A fungal infection could be driving your autoimmune condition
By naturopath Margaret Jasinska
Did you know that a chronic fungal infection can trigger and aggravate an autoimmune disease? Fungal infections are common in people with a weak immune system, gut problems or highly stressed individuals. As your body tries to fight the fungus, via a process called molecular mimicry, your immune cells can start attacking components of your own body.
There are actually molecular similarities between fungus and some human tissues. If you have a chronic fungal infection, your immune system produces antibodies to attack and destroy the fungus. Over time, the fungus can trick your immune system into friendly fire. The production of autoantibodies can herald the beginning of an autoimmune condition.
Studies have shown fungal infections are present in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
What causes a person to develop an autoimmune condition? The short answer is several things, including genetic predisposition, poor intestinal health (leaky gut and too much of the wrong gut bugs) and environmental triggers. An example of an environmental trigger is an infection.
Yeast is a type of fungus. Yeast overgrowth in the intestines and in the sinuses are the most common chronic fungal infections we see among our patients. They can grow on any mucous membranes of the body and can also be found in the lungs, genital and urinary system. The infections can be difficult to overcome because yeast can form a biofilm on the mucous membranes which is like lichen growing on a rock. This can help it evade the immune system, so your white blood cells can’t fight the infection.
If you suffer with nutrient deficiencies, this further impairs your immune system’s ability to clear an infection. Being low in vitamin D, selenium, vitamin C, zinc and iodine can all hinder immune function.
Diet changes can help fight fungal infections
Low carbohydrate, ketogenic, animal based and carnivore diets all tend to assist autoimmune conditions. One explanation is they exclude sugar and foods that get digested into sugar (starches, grains, cereals). Yeast and fungus prefer sugar as their fuel source. A low carbohydrate diet can help deprive them of their preferred food.
Diets based on animal protein, natural fats and non starchy watery vegetables can help support a healthy gut microbiome. Herbal antimicrobials can also help. Yeast overgrowth in the gut can cause bloating, brain fog and irritable bowel syndrome type symptoms. The oregano, clove, thyme and berberine in BactoClear capsules can help reduce bloating and symptoms of medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome, as well as sinus problems. The ingredients in Gut Health powder soothe and heal the intestinal lining and can help repair a leaky gut. The Saccharomyces boulardii in this powder is a good friendly yeast that helps drive bad yeast out of the body
Standard western medicine typically doesn’t recognise or treat low grade chronic infections. This is a shame because they can stand in the way of positive health improvements.
For more information about our recommended treatment of autoimmune conditions see the book Healing Autoimmune Disease: A plan to help your immune system and reduce inflammation.
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