Intestinal Mushrooms - Causes, Treatment and Naturopathy

There is talk of intestinal fungi when the intestine is attacked by yeast fungi, namely with the yeast fungus species Candida albicans. Actually, every human being has this fungus in the intestine, only when it gets too strong, it becomes pathological and causes a variety of symptoms. An excess of intestinal fungi has an effect on the whole organism. This favors a lack of vitamins, enzymes and antibodies, which in turn promotes the emergence of civilization diseases.

contents

How do intestinal fungi get into the body??
A healthy intestinal flora
When do intestinal fungi get sick??
symptoms
diagnosis
intestinal cleansing
Treatment with an antimycotic
dietary recommendations
Further treatment options

How do intestinal fungi get into the body??

Mushrooms reach the human organism through contaminated food or through the air they breathe. Mushrooms adhere to objects, are found in the earth and in the water. In this way they get into the intestine. As a rule, humans do not have a problem with it. If the immune system is in order and there are enough "healthy" intestinal bacteria in the intestine, this is usually enough to fend off the invading fungi. However, if the intestinal flora is already damaged, the intestinal fungus may settle, multiply and possibly cause damage. They find in the intestine a wonderful environment to spread further. If then the diet is quite sugary, the intestinal fungi sometimes multiply extremely fast.

Intestinal fungi can spread more and more if the intestinal flora gets out of balance. Image: www.fotolia.com © fotoliaxrender

A healthy intestinal flora

A healthy, intact intestinal flora is a good prerequisite for mushrooms have no chance to settle there or cause damage. Many more germs are present in the intestine than there are cells in the body. Several hundred species of germs cavort there. Man lives with them in a so-called symbiosis. Most of the human immune system is placed in the gut. The basis is the physiological gut bacteria that protect people from getting sick. These positive gut germs have more tasks. They ensure optimal utilization of the food, contribute to the fact that the cholesterol level is not too high and are involved in the formation of vitamin B12.

Especially in naturopathy, a great attention is paid to the intestinal flora. With constantly recurring or even chronic infections, allergies or also elevated liver values, natural healing practices often require intestinal cleansing.

When do intestinal fungi get sick??

Intestinal fungi can spread in the intestine if the healthy environment is in doubt. For example, antibiotic therapy also destroys the "healthy" bacteria in the intestine. This can cause an imbalance between physiological and pathological intestinal germs. The "good" germs are present in too small numbers and are displaced by the pathogens. In addition, the food is strong white flour and possibly still sugar-rich, multiply the fungi very quickly. They metabolize carbohydrates, producing both fusel alcohols and carbon dioxide through this process. This usually causes flatulence, bloating and also abdominal pain.

Often viruses, fungi or germs are responsible for complaints in the gut or stomach.

The mushrooms can only multiply if they do not find enough opponents. If these are present in too small numbers, the mushrooms have free rein. People who have a weakened immune system or are healed by a serious illness, take the Candida mushroom much easier than healthy people. Likewise, diabetics and people who take cortisone, antibiotics or the anti-Babypille are more at risk of becoming infected with the intestinal fungus. But - as already mentioned - even an unhealthy diet that is rich in sugar and white flour products can bring healthy intestinal milieu to a standstill.

symptoms

The list of symptoms that may indicate intestinal fungi is quite extensive. In addition, these are often complaints that also occur together with other different diseases. These include digestive problems, such as flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, but also dizziness, fatigue, loss of performance, itching in the vaginal area (see itchy vagina) and / or the anal region (afterjucken) and food intolerances. Typical is also an occurrence of diarrhea and constipation in the change, which in these symptoms, if it lasts longer, necessarily a medical clarification is necessary. Because diarrhea and constipation in the change could also be an indication of a malignant bowel disease.

In addition, fungi in the intestine are considered as a possible cause of various diseases. These include allergies, atopic dermatitis, a vaginal yeast infection and an irritable bowel. Common infections in the ear, nose and throat, bladder and prostate areas are also possible due to intestinal fungi. Liver value increases may be an indication of these unpleasant germs in the intestine.

diagnosis

The diagnosis usually takes place as part of a stool examination. The stool sample is sent to a specialized laboratory and evaluated there. The finding, which lasts about one to two weeks, is sent to the attending physician or alternative practitioner. Depending on the laboratory, this dietary recommendations and treatment suggestions are attached.

The drug treatment includes an antifungal along with a special anti-fungal diet. Another treatment option, which is often used, especially in the context of naturopathic therapy, is the Darmsanierung. Both therapies, however, require some patience. The intruders are often not removed as quickly as desired.

intestinal cleansing

A Darmsanierung or called Symbiosenenkung, serves to eliminate the intestinal fungi more and more and to increase the "good" intestinal bacteria and thereby displace the "bad". Intestinal rehabilitation is usually prescribed by naturopathic therapists. For example, this therapy starts with a cleansing of the intestine. Those affected receive an oral drug that they should take for a period of time. After two to three weeks begins the reconstruction of the intestinal flora, in which high-dose probiotic bacteria are prescribed. Often these "healthy" bacteria are combined with so-called prebiotics. These serve the "good" bacteria as food. An example would be inulin. This is a non-digestible carbohydrate found in chicory, for example.

The type of intestinal restoration shown is just one example. Depending on the initial situation, previous illness and extent of intestinal fungus attack, a variety of measures for colon cleansing are applied. In any case, a healthy diet is important. This should be basic. White flour, sugar, alcohol but also large amounts of fruit are to be avoided during this time. A great deal of attention is also to be paid to a sufficient amount of drinking water in the form of still water. Bitter substances support the liver, which is often weakened by the intestinal fungi, psyllium detoxifies the intestines and healing earth binds toxins and excretes them.

Treatment with an antimycotic

Often intestinal fungi are treated with an antimycotic. Mostly this Nystatin is used. This is a so-called actinobacterium belonging to the genus Streptomycetes. The active ingredient adheres to the cell wall of the fungal cells, making them more permeable, that is, getting pores. This in turn means that the metabolism of fungi is destroyed, the fungi can no longer grow and die. Side effects that occur with nystatin therapy include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Simultaneously with the gift of this antimycotic, those affected should eat basic foods and above all reduce sweet and white flour products and avoid alcohol. Optionally, nystatin is also used for prophylaxis, especially in persons prone to fungus, such as during chemotherapy or AIDS.

dietary recommendations

In order to prevent fungi from beginning to proliferate in the intestine, but also after an intestinal fungus treatment, a healthy diet is essential. This includes fresh fruits (in limited quantities) and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, herbs and twice a day Fish every week, as well as lean meat. Dairy products containing live cultures should also be regularly on the menu. Also recommended are spice and medicinal plants such as mint, garlic, onions and sage, because they have an antimycotic effect and can usually be incorporated into the daily diet without any problems.

Further treatment options

For the treatment of the over-populated mushrooms exist in the naturopathy still further possibilities. The first to be mentioned here is the therapy with caprylic acid, which is used primarily in the context of orthomolecular treatment. Mushrooms feel very attracted to the acid, but die off. Caprylic acid, which is available in capsule form, may initially lead to an initial aggravation caused by the release of the fungal toxins. In most cases, a supplement containing high-dose bifidobacteria is also prescribed in order to push the intestinal flora with good germs. A waiver of white flour and sugar is just as essential here, at least you should try to avoid both as well as possible.

Nasturtium is antifungal. This can be further supported by the intake of horseradish. So are funds on the market that contain both together. Also, the consumption of nasturtium and horseradish is recommended to protect against the encroachment of intestinal fungi.

In natural medicine, grapefruit seed extract, myrrh and wild garlic are used as further remedies. Often, physiological intestinal bacteria are prescribed to eliminate the fungi.

From traditional Chinese medicine comes de mycotherapy, that is, the treatment with medicinal mushrooms. In the case of intestinal fungus infection, the vital mushroom Coriolus stands here in the first place, which is usually prescribed together with Reishi and Shitake. Medicinal mushrooms are used in a variety of specialized applications and generally have a positive effect on the immune system, which of course plays a major role in the treatment. The fact remains, however, that with each type of therapy mentioned here, a change in diet is inevitable at the same time. (Sw)