. The most common causes of stress are work pressure, changing jobs, death of a loved one, moving homes, illness, and marital disruption. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the amount of stress overextends the capacity of the body to compensate and recover.   But there is hope...  stay tuned for my next article on how to treat adrenal fatigue

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Be sure to read PART II:  TREATMENTS FOR ADRENAL FATIGUE...

The Hidden Epidemic... Is Yeast Overgrowth Destroying Your Health?

Did you know your gut microbes could be dramatically affecting your health?

Hey guys! ...this is not just for women.  Men, too, commonly suffer from intestinal yeast overgrowth or fungal dysbiosis!

Every day we see new research on the effects of unhealthy gut organisms on the brain, the thyroid gland, the nervous system, the immune system, and the heart and vascular system.  In functional medicine, this is one reason we focus so intently on helping our patients heal their gut and thrive.  Without a healthy bacterial population in the colon, it’s nearly impossible to experience the optimal health we all desire.

Many people are unknowingly fighting a battle against a single-cell fungus in the gut.  Its name is Candida Albicans, although in recent years there has been an increase in non-albicans species of yeast.  Candida is a normal organism that is part of our skin flora, intestinal microbes, and for women, vaginal flora.  Men, this doesn't mean you can't harbor yeast as well!   This seemingly benign player can become hostile if the environment is right.  High intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar, frequent antibiotic or prednisone use, hormones and birth control pills and other medications give the yeast an advantage over the normal protective bugs, like lactobacillus, so that it flourishes.  It has the ability to take over and becomes invasive leading to a host of unwanted symptoms.  Sadly, many conventional physicians do not recognize that the gut can be a reservoir of these fungal organisms.   If you have ever experienced vaginal yeast infections, rectal irritation, white coating on your tongue called thrush, or any fungal skin or nail infections, like onychomycosis, you may also have a large number of these buggers living in your gastrointestinal tract.

I crave sweets and carbs all the time…

One of the most important things that I notice with patients who have fungal dysbiosis is the feeling of being tired and “run down” all the time with intense cravings for sugar or carbohydrates. Many patients don’t believe me when I tell them that if their gut is healthy, they will get to the point of having no food cravings at all!  It’s really true!  And if you are still experiencing intense, uncontrollable cravings, binge eating, or other issues in a love-hate relationship with sugar and refined carbohydrates, you can bet there is a problem with your gut microbes!

Take this quiz to find out if YOU have a problem!

These are common symptoms that may occur with yeast overgrowth in the gut.  Keep in mind, these are not specific to yeast alone, but if you experience them on a regular basis you are likely to have a real problem with fungal dysbiosis, or yeast overgrowth.

 Give yourself 1 point for every one of these symptoms you experience regularly:

• Weight gain
• Difficulty losing weight
• Premenstrual symptoms
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain/fibromyalgia
• Poor focus/concentration
• Brain fog
• Irritable
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches or migraines
• Cravings for sugar or carbohydrates
• Drowsy after meals
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gas and bloating
• Rectal itching
• Vaginal discomfort or burning
• Low libido
• Joint pain
• Crying spells
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Sinus pressure/congestion
• Trouble sleeping
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Body odor
• Frequent sore throat
• Coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath

Scoring

• > 8 – You may have intestinal dysbiosis
• > 14 – It is likely you have an issue with intestinal dysbiosis, which could include yeast overgrowth
• > 20 – It is almost certain that you have fungal dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth

Fungal Dysbiosis and Leaky Gut Syndrome

If yeast becomes dominant in the gut, it may take over and overwhelm the good bacteria.  This is called Fungal Dysbiosis.  The situation becomes dire when yeast or abnormal gut microbes proliferate and dysbiosis occurs.  The problems start when yeast changes from a benign one cell organism to the more invasive hyphe form.  These forms can secrete enzymes, like proteases and phosopholipases that break down cell membranes and contribute to intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”.  As the gut becomes more permeable, toxic metabolites, such as acetaldehyde, leak into the blood stream and cause symptoms such as brain fog, fatigue, or depression.  Did you know that this chemical yeast produces can make you feel hungover?  Alcohol, when metabolized by the liver, also produces acetaldehyde which causes that "hangover" feeling.  The yeast bugs also drive cravings for the very foods that allow them to survive –sugar, refined carbohydrates and sometimes fermented foods or alcohol.  I’m always amazed by the number of people who were struggle with alcohol craving or addiction that have yeast overgrowth in their gut.  In addition to the toxic materials that leak into the blood stream, partially digested food may also leak through the lining of the gut and create food sensitivities.  Many people with chronic yeast overgrowth will experience sensitivities to common foods, like gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, and soy and may even experience improvement in symptoms when they go on an elimination diet.  Yeast also produces more than one-hundred other toxins that may leak into the blood stream and affect thyroid and hormone function, brain function and even neurotransmitter production.

Fungal Dysbiosis and the Connection with Autoimmune Diseases

This invasion and consequent problem of a leaky gut may also trigger the immune system to become confused in a process called “molecular mimicry” when the bacteria or yeast in the gut or cross over where they don’t belong into the blood stream and trigger creation of antibodies by the immune system.  These antibodies may cross-react to joint tissue, skin, thyroid, or even brain and create autoimmune diseases.  It is very common to see some of the following autoimmune conditions occur in someone with fungal dysbiosis:

• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac Disease
• Meniere’s disease
• Raynaud’s disease
• Lupus

 So What Causese Fungal Dysbiois?

Here are some of the most common factors that upset the balance of gut microbes and contribute to yeast overgrowth or fungal dysbiosis

• Chronic stress, which impacts your immune system, also contributes to yeast overgrowth
• Diabetes (due to abnormal blood sugar)
• Pregnancy (due to change in hormone levels)
• Eating too much sugar and too many grains. Sugar is the main fuel for yeast.
• Taking antibiotics, which kill both your good and bad bacteria.
• Exposure to environmental toxins, which can lower your immune system’s ability to keep yeast in check.  Mercury is especially problematic with yeast overgrowth
• Taking other medications, such as birth control pills and steroids, which are both known to increase yeast

How Does My Doctor Diagnose Fungal Dysbiosis?

Well, the first step is finding a functional medicine trained physician or naturopath who understands the importance of having a healthy gut microbiome.  There are many physicians who understand vaginal yeast infections or the more severe systemic candidiasis, where candida enters the blood stream and can be life threatening but ignore the possibility that you could have too many yeast bugs living in your gut.  Even when we are looking for a problem it can often be hard to detect.  I commonly use a combination of clinical history and symptoms and the following lab tests:

1. Serum Candida antibiodies (IgG, IgM, IgA)
2. Organic Acids in urine, such as Arabinose
3. Comprehensive Digestive Stool analysis for candida culture and sensitivity

By combining a patient’s symptoms with the testing above, it becomes relatively easy to determine if a patient has fungal dysbiosis or not.  Other red flags are someone with  inflammatory bowel disorder or other bacterial dysbiosis, such as SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) as the two can co-exsist.

So Tell Me How to Get Rid of it!

1. DIET

The most important starting point is diet.  In fact, I frequently tell patients that no amount of anti-fungal drugs or herbal medications can overcome a high sugar, high carbohydrate diet.  In order to eradicate the yeast, one must do the following:

1. Eat a diversified, whole foods (in as natural and fresh a state as possible) diet, emphasizing non-starchy vegetables, proteins, like fish, organic chicken, turkey, lamb, wild game and organic grass-fed beef.  Healthy oils, like coconut, grape seed and olive are also essential. Include pastured ghee or butter as well for a rich source of Vitamin K and other fat-soluble vitamins
2. Chose organic, free-range meat and be sure they do not contain added growth hormones or antibiotics.  I advise all patients to avoid cow’s dairy due to lactose content, which is a sugar that yeast likes.
3. Avoid all foods that feed the yeast!  That would include all forms of sugar (honey, molasses, maple syrup, agave, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, splenda)
4. Avoid all dried fruits and fruit juices.  Stevia may be used to sweeten teas and beverages.
5. You may need to eliminate fruit in the beginning or at least stick to no more than one serving of low-glycemic fruit per day – best bets are berries, green apples, or citrus.
6. Eliminate any allergenic foods – these commonly include gluten, dairy, egg, soy, corn, and cane sugar
7. You should also eliminate the following: alcohol; vinegar (and anything containing vinegar, like salad dressing and sauces); all bread (which contains yeast); high starchy vegetables, like carrots, potatoes and beets; peanuts and corn (due to high mold content); mushrooms (fungus); and aged or moldy foods, like blue cheese.
8. Drink plenty of purified water daily.  If you are feeling dizzy, add some electrolytes (ElectroMix or Elyte Sport) to your morning water.
9. Get some form of daily exercise (walking, hiking, yoga, bicycling). Pick an activity you enjoy and try to get in 30-40min every day.
10. Make time for rest and relaxation.  Epson salt baths can be especially helpful for the yeast die-off symptoms.  Use 2-3 cups of salt in warm bath and soak 20min.

2. AVOID ANTIBIOTICS

3. DECREASE STRESSORS

4. IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE FOOD ALLERGIES

5. TAKE A PROBIOTIC!  (my favorite is Klaire Labs Detox Support, which you can order here)

6. TREAT ANY DIGESTIVE IMBALANCES (like insufficient pancreatic enzyme production or low stomach acid)

7. MEDICATIONS

• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Nystatin
• Compounded Oral amphotericin B

8. HERBAL REMEDIES

• Caprylic Acid
• Undecylenic acid
• Berberine
• Garlic (Allicin)
• Oil of Oregano
• Olive Leaf Extract
• Pau D-Arco
• Grape Seed Extract

9. OTHER ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS

• Vitamin D
• Vitamin A
• Biotin
• Essential Fatty acids
• Probiotics
• Pantethine
• l-Glutamine
• Coenzyme Q10
• Magnesium

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