Why think fungus? Because when you're dealing with chronic or new health problems, it is imperative that you consider fungi as the reason. What are fungi? They are organisms that typically live off of dead or decaying material. The Kingdom Fungus is made up of fungi, yeast (single-celled organisms), molds (or moulds), mildew, rusts, smuts, mushrooms--the list is quite extensive. In fact, there are over 100,000 known species of fungi at this time, with approximately three new species being discovered every day (Anaissie, 2003). Some yeast are normal inhabitants of the human digestive tract, but can become pathogenic, or disease-causing, under certain circumstances. Typically, fungal or yeast infections are acquired in one of two ways: either from the environment (typically through inhalation or through broken skin) or through medical intervention--medical intervention that changes the way our immune system works or alters the normal makeup of our digestive tract.

It's often up to you to recognize what brought about your changes because for years fungi have taken a back seat to bacteria and viruses as an interest in the study of germs (infectious diseases). Fungi also make chemicals called mycotoxins, and the discussion of mycotoxins even more rarely reaches the medical school level. Mycotoxins have mainly been an agricultural concern, but since we eat food, mycotoxins are by default a human concern.

The concern with fungi and mycotoxins goes way beyond the single, popularized, Candida albicans yeast. Histoplama fungi are found in bird droppings and soil; Coccidiodes are found in the desert sand in the Southwestern United States; Blastomyces are found in the soil worldwide; Penicillium, Fusarium and Aspergillus fungi are found in moldy foods and water-damaged environments. Mycotoxins are found worldwide in our grain foods. As such, addressing a yeast or fungal problem may be quite staightforward, but it often involves more than just taking antifungal medicines or changing your diet. Rarely, also, does a person simply "have Candida."

So, when you don't know what's wrong with you AND you've:

• Had every medical test known to mankind (and they're either all normal or inconclusive)
• Seen more than one specialist to investigate your symptoms (and you still don't have any answers)
• Recently taken an antibiotic, steroid, chemotherapy drug or other immune-altering drug (and now you're feeling worse or experiencing new symptoms)
• Recently had a mold problem or water leak in your home or office
• Recently moved into an older home or office (and now you're sick)
• Been craving bread, sweets, corn, peanuts/peanut butter, alcohol

…I urge you to always think fungus. It's the one cause that may have been overlooked.

Likely,

• When you're feeling better after changing your diet
• When you're feeing better after starting a new supplement
• When you're feeling better starting a new medicine

…you must also think fungus. (many foods and supplements and some medicines actually work because of their antifungal nature)

And finally, for the health care professionals, if the above scenarios describes one of your patients, you can greatly help them if you, too, begin to think fungus.

A person with a known or suspected fungal or mycotoxin problem must follow a different set of rules--the diet must change, the supplements often have to change, and sometimes the environment must change. That's the guidance I hope to offer you through this site. There are articles (fully referenced) to read through, lifestyle changes to learn about, and, often most importantly, there's an interactive forum that you can use to share with others about what you've gone through and what you've done to bring about these changes. Although I cannot diagnose problems through the website, I will do my best through this forum to offer you guidance in how you might best work with your health care professional to overcome your symptoms. I also offer appointments, but these must be conducted in person (please see www.txnutrition.com for scheduling).

Please enjoy, leave feedback, ask questions, share testimonials, and THINK FUNGUS!

-David Holland, MD