Fungal‐type Dysbiosis of the Gut: The Occurrence of Fungal Diseases and the Response to Challenge with Yeasty and Mould‐containing Foods

Rebuilding the Gut Microbiota Ecosystem

“…In susceptibility dysbiosis, alterations to the gut microbiota ecosystem are characterized by, a reduced amount of probiotic bacteria, an increase in potentially pathogens microbes (pathobionts) [44], altered motility of the intestine, and bowel inflammation. Fungal dysbiosis, characterized by the overgrowth of Candida or other fungal species in the gut microbiota, is promoted by a diet rich in sugar and low in fibers [67]. Additionally, we should take into account the concept of “beneficial and harmful microbes” because we cannot generally speak about beneficial or harmful species; some species could be beneficial or harmful for one person but not for others.…”

Yeast metabolic products, yeast antigens and yeasts as possible triggers for irritable bowel syndrome

“…Others have observed that yeast overgrowth occurs in certain situations where there is abundance of carbohydrates [13][14][15] and it is suggested that the symptoms in patients with gut dysbiosis are worsened by exposure to yeasts and mould containing foods [7]. Much of this work is admittedly controversial.…”

“…These tests have been further developed to include analyses of other alcohols that bacteria, rather than yeast, can produce [6,10]. The test attempts, and has the potential, to identify patients where yeast overgrowth is of sufficient magnitude to produce measurable metabolites in circulation and distinguishes this from bacterial overgrowth, or bacterial dysbiosis [6][7][8]11]. Unfortunately, the glucose challenge test is not specific and cannot show that abnormal findings are due to Candida albicans or, for that matter, any other yeast.…”

“…While it might be useful to examine stool or rectal smears by microscopy and/or culture for yeasts, these investigations usually do not distinguish between commensal yeasts and potentially pathogenic Candida [38,42]. Direct sampling of luminal contents of the small and/or large bowel in order to study yeast overgrowth has not been widely used because of the invasive nature of sample collection [7] and uncertainties regarding interpretation. Furthermore, Middleton et al [43] did not reveal an association or a correlation between a group with IBS benefiting from antifungal treatment and microbiological findings of yeasts in stools.…”

“…High carbohydrate intake in some of these patients prompted diagnostic labels such as germ-carbohydrate fermentation and intestinal carbohydrate dyspepsia [3] in the early 20th century, while later attempts include descriptions of the candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome [4] gut fermentation syndrome [5] fungal type dysbiosis [6][7][8][9] and abnormal gut fermentation [10][11][12].…”