The
Yeast Connection--What's New?
By William G. Crook, M.D.
During the 1990's, new information has become available on yeast-related
disorders and chronic fatigue. Here are some brief summaries:
- Researchers from the University of Virginia and also in Belgium
reported at American Academy of Allergy and Immunology 50th annual
meeting. Anaheim, California, in March, 1994, that oral anti-fungal
medications (Diflucan® and Nizoral®) helped a number of their patients
with intrinsic asthma (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1994
Jan;93 (1 pt 2):163ff).
- University of Tennessee researchers made a further report on the
favorable response of patients with psoriasis to anti-fungal medication.
(Acta Derm Venerol, Stockholm. 1994: Suppl. 186:149-150).
- William Shaw, PhD and colleagues at the University of Missouri
Kansas City found fungal metabolites in the urine of individuals with
autism (Clin
Chem 1995 Aug;41(8 pt 1):1094-104, 1995). Following treatment with
oral antifungal agents, the abnormalities improved and the children's
symptoms lessened, often dramatically. In his continued studies in
1996-97, Shaw found similar fungal metabolites in the urine of other
individuals with yeast-related disorders, including children with
attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
- Two Boston psychiatrists reported on the favorable response of two
of their female patients with chronic depression to Nizoral®, (J
(Stovner R,
Fogelman S.
Clin Psychiatry.
1996 May;57(5):227-8).
- R. Scott Heath, MD, a Cincinnati neurologist treated eight patients
with multiple sclerosis with Diflucan® and diet. Although their response
was not dramatic, Heath labeled them "encouraging."
- Two women with interstitial cystitis (IC), showed significant
improvement when treated with Diflucan® and dietary changes. Because of
their response, Philip Mosbaugh, an Indianapolis urologist, began a
study in May 1997 on 15 women with IC. Although the study has not been
completed, according to reports, a large majority of the women have
improved.
- Beginning in 1993, two Colorado professionals (Susanna Choi, MD, a
board certified gynecologist, and Kathy Gibbons, PhD) observed that many
of their patients with PMS improved significantly on a treatment program
which featured dietary changes and oral anti-fungal medication. During
the past two years these professionals noted that women with severe
fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome and other symptoms often
respond to dietary changes and oral anti-fungal medications.
- In 1996 the Endometriosis Association described the relationship of
Candida albicans and endometriosis in their newsletter. Here is a brief
excerpt: "No other approach to endometriosis has given as consistent,
long-term, positive results as the treatment for Candida albicans /
allergy / infection and its related problems." (Endometriosis
Association, 8585 N. 76th Place, Milwaukee WI 53223).
- According to a recent report, some women with endometriosis show an
allergic reaction to Candida albicans and are "in need of treatment that
includes ... anti-fungal drugs and proper diet." (Current Approaches to
Endometriosis, Patient Care, Jan. 15, 1997,pp.34-38).
- In a February 1997 scientific article, investigators from Finland
reported that a number of their patients with eczema improved following
therapy with probiotics.
- Scientific studies and clinical reports show that oil of oregano is
an effective anti-yeast agent and more potent than caprylic acid. (The
Journal of Applied Nutrition 1995,7:1996, 101).
- During 1996-1997, a number of Candida clinicians have found that the
prescription anti-fungal medication, Lamisil®, is a useful adjunct in
treating their patients with yeast-related disorders.
Copyright © 1998 by William Crook, MD
International Health Foundation,
Inc. P.O. Box 3494
Jackson, Tennessee 83803 USA
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