-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
digestive system
intestinal flora imbalance
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition:
variation from the normal standard of acceptable types and concentrations of bowel flora

etiology:
This space will be devoted to candida albicans overgrowth. For a discussion of other pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, see "intestinal dysbiosis" and/or "gastroenteritis".

Candida albicans is a yeast that is present in the intestines normally in very low concentrations. As an opportunistic microorganism, candida is able to proliferate only if improper intestinal (and, possibly, systemic conditions) allow its growth. Contributing factors include:

• history of antibiotic use: particularly with a history of repeated administration, but can follow a single broad-spectrum course; antibiotics kill not only the disease-causing bacteria, but also the beneficial bacteria in the intestines; candida is no longer limited by high concentrations of normal bacteria flora and is able to proliferate
• history of high sugar intake: sugar directly feeds the candida organisms and promotes their growth
• history of high ingestion of foods from yeast (breads), fermented foods, and food upon which yeasts/molds can grow (e.g. mushrooms); it is suggested that these foods may help the growth of yeast cells
• lowered immune system or poorly nourished patient; these patients will not be as effective in blocking the growth of candida if the conditions develop for its increase; the same factors that can cause candida to proliferate (e.g. high simple sugar intake) are the same factors that will decrease the patient's immune system

The incidence of candida overgrowth seems to be rising in our society in parallel with the widespread use of antibiotics for treatment of even minor conditions, their hidden ingestion through food sources (especially beef and chicken), and the excessive intake of high-sugar foods.

It appears that C. albicans elaborates antigens which stimulate IgA activity and other immune mechanisms. Cross-reactions create immune responses to other yeasts and molds which are subsequently ingested.

signs and symptoms

signs and symptoms:
• history of gas and bloating, irregular stools
• fatigue, lack of concentration, drowsiness, especially after eating; the patient often complains of chronically feeling tired and of having low energy
• history of jock itch, athlete's foot, yeast vaginitis, thrush
• cravings for sugar, breads
• intolerance to many foods: GI distress, headache, drowsiness

lab findings:
• (+) stool culture for candida
• (+) serum antibodies to candida
• stool analysis: often a 3+ or 4+ candida growth, combined with a decrease in gram negative and other beneficial bacteria, especially lactobacillus acidophilus and streptococcus faecium

course and prognosis

Without treatment, the patient will continue to exhibit chronic morbidity, locally and systemically. Intestinal candida overgrowth is not fatal, but its significance in predisposing development of other disease states is severely underestimated in conventional medical circles.

Treatment designed to eradicate the candida, re-establish normal flora, and correct the eating patterns of the patient can lead to a complete cure.

differential diagnosis

• bowel toxemia
• poor digestion due to deficient enzymes
• food intolerances
• malabsorption syndromes
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• adrenal insufficiency
• other causes of clinical or subclinical polysystemic symptoms


footnotes