Candida and kids behaving badly

Could My Child's Behaviour Be a Sign of a Candida Infection?

Most of us are familiar with some candida infections commonly seen in children: oral thrush, diaper rash, recurrent ear infections. Many experts now believe there could also be a link between candida and behavioral issues such as autism, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, aggression, and depression in children.

Why Would Candida Create Behavioural Problems?

Candida occurs when a usually benign microbe known as candida albicans begins to overpopulate in the intestinal system. This often happens when antibiotics are taken to fight infections. The antibiotics are indiscriminant and kill off necessary bacteria as well as harmful bacteria, but the candida microbe is immune and lives on.
Because there is very little other bacteria left alive after the use of antibiotics, the candida thrives and multiplies to the point that it penetrates the intestinal wall, allowing tiny pieces of waste and other undesirable matter to enter the bloodstream. The candida itself emits up to 70 toxins which are now floating throughout the body.
The immune system begins to fight the intruders but is unable to keep up with the constant flow of toxins and becomes weakened. Now the door is opened to numerous ailments affecting the body's organs, including the brain.

What are Some Behavioural Problems Children with Candida Might Display?

The symptoms of Candida are wide and varied. There are both physical complaints and mental and emotional effects.


Some of the behavioral problems in children linked to Candida include:

. Inability to concentrate, short attention span

. Hyperactivity

. Moodiness

. Learning difficulties

. Confusion

. Anxiety

. Memory Loss

. Depression

. Cognitive impairment

. Aggression

. Inability to maintain eye contact

. Resistance to change

. Poor sleep patterns

These are many of the signs caregivers look for when they suspect a child is autistic or suffers ADHD. Although the link between those conditions and candida infections has been being researched since the 1980s, many traditional physicians have yet to acknowledge the connection.

Does Your Child Have Any of These Physical Problems Related to Candida?

If your child has candida, besides experiencing behavioral problems, they will probably display some physical symptoms as well. Here are some of the warning signs they might exhibit:

. Headaches

. Fatigue

. Craving for sweets

. Bad breath

. Allergies

. Sinusitis

. Earaches

. Constipation/diarrhea

. White coating on tongue

. Burning tongue/mouth sores

. Abdominal pain

. Sensitivities to chemicals or fragrances

. Sore throats

. Rectal itching

. Nausea

. Chronic pain

If you see one or more of these symptoms combined with any of the behavioral problems listed above, there is a good chance your child is suffering from a candida overgrowth.

The Autism/Candida Connection

The cause of autism has not been determined. The best researchers have been able to come up with are theories. Some think it's genetic, some believe it could be a type of birth defect, and some researchers point towards environmental factors. Studies have also indicated that a weakened immune system may play a major role and that flaw may be connected to candida.
Researchers have been making the association for over three decades. While working at the Center for Disease Control, Dr. Richard Shaw realized that two autistic brothers both showed abnormally high levels of particular organic acids in their urine. Those acids were manufactured specifically by yeast, probably candida, in the intestines. The first link was made.


One of the most vocal proponents of the theory has been Jenny McCarthy, an actor and author whose son Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2005. Convinced the condition was an effect of vaccinations and candida, McCarthy treated her son with an antifungal diet and eliminated the autism symptoms. Multitudes of other parents relate the same effect when they treated their children for Candida.

How Do You Treat Candida in Children?

Candida is a living organism and like other living organisms it must eat to survive. The most effective method of eliminating candida is by removing its food source. Since candida thrives on sugars and yeasts, it's important to limit these types of food as much as possible. A diet of lean meats and healthy fruits and vegetables is an ideal antifungal diet.
Depriving a child of sweets and breads is not an easy task but it is vital if you want to get the yeast overgrowth under control. The parent must educate themselves about the candida diet and make an effort to make the food as appealing as possible. Although you will need to severely limit pastas, baked goods, sodas, some dairy products, aged cheeses, processed meats and some other popular foods, there are many tasty recipes available to help you feed your child and not his Candida.
The strong negative impact of children's behavioral problems can affect them for the rest of their lives. They need help to overcome the challenges they face. The link between candida and children's behavioral problems has been made. If your child has been suffering from symptoms of AHDH, autism, or other behavioral issues, take a closer look at yeast overgrowth. Could treatment for candida offer your child new hope?

About the Author

Dr. Eric Bakker, ND, is a naturopathic physician who has spent the last 20 years of his career studying Candida and the impact it has on human health.

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