Candida Albicans

Yeast Overgrowth and Our Children’s Impaired Intestinal Flora

By: Dr. Julie A. Wilczynski, ND, CNC

            Since October I know my house has been filled with sugary sweets and candies. We started with Halloween, followed by Thanksgiving, and then we celebrate our traditional seasonal holidays with families, friends and more sweets, treats, pies and cakes. What we fail to realize is that inside all of our bodies is very opportunistic organism, just waiting for such a time when the immune system is worn down, when we feed the body too much refined sugar – thus feeding the organism. Candida Albicans is that organism.

            Candida is a yeast-like fungal growth present in all of us which is normally controlled by bacteria called “friendly flora” within the stomach, intestines and colon. Ordinarily it exists only in small colonies prevented from growing too rapidly by the immune system. When something destroys this friendly flora or bacteria, Candida can grow rapidly and aggressively, the yeast begins to invade and colonize in the body tissues. These yeast colonies release powerful chemicals into the bloodstream, causing such varying symptoms as lethargy, chronic diarrhea, yeast vaginitis, bladder infections, muscle and joint pain, menstrual problems, constipation and severe depression.

            Candida overgrowth is not a new problem, but is usually thought of as a minor infection of the mucous membranes, skin and the nails. But, the increased and sometimes excessive use of antibiotics and steroids will allow Candida to become a chronic, systemic infection that causes tissue damage throughout the body. Chemicals produced by the Candida attack the central nervous system and the immune system and if the immune system weakens, the Candida will spread out to various body tissues and colonize. In recent years a minority of physicians have begun to try to persuade their colleagues, and the public, that Candida may present consequences far more devastating to human well being that just vaginitis and thrush.

            Some of the behavior problems which have been linked to an overgrowth of Candida Albicans include: confusion, hyperactivity, short attention span, lethargy, irritability, and aggression. Health problems can include: headaches, stomachaches, constipation, gas pains, fatigue, and depression. These problems are often worse during damp and/or muggy days and in moldy places. Additionally, exposure to perfumes, cigarette smoke and insecticides can worsen the condition, as Candida Albicans increases chemical sensitivity.

            Many children with Autism have had frequent ear infections as young children and have taken large amounts of antibiotics. Antibiotics do not discriminate; they kill all bacteria, even the good bacteria necessary to keep Candida at bay, and bacteria that may be contributing to an illness.

            There are many safe methods to treat a yeast overgrowth, such as taking nutritional supplements which replenish the intestinal tract with “friendly flora”, and/or taking anti-fungal medications. It is also recommended that one with Candida Albicans overgrowth be placed on a special diet, low in sugar and other foods on which yeast thrives. If the Candida Albicans is causing health and behavior problems, a person will often become ill for a few days after receiving a treatment to kill the excess yeast, this is often referred to as “the die off”, which usually lasts for a period of 7 – 14 days. As the yeast is destroyed and the debris is circulated through the body until it is excreted. A person who displays negative behaviors soon after receiving treatment for Candida Albicans (the Herxheimer reaction) is likely to have a good prognosis. After the die off period of treatment the change in the child’s behavior is sometimes reported as dramatic.

            Because it is impractical to expect anyone to stay on a totally yeast-free diet, ongoing medication, anti-fungal supplements, and avoidance of sugars are often used to control Candida. Even with the use of anti-fungal drugs, it is still important to limit sugar, because yeast grows 200 times faster in the presence of sugar.

            If the treatment for Candida Albicans is successful for children with autism, usually eye-contact improved and the child seems more aware and less “foggy”. Anecdotal reports claim that the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperactivity, and aggressive behavior decreases. The child acts less silly and shows less inappropriate laughter.

            From personal experience with my own son, removing refined sugar from his diet, repopulating with good bacteria, and working to starve out the Candida showed dramatic improvements in his behavior. Within a few weeks his eye-contact was greatly improved, he wanted to play with his peers instead of alone; he was not focused on one toy for play. His speech also showed dramatic improvement.

            Please keep in mind during the holidays the havoc excessive sugar consumption can play upon the digestive, immune and nervous systems of our children. I am by no means telling you not to enjoy the holidays, quite the opposite, enjoy them and help your children to enjoy them as well, without the fear of contributing to or inviting a Candida Albicans overgrowth.

            Tests can be performed to assess if there is a presence of Candida Albicans. Simple saliva and stool cultures can be used to test for its presence. There are also simple (yet not as reliable) “home” tests that can assess an overgrowth.

            Treatment for Candida Albicans infrequently results in a cure for Autism. However, if the person is suffering from this problem, his/her health and behavior should improve following therapy and dietary change.