Comprehensive Guide to Managing Autism - 8

Candida

Yeasts are single-celled forms that reproduce by budding, whereas molds form multicellular hyphae (filament tails). Dimorphic fungi grow as yeasts or spherules in vivo, as well as in vitro at 37°C, but as molds at 25°C. Dimorphism is regulated by factors such as temperature, CO₂ concentration, pH, and the levels of cysteine or other sulfhydryl-containing compounds. Regardless of their shape or size, fungi are all heterotrophic and digest their food externally by releasing hydrolytic enzymes into their immediate surroundings (absorptive nutrition). Fungi can use a number of different carbon sources to meet their carbon needs for the synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. Oxidation of sugars, alcohols, proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides provides them with a source of energy. Differences in their ability to utilize different carbon sources, such as simple sugars, sugar acids, and sugar alcohols, are used, along with morphology, to differentiate the various yeasts. Fungi require a source of nitrogen for synthesis of amino acids for proteins, purines and pyrimidines for nucleic acids, glucosamine for chitin, and various vitamins. Depending on the fungus, nitrogen may be obtained in the form of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, or organic nitrogen; no fungus can fix nitrogen. Most fungi use nitrate, which is reduced first to nitrite (with the aid of nitrate reductase) and then to ammonia. 

Generally, either low temperature or pH favors the development of a budding yeast. High copper is also one indicator of candida. Other substances such as biotin, cysteine, serum transferrin, and zinc are said to stimulate dimorphism (changing forms from yeast to fungus) in this yeast. Experiments designed to test the biotin-yeast hypothesis have demonstrated that the concentration of simple sugars in the culture medium is the only reliable variable to directly determine the form candida cells will take. Below a certain sugar concentration the yeast remain single-celled, and stay in the gut. When sugar concentration rises above a certain threshold, the organism becomes fungal, and tends to enter the blood and thrive in moist warm areas including the brain. (Importance of some factors on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. Vidotto V; Picerno G; Caramello S; Paniate G; Mycopathologia, 1988 Dec, 104:3, 129-35) 

Sugar also kills the bacteria that control candida. Further, a serving of cake and ice cream or a large bottle of sugary, soft drink will reduce the immune function by 50% for up to five hours—make that all day for those who indulge their sweet tooth several times a day. Remember, sugar promotes candida, with its multiple problems (yeast grows 200 times faster), and sugar can actually make the child drunk and giggly! Sugar is a deadly poison to these beautiful children. You wouldn’t give them arsenic would you? 

Yeast species like candida are known to induce immune changes, and to produce neurotoxins, and most autistic children have yeast problems. Yeast binds the B-vitamins, and in absence of Bifidus flora, creates subclinical pellagra and beriberi. This lack of B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B₆, will interfere with the production of serotonin, melatonin, and other important neurotransmitters that controls behavior—so normal brain chemistry in the presence of yeast overgrowth is unlikely. 

Just the elimination of candida has been found to cure a third of all eczema, irritable bowel, some asthma, joint pains, and virtually all psoriasis. Other symptoms of candida: internal bloating of the lower abdomen that is aggravated by beer, bread, pasta, sweets, or juices. Another good clue (90% probability) is when one reacts adversely to taking vitamins orally. To this, add a high sensitivity to yeast and fungi or products containing them, like yeast, yeast breads, beer, mushrooms, cheese, mustard, vinegar, and mold spores that will cause discomfort when in bathrooms, basements, areas with wet leaves, summer beach houses, etc. Persistent candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, respectively (Quig, unpublished observations). 

There are 3 types of infection: Superficial (most common) - characterized by inflammation of tissue linings, i.e., skin, GI tract, pharynx, upper and lower respiratory tract; Locally invasive—i.e., pneumonia, cystitis, esophagitis, the most common being ulcerations of the intestinal, respiratory or genito-urinary tract; and Systemic—an invasive infection, characterized by lesions of the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, lung, brain, and other organs. 

We have to hypothesize that Candida, in the moment it is attacked by the immunological system of the host or by a conventional antimycotic treatment, does not react in the usual, predicted way, but defends itself by transforming itself into ever-smaller and non-differentiated elements that maintain their fecundity intact to the point of hiding their presence both to the host organism and to possible diagnostic investigations. The Candida’s behavior may be considered to be almost elastic: When favorable conditions exist, it thrives on an epithelium; as soon as the tissue reaction is engaged, it massively transforms itself into a form that is less productive but impervious to attack—the spore. 

“Treatment of the latter (candida) with conventional synthetic antifungal agents often causes impairment of liver detoxification functions, and a decrease in synthesis of phospho-sulfotransferase, an enzyme necessary to cleave food proteins, e.g., casein, into smaller easily absorbable peptides.”—Dr. Hugh Fudenberg, MD. Thus, fungicides exacerbate the opioid problem, and increase the potential for toxicity in PST kids. Further, the first order of implementation is restoration of digestive function with betaine HCl, pancreatin, and bile acids as needed to replace the normal output of stomach acid, pancreatic fluid, and bile. There is growing evidence of the efficacy of re-inoculation with favorable species of Lactobacilli. Feeding of non-absorbed fermentable carbohydrate like fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin stimulates growth of the genera Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. These forms of carbohydrate are found in onion, garlic, chicory, Jerusalem artichoke, and wheat. Insoluble fiber lowers yeast, Clostridia, Staphylococcus, and Proteus in stool cultures and lowers output of ammonia and phenols.  

Zinc deficiencies have been frequently noted in women suffering from Candidiasis (Michaud E & Feinstein A., Prevention Magazine’s 30-day immune power program. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa. 1989. p144). 

Another important consideration is Metabolic Typing based on the understanding that genetic inheritance defines metabolic individuality, and metabolic individuality defines nutritional requirements. This is why what works for one person, doesn’t work for another with the same problem. There will never be one diet or nutritional approach for a given problem that works for all people. The essence of this article on candida overgrowth is the understanding that candida is not the problem. The problem is a compromised immune system that fails to control the candida. This is the reason that so many people fail to rid themselves of candida overgrowth. They limit their approach to trying to kill off the candida, but when the protocol is stopped, the candida overgrowth problem comes right back again. The only real, final solution is to restore efficiency to the immune system, a task that can speeded through addressing individual nutritional requirements through defining one’s Metabolic Type. 

Metabolic Typing provides a scientific means of identifying individual nutritional requirements based on the determination of the individual’s “metabolic type”. Once the metabolic type is determined, a diet and supplementation program can be recommended to meet individual nutritional requirements, thus providing an ideal means of restoring proper biochemical balance.  

There are several things to consider in a state of candidiasis: a) The inflammatory response must be treated; b) Lactobacillus count needs to be increased in order to keep Candida in check; c) The immune system needs strengthening, which decreases adherence ability; d) Antibiotics, steroids, and other immune-suppressing drugs, along with simple carbohydrate foods (eat only foods with a low Glycemic Index Rating) should be avoided; e) Digestive secretions should be increased; f) Nutrient deficiencies should be reversed; g) Liver function should be optimized to increase ability to filter toxins; h) Mercury must be removed. Candidiasis/dysbiosis associated with Hg burden can compromise the absorption of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine/tyrosine and tryptophan, which are precursors to dopamine/norepinephrine and serotonin, respectively (Quig, unpublished observations). 

Caprylic Acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid. It is readily absorbed in the intestines. Standard dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mgs with meals, and it is totally lethal to candida. It is available over the counter and appears to be equal to Nystatin™ in effectiveness. However, it is not known to produce the sensitivity side-effects of the Nystatin™ drugs. Of the caprylic acid products on the market, CAPRYSTATIN, KAPRICIDIN-A and ORITHRUSH, when used together, appear to be the most effective by virtue of their capacity to address the entire digestive tract. These three products are available from Ultra Life / Synergistics, P.O. Box 440, Carlyle, IL 62231, (800) 654-8191 or (618) 594-7711, or Email: info@ullife.com. 

The reason for sure failure of treatment is the misunderstanding of how important it is to remove these complex sugars from the diet. It is important to remember that sugars are sugars, whether from natural sources or cane sugar. Antifungal drugs will not be successful without removing sugars from the diet. This includes all sweetened drinks & soda, fruits and fruit drinks, corn syrups, and other high sugar (high glycemic) containing products. Studies have emphasized the fact that Candida ferments and rapidly proliferates in the presence of simple sugars. Not only is this the case, but research has shown that sugars dramatically increase the ability of Candida to adhere to epithelial mucosa cells and may be one of the most important factor in the chronic states of gastrointestinal Candidiasis (Saltarelli). Further, sugar kills the controlling bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus.  

Complex carbohydrates/polysaccharides (starches) and even disaccharides (sucrose - table sugar, lactose (milk sugar), sometimes fructose (fruit sugar), et al.) can pass far down the gastrointestinal tract before they are broken down into glucose molecules and absorbed. Ninety-five percent of African-Americans cannot tolerate lactose, and many others lack the enzyme (lactase) to break down lactose into glucose and galactose. Intact, this sugar is broken down in the intestines by bacteria, and the results are gas, bloating, and intestinal distress. Candida supposedly resides and proliferates far down the gastrointestinal tract, but lacking HCl, they will move up into the small intestine. Complex sugars and polysaccharides can therefore be made available to Candida throughout the gastrointestinal tract (Chan). High protein diets and elimination of concentrated sweet sugars will help avoid this. Small amounts of lactose from fermented sources may actually be helpful for it establishes the slightly acid state preferred by the Acidophilus. It is still uncertain whether Candida can dominantly proliferate in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In that case, complex carbohydrate (starch only) consumption would be favorable since Candida cannot directly use long chain carbohydrates, which would pass farther down the gastrointestinal tract before it is broken into glucose.  

Thus, in regard to questions about Ambrotose^®, Candida cannot use long chain carbohydrates directly, and the sugars of Ambrotose^® are not broken down into glucose. Studies with Ambrotose^® showed a 50% increased capacity on part of macrophages to kill candida—Stanley S. and Doris L. Lefkowitz, Ph.D.s., Proceedings of Fisher Institute for Medical Research, Vol. 1, No. 2, February 1999. Additionally, concerning glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) one of the essential sugars found in Ambrotose^®: Numerous studies have shown that glucosamine, a derivative of chitin from fungal cells, has the ability to prevent the binding of Candida to epithelial mucosa cells (Saltarelli). It has also been suggested to directly aid in restoration of the mucosa. 

Another anti-fungal is iodine (it seems to be anti-viral also), but much weaker and milder than chloride as an anti-fungal. Iodine is a powerful anti-fungal (and in what seems to be higher doses, also antibacterial). Its reduction below the RDAs may well be a cause of a higher rate of fungal infections like schizophrenia, asthma, IBD, arthritis, lupus, etc. Modern day dietary reduction of table salt with iodine is a negative factor. Do the iodine test, and restore it to normal level. 

Pasteur and others found that lethal strains of bacteria could be rendered harmless if other benign bacteria were given simultaneously. High intake of Lactobacillus Acidophilus GG [20 billion count, as supplied by Culturelle™ (Klaire Laboratories), available from VRP at 775-884-1300, but said to contain traces of casein], or Pro-Culture Gold™ (Kirkman Labs), guaranteed casein free], is sometimes an effective way to replace these, and can be one means of controlling the Clostridia family of bacteria (as well as the candida), some of which are unaffected by broad spectrum antibiotics! These work primarily by exclusion and by environmental changes in the gut creating a favorable lactic-acid, living space for themselves. Other bacteria and candida prefer alkaline. Unfortunately, the acidophilus convert only lactose from milk, and without milk they cannot do their thing.  

Another way found very effective by Dr. David Williams is the use of Lactic Acid Yeast wafers (Standard Process Laboratories, available from your health practitioner) containing a blend of ingredients including a mycelium type of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that converts all forms of carbohydrates into lactic acid. We have seen elsewhere that some have an excess of lactic acid in the blood, so this should be used in that case with consent of your health practitioner. Further, it includes active Baker’s Yeast, and some believe that is a negative when fighting candida. According to Dr. Kurt W. Donsbach, who has successfully treated candida at his clinic for many years, eating yeast is not a problem. It may well be a positive way to restore balance, but again consult with your practitioner.  

Soil-based organisms (SBO) found in Nature’s Biotics (800-713-3888) have given tremendous benefits including a supply of GLA, activation of nearly all the immune defense systems, specifically the activation of three antibodies: IgM, IgG, and IgA that are highly effective against fungi, harmful viruses, and bacterial pathogens, and the production of the powerful systemic antioxidant enzyme SOD. The enzymatic activity of SOD increases the efficiency of energy production within the cells, allowing them to nourish and repair themselves at a more efficient and effective rate. There are very few food sources for SOD, so this is a valuable attribute of SBO.  

Taking probiotics on an empty stomach, with a little bicarbonate of soda water (1/4 teaspoon in 4 oz of water), will help them make the journey safely. The Bifido Bifidus should also be supplemented when concerned with candida. Use of a digestive enzyme can greatly improve overall results. Next time Flagyl™ is suggested, use L. Acidophilus, SBO, and enzymes, and skip the fluoride and the side effects (nausea, headaches, disorientation, and a metallic taste in the mouth). One study of fluoride in drugs found that fluorinated steroid was more detrimental to IQ than the nonfluorinated steroid, in particular reading comprehension; arithmetic calculation and short-term working memory deficits were greater. Flagyl™ will likely exchange a Clostridium overgrowth for a candida overgrowth.  

Symptoms of die off (diarrhea, rash, irritability, gas, bloating) usually lasts about 7-14 days and after that time the change in the child can be rather dramatic. If the die off does not end in 14-17 days, it is generally a reason to change choice of anti-fungal. If the treatment is successful, usually eye contact improves. The children seem more tuned in and less “foggy”. Parents report that after the yeast is under control the frequency of inappropriate noises, teeth grinding, biting, hitting, hyperness, and aggressive behavior decrease. The children no longer act almost drunk by being silly and laughing inappropriately. 

It is interesting to note recent research that shows that babies normally get their first gulp of Mother’s bacteria as they travel down the birth canal. Normally, this has meant a dose of Lactobacillus and Bifido bacteria that stake out the first claim to the gut environment, and the baby’s developing the immune system accepts these early invaders. Modern medicine is altering this. For babies born by cesarean section, the first gut inhabitants are common hospital bacteria such as Streptococci and Clostridia, and this may make it very hard to get them displaced later. Additionally, Mothers with autoimmune diseases may themselves not have the “right” balance of bacteria in their gut, birth canals, and milk, and this may affect their children adversely. According to Dr. Hulda Clark, Clostridium is the tumor-making bacteria, which supply the DNA, the toxic amines, and also isopropyl alcohol, which will eventually contribute to malignancy.