Written by Dr. Jill Carnahan, Flatiron Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado Did you know your gut microbes could be dramatically affecting your thyroid health? This seemingly benign player can become hostile if the environment is right. High intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar, frequent antibiotic or prednisone use, hormones and birth control pills and other medications give the yeast an advantage over the normal protective bugs, like lactobacillus, so that it flourishes. It has the ability to take over and becomes invasive leading to a host of unwanted symptoms. Sadly, many conventional physicians do not recognize that the gut can be a reservoir of these fungal organisms. If you have ever experienced vaginal yeast infections, rectal irritation, white coating on your tongue called thrush, or any fungal skin or nail infections, like onychomycosis, you may also have a large number of these buggers living in your gastrointestinal tract. I crave sweets and carbs all the time… One of the most important things that I notice with patients who have fungal dysbiosis is the feeling of being tired and “run down” all the time with intense cravings for sugar or carbohydrates. Many patients don’t believe me when I tell them that if their gut is healthy, they will get to the point of having no food cravings at all! It’s really true! And if you are still experiencing intense, uncontrollable cravings, binge eating, or other issues in a love-hate relationship with sugar and refined carbohydrates, you can bet there is a problem with your gut microbes! Take this quiz to find out if YOU have a problem! These are common symptoms that may occur with yeast overgrowth in the gut. Keep in mind, these are not specific to yeast alone, but if you experience them on a regular basis you are likely to have a real problem with fungal dysbiosis, or yeast overgrowth. Give yourself 1 point for every one of these symptoms you experience regularly: Weight gain Difficulty losing weight Premenstrual symptoms Fatigue Muscle pain/fibromyalgia Poor focus/concentration Brain fog Irritable Depression Anxiety Headaches or migraines Cravings for sugar or carbohydrates Drowsy after meals Constipation Diarrhea Gas and bloating Rectal itching Vaginal discomfort or burning Low libido Joint pain Crying spells Dizziness or light-headedness Sinus pressure/congestion Trouble sleeping Halitosis (bad breath) Body odor Frequent sore throat Coughing/wheezing/shortness of breath Scoring >8 You may have intestinal dysbiosis >14 It is likely you have an issue with intestinal dysbiosis, which could include yeast overgrowth >20 It is almost certain that you have fungal dysbiosis or yeast overgrowth
Posted on: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:28:07 +0000
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