Hi jenny -
Those sx are NO FUN. You probably have several causes simultaneously. Here are a few ideas -
The infections and the treatment can also cause gut dysbiosis - obviously the abx kill all of the good and bad bacteria - but it's the good bacteria that help keep the microbiome in balance. So this is how yeast/fungus can overgrow easily but also other bacterias and pathogens can get out of control.
Any yeast/fungal issues can cause damage to the GI if untreated, which can cause "leaky gut":
- as mpost explains, toxins from fecal matter, undigested food and yeast/fungus itself can seep through the damage in the mucosal lining caused by the yeast/fungus (it drills holes through the lining)
- and this toxic debris can enter the blood stream causing the immune system to respond to it as "foreign objects".
- Next thing you know, your immune response is generating allergic and sensitive reactions to food in your blood stream.
Toxins in your gut can also travel to the brain through the "gut-brain-connection" Girlie mentioned:
- science found blood vessels that connect the two and that is the primary reason why gut problems are a KEY cause of psychological issues (that result from neurotransmitter imbalances).
- We can develop these issues from neurotoxins getting into the brain from the presence of microbial infections, or from treatment or from yeast/fungal off-gasses like ethanol!
I would do everything you can to stay on the diet - the body is overwhelmed with the infections and the treatment and since 70% of our immune system IS our GI, it can be pretty tough to digest certain foods. No treatment can work without the support of our own immune system so diet is critical.
And, with a yeast/fungal overgrowth, continuing to consume sugary/simple carb foods will absolutely overpower the antifungals you're taking and not only will y/f overgrowth continue, but you could easily develop resistance to the antifungals--much like with abx resistance. It can get a little risky.
And if you haven't already seen it - here is more info on yeast/fungal symptoms and treatment:
Y/FO post in the "New to Lyme?" thread:
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=30&m=1606610&g=3644275#m3644275Detoxing will be KEY for you as well:
You need to help your body remove what you are killing, certainly with y/f dieoff. And this should help alleviate some symptoms.
Also, with y/f and GI challenges and certainly with any neuro-psycho sx I have had LIFE-ALTERING impacts by incorporating gut binders into my detox protocols. You can find them OTC (activated charcoal, bentonite clay, citrus pectin) --with GI damage I would steer clear of psyllium husk and high-fiber foods which can be too rough on a raw mucosal lining. My favorite binder is PURE cholestyramine. Lots of good discussions about
binders recently here on the forum. With ANY binder - you MUST drink adequate water and be careful with time buffers - they will drag out everything, even what you want to stay (meds, foods).
-p