Could Fungal Issues be Causing your IBS Symptoms?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact cause of IBS remains elusive and many of my patients have been told they just need to put up with these symptoms, emerging research suggests that fungal issues within the gut could be an underlying cause. A healthy gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi which form our mycobiome (the fungal component of the microbiome). But when disruptions occur and the balance is thrown off, these fungi can take advantage of the disturbed environment and overgrow. 

A balanced and diverse gut microbiome is essential for maintaining gut health. It plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and the synthesis of essential vitamins. However, when the balance within the microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues, including IBS.

Fungal Dysbiosis and IBS

Fungal dysbiosis, an imbalance within the mycobiome, can contribute to the development of IBS symptoms. Here are some ways in which fungal issues may cause or exacerbate IBS:

1. Increased Gut Permeability (AKA- leaky gut):

Certain fungi, like Candida species, can contribute to increased gut permeability. When the gut lining becomes more permeable, it allows toxins and other harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune reaction & inflammation. This can lead to symptoms in the gut like pain, gas, bloating and body-wide symptoms like foggy brain and fatigue.

2. Altered Gut Motility:

Studies have suggested that fungal dysbiosis can affect gut motility, leading to irregular bowel movements, one of the hallmark symptoms of IBS. Changes in gut motility can lead to constipation, diarrhoea or a mix of both.

3. Production of Toxins:

Some fungi produce toxins, such as mycotoxins, which can negatively impact gut health & the body. These toxins can cause leaky gut, lead to inflammation & make people feel very unwell, and even produce symptoms like headaches on top of all the gut symptoms.

4. Interaction with Gut Bacteria:

The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem where bacteria and fungi interact. Dysbiosis in one component can disrupt the balance of the other, potentially leading to other gastrointestinal issues, including SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Investigations into patients with chronic persistent gut symptoms revealed SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth) or mixed SIFO / SIBO was present in at least three out of five cases.

Testing & Specialised Treatment is essential

As I have mentioned in previous articles. When it comes to overgrowth or issues of this nature, I believe testing is essential. We do not want to go ahead and embark on antifungal treatment if it is not necessary. It could potentially cause harm to the microbiome if you are treating the wrong condition.

Ensuring you are using reliable testing is also very important when it come to investigating. This is why I highly recommend seeing a practitioner who specialises in these gut conditions.

Below is an example of a positive test result for fungal issues on an Organic Acids Test.

Treatment can include a variety of antifungal herbs, to get the fungal overgrowth under control, we are not aiming to kill everything off. As discussed earlier in this article fungi are a normal part of a healthy microbiome. I also use specific strains of probiotics to improve the gut environment, formulas that support the repair of the leaky gut,  binders to help absorb excess toxins and formulas to improve and support the function of the gut.

If you suspect that fungal issues could be behind your IBS or body-wide symptoms, then book a free discovery call here:

https://www.tummyrescue.com.au/free-15-minute-call

And we can have a chat about how I can help you uncover your underlying causes and heal your gut.

If you want 5 ways to reduce your bloating, pain, and gas, get my FREE e-book right now!

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A bit about me!

 I am Danielle Elliott a qualified Naturopath and the owner of Tummy Rescue.

I have been helping kids & adults improve their health for over 16 years, with the last 11 years concentrating on helping patients with any kind of gut disorder. I began focussing on everything gut related after my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. And lucky I did……as my husband and both our kids have Coeliac Disease and my daughter has a dairy allergy.

So…. I am well and truly where I am meant to be!

I love being able to help people to soothe and calm their symptoms, investigate the causes and support and improve their gut function.

I also get to write educational pieces to train practitioners and am often interviewed for podcasts and summits, which is another really rewarding part of my work. I love educating people (this is something I do in every consult), because I do believe knowledge is power. It gives you the tools to make the changes you need to!

So, when you opt-in to my E-book, you are beginning on a journey of learning and discovery, of how you can reduce your symptoms of bloating, gas & pain and improve your gut health.

I would be honoured to help you along the way.

Danielle xoxo