“I” Infections

Infections — The "I" in S.H.I.N.E.

With poor sleep and nutrition, your body’s defense system may not be working as well as it might, and getting rid of chronic infections can eliminate a major energy drain. For day to day fatigue, the major problem is yeast/Candida overgrowth. Although chronic vaginal yeast infections can indicate that this is an issue in women, this is usually a late sign. Consider treating for yeast/Candida if you have:

• Chronic sinusitis — this is predominantly a yeast problem with a secondary bacterial infections. That’s why antibiotics occasionally help briefly, but turns an acute sinus infection into a chronic one.
• Irritable bowel syndrome/spastic colon. This also is usually caused by an infection — often yeast — and often goes away when these infections are treated.

I recommend that anyone with CFS or fibromyalgia be treated for yeast/Candida. Many studies, however, have shown immune system dysfunction in FMS/CFS, which can result in many unusual infections. These include viral infections (e.g., HHV-6, CMV, and EBV), parasites and other bowel infections, infections sensitive to long term treatment with the antibiotics Cipro and Doxycycline (e.g., mycoplasma, chlamydia, Lyme’s, etc) as well as the yeast/fungal infections. To assess for these it is best to see a CFS/fibromyalgia specialist.

Unfortunately, there is no test to distinguish normal yeast growth from overgrowth, so many doctors still believe if there is no test it doesn’t exist. For simple spastic colon or sinusitis, most holistic physicians will know how to treat for yeast.

More Information Online

Chronic Sinusitis — Actually a Yeast Infection

American Board of Holistic Medicine (find holistic practitioner at www.HolisticBoard.org)

Energy Analysis Program (free tool that helps you find the causes of your fatigue and tailors a program to optimize your energy)