Startling new research shows that schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are linked to yeast infections.

A current or past infection with Candida albicans is significantly more common in people with these mental health conditions. The study was published in the journal npj Schizophrenia and was conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. The researchers decided to investigate whether certain pathogenic organisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria could trigger or contribute to mental illness.

Candida albicans is a fungus found in small amounts in the digestive tract of humans and animals. If you happen to have a weakened immune system, take antibiotics or eat too much sugar, Candida can overgrow and cause an infection. Candida overgrowth in the gut can cause abdominal bloating, gas and feeling sleepy after meals. Candida can also proliferate in other parts of the body and create fungal vaginal infection or jock itch.

This research finding doesn’t prove that yeast infections cause mental illness; just that there is a strong association. The authors of the study have actually stated that all patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should be checked for fungal infections. Clearing up the infection may help to ameliorate some of the symptoms of these common conditions.

This is a wonderful reminder of how fundamentally linked the gut and the brain are. Alterations in the composition of your gut bugs can cause profound changes to mental and emotional wellbeing.

The good yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii, found in Gut Health powder helps to clear Candida and other harmful yeast out of the gut. The glutamine heals and soothes a leaky gut.

Read more

Purchase Products Related to this Article