How does candida overgrowth in the gut contribute to eczema symptoms. What dietary and lifestyle factors can influence the eczema-candida relationship. Why are topical treatments often insufficient for managing eczema long-term.

The True Nature of Eczema: More Than Skin Deep

Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not primarily a skin condition. While the visible symptoms manifest on the skin as redness, flaking, and irritation, the root cause lies much deeper within the body. Research has revealed a fascinating connection between eczema and the health of our digestive system, particularly relating to an overgrowth of candida yeast.

Candida is a type of yeast naturally present in the human gut. However, when candida populations grow out of control, it can lead to a condition called candidiasis. Studies indicate that over 90,000 people in the United States alone are affected by candida overgrowth annually. This imbalance in the gut microbiome can have far-reaching effects throughout the body, including on the skin.

The Gut-Skin Axis: How Digestive Health Impacts Eczema

The relationship between gut health and skin conditions is often referred to as the gut-skin axis. In the case of eczema, an overgrowth of candida in the digestive tract can lead to the production of toxins. These toxins are then absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually make their way to the skin, where they are expelled as part of the body’s natural detoxification process.

This expulsion of toxins through the skin is what causes the characteristic symptoms of eczema: redness, inflammation, and flaking. Essentially, the skin is acting as a detox organ, pushing out the harmful byproducts of candida overgrowth.

Candida Overgrowth: The Hidden Culprit Behind Eczema

While there are over 58 known strains of candida, research has identified Candida krusei as the specific strain most closely associated with eczema. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies that address the root cause of the condition rather than simply managing surface-level symptoms.

Factors Contributing to Candida Overgrowth

• Diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates
• Excessive consumption of processed foods
• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic stress
• Weakened immune system

Identifying and addressing these underlying factors is essential for managing candida overgrowth and, by extension, eczema symptoms.

Beyond Eczema: The Wide-Ranging Impact of Candida

The influence of candida overgrowth extends far beyond eczema. Various strains of this yeast have been linked to a multitude of health issues, including:

• Acne
• Dandruff
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The specific manifestation of symptoms often depends on which part of the digestive tract is affected by the candida overgrowth. This explains why some individuals may experience skin issues while others develop gastrointestinal problems.

Eczema in Infants: A Generational Connection

Intriguingly, even infants can develop eczema related to candida overgrowth. This occurs despite their limited exposure to many of the typical triggers like sugar, antibiotics, and hormones in food. The explanation lies in the mother-child connection during pregnancy.

Candida overgrowth in the mother can be passed on to the baby in utero. This transfer of gut microbiome imbalance can predispose infants to developing eczema early in life. Understanding this generational link highlights the importance of addressing gut health not only for individual well-being but also for the health of future generations.

The Limitations of Topical Treatments for Eczema

Given the internal origins of eczema, it becomes clear why topical treatments alone are often insufficient for long-term management of the condition. While creams and ointments can provide temporary relief from symptoms, they fail to address the underlying cause of the problem.

Effective eczema treatment requires a holistic approach that targets candida overgrowth in the gut. This may involve a combination of dietary changes, probiotic supplementation, and specific anti-candida therapies.

Potential Treatment Strategies for Candida-Related Eczema

1. Dietary modifications to reduce sugar and processed food intake
2. Incorporation of probiotic-rich foods or supplements
3. Use of natural antifungal agents like caprylic acid
4. Stress reduction techniques to support overall immune function
5. Targeted therapies using frequency-enhanced water (as mentioned in some alternative approaches)

It’s important to note that while antifungal medications exist, they often come with significant side effects and potential toxicity to the liver and other organs. For this reason, many practitioners recommend exploring gentler, natural approaches first.

The Role of Diet in Managing Eczema and Candida

Diet plays a crucial role in both the development and management of candida overgrowth and, by extension, eczema. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can fuel candida growth, exacerbating the problem. Conversely, adopting an anti-candida diet can be a powerful tool in regaining balance in the gut microbiome.

Key Components of an Anti-Candida Diet

• Elimination of refined sugars and simple carbohydrates
• Increased consumption of non-starchy vegetables
• Incorporation of healthy fats like coconut oil, which has natural antifungal properties
• Inclusion of fermented foods to support beneficial gut bacteria
• Adequate protein intake to support immune function
• Herbal teas and spices with antifungal properties (e.g., pau d’arco, oregano)

While dietary changes alone may not completely resolve eczema symptoms, they can significantly contribute to overall gut health and help create an environment less hospitable to candida overgrowth.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Eczema Treatment

Given the complex nature of the eczema-candida connection, a multifaceted approach to treatment is often necessary. This may involve combining dietary changes, topical treatments for symptom relief, stress management techniques, and targeted therapies to address candida overgrowth.

Elements of a Comprehensive Eczema Management Plan

1. Identification and avoidance of individual triggers (e.g., certain foods, environmental allergens)
2. Implementation of an anti-candida diet
3. Use of gentle, moisturizing skincare products to support the skin barrier
4. Stress reduction practices like meditation or yoga
5. Proper sleep hygiene to support immune function
6. Regular exercise to promote overall health and detoxification
7. Consultation with healthcare professionals for personalized treatment plans

By addressing both the internal and external factors contributing to eczema, individuals may find more lasting relief from their symptoms.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Eczema Treatment

As our understanding of the eczema-candida connection continues to evolve, new avenues for treatment are emerging. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to managing candida overgrowth and its impact on skin health.

Promising Areas of Research

• Development of targeted probiotics specifically designed to combat candida overgrowth
• Investigation of natural compounds with antifungal properties
• Exploration of the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation in severe cases
• Studies on the impact of environmental toxins on gut health and eczema
• Research into the role of stress and the gut-brain axis in eczema development

These ongoing studies hold promise for more effective and personalized treatments for eczema in the future.

Understanding the intricate relationship between candida overgrowth and eczema opens up new possibilities for managing this challenging skin condition. By addressing the root cause in the gut, rather than solely focusing on topical treatments, individuals may find more comprehensive and lasting relief from their symptoms. As research in this area continues to advance, we can look forward to increasingly targeted and effective approaches to eczema management that take into account the complex interplay between our digestive health and skin.

Eczema and Candida Connection

Unfortunately for many, eczema is a constant battle. The search for the most sensitive skin care products—even fabrics—that help relieve irritation can often be ongoing and frustrating, not to mention the discomfort and the diligence it takes to monitor triggers. Osmosis focuses on the cause of eczema, which is actually inflammation in the digestive tract, one of the many things you may not have known. As you seek relief, let the real facts about eczema guide you.

1. Eczema is not a skin condition.

Yes, it’s true that eczema shows up as red, flaky, irritated skin in people of all ages. However, the cause of eczema is from candida overgrowth in the gut, so it is not really a problem with the function of the skin. In fact, the skin is actually acting as a detox organ, and the redness and flaking skin result from the skin pushing candida toxins out.

2. Your diet and excess exposure to antibiotics are likely to blame for eczema.

Candida is a type of yeast that is found naturally in the gut. More than 90,000 people a year in the U.S. are affected by overgrowth of candida, which is called candidiasis (d’Enfert, Hube 2007). The main reasons for this epidemic include a diet heavy in sugar and excess exposure to hormones and antibiotics through meat and dairy products primarily, but also through frequent use of prescribed antibiotics and hormones.

3. Candida may also cause other skin issues like acne and dandruff.

Candida is not commonly considered in many medical conditions, but with over 58 strains, it actually can be the cause of many conditions. The strain specific to eczema is Candida krusei (Sakharuk 2013). Other strains may cause acne, IBS, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and much more. The toxins are absorbed in the gut and carried to specific regions of the skin for removal based on their specific location in the gut.

4. Even infants are subject to the same strains.

Infant eczema occurs before exposure to many of the sugars, antibiotics and hormones because it is passed on from the mother in utero. Child and adult eczema are usually related to the common causes mentioned.

5. To treat eczema, topical products won’t be not enough.

Most people focus their attention topically. While we like the use of Osmosis Rescue to provide relief to the skin, it does not treat the source of the problem from the inside. Unfortunately, candida overgrowth is not easy to control. Osmosis uses a special frequency-enhanced water to be effective against candida without side effects or age restrictions. Other options like probiotics, caprylic acid and dietary changes are never a bad addition to the Osmosis strategy. Antifungals come with their own set of side effects that can be quite toxic to the liver (amongst other organs) and are therefore not recommended.

References:

1) dEnfert C; Hube B (editors) (2007).

 Candida: Comparative and Functional Genomics. Caister Academic Press. ISBN 978-1-904455-13-4.

2) Sakharuk, N A NA (2013). “[The role of various Candida species in oral candidiasis etiology in psoriasis and eczema patients].” Stomatologija (Moskva) (0039-1735), 92 (4), p. 31.

 *Content on this blog post is not considered a medical advice. Please see a physician before making any medical or lifestyle changes.*

The Candida Eczema Connection | Theraderm® Clinical Skin Care

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Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated. It usually afflicts those who suffer from allergies and asthma, thus indicating a root cause — usually an environmental allergen such as dust or mold, or more commonly a food or detergent. Although it is more common in children, eczema can affect adults too.

Eczema is a skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated. It usually afflicts those who suffer from allergies and asthma, thus indicating a root cause — usually an environmental allergen such as dust or mold, or more commonly a food or detergent. Although it is more common in children, eczema can affect adults too.

Treating eczema is tricky. There are steroid creams for extreme cases, but usually it’s a matter of keeping the skin moist, bathing in a soothing oatmeal or vinegar bath, and of course trying to avoid the trigger, if that can be determined.

Of course every case is different, which is what makes eczema such a tricky condition to treat.

Recent evidence suggests that eczema sufferers can drastically improve or even resolve the condition by addressing overgrowth of Candida in their digestive system.

This is great news for those who have been relying on steroids or topical immunosuppressants to control their eczema because those products have dangerous side effects. We are learning that perhaps there is a way to cure eczema from the inside out.

What is Candida?

Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in the digestive system, which can cause a host of digestive and other issues (such as eczema).

How do you treat Candida?

Treating Candida basically means starving the yeast in the digestive system by eliminating sugar, yeast and cheese from the diet. No fun, right?? But many who suffer from eczema have found relief from basically starving the Candida out of their systems.

Don’t be alarmed if symptoms will worsen at first, or if you experience headaches or nausea. This is mostly likely due to the dying off and release of toxic chemicals from the Candida and shouldn’t last more than a week.

Maintenance

Once the Candida is gone and the eczema begins to improve, it’s important to keep the immune system strong to keep both conditions at bay. Eating yogurt and taking probiotic supplements to create healthy gut flora will also help the Candida from reoccurring. Raw garlic also has anti-fungal properties that help the battle against Candida and eczema.

A healthy diet of whole foods, primarily good quality meats and vegetables, will keep your body healthy and strong.

Naturally it’s important to find skincare products that do not irritate the skin. Theraderm has several skincare lines made from the highest quality ingredients. For those with eczema, I recommend trying the Cleansing Wash followed by the Gentle Facial Moisturizer. The gentle, non-irritating formula of the Cleansing Wash purifies and refreshes even the most sensitive skin, and the Gentle Facial Moisturizer is water-based so as not to clog your pores or irritate sensitive skin.

July 25, 2013

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Laboratory Department of the Sklifosovsky Research Institute | Diagnosis of pathologies

Laboratory department of the Sklifosovsky Research Institute | Diagnosis of pathologies | High-precision research methods

Research Institute of Emergency Medicine. N.V. Sklifosovsky

Candidiasis Diagnosis

Candida is a yeast-like fungus that is naturally present in the normal, healthy gut microflora and is found in the mouth and vagina. The Candida antibody test is used to detect systemic candidiasis by looking for 3 antibodies that form immunity to Candida – IgG, IgA and IgM. The test detects when the levels of these antibodies are especially high, which signals an overgrowth of Candida.

Candida can cause disease when your body’s ability to contain it is weak and therefore allows the fungus to spread causing overgrowth. This can happen, for example, on the skin, in and around the oral and vaginal cavities. Many practitioners agree that internal Candida infection is very common, often goes undiagnosed, and may be the cause of many external Candida infectious conditions.

The following factors may increase the chance of Candida overgrowth:

• taking antibiotics from meat and animal products,
• excessive consumption of sugar and sugar-containing products,
• pregnancy,
• diabetes,
• immunosuppression,
• chlorine in drinking water and bathing/swimming water.

Some of the possible symptoms of candidiasis:

• fatigue,
• difficulty trying to concentrate,
• white coating on tongue or mouth,
• bad breath, bad taste in the mouth,
• abdominal pain,
• bloating and indigestion,
• increased food allergies (problems with gluten or celiac disease can be a direct result of Candida overgrowth)
• constant cravings for sweets,
• joint pain with symptoms of arthritis,
• weight gain or loss and inability to change it,
• fungus on toenails,
• itching, red eyes,
• skin rashes on the body (eczema, atopic dermatitis),
• candidiasis rash in the groin area,
• anal itching, itching of the penis or vagina,
• hair loss,
• vision problems.

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