Intestinal fungus

Of the Intestinal fungus is a natural segment of the human intestine and occurs in moderate amounts in the intestinal flora. As a rule, the fungus does not cause any discomfort. However, if there is a strong increase in Candida albicans, medical treatment is unavoidable.

What is an intestinal fungus?

Intestinal fungi can manifest themselves through a number of symptoms and ailments. Typical of the disease are sudden digestive problems, which are often accompanied by gas, a feeling of fullness and abdominal cramps.
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The spread of one or more types of fungus in the intestinal area is known as an intestinal fungus. Usually it is the yeast Candida albicans. The mushrooms convert the carbohydrates ingested through food into carbon dioxide and fusel alcohol.

Gases produced by the fermentation process often lead to flatulence and a feeling of fullness and severe intestinal pain. If the intestines are exposed to fusel alcohol for a long time, the liver can even be damaged. The intestinal fungus is dependent on the mucous membranes of humans and those of other warm-blooded animals. The infection can be transmitted from person to person through direct physical contact such as saliva exchange or sexual intercourse.

The yeasts usually do no harm to healthy people with strong immune systems. Usually weakened or sick people become infected. The mushrooms mainly settle in warm, humid places. Therefore, the niches of the intestine offer optimal living conditions for the intestinal fungus.

causes

The causes of fungal diseases are varied.However, they are often primarily related to nutritional deficiencies. A high consumption of confectionery and white flour products can lead to a significant increase in the infestation. In addition to sugar, nicotine and the abuse of alcohol, drugs or medication can also be a cause.

Lack of exercise and constant stress also contribute to the fungal attack. Other risk groups are cancer and AIDS patients, diabetics, the elderly and women who use hormonal contraception. The frequent use of drugs such as cortisone and antibiotics as well as various environmental toxins such as formaldehyde also weaken the immune system and thus contribute to the spread of the fungi.

Mold in the home or in food and a disturbed acid-base balance in the body also favor the multiplication of the fungi. These are just some of the factors that contribute to the weakening of the immune system and thereby promote the growth of the fungus.

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Symptoms, ailments & signs

Intestinal fungi can manifest themselves through a number of symptoms and ailments. Typical of the disease are sudden digestive problems, which are often accompanied by gas, a feeling of fullness and abdominal cramps. Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting can also occur. Occasionally, candida express themselves as diarrhea and constipation, which usually alternate and increase in intensity as the disease progresses.

In addition, fatigue and exhaustion occur, accompanied by a gradual decline in performance and dizziness. It can also itch in the genital area, especially in the anal region. In women, an intestinal fungus can cause itching in the vaginal area.

In the absence of treatment, chronic gastrointestinal complaints can occur in the course of an intestinal fungal disease. At the same time, those affected feel an increasing feeling of illness and physical discomfort. Sometimes there are also mental complaints. Above all, an unrecognized intestinal fungus can cause depressive moods and fears.

In individual cases there are panic attacks and the associated sweating and cardiovascular problems. However, candida can be quickly identified and treated based on the symptoms and complaints mentioned. Early therapy prevents complications and in most cases brings rapid improvement in symptoms.

Diagnosis & course

There are different ways to diagnose the intestinal fungus. However, care is required here, as the symptoms are unspecific and may well have other causes. If symptoms occur after consuming sweets or if diarrhea and constipation alternate, a visit to a doctor is advisable in any case.

Itching at the anus, intolerance to alcohol, skin changes and joint pain can also be indicators of an increased fungal attack. Those affected also often suffer from migraines, sleep disorders, depression, skin changes or joint problems. If there is a suspicion of an intestinal fungal infection, a stool sample can be informative.

However, the result will be falsified if the samples are not taken directly from the nests in the intestinal wall. Further diagnostic measures are a blood test or a saliva sample, although these methods do not always lead to clear results. Truly reliable diagnoses are only possible through microscopic examinations and indirect evidence of metabolic products from the fungus.

Complications

An intestinal fungus does not cause any symptoms or complications in a healthy person. It looks a little different, however, when the fungus starts to multiply. If the intestinal fungus begins to multiply, numerous complications can arise, which may even need to be examined and treated by a doctor.

A very common clinical picture that can be caused by an intestinal fungus is a cold combined with watery diarrhea. If you leave this clinical picture without any treatment, you run a very high risk. Without appropriate treatment and the right medication, the individual clinical pictures can worsen considerably. For this reason, a visit to the doctor is very important.

This is the only way to identify symptoms early and treat them effectively. Those who do without it will have particular complications with the existing diarrhea. There is a considerable loss of fluid, which can also lead to severe circulatory problems. This complication can only be counteracted effectively with sufficient fluid intake.

The following applies: An intestinal fungus is completely normal in limited quantities. However, if this fungus multiplies very quickly within a short period of time, various complications can occur. Various cold symptoms, fever, itching, fullness or sleep disorders can occur. If you want to avoid these complications, you should seek medical treatment at an early stage.

When should you go to the doctor?

In healthy people, an intestinal fungus often does not cause any symptoms. Symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, skin rash or extreme tiredness can be a sign that the immune system is weakened and that the fungi in the intestine have been able to multiply massively.

If home remedies such as “starving out” the mushrooms with a low-carbohydrate diet and drinking sauerkraut juice or herbal teas with anti-fungal effects are unsuccessful, your doctor should be consulted. A simple stool examination can already clarify the extent of the fungal infestation; if the result is unclear, a referral to an internist or allergist may be made.

In addition, the cause of the immune deficiency should be investigated: It could be a previously undetected viral disease or a tumor. In some chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, there is an increased risk of intestinal fungus prevailing, also during pregnancy.

With treatment that starts quickly, further spread and the associated complications can usually be avoided. Women who often suffer from vaginal yeast infections should also have a look at whether the recurring disease is due to a fungal infection in the intestine. If the intestinal fungus becomes noticeable during or after therapy with antibiotics or cortisone, a doctor-assisted intestinal rehabilitation can be helpful.

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Treatment & Therapy

The intestinal fungus is usually fought with a fungal culture or an anti-fungal agent such as nystatin or fluconazole. At the same time, it is important to strengthen the weakened immune system again. Here, microbiological therapy can contribute to recovery. This activates the body's defenses through intestinal germs and a special vaccine and regenerates the intestinal flora.

In addition, it is essential to consistently deprive the yeast of their nutritional basis and to adhere to a strict anti-fungal diet for at least four weeks. The basis for this is the avoidance of sugar, sweets of any shape, white flour products and alcohol. Caution is also advised with sweet fruit due to the sugar content.

On the other hand, large quantities of vegetables and salads as well as high-quality whole grain products have a positive effect. This balanced diet is full of fiber and not only strengthens the body's natural defenses, but also cleanses the body and stimulates bowel movements at the same time. This diet is wholesome and leads to long-term success if it is consistently and permanently maintained.

Outlook & forecast

In most patients, the intestinal fungus has a favorable prognosis. Drug treatment will relieve the symptoms within a few days or weeks. The stronger and more stable the patient's immune system, the shorter the healing process in normal cases. With a balanced and healthy diet, the prognosis also improves.

A special diet is recommended for yeast. Within a few weeks, this leads to a weakening of the symptoms and subsequent recovery of the patient. The consumption of sugar, wheat flour, confectionery and alcohol should be avoided to prevent the fungus from deteriorating or spreading.

The intake of vegetables and whole grain products should be increased at the same time. The diet should be consistently maintained for at least four weeks so that healing can take place. In most cases, the anti-fungal diet is necessary for six to twelve weeks.

In the case of an intestinal fungus, it can relapse at any time. This is especially true if the causes are not addressed or the patient is again exposed to an infected environment. In the case of an underlying psychosomatic illness, the prognosis is difficult. The intestinal fungus can stop suddenly for a long time if the stimulus trigger or psychological stress cannot be found or treated.

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prevention

Yeast fungi need a suitable culture medium. With a balanced diet that is as natural as possible, this cannot arise in the first place. A healthy lifestyle counteracts the pathological increase in intestinal fungus and strengthens the immune system at the same time.

It also makes sense to avoid a lack of nutrients, such as zinc, and, if necessary, make up for it with appropriately rich foods. Thorough hygiene is essential to prevent the fungus from being passed on to others.

Regular changes of towels and toothbrushes as well as thorough cleaning of braces or prostheses are essential. The infestation often also affects the genital region and the mouth, which is why both partners are always treated in the case of a partnership.

Aftercare

In order to ensure the long-term therapeutic success of an intestinal fungus treatment, it is usually unavoidable that the anti-fungus diet, which was already part of the treatment, is continued over a longer period of time, at least for twelve weeks. During this time, those affected must be careful not to create a new breeding ground for the intestinal fungus. It is therefore important to pay attention to a diet that is predominantly based on healthy, plant-based food.

Whole grain products, fresh vegetables, salads and low-sugar fruit are particularly recommended. Soy products, legumes, nuts and seeds are suitable sources of protein. It is essential to avoid white flour products, sugar and other (organic) sweeteners, desserts, especially cakes, tarts, pralines, chocolate and chocolate bars.

In addition, it is important to watch out for hidden sugars in ready meals, juices and mixed milk drinks. Artificial sweeteners are allowed in manageable quantities, but a high intake can lead to digestive disorders and diarrhea. Consuming (plant-based) yogurt can also help keep the intestinal flora healthy, as these products contain probiotic bacterial cultures.

It is important to strengthen the immune system so that the intestinal fungi cannot overgrowth again. In addition to a healthy diet and avoiding nicotine and excessive alcohol consumption, regular exercise in the fresh air contributes to this.

You can do that yourself

A severe infestation of the intestines with yeasts can have dangerous consequences. If this disease is suspected, a doctor should be consulted and his instructions should be strictly followed.

Particular attention is paid to the patient's diet in the case of intestinal fungal infection. Those affected should avoid sugary foods and drinks as well as white flour products. Not only the refined industrial sugar, which is generally considered unhealthy, is harmful. In the case of intestinal fungus, other types of sugar such as fructose, glucose or maltose should also be avoided.

Sweet fruit or fruit juices are also considered counterproductive. The white flour products that must be avoided include bread, rolls, toast, baguettes and all sweet pastries in particular. Whole grain products and potatoes may be consumed in moderate amounts. However, until the yeasts are reduced, the focus of the diet should be primarily salad and vegetables. In addition, fiber-rich foods, such as flea seeds, are particularly useful in the fight against intestinal fungus.

In naturopathy, a so-called intestinal rehabilitation is recommended in the event of excessive yeast infestation. Therapy usually begins with a comprehensive cleansing of the intestine using laxative salts or enemas. Subsequently, with the help of a suitable diet and high-dose probiotic preparations, an attempt is made to rebuild a healthy intestinal flora.