If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) chances are no one told you that a fungal overgrowth such as candida could be to blame.  In fact, research is clear that most patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome unknowingly suffer from a colonization of candida in the gut (1).

For those unaware, candida is a pathogenic fungus that has the ability to take over the gut microbiome when the conditions are right.  Unfortunately, those dealing IBS oftentimes have a dysbiosis in the gut which allows this pathogenic fungus to proliferate and thrive in the intestinal tract.

Interestingly, several other digestive disorders such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth also is influenced by the overgrowth of candida.

Luckily, there are several different natural strategies that may be useful in helping to combat candida overgrowth and correct intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome!

What is IBS?

Unlike inflammatory bowel disease which is characterized as an inflamed bowel, IBS is classified as a spastic colon.  This typically means that the colon has become spastic for other reasons besides intestinal inflammation.

Most suffer with this condition for their lifetime as most solutions given to help correct it are ineffective.  Those dealing with IBS are constantly worried as to whether a particular food may cause a reaction in the body.  This can make socializing and living a normal life extremely difficult for those dealing with this condition.

Symptoms of irritable syndrome include but are not limited to the following:

• Lost of Appetite
• Abdominal Cramping
• Diarrhea/Constipation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Excessive Amounts of Gas
• Frequent Deification (greater than 2x day)
• Constant Change in Bowel Movements

It should be mentioned that many of the symptoms associated with IBS are often very common in those dealing with candida overgrowth.  It would seem that IBS may be a symptom when this fungus reaches uncontrollable levels in the gut.

Candida Influences IBS?

As mentioned before, research has shown that most patients dealing with irritable bowel syndrome, also suffer from candida overgrowth.

However, how can this pathogenic fungus trigger symptoms that are often associated with irritable bowel syndrome?

For one, it’s well known that candida releases over 70 different toxic byproducts into the body.  Some of these toxins include alcohol, ammonia, gliotoxin, and acetaldehyde.  High amounts of gliotoxin in the body can contribute to the premature death of liver cells and can effectively destroy the overall health of this vital organ (2).

For those familiar with Chinese Medicine, it’s taught that a healthy liver is essential for both good physical and mental health.  When the liver is not functioning properly, mental health conditions that are often associated with IBS such as depression and anxiety can arise.

Also, these toxins can put high amounts of stress on the digestive system and can possibly contribute to intestinal conditions such as gut permeability.  In fact, it’s well known that candida sufferers oftentimes have a high incidence of gut permeability issues (3).  Unfortunately, this increase in gut permeability can give rise to conditions such as IBS and food intolerance’s.

To put it simply, this pathogenic fungus can wreak havoc in the hosts digestive tract if left untreated.  Sadly, most who are dealing with irritable bowel syndrome are completely unaware that many of their digestive problems stem from a fungal overgrowth.

Diet and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

For those suffering with irritable bowel syndrome, it’s imperative that diet be addressed immediately.  Anything that allows candida to proliferate in the gut will naturally cause IBS symptoms to flare.  As a result, it’s important that you follow an Anti-Candida Diet.

Diets high in sugar and starchy carbohydrates are the perfect recipe for irritable bowel syndrome.  This is because sugar is the main fuel source of this pathogenic fungus.  Candida essentially operates on a sugar metabolism.  Consequently, when high amounts of sugar is present in the body, this fungus can easily multiply.

Even complex carbohydrates can be problematic.  This is because these types of foods are generally high in fermentable carbohydrates.  Starchy carbohydrates have a tendency to ferment in the intestines and can make a candida condition much worse.

Interestingly, research has shown that patients who followed a low fermentable carbohydrate diet (FODMAPs) experienced dramatic improvements in their IBS symptoms and experienced overall better digestive health (4).

High quality animal foods are naturally soothing towards those with gut disorders such as IBS and candida since they’re naturally low in both starch and sugar.  Also, gelatinous cuts of meat are an excellent source of the protein collagen which has been shown to help seal the gut lining and prevent conditions such as gut permeability (5). 

As a result, many find that following a diet based around high quality animal foods can yield great results when it comes to improving overall digestive health.

Fructose, IBS, and Candida

As mentioned before, research is clear that fermentable carbohydrates and sugar can make an IBS condition much worse.  This is because these types of food will inevitably feed candida and allow this pathogenic fungus to proliferate at uncontrollable levels.  As a result, such foods should be avoided by those dealing with both candida overgrowth and IBS.

However, ripe fruit is much different in the way in which it digests.  Unlike complex carbohydrates which get broken down in the stomach, fruits are primarily broken down in the liver.  They digest much faster than starchy carbohydrates and do not stay in the digestive tract long enough in order to ferment.

Because of this, ripe seasonal fruits seem to be a safe option for those with IBS and candida.  In fact, research has shown that fructose can help to prevent the growth of candida in areas such as the mouth (6).  That being said, fruits should always be consumed in moderation and preferably in season.

As mentioned before, fructose is broken down by the liver.  Excess fructose from fruit may put stress on the liver when consumed in excessive amounts.  Always consume fruit that is ripe and in season.  Personally, we recommend you avoid dried fruits as the histamine content rises dramatically.  Most dealing with IBS and candida overgrowth tend to have difficulty with foods high in histamine and often show signs of histamine intolerance.

Lastly, always make sure that all your fruit is organic and preferably non-hybridized.  Overly hybridized fruits contain far too much fructose and resemble nothing of their original ancestors.

Raw Food and IBS

One of the worst things those with irritable bowel syndrome can do is consume a diet that is high in raw plant foods.  Despite popular belief, these diets aren’t necessarily healthy and can even do damage to the intestinal lining.  This is because all raw plant foods are full of naturally occurring plant anti-nutrients.

These anti-nutrients are essentially poisons used by the plant in order to help protect it from predators.  Special preparation methods such as cooking, boiling, soaking, fermented, and roasting can be used to lower these anti-nutrients.  However, those who choose to consume an abundance of raw plant foods will be taking in large amounts of these anti-nutrients.

It’s well known that many of these anti-nutrients can contribute to gut conditions such as gut permeability.  As a result, these foods in their raw state can naturally make an IBS condition much worse.

Consequently, warm foods should always be consumed in order to help prevent digestive distress.  Also, high quality animal which do not contain anti-nutrients should form the base of the diet.

The Bottom Line – Candida and IBS

Research is clear that there is a link between candida overgrowth and IBS.  Those suffering with this debilitating condition need to follow a diet that is naturally anti-candida.  By inhibiting the growth of candida, individuals can help to improve their digestive disorders.

Starchy carbohydrates and processed sugar should be eliminated from the diet in anyone dealing with IBS.  It’s well known that various types of starch will actually ferment in the gut which can make a candida condition much worse.  Also, although fruit seems to be OK for those with IBS, it should be eaten in moderation since it’s naturally broken down by the liver.  Excess fructose intake from fruit may put stress on the liver.

Also, for those interested, be sure to check out our Crush Candida Cookbook.  Here you will find over 20 different mouthwatering and anti-candida recipes!  It can be perfect for those looking to add variety and flavor to their bland candida diet!