Intestinal fungi: “The Candida immune diet supports our immune defense against fungal diseases”

Interview with the doctor and guidebook author Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer

"More and more serious infections are caused by yeast fungi from the intestines. Around every second person already has Candida fungi in their bodies without them causing any problems. However, if the intestinal flora is disturbed - for example by taking antibiotics - or if a temporary weakened immune system occurs, the fungi can spread in the body and make us ill." Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer , author of the guidebook "Intestinal fungi - secret pathogens" , describes the latest findings on the subject of fungal infections in an interview and explains how and why the "Candida Immune Diet" can help prevent these diseases or cure an existing one."

Conventional medicine was slow to recognize the danger of fungal infections. What were the reasons, what finally led to a change in thinking?

Dr. Wormer: That's right. Until a few years ago, fungi - unlike bacteria or viruses - were considered harmless causes of infections of the skin and mucous membranes. Experts considered them annoying, but not life-threatening. But now intensive care physicians in hospitals are increasingly having to fight for the lives of patients threatened by a fungal infection, as fungi are becoming increasingly resistant to anti-fungal drugs. This has led to a rethink. Microbiologists and doctors around the world are currently looking for new diagnostic methods and therapies.

The number of fungal infections has increased significantly in recent years. What do you think are the reasons for this?

Dr. Wormer: Fungal infections are one of the biggest risks for people with a pre-existing condition. They are usually caused by an existing fungal colonization in the intestines or mouth. Because many people already have this type of colonization, Candida yeasts are now feared as hospital germs. They are now the fourth most common pathogens causing serious infections. Only coli bacteria, staphylococci and enterococci are more common. There are reasons for the increase in fungal infections: many people today have to take medication that affects the immune system, so-called immunosuppressants. Diseases such as AIDS and leukemia cause a general weakened immune system in those affected - even against invading fungi. In addition, the often unnecessary use of antibiotics increases the risk; rising diabetes rates and obesity also promote fungal infections.

In this context, the so-called “intestinal ecology” is important. What significance does the intestinal ecosystem have for our health?

Dr. Wormer: It is at the heart of our vitality, as current research shows. Intestinal ecology deals with the type and quantity of microbes that live in our digestive tract. This bacterial community in the digestive tract is strongly influenced by the way we eat. The more varied our diet, the more vegetables and herbs and the less sugar or alcohol we consume, the better. Plant-based foods with a high fiber content bring the intestinal ecology into a healthy balance. The body has a better chance of successfully fighting off fungal infections when there is a healthy, diverse colonization of microorganisms in the intestine.

We are surrounded by fungi everywhere. What is the difference between harmless “roommates” and dangerous “parasites”?

Dr. Wormer: The rule for yeast fungi is that they don't have to, but they can become malignant at any time. Around one in two people harbor Candida fungi without these housemates causing them any harm. This means that the fungus often lives unnoticed in the intestines for a long time. For a healthy person with sensible eating and lifestyle habits, the pathogens are therefore considered unwelcome but more or less harmless housemates. However, if antibiotics or other medications damage the natural intestinal flora or if a problematic lifestyle disrupts the balance of the intestinal inhabitants, Candida fungi can spread there and invade the rest of the body at the next opportunity. They succeed in doing this especially when there are no useful germs in the defense system. The fungus can then transform from a harmless colonizer into a disease-causing parasite. It is not clear why even perfectly fit people sometimes develop chronic mycoses, i.e. recurring fungal diseases. It could be an inherited predisposition, known in technical terms as "Candida-specific cellular immune deficiency."

The symptoms of a fungal infection are varied. How can you tell if you are affected and what should you do first?

Dr. Wormer: Warning signs are digestive disorders such as diarrhea, persistent constipation, but especially constant alternation of the two. General exhaustion, tiredness, sweating and unexplained mood swings can also sometimes indicate fungal infections. Even persistent colds, recurring bladder or vaginal infections and general susceptibility to illness can signal a fungal infection - as can dandruff, itchy scalp, eczema on the face and other parts of the body. Asthma, neurodermatitis and allergies can be promoted by fungal infections. The clinical symptoms of fungal infections are very non-specific and do not differ from bacterial infections: therapists observe fever over 38.5 °C or hypothermia under 36 °C; infections that do not respond to antibiotics are also typical. Because of these non-specific signs, fungal infections are often only recognized late. If you suffer from one or more of the symptoms mentioned, it is best to have an expert examine you. Conscientious doctors and alternative practitioners take swabs from mucous membranes, samples of sputum (mucus, expectoration) and stool for laboratory tests. They also have the blood tested for antibodies.

Diet and lifestyle play a major role in the development of, but also in the prevention of, a fungal infection. What do you have to pay attention to and which foods are taboo if a fungus has already established itself?

Dr. Wormer: If you rarely eat vegetables and whole grains, but mainly eat meat, sausage and cheese, you are literally starving the "good" intestinal inhabitants that strengthen the immune system. Alcohol is also problematic because it is one of the preferred foods for fungi. Alcoholic drinks should therefore be completely avoided during anti-fungal treatment. The same applies to sugar, because fungi "love to eat" it. A large US study was able to show that a sugar-free diet significantly improves the success of the treatment.

It is said that you cannot treat intestinal fungi without medication. Are there alternative healing methods that can provide relief or at least have a supportive effect?

Dr. Wormer: Patients with a fungal infection will not be able to avoid treatment with medication, but there are gentle drugs with few side effects. Natural remedies are of course very helpful as preventative or additional therapy. What is important is what the doctor or alternative practitioner decides in each individual case. It is better not to try untested forms of treatment on your own! Those affected risk health problems - and successful treatment of a fungal infection requires a lot of patience. It can take weeks and months to get the fungus somewhat under control.

The Candida Immune Diet helps to develop a strong immune system. What is special about this “diet”?

Dr. Wormer: The special thing about this high-fiber diet is its comprehensive health benefits. It not only supports the immune system against fungal infections, but also generally reduces the health risks associated with a whole range of chronic underlying diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, liver and lipid metabolism disorders. Even excess pounds disappear over time without major deprivation if you stick to this low-sugar, gut-friendly diet. The anti-fungal diet therefore has a double effect. It makes the gut fit to defend itself against the invasion of the fungi, and at the same time alleviates the underlying diseases that could otherwise soon open the door to the culprits and encourage new infections.

Book tip:
Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer: Intestinal fungi - secret pathogens. How we recognize fungal infections and get healthy again. With a detailed diet plan. Mankau Verlag 2016, paperback, full color, 255 pages, 16 x 22 cm, 17.95 euros (D) / 18.50 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-281-2.

Link recommendations:

• Information on the guide "Intestinal fungi - secret pathogens"
• To the reading sample in PDF format
• More about the author Dr. Eberhard J. Wormer
• To the Internet forum with Dr. med. Eberhard J. Wormer