EiR Blog

When it comes to what is variously known as intestinal yeast overgrowth, fungal-type dysbiosis, gut fermentation syndrome, or simply Candida, it is safe to say that prevention is much simpler than cure. Ignored by the conventional medical establishment, people affected by this condition often struggle to treat themselves to alleviate their many symptoms which can range from fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and general malaise to cognitive symptoms such as poor concentration and memory, and mood disturbances including depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and mood swings. Most of these symptoms are likely the result of the chronic absorption of toxins produced by Candida (or whatever fungal organism is the problem),  primarily ethanol and acetaldehyde, and the consequences these substances have on metabolic functions. For more information see: Candida and Gut Dysbiosis  My Candida Hell - Chronic Ethanol and Acetaldehyde Poisoning   To avoid developing this awful condition in the first place...

Continuing with my blog series aimed at helping you decipher the results of a comprehensive digestive stool analysis (CDSA), this week I will describe the various "metabolic markers" that might be referred to on your test results. n-Butyrate This short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) is produced as a result of the fermentation of dietary fibre, particularly gums and pectins, by certain bacteria that inhabit the intestines (particularly probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifodobacteria species). An n-butyrate level within the reference range is first and foremost then, an indicator that such health promoting bacteria are present in sufficient amounts. A low n-butyrate level in this respect may indicate a deficiency of beneficial bacteria while a high level suggests a general bacterial overgrowth caused by factors such as low stomach acid or high carbohydrate/fibre diets. In the former case probiotic supplements may be required while in the latter antibiotic therapy, whether drug-based...

 If you're like most people you probably associate probiotics with helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and alleviate symptoms such as bloating and stomach aches. You'd be absolutely right in thinking this as studies have shown probiotics to be helpful in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and traveller's diarrhea. Companies who produce probiotic yoghurt drinks usually focus on the digestive benefits of their products with their TV ads typically showing women bent over with stomach pain which is relieved by the probiotic drink! What may surprise you is that probiotic bacteria are also extremely important for the health of the immune system. There is a contant dialogue going on between the bacteria in the gut and the immune system and this can have profound consequences for overall health depending on how healthy the balance of your gut bacteria is. Studies have shown that probiotics can be...