SIFO is small intestinal fungal overgrowth, one small study found that 26% of people with unexplained GI symptoms had an overgrowth of fungus in the small intestines. Fungus is a normal part of the gut flora, however due to stress, imbalanced gut bacteria, high blood sugar levels and impaired immunity can lead to fungal over growth.
The most commonly found fungus is Candida albicans and when this over grows it produces something called a biofilm, a large group of fungal buds surrounded by a thick covering that makes it resistant to treatment.
When the fungus stays in the GI tract it causes gas, bloating and diarrhea whereas when there is a leaky gut, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body and cause fatigue, brain fog, excess sugar carvings, irritability, vaginal yeast infections, eczema, and itchy ears
SIFO symptoms:
The most common SIFO symptoms observed in the patients were
- Belching
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Gas
Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth risk factors:
- People having Gut dysbiosis
- People on Proton pump Inhibitors
- Low stomach acid AKA Hypochloridria
- Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to sifo
- Diabetics due to imbalanced blood sugar levels
- Immunosuppressant drugs such as steroids
- High stress which causes cortisol surge cortisol again is immunosuppressant.
- Frequent use of antibiotics
By addressing the underlying conditions which is contributing to the development of small intestinal fungal overgrowth we can treat sifo by following a holistic protocol which combines your lifestyle modification along with SIFO Diet protocol:
- Avoid sugar, your fungus feeds on sugar, so it will be wise to eliminate sugar completely from your diet. Avoid refined sugar, sugar syrups and sugary beverages.
- Avoid carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates as carbohydrates are broken into sugar molecules in our GI tract which will promote fungal growth.
- Avoid fruits with high sugar content.
- Avoid Food which contains yeast such as breads, cakes, wine.
- Avoid fermented food such as kefir, kombucha, alcohol, cheese, vinegar.
- Avoid taking antacids as lack of stomach acid may actually be contributing to the development of SIFO.
- Avoid stressors, Practice stress management like yoga, Accu-puncture, Meditation and journaling.
- Antifungal herbs such as oregano, garlic will slow down fungal overgrowth
- Include probiotics in diet to support microbial diversity.
Ready to tackle SIFO at its roots? Get personalized advice from Karishmma Chawla and learn how to reduce SIFO risk factors for a healthier gut.
