Fungi can occur in the intestinal flora of every human being. However, when these get out of hand in the gut, it can have dangerous health effects. But how do you know that you have an intestinal fungus? Here’s how it makes itself felt.
Fungal diseases, also known as mycoses , can occur in various places in the body – for example in the vagina, on the feet or in the intestine. Most intestinal fungi are Candida albicans yeast. According to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research , more than a billion people worldwide contract fungal infections every year.
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Why do you get an intestinal fungus?
There are many microorganisms in the intestinal flora that support the intestines in breaking down food. Most of the microorganisms are bacteria. However, protozoa and fungi also occur in the intestinal flora. If the intestinal flora is disturbed by a weakened immune system , an unhealthy diet or the use of certain medications , the number of bacteria can decrease, allowing the fungi to spread in the intestine. The spread of these fungi, which we call intestinal fungus, can trigger various symptoms. Certain underlying diseases , such as diabetes, increase the risk of yeast infection.
Is intestinal fungus dangerous?
If the fungi spread uncontrollably in the intestine, the breakdown and utilization of food can no longer take place as usual. For example, sugary food is metabolized by the intestinal fungus, which causes flatulence . In exceptional cases, the intestinal fungus can penetrate deeper into the body and infect internal organs via the blood. In the worst case, there is a risk of life-threatening fungal sepsis .
Intestinal fungus: how does it manifest itself?
Since the symptoms of an intestinal fungus are non-specific and also match various diseases of the digestive tract, a diagnosis is often not easy. In any case, it must be determined by a stool sample at the doctor’s. A blood test can also provide information. The following symptoms can indicate an intestinal fungus:
- stomach pain
- gas
- bloated stomach
- diarrhea
- constipation
- vaginal thrush
- itching at the anus
- food cravings
- iron and zinc deficiency
- migraine
- alcohol intolerance
In addition, the intestinal fungus can affect the skin and joints and even cause psychological symptoms such as depressive moods or depression .
