YEAST RELATED ILLNESS

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YEAST RELATED ILLNESS & CHRONIC FATIGUE AND IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION

SYNDROME by Dr. Cranton, Washington State

Multiple symptoms of a seemingly unrelated nature, often

misdiagnosed as neurotic, can be caused by immune system

dysfunction, related in part to an increase in body levels of

Candida albicans and other fungus organisms. Treatments which

reduce levels of yeast and fungus in the body, thereby reducing

stress on the immune system, can often bring lasting improvement to

many such patients who have been unresponsive to other types of

treatment. This type of illness is increasingly prevalent and

usually goes unrecognized by the mainstream medicine.

Descriptive diagnostic terms variously used in this syndrome

include: Chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS),

Epstein-Barr virus syndrome, yeast related illness, Candidiasis, and

myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). It commonly exists with a strong

component of ecologic illness, environmental illness, hypoglycemia-

like symptoms, food and chemical sensitivity, and/or food allergy.

The common thread in all such terms is immune dysfunction, and in

some cases hormonal imbalance. Conditions in this spectrum often

benefit from the program of therapy described below.

A common and incapacitating symptom is profound and prolonged

fatigue, without another plausible cause. Depression or difficulty

concentrating and thinking is often present, often severe. Physical

examination and laboratory tests seldom point to a the diagnosis. As

a result, such patients are usually labeled neurotic, hypochondriac

or depression. Adverse reactions to many nutritious foods (so-called

food allergy) is common, as well as sensitivity to chemical fumes.

Respiratory allergy of the hay fever type is sometimes present.

Stomach, intestinal, urinary, reproductive, muscle and joint

symptoms are common. Every case is different and the target organs

can vary greatly. The brain is almost always affected.

When seeking treatment, it is important for the the health care

provider to recognize and understand CFIDS.

Effective treatment consists of initially of a combination of

anti-fungal medicines, avoidance of the most commonly reactive foods

and environmental exposures, and supplemental vitamins, minerals and

trace elements. This program is designed to relieve stress on the

immune system, allowing it to rest and regain its ability to cope

with normal day to day exposures and stresses. Treatment also

provides nutritional support for a dysfunctional immune system.