candida and IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida

September 28th, 2008 · 4 Comments ·

Today, a visitor has some questions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Candida. Here’s what Rusty has to say:

Hi Cynthia,
I’ve been suffering from severe lower abdominal pain, gas, bloating, mental fog, a white film on my tongue and headaches.

4 years ago I had two diverticulum rupture and consequently had 12 inches of my Sigmoid Colon removed. On top of that while I was in the recovering from that surgery I had two ulcers rupture and almost bled out.
Once home I was on antibiotics and antacids for at least a year. All seemed to be fine until January of this year when I noticed that all dairy products were causing me problems. I was fine for a few months when I noticed that I would feel bad after eating a hamburger or pasta. This is when I thought I was suffering from Gluten Intolerance.
What about a Candida overgrowth. I’ve been to my GI doctor 4 times in the past year with the same complaint and each time she says “It’s Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” I don’t believe in IBS. What would you recommend for Candida overgrowth? Thanks in advance for any help.
Rusty

Hi Rusty,
Wow, you sure have been through the wringer. Sorry you’ve been through such an ordeal. Unfortunately, this is a common scenario for many people in our society.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a real condition, however the issue is that the bowel does not get irritated for no reason at all. There is some underlying cause. It is just a label that the medical society has slapped onto a group of symptoms and as always they never bother to look for the what the real problem is.
Irritable bowel can be the result of Candida yeast, but it can also be related to food allergies or sensitivities, parasites, bacteria, gluten intolerance, chemical sensitivities, imbalances in neurotransmitters and hormonal fluctuations. However when you have any of the aforementioned problems, Candida is almost always present as well. So it is my belief that yeast is usually always a factor in IBS.
Your abdominal symptoms along with the mental fog, white film on the tongue and headaches are classic Candida symptoms. The gastrointestinal symptoms could be the result of other factors, but the white tongue and mental fog are unmistakably yeast overgrowth. Additionally, antibiotics is the leading cause of yeast overgrowth and antacids contribute to it as well. Taking them for a year, would undoubtedly allow Candida to proliferate like a weed.
When one has yeast overgrowth usually the main place it thrives is in the bowel. It interferes in the colons ability to perform it’s functions adequately, and constipation and/or diarrhea as well as indigestion, bloating, pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. It burrows holes into the colon walls, so naturally this would make it irritable.
I’ve already written about Candida extensively on this website, so instead of repeating it all here, I’m going to give you a few of the basics and then guide you to those pages that have more detailed information.
The basics for addressing yeast overgrowth:
- no antibiotics
- no alcohol
- no smoking
- no white sugar
- no white flour
- no yeast
- no dairy (except for yogurt is okay)
- follow a Candida diet
- take probiotics
- take antifungals
Whether we’re addressing yeast overgrowth or Irritable Bowel Syndrome we want to take steps that help the bowel to function more effectively. So it’s also important to take a good digestive enzyme, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of soluble fiber and exercise.
I would also try removing gluten foods to rule out whether this is an issue or not, even if you don’t have gluten intolerance this will benefit the Candida, so either way it will be beneficial. The ALCAT test, which I give a link to further below can identify celiac disease (gluten intolerance.)
Additionally, since you have ulcers that have already presented with complications, I’d find a good alternative health doctor who could address this issue. Also, before taking anything for Candida, you’ll want to check with your alternative health doctor and make sure they will not aggravate your ulcer or interact with any medications you may be taking. The good news is that a diet that will address Candida and Irritable bowel should be beneficial to your ulcer as well, but I’d be looking into making some changes in diet and lifestyle that can benefit the ulcer situation even further.
A traditional doctor is not going to be able to advise you on any of these issues, it’s crucial that you find a competent alternative health doctor, which can be found at the American Holistic Health Association or the Academy of Environmental medic