Page 89 - Retail Pharmacy Magazine October 2020

HEALTH ANTIFUNGALS 87 NO CAN CBy Nerine Zoio. andida is fascinating, with its claimed links to irritable bowel syndrome, tinnitus and high mercury levels, and its ability to shield and protect itself through biofilms in some species. Mark Webster, integrated health practitioner and owner of Stay Well Pharmacy in Christchurch, New Zealand, tells Retail Pharmacy that Candida is often referred to as a fungal infection. “It’s the most common fungal infection globally in humans, with the most common species being Candida albicans,” he said. Dr Sarah Brewer in her book Overcoming Candida presents the case for the link between Candida and IBS and how it can be managed. However, other healthcare professionals are dubious about this link. In the book Dr Brewer makes associations between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gluten, lactose and wheat intolerances. She details how patients can use immunity to combat thrush and intestinal symptoms and to prevent Candida changing from a harmless to an invasive form. Candida, commonly known as thrush, is a result of an overgrowth of the yeast, Candida albicans, Dr Brewer says. Candida infections commonly begin after courses of antibiotics, weakened immune systems, diabetes or having medical devices such as urinary catheters inserted. “They can impact the health of both genders and in children,” Mr Webster said. Dr Brewer says that when recurrent Candida is diagnosed, it’s important to exclude diabetes, and to provide appropriate antifungal treatment, with ingestion of probiotics proving helpful. She highlights that often an incorrect diagnosis of Candida can be made for CONFIRMING CANDIDA CONNECTIONS: DO patients with intestinal symptoms when they could be suffering from IBS, or a lactose or gluten intolerance. IBS symptoms, which include changes in frequency or form of bowel movements and lower abdominal pain, can initially occur due to food poisoning (25 per cent) or after courses of antibiotics, which can upset the balance of helpful bacteria in the gut and leave room for the growth of intestinal yeasts, Mr Webster says. Stress, diet (including food intolerances), poor sleep and changes in gut bacteria can all trigger symptoms such as diarrhoea and constipation, cramping and pain, gas and bloating, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, depression and anxiety. However, an overgrowth of Candida is rarely found within the intestines, except in people whose immune system is badly compromised. According to Dr Brewer, one theory is that the presence of Candida yeasts may trigger immune responses that result in intestinal symptoms similar to those of food intolerances. “An astounding 178 different proteins that can trigger immune reactions have been identified in Candida species, including proteins in their outer wall and the enzymes they secrete,” she said. “Although their role is unclear, a review published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggested this might explain why intestinal symptoms can worsen after eating mould-containing foods. “It might also explain why many people with IBS, and those with recurrent vaginal Candida, find probiotic supplements so helpful.” She says probiotic bacteria secrete lactic acid, which suppresses yeast growth, and also compete for available nutrients and attachment sites on intestinal walls. TO PAGE 88 RETAIL PHARMACY • OCT 2020