Sign up below for our Healthy Living e-Newsletters!
Many of us deal with common symptoms – without knowing it’s a sign of too much yeast in our bodies!
Choice Nutrition’s Dr. Evan McCarvill sheds light on this condition he sees in many patients:
A fairly common but often under-recognized condition I encounter as a Naturopathic Doctor is chronic yeast infection; something you may have heard of. It is also sometimes called Candida Overgrowth Syndrome (COS). This condition can manifest through a variety of mild, systemic, non-specific symptoms, which may go unexplained and untreated for months or even years at a time for many patients.
While it can be a problem for many people, COS is not the result of an “infection” per se. The first thing we need to recognize on this topic is that the human body normally plays host to a baffling variety of microorganisms. In fact, there are 100 trillion microbial cells in the typical human body, outnumbering human cells by ten to one. The mutual community that these bugs create in our bodies is called our “microbiome”. These microbes often have symbiotic relationships with us, meaning their presence actually helps our bodies in terms of immune modulation and digestive function. However, they may also have “commensal” relationships with us, which is a term that means the microbes just live here, and don’t necessarily help us in exchange for us providing them real estate.
The vast majority (99.9%) of the microbes the live in and on our bodies consists of only a relative few species of bacteria. The tiny remaining minority (0.01%), which includes fungal species, is much more diverse. This is called the “rare biosphere”, and while it is unclear whether this minority of microbes plays a significant role in our health, it is clear that they can be a reservoir of certain species which can be harmful to the body, if they were to “bloom”; that is, under certain conditions, they can overgrow and unbalance the otherwise healthy microbe community (1).
So what, if anything, is Candida Overgrowth Syndrome? This relates specifically to one particular genus of fungi, called Candida, of which there are over 160 known species, mostly adapted to live in mammalian hosts (2). However, the most common species is Candida albicans. This fungal microbe normally is present in small amounts on the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract, including intestines and mouth, as well as in the vagina and on the skin. Under most circumstances, candida is kept in check due to microbial resistance (i.e. competition) from bacterial microbes, as well as by the body’s competent immune system. However, if fungal growth in the body becomes unbalanced, as can happen under certain conditions, it can create problems.
One of the most common instigating factors that can lead to an overgrowth of candida in the body is the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Unfortunately, these drugs tend to be over-prescribed, often for mild colds and flues which are usually viral, and thus would not be helped by antibiotics anyway. But what they will often do is kill off a good many of the beneficial bacteria that live in our intestines, perturbing the balance of the microbiome, and freeing up candida from its competition (1). Candida, being a fungus, is unaffected by antibiotics.
There are a couple of ways that an overgrowth of Candida can manifest itself quite obviously; one being vaginal candidiasis, also known as a “yeast infection”, as well as oral candidiasis, also known as “oral thrush”. Vaginal candidiasis results in vaginal itching and a whitish discharge, and is a common complication of antibiotic use, especially if there is repeated use for recurrent infections (3). Oral candidiasis is more often seen as a complication of steroid inhaler use for asthma, or in individuals with compromised immune systems (3), such as patients undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immune-suppressive drugs for an organ transplant, or patients with AIDS.
Both of the above manifestations of candida are associated with Candida Overgrowth Syndrome, and may indeed be indicators of underlying COS, but this is not necessarily the case.
It should be noted that Candida Overgrowth Syndrome (COS) is considered controversial. Some physicians accept it, while others consider it a “fad” diagnosis. Nutritional or functional-medicine-oriented doctors, and Naturopathic Doctors, will usually acknowledge that COS is a real and specific condition that can result in long-term impacts on quality of life.
It is also important to distinguish that COS is different from the potentially fatal candida fungal infection of the bloodstream (candidemia), which is a form of sepsis. This much more serious condition usually only happens in weakened and debilitated patients with severely compromised immune systems, and requires aggressive treatment in a hospital setting.
Candida Overgrowth Syndrome rather, is the result of an over-abundance of candida organisms which are nonetheless limited to certain regions and cavities of the body. An overgrowth in the intestines is characterized by symptoms such as excessive gas, bloating, and changes in bowel movement patterns. While the candida remains restricted to these regions of the body, thus not actually resulting in sepsis, the body nevertheless absorbs residual particles from dead candida cells, as well as the wastes and metabolic products produced by live cells. The absorption of such substances, and their subsequent spread throughout the body, results in systemic symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, muscle aches, and trouble concentrating (i.e. “brain fog”).
In some more severe cases of candida overgrowth, the proliferating hyphae structures of the organism can spread into the delicate mucosal lining of the intestinal tract, disrupting its function as a semi-permeable membrane, and creating a condition known as hyperpermeability or “leaky gut”. When this happens, yet other inappropriate particles such as not-fully-digested food proteins and waste products can “leak” through the gut wall into the blood, which the body then reacts to as though it were dealing with an infection. Thus can people develop new food sensitivities and intolerances to foods that were harmless before. Some of the more common food sensitivities include wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs, and corn. This is not to say that all such food sensitivities are the result of candida overgrowth, but it can contribute to the development of such food sensitivities. In fact, it has been shown that when mice have their GI tracts experimentally colonized with
Candida, it can actually drive allergic sensitization to food antigens by disrupting the mucosal barrier (4).
Probably the most common cause of COS is the overuse of broad-s
pectrum antibiotics, which compromise candida’s bacterial competition, and permit it to “bloom” inappropriately. Additionally, other medications that can promote COS include birth control pills, and oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. Such steroid anti-inflammatories are often given for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, because of their depressive effect on the immune response. Any factor that depresses immune function, such as stress, high levels of sugar and refined carbohydrates in the diet, hormonal changes in pregnancy, as well as diabetes, will all leave the body more vulnerable to COS.
Most Naturopathic, Holistic, and nutritonally-based practitioners don’t rely on any single test to support a diagnosis of COS. Rather, the whole patient is evaluated, most notably for any significant history of frequent antibiotic use, and/or recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women, as well as any other symptoms strongly suggestive of COS. Blood tests can measure different antibodies (IgM, IgG, IgA) produced by the immune system in response to increased levels of candida antigens.
One of the most accessible ways to evaluate for candida overgrowth is with Live Blood Analysis. Bubbles of carbon dioxide, produced as a byproduct of increased candida metabolic activity in the body, will show up visibly in a live whole blood sample, when viewed through a compound microscope. Checking the live blood again after treatment, to confirm reduction/elimination of such visible gas bubbles, is a good way to evaluate treatment success.
Click here to learn more about Integrative Microscopy and Live Blood Analysis, one of our core services that we offer in both of our locations (Melfort & Saskatoon).
Most cases of COS are mild, and can be treated with a combination of natural supplements and sensible lifestyle changes. These should be implemented first in most cases, rather than going directly for pharmaceutical antifungals. Antifungal medications can be expensive if not covered by your insurance plan, and they can also result in a massive die-off of Candida happening all at once, with the resulting release of dead organisms and toxins causing unpleasant flu-like symptoms. Gentler natural therapies can reduce the candida presence more gradually and painlessly. Because the Candida organism can burrow deeply into the mucosal lining of the intestine, one should allow at least a few months to completely clear a case of COS.
In terms of natural strategies, the first thing to do is to address any dietary factors that would contribute to candida growth. There should be an abundance of healthy protein and high-fiber vegetables in the diet. High-glycemic foods including whole grain breads, as well as fruit and starchy vegetables such as white potatoes, beets, oranges and bananas should be reduced, or eaten in moderation.
Sugar in general should be restricted in the diet, for not only do high amounts of sugar depress immune function and open the door for candida overgrowth, but candida thrives on sugar as a fuel source.
To reduce risks of developing or re-developing COS, it is a good idea to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, as this is the most common cause of COS. Most self-limited colds and flues are viral in origin, not bacterial, and so are unaffected by antibiotics. Therefore, it is often best to let such mild infections run their course and/or opt for non-antibiotic options for antimicrobial support and immune support.
There are of course, some cases where antibiotics are needed. In such cases, ask your doctor to prescribe, if at all possible, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, specific to your particular infection, rather than a broad-spectrum drug that will kill too many of the good bacteria along with the bad.
In the wake of any course of antibiotics, it is a good idea to take a round of probiotics, to replace any good bacteria that may have been affected, for at least three weeks to a month after the antibiotic treatment is completed.
If you have a medical condition that requires steroid anti-inflammatory use, you should try to aim for the lowest effective dose possible. Work with your medical doctor to achieve this, as it will minimize the impact on the ability of your immune system to keep candida overgrowth in check. If you use a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth thoroughly after each use.
If you have a family history of diabetes, take all possible steps to prevent developing this condition, and have yourself checked regularly with standard blood tests. Poor blood sugar control, and thus Diabetes, is a significant risk factor for the development of candida overgrowth conditions.
For those who may have a serious medical condition, it is a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before starting any significant supplement regimen, especially if you are already taking prescription drugs with potential for interactions.
Supplements and natural medicines, in the treatment of COS will usually fall into one of three therapeutic categories; namely, antimicrobial/antifungals to directly kill yeast, immune supporting substances, as well as probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria.
All supplements listed below are available in high grade pharmaceutical quality in our online store.
Echinacea is an herb frequently used to boost the immune system, to lessen susceptibility to colds and flues. It can also be used to enhance the immune system against excessive candida growth. Other herbs such as astragalus and goldenseal are also known to support immune function, and can be taken in alternating cycles with Echinacea for maximum effect.
Because of its berberine content, goldenseal has considerable antimicrobial effect, especially when it comes to infections that affect the mucosal lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Because candida loves to colonize the mucosa of the intestine, this herb can be another method to counteract candida growth. It may be especially helpful in cases of diarrhea related to COS.
Garlic, in both supplement and dietary forms, has both antimicrobial and immune-boosting benefits. It has been shown in test tube studies to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans.
Caprylic acid is a fatty acid that is actually produced by the body in small amounts. It is known to have antifungal properties, inhibiting candida’s ability to grow and replicate, though not much research has been done in recent years. In my experience, it is one of the most effective and accessible anti-candida nutrients. Larger amounts can be derived from the diet from palm oil and coconut oil. Taking a tablespoon of coconut oil added to your morning smoothie, for instance, is a useful strategy. Of course, caprylic acid can be more potent still if taken in supplement form. Supplementation may be more advisable in the case of clearing an active overgrowth of Candida, and dietary sources, such as coconut oil, can be used regularly afterward to help keep candida in check.
According to some recent research, oil of oregano and some other volatile oils can serve as anti-candida medicines even more potent than caprylic acid. However, there needs to be a note of caution, as volatile oils can irritate the skin and mouth if they come into contact with the body undiluted, and so must be used with care. When used topically, I usually recommend diluting a few drops of oregano oil in olive oil, to then be applied to a fungal infection on the surface of the body, such as on a toenail. For internal use however, a viable strategy would be to put a modest dose (1 or 2 drops) of oregano oil in a cup of HOT herbal tea. Keep stirring the tea thoroughly, and the oil should stay diluted enough in the tea in order to be drunk without any significant irritation. It’s best to consume the oil before the tea cools too much, or else too much of the oil will float to the surface and may irritate the lips and tongue. However, if followed well, this strategy can be a good way to make use of oil of oregano, internally, for treating candida overgrowth.
Supplemental probiotic bacteria, in particular species of the Lactobacillus genus (i.e. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bifidus), help by producing lactic acid, which helps to restore healthy pH levels in the intestine, which is less conducive to candida growth, and contributes to its decline. They themselves re-seed the gut, and well as help to restore conditions for healthy symbiotic bacterial biodiversity. A good probiotic will have several billion colony-forming-units (CFU) per capsule, will feature several species of bacteria belonging to the Lactobacillus and often Bifidobacterium genera, and will have a guaranteed potency at time of expiry listed on the label. Often such quality probiotics require refrigeration after opening.
You may want to seek more aggressive treatment, perhaps with stronger pharmaceutical antifungals, if your self-treatment or natural treatment strategies are not helping.
Call your doctor, if:
As always, feel free to contact us in case you have any questions or concerns, or to book an appointment.
DO NOT ACCEPT ILLNESS!
Yours in health,
Dr. Evan McCarvill, B.Sc., Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
