The Connection Between Candida and Mental Health: What You Need to Know
Candida is a type of yeast that is naturally present in the body, but when it overgrows, it can cause various health problems. One of the most surprising connections researchers have found is the link between candida and mental health. In this article, we will explore the latest research on this topic and provide tips on managing candida overgrowth. What is Candida? Candida is a type of fungus that is found in the mouth, gut, and vagina. Usually, it is kept in check by the body’s immune system and other microorganisms. However, when the balance is disrupted, candida can overgrow and cause infections. Some common causes of candida overgrowth include: Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth Candida overgrowth can cause a range of symptoms, including: The Link Between Candida and Mental Health Researchers have found a strong connection between candida overgrowth and mental health. In a 2014 study, scientists found that patients with major depressive disorder had higher levels of candida antibodies in their blood than healthy controls (Severance et al., 2014). Another study found that mice infected with candida exhibited depression-like behavior (Gareau et al., 2011). So how does candida affect the brain? One theory is that candida overgrowth can lead to increased inflammation in the body, affecting the brain. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety (Schiepers et al., 2005). Candida overgrowth can also affect the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. For example, candida can reduce the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood (Maes et al., 1999). Managing Candida Overgrowth If you suspect candida overgrowth, seeing a healthcare provider for a diagnosis is essential. They may recommend a combination of dietary changes, supplements, and medication to manage the condition. Here are some tips for managing candida overgrowth: Conclusion Candida overgrowth is a common health problem that can cause various symptoms, including mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The latest research has shown a strong connection between candida overgrowth and mental health, suggesting that managing candida overgrowth may be essential in addressing mental health issues. By making dietary changes, taking probiotics, and managing stress, individuals can take steps to manage candida overgrowth and promote overall health and well-being. Consulting a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is essential. References: Gareau, M. G., Silva, M. A., Perdue, M. H. (2011). Pathophysiological mechanisms of stress-induced intestinal damage. Current Molecular Medicine, 11(3), 155-164. Maes, M., Leunis, J. C. (1999). Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria. Journal of Affective Disorders, 55(1), 87-94. Schiepers, O. J., Wichers, M. C., Maes, M. (2005). Cytokines and major depression. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, 29(2), 201-217. Severance, E. G., Gressitt, K. L., Halling, M., Stallings, C. R., Origoni, A. E., Vaughan, C., … Yolken, R. H. (2014). Candida albicans exposures, sex specificity and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. npj Schizophrenia, 1, 14018.
How Gut Issues Can Cause Skin Issues
Introduction Gut dysbiosis, also known as an imbalance of microflora in the small intestine, can lead to systemic inflammation and digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, distension, and diarrhoea. Inflammation in the gut can be linked to skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Thus, if you are experiencing gut inflammation, it is probable that you may also experience symptoms in other areas of your body, including your skin. However, addressing the root cause of gut inflammation can alleviate the aforementioned skin conditions. The Connection Between The Gut and Our Skin It is not uncommon for individuals with skin problems to also have underlying digestive issues that require attention. At the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine, we prioritize identifying and addressing the root cause of digestive issues as a means of improving skin health. The gut microbiota transmits signals to the skin, which can affect its composition, inflammation, and sebum production and a compromised gut microbiota or intestinal barrier can lead to poor gut health. The gut-skin axis refers to the bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and skin. Any disruption in the gut can have an impact on the skin. Inflammation is a significant contributor to this disruption and can be triggered by a combination of imbalances in the microbiome,, autoimmunity, and dietary factors, Common Skin Problems Associated with Compromised Gut Health Rosacea The relationship between rosacea and gut health is multifaceted. Evidence suggests that imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to the development of rosacea, while the skin condition can also impact gut function. Research has found that individuals with rosacea often have a higher amount of harmful bacteria in their gut than those without the condition. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in regulating the immune system, and imbalances in gut bacteria can prompt an immune response, leading to inflammation and irritation. Additionally, digestive issues such as Candida and other imbalances can increase the production of toxic substances in the gut, known as endotoxins, which can also cause skin irritation and rosacea symptoms in addition to other systemic disease. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for managing rosacea. This can be accomplished through a diet of high unprocessed foods, fibres, pre and probiotics whilst some of the more inflammatory foods such as alcohol, gluten and dairy. If there is an overgrowth, some types of fibre need to be avoided but the nuances can be discussed with your functional medicine doctor or practitioner. Acne Most conventional acne treatments are topical, which contrasts with the functional medicine approach of identifying and addressing the underlying imbalance. Topical treatments like steroids and antibiotics, which can further disrupt the balance, may provide temporary relief but can worsen an already unbalanced microbiome. The relationship between gut health and acne is complex, and there is evidence to suggest that they may be related. Acne is a prevalent skin condition that affects millions of people, and while the exact cause of acne remains unclear, it is thought to be linked to a combination of hormonal imbalances, genetics, and lifestyle factors. Similarly to other skin conditions previously discussed, there is a correlation between dysbiosis, SIBO, leaky gut, and acne. The same mechanisms, such as endotoxins entering the bloodstream causing inflammation, detoxification issues, and subsequent acne, are at play. While there are other factors involved, studies have shown that the gut-skin connection is an underlying factor that needs to be addressed. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that can be painful, itchy, and unsightly. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Western medicine has not yet fully understood the cause of psoriasis, and the treatment process involves identifying and avoiding triggers that lead to symptom flare-ups. Research has shown that people with psoriasis have an imbalance in their gut microbiome. Additionally, individuals with psoriasis have higher concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, which may be triggered by microorganisms leaving the intestine and entering the bloodstream, such as LPS. This can be very inflammatory for the skin. Therefore, addressing gut health may be an important factor in managing psoriasis in addition to avoiding foods that trigger inflammation, increasing fibre intake, and eating a diverse diet, can all play a role in improving gut health and managing psoriasis symptoms. Stress and Skin Health Stress can also have a significant impact on gut health. When we are under stress, the body produces cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and lead to inflammation in the gut. Chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation in the gut, which can contribute to a range of health problems. The Role of Nutrients in Skin Health When an individual suffers from gut imbalances, their gut may fail to absorb nutrients from food properly, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin including zinc, D, C and E. This deficiency can cause a number of symptoms due to not having the essential building blocks for skin health increasing the risk of developing skin conditions such as those mentioned above. How to Gut Imbalance to Improve Your Skin In order to improve your digestive system and maintain healthy skin, it’s crucial to address any current infections, and identify the root cause of the issue. This can be done through various testing that can be done including the SIBO breath test and gut health tests such as the GI MAP. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your body is obtaining the necessary vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and probiotics, and adopting more anti-inflammatory eating habits.. These measures can help alleviate symptoms and potentially resolve the underlying problem. How We Can Help The functional medicine approach to working with skin conditions is looking at the root cause rather than using band aids to mask symptoms.If you are having skin issues, reach out to us at the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine and schedule a 15 minute discovery call to see how
Understanding the Connection Between SIBO and Anxiety: What You Need To Know
Anxiety is a common feeling experienced by many of us, but for some, it can be more than just an occasional emotion. In fact, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be a contributing factor to anxiety and other mental health issues. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the connection between SIBO and anxiety, what the research says, and how you can find relief. We’ll cover the symptoms of SIBO, the connection between SIBO and anxiety, and the treatments available to help manage symptoms. By understanding the connection between SIBO and anxiety, you can take steps to find relief and improve your mental health. What is SIBO? SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition that happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine. This bacteria is normally found in the large intestine, so when it grows in the small intestine, it can cause a variety of health problems. SIBO is estimated to affect up to 35% of the population, but only a fraction of people with SIBO ever get diagnosed. People with SIBO often don’t experience any symptoms, and they may never realize they have it. The small intestine is where food is broken down and nutrients are extracted from food; this is why SIBO is such a big deal: it messes up the normal process of digestion. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO can also cause a variety of symptoms outside the gut, including anxiety, fatigue, and headache Symptoms of SIBO Loss of appetite. Abdominal pain. Nausea. Diarrhea. Unintentional weight loss. Malnutrition Bloating. An uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating. SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a condition that happens when bacteria grow in the small intestine. This bacteria is normally found in the large intestine, so when it grows in the small intestine, it can cause a variety of health problems. SIBO is estimated to affect up to 35% of the population, but only a fraction of people with SIBO ever get diagnosed. People with SIBO often don’t experience any symptoms, and they may never realize they have it. The small intestine is where food is broken down and nutrients are extracted from food; this is why SIBO is such a big deal: it messes up the normal process of digestion. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO can also cause a variety of symptoms outside the gut, including anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. What is the connection between SIBO and anxiety? People with SIBO tend to have higher levels of anxiety, and people with anxiety tend to have higher levels of SIBO. This means that it’s more likely that someone with a diagnosis of anxiety has SIBO, and vice versa. However, more research is needed to determine exactly how the two are connected. Researchers are still trying to figure out why there is a connection between SIBO and anxiety, but the following are a few theories: – Hormones in the gut: The gut produces a variety of different hormones that affect the rest of the body. In some people with SIBO, the bacteria in the gut may produce too much of some of these hormones and cause anxiety and other mental health issues. – Gut microbes and neurotransmitters: The gut microbes may also affect neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that are involved in mental health issues. This could mean that the microbes in the gut are making less serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that’s involved in mood disorders like anxiety. – Diet and lifestyle choices: In the same way that the gut microbes and neurotransmitters are connected, the foods we eat and lifestyle choices can also affect mental health. For example, diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can affect serotonin levels. How is SIBO diagnosed? If you experience a combination of symptoms, like bloating, constipation, and anxiety, you may want to consider getting tested for SIBO. There are a couple of different ways to test for SIBO. The first is through a breath test, which is a non-invasive way to get a small sample of your breath to test for hydrogen and methane gas. If you have SIBO, you’ll likely have higher levels of these gases in your breath. Another way to test for SIBO is with a blood test. A blood test will check for specific antibodies that indicate SIBO in the small intestine. It’s important to note that a SIBO test isn’t diagnostic by itself. It simply means that you have some symptoms that are associated with SIBO. You’ll still have to determine what the root cause of SIBO is in your body. Treatment for SIBO There are a few ways to treat SIBO. The first is finding and treating the root cause of the SIBO. The second is treating the SIBO itself. Let’s take a look at each in turn: – Finding and treating the root cause: It’s important to find the root cause of SIBO to treat it properly. There may be a variety of things that are causing the SIBO, and you’ll have to treat each one individually. For example, SIBO may be caused by diet, lack of digestive enzymes, or use of antibiotics. You’ll have to figure out what’s causing the SIBO in your body and treat it appropriately. – Treating the SIBO itself: One way to treat the SIBO itself is by taking antibiotics. However, antibiotics aren’t always the best option. They can cause side effects, and they can be difficult to end when you’re ready to stop taking them. There are also probiotics that can help kill off the bacteria in the gut and treat the SIBO. Diet and lifestyle changes for SIBO There are a few specific diet and lifestyle changes that can help manage SIBO. The first is eating a low-carbohydrate diet. This can help control the bacterial growth
Functional Medicine – A New Approach to Healthcare
For chronic conditions which are on the rise, we have been crying out for a new form of healthcare for quite some time. No longer should we be taking a pill for an ill and masking symptoms with the potential of multiple pills (polypharmacy) that cause more side effects than the actual condition being treated. The Functional Medicine approach recognizes that each patient has a different set of individual requirements and genetics and will require a bespoke approach looking at upstream and downstream markers. This effectively renders the current approach outdated which we can see year on year with the ever-rising number of chronic diseases. Life expectancy has increased over the past 20 years with the global average increasing 6 years. However, this doesn’t translate into having a better quality of life. What we see at the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine is that many of our clients have a number of health issues and on a number of different medications with various side effects and want to look at a holistic approach to manage their health going forward. We can see here some of the reasons why functional medicine should become a viable option for anyone considering an alternative route. 1-) Functional Medicine Focuses on the Whole Person We know from the current healthcare system that their current approach is more reactive and focused on when someone has got a disease and are showing progressive symptoms. Unlike Functional Medicine practitioners who look at the whole person and focus on the “why” behind the disease. Conventional medicine focuses on symptom suppression. Whilst this is obviously helpful, it’s not getting to the root of the problem, the chances are, it will mean issues will happen later on down the road. Functional Medicine doctors and practitioners have a wealth of strategies that they can employ to overcome chronic conditions including digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, mental health and chronic fatigue syndrome. Functional Medicine practitioner’s approach is to look at the mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as the physical state to give more of an overview as to the why behind the dis-ease. There are more tools at their disposal with diet being at the core of any protocol. Any chronic disease that doesn’t have nutrition at its core is probably missing 50% of any recovery. 2-) Functional Medicine Takes a Patient-Centred Approach Functional medicine is a more patient-centered approach. When you come into the clinic, our functional medicine practitioners will look at your health history in detail as well as explore current symptoms, diet, and lifestyle. We will also inquire about work, your community, exercise habits, and daily stresses because these factors can all be contributing factors. This information helps us determine how we can best treat your ailment by taking the root of the problem into consideration. 3-) Functional Medicine looks at the root cause of your health issues. Functional Medicine practitioners seek to find out the root cause behind your health challenges instead of suppressing a symptom with medications. By finding out the root cause behind any given health challenge, the body reduces the burden that it has to deal with which can include infections, heavy metals, toxins etc. This will mean testing with various labs that can give more accurate data and results on the cause. Tests may include: Gut Microbiome testing which checks for parasites, yeast, bacteria and viruses Food allergies and food intolerance testing Nutrient deficiencies Hormone imbalances Detox Capabilities Heavy Metals When you test, you get more data as to what could be causing your health challenges and you can use a bespoke protocol that is designed for you only after examining upstream and downstream contributing factors. Although testing can be expensive initially, it will be a lot cheaper in the long run as you will be able to find out the contributing factors. Functional Medicine doctors and practitioners’ protocols often include diet changes, supplements, and lifestyle changes such as optimizing sleep hygiene or increasing exercise If you have any questions about our services or the consultancy process, we would love to help you out. Please feel free to email us at enquiries@dublincfm.com.