There is a condition called Candida Albicans, which is an overgrowth of yeast in the gut that causes misery to those who suffer from it.
I have written about it in the past, as well as experienced it. However, many people are not aware that there is a condition quite similar to Candida called bacterial gut dysbiosis.
When suffering from Candida, the yeast-like fungi in the gut ferment simple and compound sugars, such as those found in wheat, rye, barley and oats. This makes ethanol and gas. In fact, ethanol is the social alcohol found in wine, beer, cider and champagne.
However, when suffering from bacterial gut dysbiosis, certain unwanted bacteria will have settled, like a squatter, on the interior lining of the gut in small island colonies. They occupy the spaces made available after normal, ‘friendly’ gut flora have been killed off by taking things like antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen) or the excessive consumption of alcohol.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles have discovered that bacterial overgrowth in the gut affects nearly two-thirds of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and who regularly suffer from diarrhoea and nearly a third of IBS patients overall (Dig. Dis. Sci., 2012).
This unwanted bacteria can also produce alcohols and gases, and their alcohols are of the toxic type, like methanol, compound propyl and butyl alcohols. Fortunately, the quantity of toxic alcohols produced is small, so it is not lethal or permanently damaging, but it is toxic to the liver. This process is known as bacterial gut fermentation, as opposed to the yeast fermentation of Candida.
The gases are responsible for symptoms such as flatulence, wind and bloating after meals (all symptoms of Candida, hence it can be confused with this condition). The small quantities of toxic alcohols can cause unsatisfying sleep (when you do sleep but feel as if you haven’t when waking), poor memory and concentration, loss of libido, night sweats and dark circles under the eyes.
They will also have been impeding the motion in the gut (a caterpillar-like motion) which moves the waste products along to the bowel. Many of the alcohols are known to have a mildly anaesthetising effect which can induce sluggishness in the bowel, hence the symptoms of constipation.
Viruses in the digestive tract are caught in the same way as a common cold, so better sanitation is the best defence
The tendency for constipation may, on occasions, be interrupted by episodes of very loose bowels, which is nothing more than the gut unsuccessfully trying to rid itself of the presence of the unwanted bacteria. The problem is, without the help of a practitioner and some tests that it is impossible to know if you are suffering from Candida or from bacterial gut dysbiosis.
There is a test that can be carried out, called a gut fermentation profile. This is a blood test that has been scientifically demonstrated to accurately diagnose if there is a fermentation going on in your gut caused by the bacteria (J. Nutr. Med., 1990).
If the results return showing there is fermentation in the gut, then treatment could take up to 10 weeks or more. The treatment should involve a dietary regime very close to an anti-Candida diet, perhaps not quite as strict.
The main reason is that you don’t want to be feeding the unwanted bacteria while trying to get rid of them at the same time. A herbal tincture (Berberis vulgaris or barberry) taken after meals twice a day can eradicate undesirable bacteria from the gut while leaving the friendly bacteria to flourish. A good probiotic is also required to repopulate the gut with the friendly bacteria.
A list of good food for the gut includes pineapple, mango, kiwi and papaya, all berries with the exception of strawberries, all vegetables, seafood, fish and some meat. Also included are almonds, cashew and pine nuts as well as coconut, rice, corn, potatoes and all oils. Food to avoid includes all other fruits except those specified above, all sugar, wheat, rye, barley and oats, all black tea, any form of yeast or mushrooms, cows’ milk products and any dried culinary herbs.
One of the causes of gut dysbiosis is diet; an overgrowth of fungus and yeast can be caused by a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. While Candida is the most common condition caused by a sugary and starchy diet, it is also important to make sure you get enough fibre, as diets high in protein but low in vegetables and fibre have been linked to dysbiosis. Most people have had success by overhauling their diet.
A final warning: parasites are generally found in contaminated food and water and can be obtained during international travel. You can ingest contaminated food and water while travelling or at home mainly because so much produce is brought in internationally.
Viruses in the digestive tract are caught in the same way as a common cold, so better sanitation is the best defence, as antibiotics do not cure viruses. For more information, look at http://www.therootofhealth.com/dysbiosis .
kathryn@maltanet.net