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The Secret To Diagnosing & Treating Chronic Candidiasis

SPECIAL REPORT:

By Kurt N. Woeller, D.O.

“Candidiasis is more than just a nuisance condition. Patients can be significantly compromised with regards to their health affecting all aspects of homeostasis, including dysfunctions within the gastrointestinal, immunological, and neurological systems and various biochemical pathways. A thorough clinical and pathogenicity understanding of chronic candidiasis is paramount to helping individuals affected by this insidious problem.”

– Kurt N. Woeller, D.O.

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Candidiasis is a fungal infection linked to any form of Candida species (1).

These infections can occur in various places on or inside the body such as esophagus, genitals, intestines, mouth, scalp, and skin. Oral thrush can cause mouth sores and make it difficult to swallow (2) and is common in infants, elderly and those with compromised immune function (3).

At times, candida can be become systemically invasive leading to candidemia which is defined as candida infection within the bloodstream. Candida albicans is the most common form of candida organism causing candidiasis, but there are multiple types in existence known to cause problems (4).

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Gastrointestinal candidiasis (GC) is a recognized problem amongst functional and integrative medicine providers, but is underappreciated in conventional medicine, despite decades of clinical research (5). In autism, for example, GC commonly causes or contributes to digestive problems, e.g. bloating, constipation, flatulence. GC can also contribute to the accumulation of various toxic compounds such as arabinose known to alter neural function and other biochemical imbalances (6).

To fully appreciate the problems linked to chronic candidiasis it is important to have a thorough understanding of its ability to create imbalances at the cellular and biochemical level. This includes understanding mechanisms of pathogenicity of invasive candida, as well as laboratory testing availability and various treatment options for eradication. This Special Report will provide some examples of pathogenicity mechanisms of candida. A deeper analysis related to these topics, along with testing methodologies and treatment strategies will be explained in detail as part of the Candida Mastery Course.

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Arabinose, a sugar aldehyde and closely related to an alcohol known as arabinitol, has been used for years as an indicator of invasive candidiasis (7). An article in 1995 by W. Shaw, Ph.D. (8) detailing high levels of arabinose in twins with autism eventually led to further research into this compound and its prevalence to various health disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Arabinose can bind with the amino acid lysine which cross-links with the amino acid found in adjoining proteins called arginine (9). This interaction alters normal biological function throughout the body, including neuronal structures by the development of a glycation end-product called Pentosidine. Another example of a glycation end-product is hemoglobin A1c used to monitor high blood sugar in diabetics. The pentosidine structure (complex of arabinose-lysine-arginine) has been linked to various adverse neurological reactions, including myelin damage, neurofibrillary tangle development and Alzheimer’s disease (10) .

Arabinose Toxicity

In addition, a specific amino group of lysine acts as a functional component of many enzyme systems that also depend on cofactor binding from vitamin B6, lipoic acid and biotin (11). High amounts of pentosidine, which block these binding sites, can lead to functional deficiencies even when nutritional intake of these nutrients is adequate.

Arabinose and other fungal metabolites are often detectable from Organic Acids Testing. The Organic Acids Test (OAT) from Great Plains Laboratory is covered in the Candida Mastery Course with regards to fungal and yeast metabolites and various biochemical imbalances which can occur from chronic candidiasis. This information on fungal and yeast toxins can also be applied to other companies Organic Acids Tests as well.

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An OAT is an accurate assessment of what is happening metabolically in the body. The OAT evaluates for various urinary metabolites (a.k.a. organic acids) that can be useful for discovering underlying causes of chronic illness or linked to various disorders.

Treatments based on OAT findings often leads to improved energy, sleep, and mental health conditions, as well as reduced attention and concentration problems, chronic pain, digestive problems, and neurological disorders. It is the single greatest test that every health care practitioner should know how to interpret and use in clinical practice. It is a powerful tool for helping people with chronic health problems.

What is the Organic Acids Test (OAT)?

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Organic acids are chemical compounds excreted in the urine of mammals that are products of metabolism. They are substances in which carbon and hydrogen are always present, but may also contain the elements of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Examples of OA’s are lactic acid linked to glucose metabolism and often elevated in metabolic problems, physical stress, poor blood flow, bacterial infections, mitochondrial dysfunction, mold toxicity and even sleep apnea.

What are Organic Acids (OA)?

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The OAT evaluates for various fungal toxins, including specific markers for candida. Many people rely on stool testing for candidiasis diagnosis. However, the stool is often negative for candida overgrowth while the OAT detects the presence of candida toxins. The OAT is overall more sensitive for candida analysis. Candida toxins can create problems with brain function including memory, attention, and focus issues. Special needs individuals can often have erratic behavior such as silliness, goofiness and inappropriate laughter associated with elevated levels of candida. These behaviors can also be seen along with bloating, flatulence, and other digestive complaints. For some people candida leads to chemical sensitivity, as well as muscle aches and pain. The OAT also has markers indicating mold exposure too such as Aspergillus which can create toxic compounds which are damaging to the brain, liver, kidneys, and immune systems (see Figure 1).

Yeast and Fungal Metabolites on OAT

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Figure 1 – the Yeast and Fungal Marker section of the OAT evaluates for many fungal markers. Marker #7 (Arabinose) is linked to invasive candida and Marker #2 (5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furoic) is produced by aspergillus mold. Other markers such as #2, #5 and #9 are associated with mold exposure too, including Fusarium, associated with the compound Tricarballylic.

Figure 1

The OAT evaluates for high oxalate (oxalic acid). Oxalate is a compound found in many foods such as nuts (e.g., almonds), fruit (e.g., berries) and certain vegetables (e.g., spinach). Oxalate can also be produced by the presence of candida, as well as certain metabolic imbalances linked to deficiency in oxalate converting enzymes. Certain molds also produce oxalate. High oxalate is often associated with joint and muscle pain but can lead to bladder and bowel discomfort as well. Severe cases of oxalate accumulation lead to kidney stones. Oxalate can trap heavy metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic in the body and lead to mineral imbalances. Autistic individuals who have high oxalates are often moody, irritable, and agitated (see Figure 2).

Oxalic Acid Linked to Chronic Candidiasis

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Figure 2 – The Oxalate Metabolites section of the OAT evaluates for Oxalic and two other compounds. In this example, marker 21 is extremely high. This can occur from a high oxalate diet, mold and candida contributions and genetic influences.

Figure 2

The high oxalate situation alone is one reason to incorporate the OAT into clinical practice. Many people suffer from high oxalate problems and do not know it. Years of chronic pain can occur from misdiagnosis and treatment when the OAT may reveal the true problem.

The OAT evaluates for mitochondrial imbalances. The mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells. They are often stressed because of toxins from candida, bacteria, oxalate, heavy metals, and environmental chemicals. Mitochondrial dysfunction is quite common in chronic health problems, including chronic candidiasis (see Figure 3).

Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Chronic Candidiasis, and the OAT

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Figure 3 – The OAT has three sections that evaluate for mitochondrial dysfunction. In this example there are many elevated markers. Lactic (marker 22) can be linked to many physical stressors, including yeast/fungal, including mold exposure. Marker 24 (Succinic) is common with chemical toxins and high Malic and Citric are often seen with digestive fungal overgrowth.

Figure 3

Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

Invasive candida can also play a role in leaky gut (LG), also known as increased intestinal permeability, by piercing either through the apical membrane of an epithelial cell or damaging the tight junctions.

LG is a disorder of the digestive system where there is a loss of the integrity of the intestinal lining that normally prevents toxins from crossing over into the blood stream. LG is known as a causative or contributing factor in various health conditions such as chronic fatigue, allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease/disorders, and other inflammatory diseases (12).

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The basic structure of the intestinal lining is represented by villi (greater surface area capacity), microvilli (made up of epithelial cells that compose the function of digestion) and smaller structures, called the ‘tight junctions (TJ),’ which keep the intestinal lining functional and intact. TJs help to maintain the cohesiveness of epithelial cells. They are made up of various proteins such as zonulin and occludin, which are linked to actin fibers. This complex of cellular structures aides in maintenance of shape, integrity, and flexibility (13). The function of the TJs is to keep large macromolecules from crossing the digestive lining which can trigger adverse immune reactions causing inflammation, autoantibody responses and tissue damage. Invasive candida can produce a tentacle structure called hyphae that pierces through the epithelial cell lining in the region of the tight junction.

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Immune Dysfunction

The immune suppressant chemical gliotoxin is most often linked to Aspergillus fungus where it is known to inhibit various aspects of immune function such as depletion of neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages (14). Gliotoxin can also indirectly lead to systemic inflammation and mitochondrial damage (15).

Candida organisms have been researched in their production of various compounds too which can damage the immune system, including immunotoxins like cell-wall mannan catabolites (16) and a gliotoxin-like compound (17). The gliotoxin link to candida has been controversial (18), but various fungal compounds like those described here and others are important factors to consider in all cases of chronic candidiasis.

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ConclusionThere are many other pathogenicity mechanisms linked to candida infections, but those discussed in this Special Report are important when evaluating a patient suffering with various chronic health issues, whether it is autism, autoimmune disorders, chronic digestive disorders, dementia, immune deficiency, food allergies or fatigue.

The Candida Mastery Course is designed for any health professional with a desire to understand the pathogenicity mechanism and clinical significance, along with evaluation and treatment strategies, of individuals suffering from chronic candidiasis. This online course goes beyond basic information regarding gastrointestinal candida and explores this important topic from multiple angles with regards to toxicity mechanisms, biochemical imbalances, and immune and neurological dysfunction.

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Meet Dr. Kurt N. WoellerKurt N. Woeller, D.O., is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, functional medicine physician, and biomedical autism treatment specialist. He is the author of several integrative health books, including:

• Autism – The Road To Recovery. • Methyl-B12 for Autism. • 7 Facts You Need to Know About Autism. • Methyl-B12 and Methylation Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. • 5 Things You MUST Do To Treat Your Rheumatoid Arthritis (co-authored with Dr. Tracy Tranchitella).

Dr. Woeller is an international lecturer and educator and provides health practitioner education courses through Integrative Medicine Academy, an online resource for educational information on integrative medicine topics. Dr. Woeller is course creator for many of the course offerings, including Advanced OAT Mastery, Autism Mastery, Candida Mastery, Essential OAT Mastery, Functional Medicine Mastery, Hormone Mastery, SIBO Mastery and Toxicity Mastery Course.

Health professionals also have access to Dr. Woeller for one-on-one consults and mentorship through Functional Medicine Clinical Rounds.

Dr. Kurt N. Woeller can be reached for private consultations through his private practice, Sunrise Functional Medicine, where he focuses on specialized diagnostic testing and treatments for individuals with complex medical conditions such as Autism, Autoimmune and Neurological Disorders and other chronic health conditions.

He is also the Medical Director for Autism Recovery System, an online resource for parents of autism-spectrum individuals, and Lab Tests Plus, a lab ordering and interpretation service.

Dr. Woeller serves as a clinical consultant and educator for Great Plains Laboratory providing health professional education through conference training and monthly webinars. He also is the OAT seminar creator and presenter for Great Plains Laboratory’s, GPL Academy conferences. Additionally, Dr. Woeller is on the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Scientific Advisory Panel and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association.

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1. Candidiasis. Fungal Diseases. United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 13 November 2019.

2. Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Fungal Diseases. United States: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 13 November 2019.

3. Symptoms of Oral Candidiasis. cdc.gov. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014.

4. Candidiasis. cdc.gov. February 13, 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014.

5. Martins N, Ferreira IC, Barros L, Silva S, Henriques M. Candidiasis: predisposing factors, prevention, diagnosis and alternative treatment. Mycopathologia. 2014. 177 (5–6): 223–40.

6. Sell D, Monnier V. Structure elucidation of a senescence cross-link from human extracellular matrix. Implication of pentoses in the aging process. J Biol Chem. 1989;264(36): 21597-21602.

7. Kiehn T, Bernard E, Gold J, Armstrong D. Candidiasis: detection by gas-liquid chromatography of D-arabinitol, a fungal metabolite, in human serum. Science. 1979; 206(4418): 577-580.

8. Shaw W, Kassen E, Chaves E. Increased excretion of analogs of Krebs cycle metabolites and arabinose in two brothers with autistic features. Clin Chem. 1995;41(8):1094-1104.

9. Sell D, Monnier V. Structure elucidation of a senescence cross-link from human extracellular matrix. Implication of pentoses in the aging process. J Biol Chem. 1989;264(36): 21597-21602.

10.Smith MA, Taneda S, Richey PL, et al. Advanced Maillard reaction end products are associated with Alzheimer disease pathology. Proc Natl. Acad. Sci U S A. 1994; 91(12): 5710-5714.

11.Mahler H, Cordes E. Biological Chemistry. 1966; Harper and Row, NY. Pgs 322-375.

12.Ludovic Giloteaux, Julia K. Goodrich, William A. Walters, Susan M. Levine, Ruth E. Ley, Maureen R. Hanson. Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Microbiome, 2016.

13.Christopher T. Capaldo and Asma Nusrat. Cytokine regulation of tight junctions. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009 Apr; 1788(4): 864–81.

14.Dolan, Stephen K. o'Keeffe, Grainne, Jones, Gary W. Doyle, Sean. Resistance is not futile: Gliotoxin biosynthesis, functionality and utility. Trends in Microbiology. 2015. 23 (7): 419–28

15.Pardo, Julian; Urban, Christin; Galvez, Eva M.; Ekert, Paul G.; Müller, Uwe; Kwon-Chung, June; Lobigs, Mario; Müllbacher, Arno; Wallich, Reinhard; Borner, Christoph; Simon, Markus M. The mitochondrial protein Bak is pivotal for gliotoxin-induced apoptosis and a critical host factor of Aspergillusfumigatus virulence in mice. The Journal of Cell Biology. 2016. 174 (4): 509–19.

16.Podzorski R, Herron M, Fast D, Nelson R. Pathogenesis of candidiasis immunosuppression by cell wall mannan catabolites. Arch Surgery. 1989;124(11):1290-1294.

17.Shah D, Larsen B. Clinical isolates of yeast produce a gliotoxin-like substance. Mycopathologia. 1991. 116:203-208.

18.Shah, Darshana T.; Larsen, Bryan. Clinical isolates of yeast produce a gliotoxin-like substance. Mycopathologia. 1991.116 (3): 203–8

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References