The influence of the intestinal microbiome on health and disease throughout the body is increasingly being recognized. Therefore, recognizing the constitution of man’s microbiota is of paramount importance for clinical success. Formed mostly by bacteria, the intestinal microbiome also includes less studied populations of fungi, archeobacteria and viruses. In these cases, quantities should not be used to measure their health potential. Fungal dysbiosis in the intestine is mainly caused by indiscriminate use of antibiotics and antifungals associated with a weakened immune system.
As for structure, fungi range from single-celled to more complex structures such as mushrooms. Its constitution is manoproteins, betaglucan (present in the cell wall), chitin layer and phospholipids. The two main phylums of fungi are basidiomycota (30% of the phylums) and ascomycota (70% of the phylums). Some are beneficial such as saccharomyces, yeasts and penicillium while protobionts when in excess can cause dysfunctions in the dynamics of the microbiota (candida, aspergillus spp).
Candida Albicans
Although it is present in the intestine of every individual, this fungus needs to be in normal amounts, since the imbalance can damage the intestinal barrier due to the secretion of enzymes, competition for space with bacteria beneficial to health and its ability to “circumvent the immune system”. Therefore, it is important to consider that candida acts in the capture of sugars and, later, in the delivery of these molecules to bacteria. This condition induces activation of mast cells that correlate with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (ISI), discomfort and irritability in the face of food.
In addition, fungal syndrome (FS) can be aggravated when the individual has a diet rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates (this, in turn, can induce increased candidiasis in women), use of antibiotics and corticosteroids or covid-19 powders.
Symptomatology
Usually the patient with fungal syndrome presents fatigue, constant hypoglycemia, abdominal distension and gases; insomnia, anxiety and mood swings; weak memory and white saburra on the tongue.
Clinical practice
Prebiotics with a focus on Lactobacillus GG is interesting, as studies show their ability to reduce lactic acid. However, for cases of FS accompanied by retry candidiasis, the lactobacillus crispatus strain is valid.
In addition, in the treatment of DES, therapeutic targets such as the immune system and intestinal barrier should be traced through the regulation of the circadian cycle, practice of physical activity, vitamin D, zinc, fiber, glutamine and collagen supplementation when necessary; antimicrobial agents such as garlic, thyme, oregano, olive leaves, calendula, black walnut and diet adequacy by reducing the consumption of simple carbohydrates, increased intake of dietary fibres, good fats and polyphenols as well as the exclusion of sweets, fermented, dried fruits, potatoes, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, aged cheeses, peanuts and alcoholic beverages for two months, after this phase occurs the reintroduction of the desired foods with evaluation of signs and symptoms.
Bibliographic references
Reading Suggestion:
Beta-glucan fibers and their Physiological Effects
Watch nutritionist Karina Al Assal on science play platform – Fungi Microbiota
Article Fungal Dysbiosis: Underhill DM, Braun J. Fungal microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease: a critical assessment.
J Clin Invest. 2022 Mar 1;132(5):e155786. doi: 10.1172/JCI155786. PMID: 35229726; PMCID: PMC8884899.
