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Does Candida Albicans Really Cause IBS?
How can Candida albicans cause IBS? Or is it not a reasonable assumption that this is the case?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is considered as a functional disorder, which means that the condition impacts on the way the bowels work. It is not a disease, and it does not lead to damaged tissue in the body. Essentially, there are considered to be no risks of it causing other conditions in the body.
In the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract there are millions of micro-organisms that make up gut flora, They make up a weight of about 1 KG and there are more of them than there are cells in the human body. These micro-organisms have an important role to play in the digestive process and they form an important defence against parasites and invading “unfriendly” bacteria.
So, it is important that the gut flora is always well-balanced, otherwise health issues can arise like a candida yeast infection.
Candida albicans, is the most common type of candida yeast/ fungus, it normally lives in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of the human body. They are considered as part of the gut flora, which is responsible for breaking down food and fighting off other harmful micro-organisms.
As long as their numbers are maintained at a healthy level, they cannot cause any complication to health. However, there are occasions that Candida albicans can overgrow and cause a considerable health risk.
This can occur when the natural balance of the gut flora becomes disturbed by physiologic or psychological stresses. These stresses can include the overuse of antibiotics or other medication, a suppressed immune system, either through a pre-existing medical condition or medication, or through poor diet.
If this is the case candida albicans can begin to proliferate. The body will respond to this increase by triggering a more robust immune response.
Candida albican releases dozens of toxins, which could irritate the Gut and create feelings of heaviness, abdominal distension or bloating and severe diarrhea. Certain food and drinks may tend to have allergic effects on affected individuals and may cause inflammation of the colon.
Because of the changes to the process of digestion, absorption, the movement of the bowel and the muscular contractions in the intestine, they as well as the gastrocolic reflex may also become dysfunctional or inefficient – which of course mirrors the symptoms of IBS.
A candida infection can be relieved through a number of approaches, however a diagnosis is usually required to receive anti-fungal medication that may be effective.
Natural alternatives include a change in diet to an anti-candida diet, increasing gut friendly foods and supplements like introducing probiotic supplements, and restricting certain key foods to starve the candida overgrowth.
If you ask you doctor “can candida albicans cause IBS symtpoms?” they are likely to say that it has not been proven. However, there are many cases where people have shown that eliminating a candida infection, or adopting a anti-candida diet can make a difference to their IBS symptoms.
Probiotics can make a big difference to IBS symptoms and can help alleviate any candida overgrowth. Click on the link for more information about the benefits of probiotics.
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