If you have ever had a sustained case of the sniffles, you can imagine the frustration when that bunged-up feeling persists for months. However, many cases of sinusitis go unrecognized and untreated, with sufferers sometimes noticing how symptoms fluctuate in line with the yeast content of their diets.
Yeast Infections
Chronic yeast infections can take hold when the bacterial population in the intestines becomes imbalanced. Dr. Rodger Murphree, a physician who has tailored a number of treatment plans for these issues, explains that this often occurs following a high-sugar diet, stress or use of antibiotics. The yeast organisms, like the troublesome Candida species bacteria, can translocate into the blood stream where they can settle anywhere.
Fungal Sinusitis
Mucous membranes, such as those found in the sinuses, make for a perfect living space for yeast and fungi. The warm, damp environments also provide an excellent blood supply, continually nourishing the pathogenic organisms. According to Science Daily, a Mayo Clinic study noted that 96 percent of chronic sinusitis was related to fungal infection.
Immune System Response
When these yeast organisms become overgrown in the body, the immune system attempts to eradicate them. One the methods used to do this involves the production of antibodies. These antibodies try to bind the problematic organisms to initiate their destruction; this process causes the release of chemical mediators that cause inflammation. As a result, symptoms may occur.
Cross-Reactions
These antibodies have evolved with some built-in flexibility to help them do their job. However, this can result in cross-reactions in a number of people; for example, antibodies developed against the troublesome Candida species begin to react against harmless yeast contained in the diet, producing symptoms. Japanese scientists looked into the issue in 1995 and found that cross-reactions between Candida albicans and bakers yeast occurred 20 percent of the time. So, while you may technically not be allergic to the yeast in your diet, you may still react to items like bread, alcohol or vinegar when you consume them.
Treatment
Treatment revolves around clearing the yeast infection that triggered the problems, although removing yeast-containing foods should be done in the short term. Dr. Murphree recommends the complete removal of sugar and the reduction of carbohydrates to help starve the yeast, then adding anti-fungal foods and probiotics to help restore a healthier bacterial balance in the body.
References
- "Clinical and Experimental Allergy"; Detection of IgE antibody against Candida albicans enolase and its crossreactivity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae enolase; Ito et al.; 1995
- The Environmental Illness Resource: Treatment of Candida and Yeast Overgrowth, Dr. Rodger Murphree
- Science Daily: Mayo Clinic Study Implicates Fungus as Cause of Sinusitis
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