For more than three decades, I've battled chronic candida, and it has greatly impacted my quality of life. The brain fog, inability to concentrate or focus, fatigue, IBS, irritability, and other related health conditions have been constant companions due to this long-term candida infection.
I've delved into endless research on candida over the years, seeking a solution to eradicate it. Despite trying both conventional and holistic treatment methods, it always resurfaced. When I sought treatment from conventional doctors and was prescribed typical antifungals and creams, I wasn't informed that modifying my diet was a crucial component in addressing the issue. In addition, my overall health issues were not taken into consideration which also contributed to my weakened immune system. These included leaky gut, food sensitivities, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, and chronic stress. Chronic stress can lead to increased urinary excretion of essential nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and biotin, worsening nutrient deficiencies and allowing chronic candida to thrive.
Below is what I have learned in my path to discovery:
Candida overgrowth and dysfunction of the HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) axis are interconnected in a complex and bidirectional manner. Here are the main findings:
Stress and HPA axis disruption: Candida overgrowth in the gut can put stress on the adrenals and HPA axis, leading to adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysfunction.
Weakened immunity: Adrenal fatigue, in turn, can contribute to a weakened immunity, making individuals more susceptible to candida overgrowth.
Toxin release: When treating candida, the release of toxins can further stress the adrenals and HPA axis, exacerbating adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysfunction.
Leaky gut and inflammation: Candida overgrowth can lead to leaky gut syndrome, provoking inflammation and a strong immune response, which can put additional pressure on the already compromised HPA axis.
Thyroid dysfunction: Candida overgrowth has been linked to thyroid dysfunction, possibly due to the stress it imposes on the HPA axis and adrenal glands.
The candida-HPA dysfunction link involves a vicious cycle where candida overgrowth contributes to adrenal fatigue and HPA axis dysfunction, which in turn weakens immunity and exacerbates candida overgrowth. Addressing both candida overgrowth and HPA axis dysfunction is crucial for restoring overall health and well-being.
Ever since I was a child, I have had food sensitivities and IBS that are linked to candida. It's important to note that the maternal gut microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's immune system and susceptibility to infections during pregnancy and childbirth. A healthy maternal gut microbiome promotes a balanced immune response and reduces susceptibility to infections, while dysbiosis may have adverse consequences for the infant's immune development and health. Here are some key findings:
Maternal-fetal transfer: The maternal gut microbiome is transferred to the fetus during pregnancy, particularly through the placenta and umbilical cord blood. This transfer shapes the infant’s gut microbiome and immune system development.
Immune system programming: The maternal gut microbiome influences the development of the infant’s immune system, particularly the innate and adaptive immune responses. A healthy maternal gut microbiome promotes the development of a balanced immune response in the infant, while dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microbiome) may predispose the infant to immune disorders.
Increased susceptibility to infections: Maternal gut microbiome changes during pregnancy can affect the infant’s susceptibility to infections. For example:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in the maternal gut microbiome increases the risk of GBS transmission to the infant during birth, leading to sepsis, meningitis, and other complications.
Listeria monocytogenes infections in pregnant women can lead to vertical transmission and adverse outcomes in the infant, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and fetal demise.
Microbial metabolites: The maternal gut microbiome produces metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that are absorbed by the placenta and transferred to the fetus. SCFAs regulate immune cell development and function, influencing the infant’s immune response to infections.
Breastfeeding: Breast milk contains maternal gut microbiome-derived metabolites and immune factors, which continue to shape the infant’s immune system development and influence susceptibility to infections.
Long-term effects: The maternal gut microbiome’s impact on the infant’s immune system and susceptibility to infections can have long-term consequences, including:
Increased risk of allergic diseases: A maternal gut microbiome dominated by Firmicutes and reduced diversity may increase the risk of allergic diseases in the infant.
Immune disorders: Maternal gut microbiome dysbiosis may predispose the infant to immune disorders, such as asthma, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Additionally, the following maternal gut microbiome components are associated with alterations in infant gut development and function:
Estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy: These hormonal changes alter gut function and microbiome composition, increasing vulnerability to pathogens and potentially impacting infant gut development and function.
Maternal oral microbiome: This component influences the development of the human gut microbiome in the infant, particularly in the prenatal period.
Maternal diet: The diet of the mother during pregnancy plays a critical role in shaping the foundation of the child’s gut microbiome, with long-lasting health implications. A eubiotic gut that has the correct balance of microflora in the intestinal tract can be promoted through the dietary intake of specific probiotics, improving gut health and reducing systemic inflammation.
Antibiotics: Maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy may alter the maternal microbiome, which can then impact the infant’s gut microbiome development and function.
Maternal pre-pregnancy and pregnancy BMI: Higher maternal BMI is associated with a different microbial composition in the infant gut, including higher levels of Bacteroides and Prevotella, which may increase the risk of childhood obesity.
These maternal gut microbiome components can influence infant gut development and function by:
Shaping the initial colonization of the infant gut microbiome
Altering the balance of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms
Influencing the development of the brain-gut axis and its bidirectional signaling
Impacting the maturation of the infant gut immune system and its response to pathogens
Affecting the processing and absorption of nutrients, potentially leading to changes in infant growth and development.
The Candida Diet website shares 11 most common symptoms of candida:
1. Chronic fatigue
2. Brain fog
3. Digestive issues
4. Recurring yeast infections
5. Oral thrush
6. Sinus infections
7. Food sensitivities
8. Fungal infections on the skin and nails
9. A weak immune system
10. Joint pain
11. Low mood
Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner to address your candida problem and a health coach to guide your recovery plan can significantly enhance your chances of eradicating candida.
Sources:
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