Gluten allergy and candida yeast both can negatively affect the gastrointestinal system and cause very similar symptoms, which sometimes leads to misdiagnosis. To complicate things even more, many people suffer from both problems simultaneously, which suggests there might be a connection. Candida can damage your intestines and contribute to various food allergies, while uncontrolled gluten sensitivity can weaken your immune response and contribute to candida overgrowth.
Gluten Allergy
Gluten is a collection of proteins found in the seeds of wheat and other grains, such as barley and rye. In nature, gluten is meant to nourish embryonic plants during germination. It is a very absorptive and elastic substance, which allows breads to rise and gives grain-based foods their chewy texture. Some proteins within gluten cause allergic reactions in the intestines of gluten-sensitive people. According to "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition," the breakdown products of gluten, primarily glutelins and gliadins, cause allergic-type reactions in the mucousal lining of the intestines, leading to bowel problems and issues with digestion and absorption. Celiac disease can eventually develop from gluten sensitivity, resulting in intestinal damage and changes in the permeability of certain cells, which allows large proteins and other material to enter the bloodstream. Celiac disease is sometimes called "leaky gut syndrome."
Candida Infection
Candida infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast species, usually candida albicans. Candida overgrowth is most often associated with vaginal yeast infections, or candidiasis, although candida can infect many areas outside and inside your body, including your intestinal tract. Once attached to any mucosal lining, whether it's in the mouth, vagina or large intestine, candida can transform from a yeast into a fungal-form, which has the ability to borrow deeper into tissue and release toxins, as noted in "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management." Candida infections are often related to weakened immunity, over-use of antibiotics or other drugs and high-sugar acidic diets.
Shared Symptoms
Intestinal candida infections and gluten sensitivity share a number of symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, dizziness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, achy muscles and joints, sore throat, tender glands, asthma-like symptoms, chronic sinusitis, other allergies, irritability, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, mood swings, depression, skin problems and food cravings for high sugar items and other carbohydrates, according to "Professional Guide to Diseases." Due to such similarities, it is difficult to correctly diagnose the problem, especially considering that both conditions often coexist.
Possible Links
Within the intestines, both conditions affect the mucousal lining and the cells beneath it. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," the fungal-form of candida albicans reduces the effectiveness of the thin mucosa and damages the underlining cells, making it easier for celiac disease or leaky gut syndrome to develop. On the other hand, long-term gluten sensitivity and celiac disease taxes your immune system, reducing its effectiveness at controlling candida overgrowth. Certainly, diets high in breads and other grains acerbate both conditions, which is why gluten-free diets are similar to ones that help "starve" candida species. If you are experiencing some of the symptoms, talk to a gastrointestinal specialist, who can advise you on treatments and dietary options.
References
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Fungal Infection: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition"; M.D. Richardson and D.W. Warnock; 2003
- "Professional Guide to Diseases: Ninth Edition"; Springhouse Publishing; 2009
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
