Systemic Mycoses: An Overview for Natural Health Professionals

Systemic mycoses can cause a tremendous variety of health problems including digestive difficulties (diarrhea, bloating, discomfort, flatulence, constipation, colitis, etc.), skin problems (rashes, eczema, psoriasis, dry skin patches, intense itching, hives, open cut-like sores, etc.), bronchopulmonary disorders, asthma, breathing difficulties, fatigue, seasonal allergies, multiple food allergies, weight loss, fever, chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, arthritic complaints, chills, malaise, mental cloudiness, inability to lose weight, sweet and other food cravings, and depression. Although Candida albicans tends to get the most attention, it is only one of 150 fungal species which are known to be pathogenic to humans. In addition to skin, respiratory, or genital areas, mycotic infections often settle in the digestive system. Some with suspected gluten-intolerance are really dealing with them. Understanding the various types of mycotic organisms can be helpful for health practitioners who are interested in natural interventions to help restore their infected patients to health.
INTRODUCTION There are over 100,000 different species of fungi, of which approximately 150 are known to be pathogenic to humans. (1,2) Those which are pathogenic have been classified into three [...]