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Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth - Candida Albicans
by Dianne Craft, MA, CNHP, Child Diagnostics, Inc.
www.diannecraft.com

Here are some of the most common behavior characteristics of yeast overgrowth in children:

• Poor attention

• Hyperactivity

• Anger

• Mood swings

• Irritability

• "Spaciness"

• Inappropriate behavior (such as making odd noises, or talking very loudly)

• Memory problems

• Simple Basics on Candidiasis

What is Candidiasis?
Candida alibicans is one of many fungi that are present in most people’s intestinal tracts, and other places, where it is kept in check and causes no harm. If the intestinal balance is disrupted and healthy bacteria killed, Candida albicans will flourish and release toxic chemicals into the bloodstream. Continual antibiotic use is not the only cause of candidiasis, or yeast overgrowth, in children. An infant born vaginally to a mother who has a vaginal yeast infection can become similarly infected. Severe diaper rash and thrush, which looks like a whitish coating on the tongue and mouth, are signs of candidiasis in babies.
It has been found that children along the autistic spectrum are at greater risk of developing candidiasis. There are several reasons why yeast overgrowth is found among these children. Antibiotic use is one factor. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria as well as good bacteria i.e. lactobacillus and bifidus, that are necessary to keep candida from overpopulating the gut. The affected children may lack something in their digestive secretions that is needed to keep yeast from proliferating.

Anything that weakens the immune system can contribute to yeast overgrowth including, environmental toxins and chemicals, such as pesticides, and exposure to lead and heavy metals.  (Note: and neurologically toxic mercury via thimerosol (50% mercury by weight, a preservative in virtually all  vaccines given to most children from about 1990 to 2001 in the United States) all of which also burdens detoxification of the system.

It may be that children along the autistic spectrum are more sensitive to candida itself than are other children, and that their behaviors are the result of an allergic response. Everyone has organisms in and on their bodies. The problem arises when yeast, fungi, or candida overpopulates the intestinal tract. Candida pushes their way into the intestinal lining, destroying cells and brush borders. This damage allows macromolecules of partially digested food to pass through the lining. The macromolecules are the perfect size for antibodies to respond to. Your immune system then goes on alert for these specific foods so the next time you eat them, your antibodies will be waiting to attack. The result is increased sensitivity to foods and other food substances and the environment. Also the yeast by products - metabolites that are toxic are also passing through the intestinal wall.

One of the major toxins produced by yeast is acetic aldehyde, through conversion by the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase. Its multiple effects can be devastating. It is converted by the liver into alcohol, depleting the body of magnesium and potassium, reducing cell energy, and causing symptoms of intoxication, disorientation, dizziness, or mental confusion.

The ‘spaciness’ or ‘mental fog’, often described by, is one of the most frequent symptoms of candidiasis. Children along the autistic spectrum have behaviors that strongly resemble these symptoms. They may also have physical signs of yeast overgrowth that include a distinct ‘yeasty’ smell, and cravings for foods that yeast thrives on, such as sugars and carbohydrates, as well as a whitish coating of the tongue, diaper rash, and/or itching around the anus.

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