The Case:
- Layla has a history of fatigue related to her thyroid issues
- She is also dealing with digestive symptoms, brain fog, and frequent yeast infections.
- She tried reducing sugar and taking probiotics but it increased the bloatedness and brain fog
The Investigation
I met Layla when she joined my Thyroid Mystery Solved program. She’d completed the in-depth assessments and we saw that in addition to her thyroid not being properly supported for her
type, she also had many different Hashimoto’s triggers, including Candida. I knew exactly where
we needed to start and what to work on to get to the bottom of her thyroid mystery.
The Expert on Candida and Thyroid Issues
Dr. Michael Biamonte was the perfect person to call in to discuss Layla’s case. Not only is he an expert on Candida in Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism patients, but he was also my original naturopathic doctor and clinical nutritionist at the start of me solving my health mystery, 22 years ago.
Dr. Biamonte is the founder of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition and he’s the author of The Candida Chronicles, A Manual for Candida Yeast Infections.
What Is Candida?
Candida is a type of fungus/yeast that resides primarily in our intestinal tract and mucus membranes. Interestingly, it’s not something our bodies aim to completely eliminate because it serves some beneficial functions. Candida plays a role in stimulating our immune response and acts as nourishment for probiotics, those helpful bacteria we’ve all become familiar with thanks to commercials. Probiotics, in turn, regulate the pH balance in our gut, ensuring proper digestion and intestinal motility. They also assist in synthesizing vitamins, absorbing nutrients, and breaking down fibers from our diet into essential nutritional substances.
What You Need to Know about Candida and Probiotics
When it comes to our body’s defense system, probiotics play a crucial role—they’re like the frontline soldiers in our immune army. As Dr. Biamonte explains, our immune system is quite intricate, divided into six different divisions, with the intestinal tract and its probiotics serving as the first line of defense. This internal ecosystem is a delicate balance, where probiotics keep Candida in check. But if something disrupts or reduces the probiotics, Candida can seize the opportunity to overgrow, becoming dominant in our gut biome.
Dr. Biamonte explains how this overgrowth can lead to a cascade of issues. Candida, when unchecked, releases various toxins into our system—microtoxins, neurological toxins, and even alcohol, with some strains potent enough to intoxicate without drinking a sip.
The symptoms of Candida overgrowth are diverse and often seemingly unrelated. Symptoms may include:
- Rashes
- Asthma
- Brain fog and mood swings
- Fatigue
- Chronic sinus problems
It’s no wonder why many people struggle to connect the dots between their symptoms and Candida, earning it the title of the “great mimicker.” This elusive nature of Candida makes it challenging for individuals to recognize and address, leading to prolonged suffering and misdiagnoses.
The Possible Connection Between Candida, Thyroid, and Heavy Metals
We know that heavy metals like mercury can impact our thyroid health. I brought up this question because I’ve seen cases where individuals with Candida also have elevated levels of mercury or other heavy metals. Could there be a connection between heavy metals, Candida, and thyroid health? Dr. Biamonte shared that it’s a plausible theory, acknowledging the mysterious relationship between mercury and thyroid function that still puzzles many experts.
What we do know is that Candida in the gut has a knack for absorbing mercury, which can then be released when the Candida is treated. Additionally, mercury has been shown to suppress certain immune responses, potentially creating an environment where Candida can thrive even more. This connection sheds light on the intricate dance between our gut health, heavy metal toxicity, and thyroid function—a topic that continues to intrigue researchers and clinicians alike.
Why People with Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism Are More Susceptible to Candida
In understanding the relationship between thyroid disorders and Candida overgrowth, Dr. Biamonte sheds light on some unexpected factors, like body temperature. Our body’s temperature acts as a silent regulator, influencing whether Candida remains subdued or flourishes. If our temperature falls below the optimal range, it creates an inviting atmosphere for Candida to thrive. Monitoring our body temperature can become a simple yet powerful tool in deciphering potential health issues as anything below 97.8°F could hint at underlying imbalances.
How to Know if You Have Candida: Diagnosing Candida Overgrowth
Diagnosing Candida overgrowth can be daunting, especially when met with skepticism from conventional healthcare providers. But fear not, there are ways to validate your suspicions and uncover the truth about your health. Dr. Biamonte offers valuable insights into the diagnostic journey, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between harmless Candida presence and problematic overgrowth. He explains that we can uncover past encounters with Candida, even if they’ve since resolved through specialized tests like the blood test for Candida antibodies. Dr. Biamonte further recommends advanced assessments such as the organic acid test, which can pinpoint specific markers indicative of Candida activity, like elevated arabinose levels.
For those inclined towards hands-on approaches, Dr. Biamonte suggests an insightful experiment known colloquially as the “pasta test.” This test involves indulging in a carbohydrate-rich meal followed by sugary delights, allowing individuals to observe their body’s response over the following day. If symptoms like bloating, gas, or brain fog arise, it could signal Candida’s presence. The key is to tune into our body’s cues, whether it’s the aftermath of a beer indulgence or the consequences of a sweet treat.
Why Candida is Difficult to Diagnose
Dr. Biamonte explains that distinguishing Candida-related symptoms from other potential health issues can be complex. While conditions, like dysregulated blood sugar or small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can produce similar symptoms, certain manifestations like itching or fermentation point more definitively to Candida. However, it’s not always a clear-cut diagnosis, as individuals may experience a blend of multiple gut imbalances, complicating the clinical picture.
Plus, traditional diagnostic methods such as stool testing may not always capture the full extent of Candida presence. Dr. Biamonte says that stool tests have limitations because Candida has sporadic growth patterns within the intestinal tract making it easy to evade detection. This means that comprehensive assessments that consider the dynamic interplay between gut microbiota and Candida colonization are required.
The Role of Probiotics in Candida Management
Probiotics are a cornerstone in the battle against Candida overgrowth. As Dr. Biamonte shares, probiotics play a pivotal role in regulating the gut environment, exerting control over Candida proliferation. However, maintaining optimal probiotic levels can prove challenging in the face of Candida’s disruptive influence. Candida’s ability to diminish probiotic populations underscores the need for targeted interventions that bolster beneficial bacteria while curbing fungal overgrowth.
Dr. Biamonte offers practical solutions to enhance probiotic effectiveness in combating Candida overgrowth such as direct rectal implantation of beneficial bacteria (i.e. probiotic enema).
Addressing Candida: Three Key Steps
Dr. Michael Biamonte shares valuable insights into combatting a Candida overgrowth, emphasizing a multifaceted approach to treatment:
1. Enlist Enzymes: Dr. Biamonte advocates for a mechanical assault on Candida as the initial step. Enzymes are enlisted to break down the outer layer of Candida cells, while substances like diatomaceous earth physically dislodge it from the intestinal tract. Other agents help loosen Candida’s grip on the intestinal lining, facilitating its elimination. Incorporating binders aids in trapping and removing Candida from the body, setting the stage for subsequent treatment phases.
2. Rotating Botanicals: To combat Candida systemically, Dr. Biamonte recommends rotating botanicals. These botanical formulations mimic the action of pharmaceutical drugs but offer the advantage of variety. By alternating botanical treatments every seven to four days, Candida is continually challenged, reducing the risk of genetic mutation and treatment failure.
3. Antifungal Fatty Acids: Targeting deep-seated Candida within the intestine requires a specialized approach. Dr. Biamonte suggests using antifungal fatty acids such as Caprylic Acid, Undecylenic Acid, and Monolaurin. These fatty acids demonstrate remarkable efficacy in penetrating the intestinal tract and eradicating stubborn Candida colonies, promoting optimal gut health.
Dr. Biamonte stresses the importance of a comprehensive strategy to address a Candida overgrowth effectively.
Navigating Die-Off Reactions:
Die-off reactions should be expected as the body eliminates toxins that have been released by targeted Candida destruction. Rather than viewing these reactions as setbacks, they should be embraced as signs of healing. Dr. Biamonte advises temporarily reducing treatment doses to allow the liver to catch up with detoxification, supported by hydration, colonics, and binders.
It’s important to remember that getting out of Candida overgrowth is not an overnight process. Dr. Biamonte says that most cases will get rid of the excess Candida in the first four months and re-inoculate the gut flora within eight months if there are no interruptions to the treatment plan.
Navigating Candida Treatment with Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Diseases (Hashimoto’s)
When addressing Candida in individuals with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, it’s crucial to consider the unique nuances of the autoimmune condition. Dr. Biamonte emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal fluid intake and regular bowel movements to support the body’s detoxification process. However, when tailoring protocols for Hashimoto’s, I’m always extra careful that we avoid triggering an overactive immune response because this will make any Hashimoto’s symptoms much, much worse. For this reason, we steer clear of immune-boosting herbs or supplements that may inadvertently stimulate interferon production, potentially worsening Hashimoto’s symptoms.
While antifungal herbs are generally considered safe for individuals with Hashimoto’s, we have to be careful with immune-stimulating substances that could inadvertently aggravate autoimmune responses. Thankfully, many antifungal herbs possess multifaceted benefits, targeting various microbial invaders without triggering an immune response. This approach ensures that treatment strategies align with the individual’s unique health needs, promoting holistic healing without compromising autoimmune function.
Tips on Managing the Candida Diet Transition
Any Candida treatment requires a shift to a low-sugar, low-starch diet. But, as the months pass and probiotics start to do their work in reducing Candida, the question always comes up – can we ever loosen these dietary reins?
Dr. Biamonte explains that a pivotal shift occurs around the six-month mark. With probiotics bolstering our gut defenses, dietary restrictions can start to ease and move from strict avoidance to a balanced approach, granting sugar in moderation.
However, blood type plays a role. For example, type A individuals adapt more readily to carb inclusion. Dr. Biamonte suggests consulting resources like Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s “Eat Right For Your Blood Type.”
It’s a delicate dance between dietary constraints and freedom but prebiotic foods emerge as allies by nurturing a flourishing microbiome.
Happy Ending
The first step in helping Layla deal with her Candida overgrowth was to identify and support her thyroid based on her thyroid type. This is crucial because when the thyroid is not optimal, it can be so much harder to facilitate any kind of detox.
If you don’t know your thyroid type, click here to get an invite to join me for the next free training on understanding your thyroid type.
Once Layla was getting the right support and her thyroid hormones were optimized, we
started to go after the Candida. I walked her through the easy step-by-step protocols. We started with addressing biofilms with one of my favorite products called Interfase. We then activated the custom program I created for here that included 3 phases of Candida removal
In the first week, she experienced an increase in bloating but stuck with it. By phase 2, it had subsided and her digestion improved – she was finally able to fit into her pants! The final phase was rebalancing her microbiome by using ingredients that both boosted probiotics and diversified the microbiome.
After 12 weeks, Layla was feeling much, much better and we were both thrilled.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Layla, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?
Links:
Resources mentioned
Thanks to my guest Dr. Micheal Biamonte. You can connect with him through his websites, https://health-truth.com/ or https://www.newyorkcitycandidadoctor.com/
Suggested Products
InterfaseFree Thyroid Type Training – Sign Up Here for Your Invitation
Related Podcast Episodes:
Underlying Causes of Recurring Candida w/ Dr. Michael Biamonte The Case of Candida, The Great Mimicker w/ Dr. Michael Biamonte Are you Missing this Important Evaluation Method for Thyroid Assessment? With Guest Michael Biamonte The Case of Mercury Fillings w/ Dr. Kourosh Maddahi How Very Healthy Foods can Create Aches, Pain and UTI Symptoms w/ Dr. Beth O’HaraThanks for Listening
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