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Posted 11/7/2009 8:37 AM (GMT 0)
This is interesting. For the past 15 years, I have had issues with IBS when I eat certain foods. I also have had small white spots on my upper back. I just found out what they are today--tinea versicolor.

http://www.reversingibs.com/body-spots.html

Does anybody else have this?
Posted 11/7/2009 2:21 PM (GMT 0)

Yup, I have them on my chest and neck area too. These spots are another indicator to me that my IBS symptoms as well as my past UC symptoms have a fungal etiology. Skin is often an outward indicator of what is going on in the inside of our body. When I restrict fungus feeding foods (i.e. grains/sugar) my symptoms become significantly better.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams have helped with the spots, but it takes time and doesn't clear them all. I'm thinking of asking for a prescriptive antifungal.

Posted 11/7/2009 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Eating grains and sugars can make IBS act up by normal bateria creating gas.

IBS does not have a fungal etiology.

"Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that often affects adolescents and young adults."
What causes tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is caused by a yeast called Malassezia furfur that lives in the skin of most adults. This exists in two forms, one of which causes visible spots. Factors that can cause the fungus to become more visible include high humidity and immune or hormone abnormalities. However, almost all people with this very common condition are perfectly healthy.

Because the tinea versicolor fungus is part of the normal adult skin, this condition is not contagious. It often recurs after treatment, but usually not right away, so that treatment needs to be repeated only every year or two.

Tinea versicolor patches that are brown or reddish-brown go right away after treatment. When this condition produces spots that are lighter than the surrounding skin, it may take several months for overall color to even out. It always eventually does. Tinea versicolor does not leave permanent skin discoloration.


What other conditions resemble tinea versicolor?

The following conditions look a little like tinea versicolor but are really quite different:

Pityriasis alba: This is a mild form of eczema (seen in young people) that produces mild, patchy lightening of the face, shoulders, or torso.

Vitiligo: This condition results in a permanent loss of pigment. Vitiligo is more likely to affect the skin around the eyes and lips or the knuckles and joints. Spots are porcelain-white and, unlike those of tinea versicolor, are permanent.
http://www.medicinenet.com/tinea_versicolor/article.htm

http://health.yahoo.com/skinconditions-overview/tinea-versicolor-topic-overview/healthwise--hw166597.html

There is also some inaccurate information on the reversing IBS website on IBS.
Posted 11/8/2009 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
"MY" IBS symptoms are fungus related, as I was careful to relate in my post. After going on an antifungal diet, my IBS symptoms, and UC symptoms virtually disappeared. I still try to maintain a yeast-free and reduced processed food diet. I don't need medical journals to prove otherwise. In fact, my doctors scoffed at me even trying such a thing to get well, but here I am today...symptom-free.

I need to maintain that life-style, because when I eat yeasty foods, which are in a LOT of processed foods, or processed foods in general, I start getting tell-tale symptoms again. Foods such as grains, including corn, as well as peanuts contain aflatoxins (fungal poisons), so it is plausible that people who eat those foods may have a fungal problem. As well, antibioitcs are fungal poisons. Yeast ovegrowth can result from taking antibiotics as the good bacteria is wiped out along with the bad.

There are studies that show a very low carb diet (which would probably entail eliminating grains and sugar) can drastically reduce IBS symptoms. There is increasing evidence for yeasts being able to cause IBS-symptoms. More research is needed before antifungal treatment can be recommended as a first line treatment.

I chose not to wait for the "research". My own experimentation helped me get well.
Posted 11/8/2009 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
A yeast infection is not IBS. They have not found one IBSers with a fungus overgrowth in their intestines. If they did that would be a different diagnoses.

Many people who go on low carb and low fat diets may have their IBS symptoms helped. One by reducing gas from bacteria, second carbs breakdown to Tryptophan an amino acid, which then helps create serotonin. Serotonin is involved in IBS, there has been extensive research on the subject.

Gut bacteria and yeast are two different issues. There are some 500 gut bacteria in the gi tract.

Tinea Versicolor is a common skin condition and has nothing to do with the gi tract and most people who get it are in good health. Many people without IBS get Tinea Versicolor.

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/10878.html

"Four infections are classified in the superficial mycoses. Black piedra, caused by Piedraia hortai, and white piedra, caused by Tricho***** beigleii, are infections of the hair. The skin infections include tinea nigra, caused by Exophiala werneckii, and tinea versicolor, caused by M. furfur. Where the skin is involved, the infections are limited to the outermost layers of the stratum corneum; in the case of hairs, the infection is limited to the cuticle. In general, these infections cause no physical discomfort to the patient, and the disease is brought to the attention of the physician for cosmetic reasons."
http://www.answers.com/topic/fungal-infection

" There is increasing evidence for yeasts being able to cause IBS-symptoms"

This statement is outdated and there are specific IBS symptoms yeast doesn't cause. Lots of things can cause D for example or some digestive symptoms. IBS symptoms are a specific cluster of symptoms.

Foods don't cause IBS.

Yeast infections also cause inflammation. Macroscopic inflammation has been seen in some IBSers, under an electron microscope, but it was not due to yeast. With an electron microscope you can observe individual cells. Millions of IBSers have had colonoscopies and no overt inflammation of the colon or yeast overgrowth has been found. It would be visable.

again carbs breakdown to serotonin and that IS a probelms in IBS. Sugar can cause an increase in bacteria and more gas as they are broken down in the digestive tract and its the pressure the gas puts on the hypersensitive bowel by distension that can cause symptoms and pain.

While I am glad to hear your personally symptoms free, it doesn't mean yeast is a "cause" of IBS. There is also a ton of research going on right now in regards to gut bacteria and IBS.



http://www.iffgd.org/store/viewproduct/222



Video Corner: Gut Flora, Probiotics and Antibiotics

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/gutflora

This was a stduy of gut microflora and the only thing they found was that "Bifidobacteria" were low.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19533811?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=10

Also many people can have inflammation in the gi tract and NO pain. Pain or discomfort are a must for an IBS diagnoses.

There is a ton of research being down in gut microflora and its influence on digestion on each of the 500 gut micro-organisims. It is not the only research being done and there is a lot more they have found dysfuntioning.



In recent research a small percentage of IBSers have been found to also have another condition called SIBO as well as IBS. So a person can have more then one condition.

An organic GI yeast infection is NOT a diagnoses of IBS. It can also be life threatening.

also

http://www.doctorfungus.org/mycoses/human/candida/Chronic_Candidiasis.htm
Posted 11/11/2009 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Studies suggest that IBS symptoms in one quarter of patients may be caused or exacerbated by one or more dietary components...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19559137?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_SingleItemSupl.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=4&log$=relatedreviews&logdbfrom=pubmed

Even if the involvement of yeasts in the aetiology of IBS still remains unclear, there is increasing evidence for yeasts being able to cause IBS-symptoms in sensitized patients via Candida products, antigens and cross-antigens. But more research is needed before antifungal treatment can be recommended as a first line treatment for IBS.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15647635?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1

Yeast infections usually remain localized upon a moist surface, but in prolonged cases the yeast can shift to a fungal form which sinks root-like rhizoids under the surface of the mucosa. This usually happens invisibly within the intestinal tract, and when it does, toxins and other substances which are normally prevented from penetrating the surface of the intestinal lining are given a route to invade the rest of the body, causing “leaky gut syndrome”.

I'm still a firm believer my symptoms are/were fungus related. With over 400 kinds of fungi harmful to man, it may not only be "candida" that could be a problem for those of us with health issues.

Posted 11/11/2009 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
rolleyes   I don't personally know anyone on here, but I have been reading these forums for almost 4 months. I didn't relise how much I depend on all your guy's comments everyday to feel normal. I finally registered tonight. I am IBS-C  diagnosed about 3 years ago. I found this site awhile ago when I was (like I do many nights ) searching for a way to "fix" this. I have found myself reading these forums every night, I feel comfort in knowing I am not the only one going through this. I appreciate you all, and your honesty about your IBS. Sounds corny but I feel like I'm the only one sometimes.

                                                                                                     thax sleepygal25

Posted 11/11/2009 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Kim, the leading cause of misdiagnoses is self diagnoses.

IBS is not caused by candida or fungus.

They know some foods trigger IBS and has nothing to do with fungus, but for other chemical reasons.

The second study you posted is from 2005 and there has been an explosion in IBS research since then your leaving out of the picture here. There are almost no candida and IBS references in Pubmed out of 19 million IBS references.

In 20 years of so called "candida syndrome" it has never been found in ANYONE.

"invisibly within the intestinal tract," NOT WITH AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE it isn't.

Three mechansims contribute to IBS.

MOTILITY
In healthy subjects, stress can increase motility in the esophagus, stomach, small and large
intestine and colon. Abnormal motility can generate a variety of GI symptoms including
vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, acute abdominal pain, and fecal incontinence. Functional GI
patients have even greater increased motility in response to stressors in comparison to normal
subjects. While abnormal motility plays a vital role in understanding many of the functional GI
disorders and their symptoms, it is not sufficient to explain reports of chronic or recurrent
abdominal pain.

VISCERAL HYPERSENSITIVITYVisceral hypersensitivity helps to account for disorders associated with chronic or recurrent pain, which are not well correlated with changes in gastrointestinal motility, and in some cases, where motility disturbances do not exist. Patients suffering from visceral hypersensitivity have a lower pain threshold with balloon distension of the bowel or have increased sensitivity to even normal intestinal function. Additionally, there may be an increased or unusual area of somatic referral of visceral pain. Recently it has been concluded that visceral hypersensitivity may be induced in response to rectal or colonic distension in normal subjects, and to a greater degree, in persons with IBS. Therefore, it is possible that the pain of functional GI disorders may relate to
sensitization resulting from chronic abnormal motor hyperactivity, GI infection, or trauma/injury
to the viscera. http://www.med.unc.edu/ibsThe UNC Center for Functional GI& Motility Disorders5

BRAIN-GUT AXIS
The concept of brain-gut interactions brings together observations relating to motility and visceral hypersensitivity and their modulation by psychosocial factors. By integrating intestinal and CNS central nervous system activity, the brain-gut axis explains the symptoms relating to functional GI disorders. In other words, senses such as vision and smell, as well as enteroceptive
information (i.e. emotion and thought) have the capability to affect gastrointestinal sensation,
motility, secretion, and inflammation. Conversely, viscerotopic effects reciprocally affect central
pain perception, mood, and behavior. For example, spontaneously induced contractions of the
colon in rats leads to activation of the locus coeruleus in the pons, an area closely connected to
pain and emotional centers in the brain. Jointly, the increased arousal or anxiety is associated
with a decrease in the frequency of MMC activity of the small bowel possibly mediated by stress
hormones in the brain. Based on these observations, it is no longer rational to try to discriminate
whether physiological or psychological factors produce pain or other bowel symptoms. Instead,
the Functional GI disorders are understood in terms of dysregulation of brain-gut function, and
the task is to determine to what degree each is remediable. Therefore, a treatment approach
consistent with the concept of brain-gut dysfunction may focus on the neuropeptides and
receptors that are present in both enteric and central nervous systems. "

http://216.109.125.130/search/cache?ei=UTF...=1&.intl=us
Posted 11/12/2009 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
FYI

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy

Unorthodox Techniques for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergy, Asthma and Immune Disorders

Anti-Candida diet: Treatment concentrates on avoidance of “Candida friendly” foods such as those contain sugars, yeast or molds, dietary supplements, and administration of antifungal drugs.


"Evidence: no evidence

Comment: There is neither a scientific rationale nor published evidence that elimination of Candida with diets or anti-fungal therapy is useful for the management of any disorder"


"Chronic Candidiasis
Use: Treatment of a variety of ailments including allergy, irritable bowel, food allergy and intolerance, autoimmunity, arthritis and psychological conditions.

Method: This approach is based on the concept that imbalance of gut flora results in overgrowth of Candida albicans within the gut. Release of fungal toxins results in a variety of symptoms including fatigue, arthritis, irritable bowel, food intolerance as well as psychological symptoms. These toxins weaken the immune system, predisposing to further symptoms from ingested foods and toxins. Treatment centres on dietary supplements, administration of antifungal drugs such as nystatin, and restriction of “Candida friendly” foods such as those containing sugars, yeast or molds.

Evidence: Level II

Comment: Candida is a normal gut organism, and immune responses (antibodies, cell mediated responses) to this organism are both expected and observed in healthy controls as well as those allegedly suffering from this condition. There is no evidence of overgrowth of Candida or altered immune responses to this organism in patients complaining of this syndrome. There is neither a scientific rationale nor published evidence that elimination of Candida with diets or anti-fungal therapy is useful for management.


http://www.allergy.org.au/pospapers/unorthodox.htm
Posted 11/13/2009 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Under certain conditions, Candida albicans can induce both superficial and serious systemic diseases, as well as be the cause of gastrointestinal infections.

My bet is still on fungus having a part ( and not necessarily "ALL") in gastrointestinal health issues....especially when mycotoxins can be introduced into our body through foods such as grains and cereals, or from taking antibiotics. How many of us can say we have never been on antibiotics, or eaten grains.

Posted 11/13/2009 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Under certain conditions extremely immune compromised individuals, which are not seen in IBS pateints candida can cause death.

Normal candida in the gut HELPS FIGHT PATHOGENS!!!

"Candida syndrome", was hypothesised 20 years ago and still hasn't been confirmed or found in one person despite even better testing techniques and actual observations. However, the alternative profession makes millions off it.

Gut bacteria can go in and out of whack depending on foods, medication stressors and for all kinds of reasons. Nor is someone who lives in florida for example have the same as someone who lives in say seattle, because it in part protects us from our own environement.

Tons of people take anitbiotics and eat grains and have no negative effects or end up with a chronic condition.

http://www.hopkins-gi.org/GDL_Disease.aspx?CurrentUDV=31&GDL_Disease_id=F5E21D6B-A88E-44F9-900F-7E295C50D38B&GDL_DC_id=D03119D7-57A3-4890-A717-CF1E7426C8BA

There is already substantial evidence of neurotransmitter problems at the gut level, via serotonin that helps control gut functioning as part of the motility problems of D, c and alternating.

There is a bigger picture then your realizing to it all. There are also certain symptoms that the body produces when it is fighting and infection or pathogen, some of these symptoms may mimick some symptoms of IBS, while others don't and heance red flag symptoms in the diagnoses of IBS.

"Increasingly our understanding of IBS is that it is a heterogeneous disorder – that is, multiple factors contribute to the well defined symptoms of the disorder. One of these suspected underlying dysfunctions involves serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter or messenger to nerves. Most serotonin in the body is in cells that line the gut where it senses what is going on and through receptors signals nerves that stimulate a response. The serotonin must then be reabsorbed (a process called re-uptake) into cells. This process appears to be disrupted in people with IBS."

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/learning-center/video-corner/serotonin

They also now know about thirty percent or more of IBSer develop IBS from a previous bacterial or viral enteric gastroenteritist, which RESOLVES and leaves the person with IBS. They have found celluar structural abnormailities in these patients, specifically the cells in the gut that release serotonin for gut functioning and another directly realted to fighting infections and food allergies and stress effecting the gut.

There is a typ of brain found in the gut as well. Do you know about it?
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