The following are descriptions of ten common causes of intestinal dysbiosis and candida overgrowth (CO). As you may recall, dysbiosis in this context, is defined as a generalized dysfunction of the microbiome, or inner ecology within the intestines.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is actually a yeast by-product and you can see the potential problems here since its use kills off friendly bacteria. This overload in turn can affect the liver and generally allows for candida overgrowth (CO). Fungi in the gastrointestinal system can ferment ingested carbohydrates to produce ethanol, a type of alcohol, that can cause psychological and physical symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication. This kind of “high” is the primary reason for intense sugar cravings. What makes this alcohol by-product caused by yeast and carbohydrates fermentation is that it creates a fertilizer to help it grow further. This explains why researchers have indicated that everyone who drinks alcohol regularly is most likely harboring Candida Overgrowth.
IBS BOWEL Problems
Irritable Bowel Syndrome signs of dysbiosis such as constipation, diarrhea, parasites, worms, leaky gut, heartburn, gas, bloating, itching, redness – there are usually symptoms of yeast infection but coincidentally, can be causes of candida overgrowth as well. (4)
DIET
Candida feeds on sugar. Sugars can be defined as fructose or fruit, honey, juice, soda, maple syrup, ice cream, candy, chocolate, especially any type of candy or chocolate, including refined carbs like white flour pasta, cookies, cakes, and so on. A little sugar here and there is O.K. but when taken daily and in excessive amounts, may turn into a craving. There is nothing wrong with a little sugar now and then, but this kind of craving can and does cause dysbiosis with all its attendant symptoms.
RX DRUGS
Antibiotics (including many other drugs) can cause an upset in the inner bowel ecology and in turn, affect the immune system simply because these substances are man-made and are not natural to the human body. In a very real sense, the body views these drugs as foreign invaders. Drugs for the most part, are not meant to be used long term for chronic diseased conditions. Drugs are primarily created to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Long term use can produce negative side-effects that can overwhelm the body with serious or life-threatening diseases. The drugs that have shown to contribute to CO dysbiosis are the following:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Hormones
- Steroids
- Birth Control Pills,
- Antacids (1)
FDA allows dozens of antibiotics to be used directly in dairy products, and especially found in milk.
MIND BODY STRESS
The link between the mind-body connection is well established. Stress has been shown to cause chronic
- fatigue
- nausea
- diarrhea
- high blood pressure
- and even ulcers, as well as numerous related health problems.
Our treatment program uses a ‘Healthy Trinity’ which focuses on the mind-body connection to essentially reduce stress issues.
TOXIC METALS and Food Chemicals
Toxic metals can have severe consequences to the human body. Mercury and other metals, as well as some food chemicals, such as aspartame and MSG, kill friendly intestinal flora, which in turn, alter the immune response, and thereby allow the yeast to proliferate.
Even though Mercury and heavy metals have been shown to be toxic to the human body, however, clinical experience has shown that toxic metals will affect people differently. We provide tests to show if toxic metals are indeed a problem for you.
IMMUNE deficiency
Almost everyone with a serious illness is suffering from Candida Albicans or some form of a yeast infection. It all comes down to the simple fact that once the immune system is compromised in some way, this in turn can lead dysbiosis.
HORMONE Imbalances
Women are more prone to yeast problems when you consider their monthly cycle, including pregnancies, menopause, taking birth control pills, etc. However, with proper maintenance of their bowel and the deliberate strengthening of the immune system, these conditions can be substantively alleviated.
TAP WATER
The following are factors to consider about drinking water:
- Chlorinated water kills both bad and good bacteria in the gut. So, it is better to drink spring water and even filtered water.
- It’s always better to drink distilled water with something else added to it, rather than plain.
- It’s also better to drink water at room temperature water rather than cold. Just consider that cold or ice water compromises the “gastric fire” which is necessary for proper digestion.
ENVIRONMENTAL Molds or Chemicals
People who work around chemicals frequently, such as house painters, dry cleaners, hairstylists, lawn maintenance workers, or generally, people who work in the chemical industry, have been shown that their immune system is adversely affected thereby causing bowel dysbiosis.
REFERENCES:
- Eggimann, P., Que, Y., Revelly, J., & Pagani, J. (2015). Preventing invasive candida infections. Where could we do better? Journal of Hospital Infection, 89(4), 302-308. DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2014.11.006
- Ferrier, L., Bérard, F., Debrauwer, L., Chabo, C., Langella, P., Buéno, L., & Fioramonti, J. (2006). Impairment of the Intestinal Barrier by Ethanol Involves Enteric Microflora and Mast Cell Activation in Rodents. The American Journal of Pathology, 168(4), 1148-1154. DOI:10.2353/ajpath.2006.050617
- Tamai, H., Kato, S., Horie, Y., Ohki, E., Yokoyama, H., & Ishii, H. (2000). Effect of Acute Ethanol Administration on the Intestinal Absorption of Endotoxin in Rats. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 24(3), 390-394. DOI:10.1111/j.1530-0277.2000.tb04629.x
- Gouba, N., & Drancourt, M. (2015). Digestive tract mycobiota: A source of infection. Médicine Et Maladies Infectieuses, 45(1-2), 9-16. doi:10.1016/j.medmal.2015.01.007
