: Systemic Mycoses (fungal infections)

[Guest guest]

http://www.healthresearch.com/yeast.htmSystemic Mycoses: An

Overview for Natural Health Professionals

By R. Thiel, Ph.D., N.H.D.

Thiel, R. Systemic mycoses: An overview for natural

health professionals. The Original Internist, 14:2, June 2007:57-66.

ABSTRACT

Systemic mycoses can cause a tremendous variety of

health problems including digestive difficulties (diarrhea, bloating,

discomfort, flatulence, constipation, colitis, etc.), skin problems (rashes,

eczema, psoriasis, dry skin patches, intense itching, hives, open cut-like

sores, etc.), bronchopulmonary disorders, asthma, breathing difficulties,

fatigue, seasonal allergies, multiple food allergies, weight loss, fever,

chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, autoimmune

disorders, fibromyalgia, arthritic complaints, chills, malaise, mental

cloudiness, and depression. Although

Candida albicans tends to get the most attention, it is only one of 150 fungal

species which are known to be pathogenic to humans. In addition to skin, respiratory, or genital

areas, mycotic infections often settle in the digestive system. Understanding the various types of mycotic

organisms can be helpful for health practitioners who are interested in natural

interventions to help restore their infected patients to health.

INTRODUCTION

There are over 100,000 different species of fungi, of

which approximately 150 are known to be pathogenic to humans [1,2]. Those which are pathogenic have been

classified into three broad categories: superficial, cutaneous, and

systemic. Superficial mycoses (systemic

(fungal infections) normally are confined to the keratinized layer of the skin

and its appendages [3].

Cutaneous/subcutaneous mycoses enter the skin and cutaneous tissue

usually in a traumatized area (such as a wound); they usually remain localized,

but can spread through the lymphatics to other sites. Systemic mycoses are medically believed to

usually have a pulmonary inception, but can affect most areas of the body

[1,4].

Amazingly, even though hundreds of peer-reviewed

scientific articles, the Merck Manual [5], and Mayo Laboratories [6] all

document common problems due to systemic mycoses, many medical practitioners

‘do not believe in them’, will not test for them, and will not treat them,

while some others treat mycotic infections for too short of period of time to

be effective [7]. Partially due to

this medical disbelief, many natural health professionals see people with a variety of mycotic

infections on a regular basis [7]. Some

people with them have been told that the symptoms are ‘all in their head’ or

something just as useful [7]. Mycotic

infections, though not normally fatal, are so underdiagnosed, that an

autopsy-based study found that in 22% of cases where the primary diagnosis was

incorrect, the deceased had some type of fungal infection [8]. Furthermore this study stated, “autopsy

findings revealed a major diagnosis that, if known before death, might have led

to a change in therapy and prolonged survival (class I missed major diagnoses). The most frequent class I missed major

diagnoses were fungal infections†[8].

In most “immunocompetent patients, systemic mycoses typically have a

chronic courseâ€, instead of being life threatening [5].

Most systemic mycoses are from opportunistic fungi. They are saprocyctes (organisms which live on

decaying matter) that are usually innocuous, but become pathogenic when the

host becomes abnormally susceptible to infection [1,5,9,10]. To state it less technically, some yeast are

present in the body in small quantities and are considered harmless; it is only

when they get out of control and multiply excessively that problems are caused.

During the several decades there have been alarming

increases in Aspergillosis, Candidiasis, Cryptococcosis, Nocardiosis,

and Zygomycosis; which to some degree appears to be related to medical

treatments such as chemotherapeutic agents, irradiation, immunosuppressive

agents, broad spectrum antibiotics, and hyperalimentation as well as conditions

such as malignancies, AIDS, malnutrition, metabolic diseases, receipt of

multiple injections, certain surgeries, burns, intravenous hyperalimentation,

and certain malignancies [1,10-12]. Heavy

metals, like mercury, may contribute to these infections. Intense periods of stress or incomplete

recovery from infection are other causes of yeast overgrowth. Having gall bladder surgery seems to this

investigator to be a factor for some people.

Systemic mycoses can cause a tremendous variety of health

problems including digestive difficulties (diarrhea, bloating, discomfort,

flatulence, constipation, etc.), skin problems (rashes, eczema, psoriasis, dry

skin patches, intense itching, hives, open cut-like sores, etc.),

bronchopulmonary disorders, asthma, breathing difficulties, fatigue, allergies,

weight loss, fever, chills, malaise, depression, and chronic sinusitis

[1,6,9-14]; some of them may be risk factors in developing autoimmune disorders

[7,15]. This investigator has also

observed that many with irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches,

autoimmune disorders, itching, fibromyalgia, alternating constipation and

diarrhea, mental cloudiness, certain types of anxiety, inability to lose

weight, and even certain forms of arthritis frequently appear to have some type

of mycotic overgrowth--another clue is that many report multiple food

intolerances (or have been told they have at least a dozen food allergies from

an IgG test). Of course, it needs to be

understood that nearly all the symptoms and most of the conditions listed in this

paper can be caused by something other than mycotic organisms (and that most

people do not have most of the symptoms).

The folllowing conditions have also been reported (by one

or more medical doctors) to be at least partially caused by fungi:

“malignancies to organs including the esophagus, lung, colon, kidney, breast,

uterus, blood, lymph nodes, brain and skin.

Some autoimmune disorders… Scleroderma...diabetes...rheumatoid

arthritis...Sjogren’s syndrome...psoriasis...and systemic lupus

erythematosis. Dr. Constantini also

listed...Raynaud’s Syndrome... sarcoidosis ...Duchene’s muscular

dystrophy...and Cushing’s Disease (excess secretion of adrenal hormone)â€;

whereas a registered nurse also reported, “Multiple

Sclerosis...Fibromyalgia...Chron’s disease

....Endometriosis...Infertility...Migraines†[5]. Many mycoses are polysymptomatic [16] which

means they can cause a variety of different types of problems.

It has also been reported that systemic mycoses can

predispose one to develop celiac disease [17].

And while this is apparently true, it is also true that many who think

that they may have celiac disease actually have some type of systemic mycotic

infection. Many with Down syndrome or

autism tend to have wheat sensitivities and may be more susceptible to mycotic

infections than the general public.

A major clinical characteristic of virtually all mycotic

infections is their chronic course [5,9].

Symptoms often develop slowly; though many are asymptomatic. Months or years often elapse before medical

attention is sought [5;18]. Medical interventions

for systemic mycoses include various medications, surgery, and chemotherapy

[1,5,9,10,19]. Progress in the diagnosis

and medical treatment of many mycoses has been unsatisfactory [5,7,20]:

“Immunoserologic tests are available for many systemic mycoses, but few provide

definitive diagnoses by themselves†[5].

While localized yeast infections are relatively easy to treat, systemic

mycoses, including those referred to as Candida Related Complex (CRC), are much

more difficult [5,7].

It needs to be emphasized that it is not necessary to

have a vaginal yeast infection to be suffering from a systemic mycotic

infection. Based on other research,

, M.D., wrote, “that the bowel or digestive system is the

primary site where yeast settle in the body and produce toxic by-products which

bring on the vast array of symptoms throughout the body...an unhealthy lower

bowel is the breeding ground for infections and inflammation and will cause

illness throughout the body†[7].

Although there exists a tremendous amount of natural

health literature regarding interventions to be considered for people with an

overgrowth of Candida albicans [i.e. 5,20-29], the literature regarding

natural interventions for other mycotic organisms is less available. The purpose of this paper is to discuss

selected forms of systemic mycoses and provide some information to help the

naturopathic practitioner deal with them.

SYSTEMIC MYCOSES

Aspergillosis

“Aspergillus sp are among the most common

environmental molds, found frequently in decaying vegetation (compost heaps),

on insulating materials (in walls or ceilings around steel girders), in air

conditioning or heating vents, in operating pavilions and patient rooms, on

hospital implements, or in airborne dust†[5]. Aspergilli are the second most common

systemic mycoses and account for nearly 30% of fungal infections found at

autopsy [1]. They often appear after

antibiotic or antifungal therapy (to which they are usually resistant) [9]; this

is one distressing area of fighting systemic mycoses--sometimes when

eliminating one type, another becomes prominent [9].

Clinical findings are usually nonspecific and standard

sputum cultures are positive only 1/3 of the time aspergilli are present

[1]. “Sputum from patients with

aspergillomas often does not yield Aspergillus in cultures because

cavities are likely to be walled off from airways†[5]. They often are implicated in respiratory

conditions [1,13] including sinusitis [30]; it appears that sometimes, Candida

albicans-IgE and IgG subclasses may participate in worsening pulmonary

infiltrates when bronchopulmonary Aspergilliosis is present [31]. Aspergilli

are often mistaken for Zygomycetes [1].

As enzymes appear to play a role in the reproduction of various species

of Aspergilli [32], it is possible that enzyme inhibitors may play a

role in diminishing their reproduction and growth.

Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common form

[1,2]. Aspergillus flavus is

commonly associated with aflatoxins [2], such as on peanuts [30]. Restrictocin and mitogillon are two other

toxins produced by aspergilli--they inhibit host cell protein synthesis by

degrading mRNAs [30]. “Molecular

epidemiologic studies of Aspergillus isolated from opportunistic infections

show many different strains of Aspergillus, suggesting that characteristics of

the host are more important than characteristics of the fungi...Aspergillus has

a tendency to invade blood vessels†[30]--this is probably true of most

situations when a systemic mycotic infection is present. Invasive Aspergillosis in usually

confined to immune suppressed and debilitated hosts [30]. Some with gastrointestinal upset have Aspergillus

[1] and some with intense itching may have some version of it (superficial

lesions are also a symptom [5]). Aspergilli

“Fungus balls neither require nor respond to systemic antifungal therapyâ€,

though some other Aspergilli forms do [5]. Mayo found it was one of the most common

fungal organisms associated with fungal sinusitis [15]. This investigator’s clinical experience

suggest that some people with Aspergillosis seem to improve when dairy

is removed from the diet, but whether this improvement is related to a general

intolerance or is specific to any Aspergilli is unclear.

Blastomycosis

“A disease caused by the inhalation of mold conidia

(spores) of Blastomyces dermatitidis, which convert to yeasts and invade

the lungs, occasionally spreading hematogenously to the skin or focal sites in

other tissues...Blastomyces dermatitidis grows as a mold at room

temperature...Inhaled B. dermatitidis conidia convert at...98.6...F...in

the lungs into invasive large yeasts †[5].

It can produce dry hacking and affect the prostate, testis, kidneys,

vertebrae, brain, nose, thyroid, lymph nodes, and bone marrow, but skin lesions

are probably most common [5]. Men

(especially over age 40 [5]) are afflicted with it more than women, with

wart-like lesions on the skin and sometime internal organs [33]. There is also a South American form called Paracoccidioidomycosis

which mostly effects men aged 20-50 who work as coffee growers [5].

Candidiasis

Candida albicans is the most common cause of Candidiasis

[1,2,10]. Candidiasis is an

infection involving every part of the body.

It exists in the normal flora of the oral cavity, upper respiratory

tract, digestive tract, and vagina.

Severe, invasive Candidiasis involves the kidney in 90% of cases

[30].

Candida hyphal growth (the more virulent form) requires

a pH of 7.4 (slightly alkaline) for optimal growth and can be completely

inhibited at a pH of 4.5 (fairly acidic) [34,35] and “is now the fourth most

prevalent organism found in bloodstream infections†[5].

It can be a superficial, mucocutaneous, or systemic

mycosis. Infection by any of the species

of Candida is nearly always preceded by a compromise of the host defense

mechanisms [1,5], such as a selective defect in the functioning of T

lymphocytes [36]. It can exist as both

yeast forms without hyphae as well with hyphae and the transition from yeast to

hyphal forms can increase problems eliminating it as the hyphae can spear their

way out of cells which engulf them [30].

Candida has molecules on the surface that mediate its adherence

to human tissues which are the main ways it negatively affects health [30]. “Pathologists studying disseminated

candidiasis find tiny abscesses throughout the body. These consist of Candida albicans

surrounded by fibrin (a protein able to clot) and a connective tissue

shell. This shell isolates Candida

from elimination by the immune system†[7].

“All forms of disseminated candidiasis should be

considered serious, progressive, and potentially fatal. Predisposing conditions such as neutropenia,

malnutrition, or uncontrolled diabetes should be reversed or controlled where

possible†[5]. All forms of Candida

do not respond to the same medical [5] or other interventions. Candida albicans and C. glabrata

tend to respond similarly, whereas C. cruzzi does not [5].

However, many nutritional interventions have been reported

to be effective for Candida [i.e. 7,21-29]. Since Candida albicans is often grown

in a culture of various saccharides [2],

it is not surprising that reductions in the consumption of refined sugars has

been effective [13-15]. Sometimes, this

investigator and others [21-24] have had success having subjects also avoiding

most fruits. Interestingly, it appears

that Candida albicans cannot grow in human saliva unless it is

supplemented with glucose [34].

It was been written that, “CRC is the most dreaded

complication of fungal infections, because it is hard to recognize and even

harder to treat...This spread of Candida albicans has been described as

a domino-effect--one body system after another falls prey to CRC, unless it is

stopped or reversed...Another name for CRC is mycotoxins†[11].

There have been substantial increases of candidemias

caused by species other than Candida albicans [37]. Candida tropicalis is probably the

second most common cause of candidiasis [1,5].

Infections with Candida glabrata and other Candida species are

increasing with frequency [5]. C. glabrata can cause fungemia, urinary

tract infections, sometimes pneumonia or other focal lesions [5]. Candida paratropicalis is quite

similar to Candida tropicalis and is often confused with it [1]. A significant difference is that

paratropicalis does not thrive with sucrose, although tropicalis does [2]. Candida krusei (also spelled cruzzi)

seems to be less affected by refined sugars (other than dextrose) than most

other Candida species [2], thus this investigator rarely encourages reduction

of fruit consumption when it is suspected.

Other Candida species such as C. guillermondi, C.

parapsilosis, and C. pseudotropicalis can cause infections in humans

[1,10], but (other than any differences their shape may account for [2]) this

investigator is not aware of adequate reasons to differentiate the dietary

restrictions from those of C. albicans.

One of the newest discovered forms, Candida dubliniensis, has a

lot in common with C. Albicans, but is still different [38].

Candida zeylanoides used to not be considered to be

much of a pathogenic yeast for humans [39,40], but can occur in individuals who

do not have the “usual risk factors for systemic candidiasis [41]. Case reports have suggested that it can cause

arthritis [42], infective endocarditis [41], onychomycosis (nail infection) [40],

and gastrointestinal disturbances [39].

It may be implicated in Scleroderma [39]. An animal study suggests that it also can

cause tinea cruris (jock itch) [43]. C.

zeylanoides is a predominate form of yeast found in poultry [44], raw

sausage [45], and some hams [46].

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis is normally due to the fungus Cryptococcus

neoformans also called Filobasidiella neoformans or Torula

histolytica. It is an encapsulated

yeast and is present in soil and bird (especially pigeon) droppings [30]. Symptomatically it is quite different from

the other systemic mycoses in that meningitis with headache is the way it is

most commonly presented; blurred vision is also common [9]. Infection tends to occur via the respiratory

route by inhalation of Cryptococcus neoformans [1,9]. Consumption of high-dose corticosteroids is a

major risk factor for it [30]. Cryptococcosis

frequently affects the central nervous system [33]. As Cryptococcus meningitis, it is found

in some with AIDS where it tends to increase the mortality rate [47]. The lungs, kidneys, and sometimes skin tend

to be affected [5]. It is resistant to

killing by alveolar macrophages [30]. It

produces the enzyme phenol oxidase which tends to consume the hosts epinephrine

[30], thus adrenal support may be helpful for the sufferer (it would not help

eliminate Cryptococci, but at least may make the sufferer feel better

through the process). Adverse reactions

to medical interventions for it include gastrointestinal disturbances [9], thus

probiotic intervention possibly should be considered as an adjunct [25,26].

Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis

Histoplasmosis and Coccidioidomycosis are

similar fungal organisms that both produce a disease that resembles

tuberculosis [1,30]. Both are caused by

fungi that grow as spore producing hyphae at environmental temperatures, but as

yeasts (spherules or ellipses) at body temperature within the lungs [30]. Histoplasma capsulatum is acquired by

inhaling dust particles which contain bird or bat droppings that contain small

spores (microcondia), the infectious form of the fungus [30]. “H. capsulatum grows as a mold in

nature or...at room temperature but converts to a small...yeast cell at

....98.6...F...and when invading host cells [5].

AIDS patients are particularly susceptible to disseminated infection

with Histoplasma [30]. Histoplasmosis

“occurs primarily in the East and Midwest†and primarily affects the lungs

[5]--in acute forms it can cause ulcers of the pharynx, spleen enlargement, and

liver enlargement [33]. Coccidioides

immitis has a high infection rate and usually resides in desert soils, and

in the US is mainly confined to the Southwest [1,5]. Similar to Histoplasma, most primary

infections with Coccidiodes immites are asymptomatic, but about 10%

develop lung lesions, fever, cough, excess sputum, and pleuritic pains along

with San Joaquin Valley fever complex [5,30].

“Once inhaled, C. immitis conida (spores) convert at...98.6..F to

form large invasive spherules†[5]. Coccidioidomycosis

is also called “Valley Fever†[5].

“Untreated disseminated coccidiodomycosis is usually fatal...Treatment

for primary coccidioidomycosis is unnecessary in low-risk patients...Treatment

for meningeal coccidioidomycosis must be continued for many months, probably

lifelong†[5].

Mycobacilli: Nocardiosis and Actinomycosis

Although Actinomycosis and Nocardiosis are

often considered together when discussing systemic mycoses, they are filamentous,

gram-positive, bacteria in the order of Actinomycetales, and not true

fungi [1,2]. These infections are consistently found in the U.S., but the

diagnosis is difficult since they resemble other bacterial, mycobacterial, and

fungal infections [48]. Nocardiosis

and Actinomycosis are symptomatically similar to tuberculosis [2]. Actinomycosis affects males three times as

often as females [1]. Nocardiosis,

normally in the form of Nocardia asteroides, is increasingly found in

patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is probably higher than

the reported incidence of 2.8% in the SLE population [49]. “Without treatment, nocardiosis caused by N.

asteroides is usually fatal†[5]. When actinomycosis or nocardiosis

is present, it is sometimes wise to avoid bovine dairy and/or refined

carbohydrates . Nutritional support such

as used by people with “streptococci-type†bacteria can sometimes be helpful

for some with some mycobacilli.

Zygomycosis/Mucomycosis

Zygomycosis (also called Mucomycosis) is a

generic term which refers to infections of the class Zygomycetes (also

called Phycomycetes); they tend to be both opportunistic and invasive

[1]. It is defined as “Infection with

tissue invasion by broad, non-separate, irregularly shaped hyphae of diverse

fungal species†[5]. “Infection is most

common in immunosuppressed persons, in patients with poorly controlled

diabetes, and in patients receiving the iron-chelating drug desferrioxamineâ€

(plus people on immunosuppressive therapies or who have chronic renal

conditions) [5]. It can cause pulmonary

or gastrointestinal lesions [5]. The

three most common areas of invasion are the sinuses, lungs, and

gastrointestinal tract [30]. Rhizopus

species may be the most common; others include Absida corymbifera, Mucor

ramosissimus, Rhizomucor pusillus, and more [1,2]. Infection is believed to be less common than

some of the other systemic mycoses mentioned in this paper, but is the third

most frequent opportunistic mycoses in patients with neoplastic disease [1] as

well as for ketoacidotic diabetics [30]. It appears to this investigator that

some with Rhizopus often have problems with bile flow; as do some with

intense itching. Rhizopus nigricans

produces opportunistic infections and hypersensitivity states [50]; it seems to

cause the body to produce additional IgG and IgE [32]. A recently identified strain, Rhizopus

azygosporus, was isolated from premature Australian babies, all of which

died [51]. Patients with diabetic

acidosis or leukemia can be predisposed to rhinocerbral infection caused by Rhizopus

oryzae [1]; increased consumption of most fresh fruits and vegetables has

been reported to help reduce acidosis [52].

Mold, Fungus, Yeast, and Interventions

“Mold is caused by fungus which in turn causes

disintegration of organic matter.

Whether it is caused by Candida albicans or any of its related species,

fungus causes a weakening of the cellular structure in which it lives. This explains why patients afflicted with

this type of infection become very ill and are difficult to treat; many of

their cells become weak...Fungus is tenacious†[5] (it should be understood

that molds are multi-cellular organisms, whereas true yeasts are single-cell

organisms). These days there are many

reports of homes and office buildings having mold problems which require

decontamination (such decontamination measures are beyond the scope of this

paper).

“Yeast, in its many varieties, is a unicellular fungus

that reproduces by budding spores†[7]--it is the budding process that is one

of the reasons that elimination is most difficult. This ability to froth/bud makes it difficult

for mycotic infections to be controlled as the quantity of yeast can go from

little to overwhelming in a rather short period of time. Elimination of yeast is often an up and down

process which makes it difficult for the one fighting it. Actually, one of the problems when mycotic

infections are dealt with medically or naturopathically, is that the sufferer will

sometimes feel better before the problem is gone, will skip some interventions

(not take supplements, violate dietary restrictions, etc.), do fine, and then

‘suddenly’ notice that symptoms which had left have returned.

Another reason it is difficult to eliminate yeast is

because some are dimorphic [53] and many have pleomorphic hyphae [54]. “The ability to switch between a yeast-like

form and filamentous form is an extended characteristic among several

fungi. In pathogenic fungi, this

capacity has been correlated with virulence because along the infectious

process, dimorphic transitions are often required†[53]--this dimorphic

tendency may at least partially explain why changing interventions is often

necessary when dealing with mycotic infections.

Pheomorphic hyphae have been found to be affiliated with most types of

mycotic yeasts [54]. These abilities to

change shapes (dimorphism and pleomorphic hyphae) make it harder to eliminate

mycotic organisms (and is one reason why the same intervention does not always

work)—pH (both acid or alkaline) is also a factor [35].

The main virulent mycoses, such as Candida and Aspergillus,

do not thrive in an acidic environment [34,35], but some others do. Thus, the frequent consumption of anti-acids

by many with ‘acid reflux’ (GERD) or ‘irritable bowel syndrome’ helps create an

environment that the two major mycotic organisms can thrive in (this is not to

say that there is no place for antacids, as they can help prevent ulceration

and other problems).

“With the continuing increase in clinically important

fungal disease...the need for new and improved antifungal agents marches on†[55]. This is partially because the commonly used

pharmaceutical antifungal agents are not always effective [56,57]: “Emerging

cases of drug resistance to currently available drugs has limited the spectrum

of currently available antifungal agents†[58].

“Drugs for systemic antifungal treatments include amphotercin B, various

azole derivatives, and flucytosine†[5].

While drugs remain the preferred standard treatment [59]

there are concerns about their safety, effectiveness, and cost [60]. “Opportunistic

systemic mycoses due to yeasts and yeast-like fungi have become commoner than

those due to filamentous fungi, occupying fourth position in the list of

bloodstream pathogens in some centers in USA. Also, their incidence, pattern of

clinical presentations and species spectrum have significantly changed, largely

due to more frequent and prolonged therapeutic or prophylactic use of

antifungal drugs and subsequent development of resistance. Consequently,

infections with resistant yeast-like fungi such as C. lusitaniae, C. krusei, C.

tropicalis, C. glabrata and Trichosporon ovoides (T. beigelii) have recently

been reported with greater frequency. Since respiratory and systemic mycoses

have no pathognomonic clinical or radiologic syndrome and mycological

diagnostic facilities are restricted to only some of the major metropolitan

centres, these diseases may be frequently confused…Further studies should focus

on the development of rapid techniques for selective isolation and

identification of systemic pathogenic fungi. The problem of antifungal

resistance is likely to become more serious in the future†[61].

“Innate and cell-mediated immunity are considered as the

principal defense line against fungal infections in humans†[62]. Thus, naturopaths tend to focus more on

dietary restriction, herbs, naturopathic formulas, heavy metal detoxification, and

even electricity to help their clients’ immune systems overcome many of the

problems associated with systemic mycotic infections. Regarding diet, as shown above, there is no

single diet that helps all the people who have various types of mycotic

infections. Avoiding refined sugar, as a

general rule, is good for most people with systemic mycoses (even some

published medical research concurs [16]): many with mycotic infections strongly

crave sugar--but to submit to those cravings can make elimination more

difficult (or can cause set-backs). The

same can often be said for other refined carbohydrates (white flour, white

rice, white pasta, alcohol, etc.).

Although there are some few people who need to avoid vinegar, most

fruits, or mushrooms, this investigator has found that most can consume them

without any apparent adverse affects.

There is a misconception that people with mycotic

infections must always avoid yeast-containing foods--while this may be true in

some cases, it is most often white flour and not the fact that bread has been

leavened with yeast that is the problem.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (the primary yeast used in baking and

brewing) is beneficial to humans and can help combat various infections

[63], including according to the German E monograph Candida albicans. In the text, Medical Mycology

Rippon (Ph.D., Mycology, University of Chicago) wrote, “There are over 500

known species of yeast, all distinctly different. And although the so-called ‘bad yeasts’ do

exist, the controversy in the natural foods industry regarding yeast related to

health problems which is causing many health-conscious people to eliminate all

yeast products from their diet is ridiculous.â€

It should also be noted, that W. Crook, M.D., perhaps the nation’s best

known expert on Candida albicans, wrote “yeasty foods don’t encourage

candida growth...Eating a yeast-containing food does not make candida organisms

multiply†[21]. Some people, however,

are allergic to the cell-wall of yeast [21] and concerned supplement companies

which have nutrient-containing yeast normally have had the cell-wall enzymatically

processed to reduce even this unlikely occurrence.

There is no herb or other natural intervention that this

investigator has seen which always works.

Most of the substances practitioners recommend help create an

environment that hyphal yeast forms do not thrive in or that the body’s own

defenses do.

Some of the more common natural substances this

investigator has considered include aloe vera, astragalus, basil, beet root,

bentonite, berberis root/berries, betaine hydrochloride, bile, biotin and other

b vitamins, caprylic acid, castor oil, Chinese herbs (various), cinnamon

extracts [64], chlorophyll, citrus seed

extract, cinnamon, cloves, colostrum, deer antler velvet, digestive enzymes,

echinacea, essential monosaccharides, flowers (various), food multiple

vitamins, garlic, goldenseal [63], glandulars, green vegetables, homeopathic

& isopathic remedies, horsetail, l-glutamine, l-valine, lactoferrin,

licorice, n-acetyl glucosamine, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, oxygen (in

various forms), pau d’ arco (and other South American herbs), probiotics

(including non-traditional ones) [65], olive leaf [66], oregano (wild and oil

forms) [], psyllium (seeds and/or hulls), Saccharomyces cerevisiae [63],

silver (in various forms), thyme, tillandsia, una de gato (cat’s claw), vitamin

C, wheat germ, wheat grass, white fish, and zinc.

Caution about self-treatment needs to be stated: not everyone tolerates all these substances

well, no one probably needs all of them, and perhaps most importantly,

inadequate treatment seems to often leave the stronger fungal strains to become

dominant [5]. Because a compromised

immune system or hormonal cycles can be involved (symptoms sometimes worsen

near a woman’s menstrual cycle), nutritional support for the thyroid is often a

useful adjunct (this is true for males and females). This investigator has also had some success

using other naturopathic interventions, such as bioelectrical stimulation,

proper food combining, fasting, and hydrotherapy [67]. Those with dual infections perhaps take the

longest amount of time to help get back to normal, and dual-infections seem to

present relatively frequently in this population.

‘Die off’ and other adverse reactions sometimes are

encountered when interventions are successful [5]--normally these are

frustrating as opposed to detrimental.

Some ‘holistic literature’ words it, “When yeast cells are rapidly

killed by the immune system, drug treatment, or dietary intervention, a

‘die-off’ or Herxheimer reaction occurs.

This reaction is caused by the massive release of toxins from dying

candida cells. Toxic proteins from the

dead yeast cross cell membranes, enter the bloodstream, and trigger an intense

immune reaction...Die-off reactions may last from a few days to a few weeks but

usually less than a week...A die-off reaction is especially pronounced when

using powerful antifungal drugs like Nystatin that literally cause yeast cells

to burst apart†[68] ; whereas medical literature has stated, “For the 3 oral

antifungal agents the more common adverse reactions (are)...nausea,

gastrointestinal distress, diarrhoea, abdominal pain†[69] and “administration

of nystatin became impossible in three patients because of vomiting†[70]. Tiredness sometimes accompanies ‘die-off’.

Stressful situations, ‘die-off’, dimorphism, and the

tendency of one type of yeast to become dominant while another is being

controlled, all make successful interventions complicated (as does use of

antibiotics or multiple infections). But

naturopathic interventions are often the most appropriate ones to help the body

naturally fight the fungi itself and regain control of health. Weight-loss is difficult to sustain for

overweight people while most are combating a mycotic infection and that much of

the progress in this arena does not take place until the infection is

controlled.

Conclusion

As there are 100,000 known types of fungi [1], there is

little doubt that more will be found to be pathogenic to humans. Additional mycobacilli species are also being

found to have clinical importance [71] and even mycoplasma is being

investigated [36,72]. Candida, Aspergillus,

and Mucor are ubiquitous contaminants which colonize normal skin or gut

without causing illness--it is only in immunosuppressed individuals that these

opportunistic fungi give rise to life threatening infections [2].

However, even though most of the symptoms are not life

threatening, overgrowths of any of them can make human life miserable. All yeast produce toxins [30]. It appears to this investigator that these

toxins are responsible for symptoms such as itching, mucus, bowel difficulties,

and can trigger an autoimmune reaction.

Triggering of autoimmune response then seems to cause arthritic and some

other pain-related symptoms. If one can

reduce yeast populations, then the amount of toxins will be reduced and

ultimately the body will be able to shut-off (or at least seriously reduce) its

autoimmune responses.

Practitioners need to understand that not all pathogenic

mycotic organisms are known, few are ever tested for, relatively few are ever

detected through the course of most medical appointments, some are not detected

when tested for, and perhaps most importantly, all do not respond to the same

dietary factors. Furthermore,

there is no single herb, diet, electrical device, or naturopathic formula that

this investigator has ever found that will always eliminate it. Getting systemic mycoses under control is a

difficult and frustrating process, but the results are worth the effort; for

many who are not leading normal lives now, can live normal (or near normal)

lives after control.

About the Author

Dr. Thiel is an Idaho naturopathic physician and an

Alabama licensed naturopathic scientist.

He received his M.S. from the University of Southern California, Ph.D.

from the Union Institute & University, and his N.H.D. from The United

States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences. Dr. Thiel is the author of several books,

including Combining Old and New: Naturopathy for the 21st Century. He has written several papers on mycotic

infections, and sees many people with mycotic infections at the Doctors’

Research clinic in Arroyo Grande, California.

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Although this paper has been reviewed by several doctors, none of these

statements have been approved by the USFDA or similar agencies.

The Center for Natural Health

Research supplies research and other items for health care professionals

interested in natural interventions.

For additional information check out http://www.healthresearch.com.

This research is for doctors and other health care professionals. Thiel is not

a medical doctor. None of this research is medical advice, nor should it be

construed as medical advice; nor is any of this information specific for any

individual.

Copyright 2002/2007 by J. Thiel, Ph.D., N.H.D. All rights reserved.