These symptoms indicate intestinal fungus

Digestive problems are common. The cause can also be an intestinal fungus, which can even affect other organs. Certain factors favor it establishing itself.

A fungal infestation in the human intestinal tract is nothing unusual. Yeast fungi, mostly of the Candida genus, also colonize the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people – including the intestines. Per se, intestinal fungi do not have to lead to a disease and symptoms. However, there are factors that throw the fungal colonization of the intestines out of balance and can lead to symptoms and secondary diseases.

What many do not know:

In many people, fungi are found in the digestive tract in addition to bacteria. Doctors assume that the fungi are found in the intestines of about 70 percent of all healthy adults. These mostly belong to the genus Candida albicans, which finds ideal conditions in the warm, humid, nutrient-rich environment of the intestine. Studies show that 96 percent of newborns already have Candida yeasts by the end of the first month of life.
However, an intestinal fungal infection is only present when these otherwise harmless yeast fungi multiply excessively and disturb the balance of the intestinal flora. The overgrowth of the colon by fungi (colon mycosis) can have different causes, and the symptoms are often unspecific.

Symptoms and diagnosis: How does intestinal fungus manifest itself?

A yeast infection cannot always be diagnosed immediately. Because the symptoms can be varied and also have causes other than Candida. Stool examinations can give an indication of an infection, but this method is not reliable for the diagnosis either. A negative finding in the stool sample does not rule out a yeast infestation because the fungi are not evenly distributed throughout the stool.

But even if fungi have been detected in the laboratory, this does not mean that there is a serious infection. In order to diagnose a fungal disease, corresponding symptoms must also be present.

The following symptoms can indicate an intestinal fungus:

Flatulence, especially after sweet foods, as the intestinal fungus metabolizes sugary foods and produces gases
intestinal cramps
recurring severe diarrhea – in severe cases with bleeding
constipation
Itching in the anus, frequent vaginal thrush infections in women
Alcohol intolerance, which can lead to poor liver values
Persistent iron and zinc deficiency, as the fungi interfere with the absorption of important nutrients through the intestines
white coating on the tongue
frequent gastrointestinal infections
Some people with an intestinal yeast infection also report other symptoms such as depression, migraines, liver disease, skin changes, food intolerance and pain in the muscles and joints. However, a connection with the intestinal fungus cannot usually be confirmed medically.

These factors favor an intestinal fungus
Healthy people usually have no symptoms despite a fungal infestation. If the immune system is functioning normally, it can keep the fungi at bay.

Weak immune system as a risk

Candida is feared in clinics. In intensive care units, Candida infections rank fourth among all hospital infections in many industrialized countries.

People with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible to a strong proliferation of yeast fungi in the intestine. These include cancer and HIV patients and patients in intensive care units. With them, the intestinal flora can become unbalanced, which means that the fungus can multiply excessively and also spread to other organs.

Risk factor antibiotics

Taking antibiotics can encourage intestinal fungi to get out of hand, as the agents not only fight pathogenic but also helpful bacteria in the intestine. The same applies to cortisone preparations and inhaled corticosteroids in the context of asthma treatment and to gastric acid blockers.

Sugary diet as “feed”

A diet high in sugar, sweets and white flour also promotes the growth of yeast fungi. In addition, an intestinal fungal infection can also indicate diabetes mellitus. Blood and urine tests can provide information about this.

Intestinal fungus: What those affected can do

Drugs against intestinal fungus

Especially in patients with a weakened immune system, an intestinal fungus should be treated with medication in a targeted manner, as otherwise severe inflammation of the oral cavity, esophagus, rectum and also in the vaginal area can occur. In particularly severe cases, there is a risk of fungal sepsis, a fungal poisoning of the blood that can attack the internal organs and lead to organ failure.

The drug treatment is usually carried out with so-called antimycotics, i.e. agents that kill fungi.

The right diet

Affected people should also pay attention to a healthy diet so that the intestinal fungus does not multiply and spread. First and foremost, this means avoiding sugary foods and drinks as well as products made from white flour, as well as peeled rice and light-colored noodles. Products with yeast such as beer, light bread and yeast-based pastries should also be avoided.

A healthy and varied diet with plenty of soluble fiber is advisable. These are found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. This strengthens those germs in the digestive tract that ensure a healthy intestinal flora there. Probiotics are also said to be useful for maintaining the intestinal flora. Among other things, they contain many lactic acid bacteria and can reduce the fungi in the intestine. However, whether probiotic milk products actually have a benefit here is controversial. Probiotics are also available as tablets or capsules.

Home remedies for fungus in the intestines

In addition to antifungals, there are also natural antifungal agents: caprylic acid is one of them. This triglyceride is found in coconut oil, for example. However, caprylic acid can only help with treatment. It does not kill the fungi, but prevents them from multiplying.

There are also some home remedies that you can use to support a healthy intestinal flora. They include, among others:

Apple cider vinegar: It is said to promote the balance of the intestinal flora and thus ensure that intestinal fungi can settle more difficult.
Coconut oil: The fatty acids (caprylic and lauric acid) in coconut oil are said not only to have an antibacterial effect, but also to fight fungi.
Lapacho Tea: The tea is said to be effective in fighting Candida.
How to prevent Candida infection
After therapy and so that the intestine cannot be excessively colonized by yeast fungi in the first place, the intestinal environment should be strengthened. According to some experts, preparations with coliform bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria are suitable for achieving the necessary healthy mixture of intestinal bacteria.

A healthy diet is also recommended, supplemented by lactic acid fermented foods such as sauerkraut, bread drink, yoghurt or sour milk.