Nutrition in intestinal fungus diseases

The Candida albicans

Mushrooms are everywhere - some in the human body. The most well-known illness-causing (pathogenic) mushrooms in the large intestine are the yeasts (Candida). The so-called candidosis is triggered by the yeast Candida albicans.

Basically, these yeasts are not harmful and live in a physiological relationship with many other microorganisms in the body. They only become a problem when they multiply extremely strongly and "hold" themselves by chemical substances in the host organism (the human being).

The living conditions for these yeasts are optimal in the colon: a warm-humid climate, where the never-ending porridge is like a self-service store for the yeasts. Thus, the number of Candida can double within 20 minutes. The irregular intestinal surface provides optimal hideouts for mushrooms. From there they can at worst conquer the entire intestinal area - from the small intestine to the intestinal exit.

Candida albicans behaves like a parasitic and uses all the nutrients that are offered in the colon to multiply. For health, however, it is not the "nutrient robbery" that is the worst, but the elimination of chemical substances that cause the metabolism to waver.

The diagnosis of fungal diseases

The diagnosis is rarely clear, since many symptoms come into question and are individually pronounced differently. One of the most common signs of fungal infection is a bloated stomach. The main reason lies in the high gas production of the mushrooms.

This swelling can be so strong that the diaphragm is pushed upwards. In the chest cavity narrowed, the lungs and heart hardly have room left. The result: shortness of breath and heart trouble.

Another effect of fungal stress may be an itchy rash on the gut outlet. Since fungi quickly conquer new areas through smear infections, kisses and many other transmission routes, the mouth, vagina and skin can also be attacked by a long-term fungal infection.

Chronic food cravings are also common complaints in candida infestation. As the yeast lives on sugar and carbohydrates, the body demands more and more of it. Diarrhea or constipation also occur.

The body defends itself against the fungal invasion and is therefore often tired and limp, while other patients complain of muscle and joint pain. There are no distinctive symptoms - unfortunately. The disease affects each person differently.

The most important risk factors

Especially people with chronic illnesses often also suffer from fungal infections. These include diabetes, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, dandruff, gout, arthritis and rheumatism.

In a weakened immune system, the yeasts have an easy game to displace the healthy roommate in the intestine and to prevail. Therefore, older people and babies are affected relatively often.

The fungus balance in the intestine can also be shaken by antibiotic therapy. Not only the pathogenic, but also the healthy germs are killed by these drugs. Candida then quickly gains the upper hand, as the proliferation takes place very quickly.

Malnutrition is another important issue for the common fungal diseases. Carbohydrates and sugar - a fundamentally sweet diet with lots of white flour products - are the most important nutritional bases. In addition, the lack of fiber, the mushrooms have an even easier game.

Estrogens also stimulate fungal growth. Therefore, women who take the birth control pill or are pregnant are particularly affected. A vitamin and mineral deficiency supports the candidosis.

Nutritional therapy

Fungi in the intestine can only be fought if their living conditions are taken away from them. Here the diet has a big influence. Below are the main features of an anti-fungal diet.

The main rules of an anti-fungal diet:

* Omit all sugary foods, including ice cream, honey and sodas

* Preference for all high-fiber and high-starch foods
No fruit and products made from it (fruit juices, jams, fruit yoghurts)

* Consume enough vegetables - at least one serving a day
Reduction of alcohol consumption (beers, liqueurs, schnapps also contain carbohydrates)

* Avoiding all white flour products, including sauces, soups and pudding
Avoidance of sugar substitutes (sorbitol, xylitol, fructose), thus also of diabetic products.

Essentially, all foods with simple carbohydrates are to be avoided and fiber-rich ones to be preferred. Every little sugar granule improves the living conditions in the intestine and Candida albicans multiplies again.

Fiber has a double meaning. They do not provide a nutritional basis for the pathogenic, but a particularly good for the healthy germs. Thus, beneficial bacteria are able to develop well and, as healthy competition, inhibit the spread of fungi.

Drug therapy

The treatment of mycoses (fungal infections) can only be successful if the entire digestive tract is treated. Otherwise a reinfection takes place again and again. If the mouth fungi remain untreated, they migrate into the large intestine, if the large intestine is not treated, then combating the mouth fungi is of no use.

As active ingredients nystatin, natamycin and amphotericin B are available. These highly effective antimycotics successfully fight the fungi in the digestive tract by altering the cell wall and preventing the fungi from surviving.

The advantage: These active ingredients consist of large molecules that do not penetrate the intestinal wall and thus are excreted unchanged with the stool. However, if organs are already affected by the fungal infection, the intake of other systemic therapeutics is indicated.

These medicines must be intestinal, as they must be effective throughout the organism. Unfortunately, this also involves side effects. Fluconazole and itraconazole are most commonly prescribed.

The sole drug therapy usually brings as little as the sole diet change. A combination of both as well as the simultaneous strengthening of the immune system currently promise the best treatment success.