Candida Albicans and Meniere’s Disease

Are there links between fungal infections, candida  and Meniere’s Disease?

There are plenty of accounts from Meniere’s sufferers who also suffer from candida and some accounts that suggest dealing with candida was followed by reduced or eliminated Meniere’s symptoms.

There are very few if any clinical studies linking candida or fungal infections ‘directly’ to Meniere’s Disease, but plenty linking them to vertigo, tinnitus, labyrinthitis and the ear. Given that “Meniere’s” is simply a label given to a set of perceived to be idiopathic symptoms, these studies must be important.

Dig slightly deeper and links can be found to other conditions that are themselves related to Meniere’s and possible root causes. These links may suggest that candida is either a root cause or at least an associated cause in some people.

What is candida albicans and how might it be linked to Meniere’s?

Candida albicans is a yeast that can be found in everyone.  Good bacteria in the body such as lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidus usually keeps candida in check and stops any overgrowth. However if the immune system is compromised and body systems are thrown out of balance the yeast can proliferate and transform into pathogenic fungus that can further compromise the immune system and trigger a variety of symptoms and illnesses. The body also becomes more prone to allergies and infections as a result of this overgrowth.

Some possible causes of candida albican overgrowth (Candidiasis) are:

• Prolonged use of anti-biotics
• Oral contraceptives, estrogen-replacement and or steroid use (yeast festers in estrogen)
• Anti-ulcer medication
• Immune suppression from stress, environmental toxins, illness and infections
• Poor dietary habits including high intake of sugar
• Chemical/environmental toxins
• Alcohol
• Food and environmental allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes (candida loves sugar)
• Gallbladder problems
• HCL & enzymatic deficiencies
• Hypoglycemia/Hypoadrenia
• Impaired liver function
• Mercury leakage from Amalgam dental fillings

The emboldened and hyperlinked causes above have all been linked to Meniere’s disease. Given the overall need for strengthening your immune system to combat Meniere’s, the vicious cycle of immune suppression leading to fungal infection then fungal infection leading to more immune suppression alone is an obvious link in the many possible causes for Meniere’s in some people.

Finding your individual root cause for Meniere’s can seem daunting especially when there can be so many contributing triggers and causes all compounding your symptoms. For example: amalgam fillings leaking mercury can affect thyroid function, immune system, candida and is a known cause of Meniere’s symptoms. Hypothyroidism has been linked to Meniere’s, immune suppression and candida albicans overgrowth. Candida may be linked to Meniere’s. (See our readers messages below)

So if you are a Meniere’s sufferer and find you have hypothyroidism or candida albicans you may treat those individually and think it is enough. If you have one or more of these conditions but have missed the fact you have amalgam fillings then it is likely you will always be treating the symptoms and never addressing the cause.

By removing the amalgam from your body and detoxing the mercury from your system, strengthening your immune system through diet/supplements, re-balancing your thyroid/adrenal/endocrine system and treating the fungal infection, again a through nutrient application, then you should have covered all bases and dealt with the root cause(s) of your Meniere’s. (based on the hypothetical scenario above)

Stress is a known trigger and considered by some as a root cause of Meniere’s.  We see above that stress can cause candida albicans, it can also result in thyroid dysfunction. So again we see a possible root cause that can lead either directly to Meniere’s through irregularities in blood flow and/or cause other conditions that may ultimately lead to Meniere’s somewhere down the line.

When you are told or you read the cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown and there is no known cure, this is very deceptive. The fact that your Meniere’s symptoms are “idiopathic”, by very definition means that if you find your cause  [one of the above for example] your condition is no longer considered to be ‘Meniere’s’.

When you see the word ‘Meniere’s’ for what it is, a label for a set of symptoms, then finding and dealing with your root causes becomes a much less daunting task. By first changing your perception of the condition, then joining the dots regarding the causes and triggers it is possible to, not only eliminate Meniere’s from our life, but come out the other end with an even healthier immune system and more energy than before your symptoms started.

According to research done in Australia in 1996  Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with disease of the inner ear.

What are the experiences of our readers?

Below are some extracts from emails sent to us ( used with permission )

Hi Michael,
Sorry for the delay in replying to you.
I am doing much better these days.   Someone told me about a doctor in Belfast who no longer worked for the NHS as he took a more alternative therapy view on health, a more holistic approach.  He diagnosed my problem as candida overgrowth. For this he put me on supplements to deal with the bacteria overgrowth and a strict diet (no yeast, no dairy, no sugar). He also had me attend a chiropractor as he felt my neck had a lot of tension in it which could be triggering some of my dizziness/vertigo. Since I have been on this diet & the supplements and finished course of chiropractor treatment i am feeling much better, more energy, no vertigo in 2 months, sleeping better….just feeling like my old self again!

Joanne

Hey Michael,

 

I’m doing pretty good. I’m taking more of the grape seed extract to stop dizziness. And thankfully it does help me. I have cut salt out of diet even with prepared foods. Sodium is so my enemy. I fasted for 3 days recently and had no dizziness at all. So I know it is food. I continue to be careful. God I miss potato chips.

I recently realized that I may be harboring candida yeast in my body–saliva test positive…….
Yes, of course you may use anything that I send you. Edit it as you see fit. As I definitely am telling you my experiences as honestly as possible, maybe my words will encourage someone to try this path. I also should tell you that I work out with a Nazi trainer…no, really!! I move a lot in the class. I try very hard to not trigger menieres in the workout and as a precaution, I take two extra grape seed extract.

 

If I did not take the grape seed extract, I would not be able to workout and would definitely have attacks that I could not control.

 

Thanks very much for asking after me. I do appreciate your emails.

Thanks,

Dodie

Hello Mike,
You’re right! Sorry about that. Hope you are well too.  I’m currently on a candida diet  and I’m still ok without attacks!

Hi Mike,

 

Thank you so much for your continued support and yes you were absolutely right. It turns out I have candida. I am staying away from dairy, sugary food and no yeast. I take a probiotic and Vitamin b12 supplement. After being sick so for sooooo long it is wonderful to feel so healthy and energetic again. I promise I will keep you updated and yes please use my mails for your blog. People should know about this.

Thanks again

 

Denise

What can help eliminate candida overgrowth?

• Increase immune and digestive function, especially liver
• Avoid sugar in all forms including fruit juices, fruit, dairy, products, honey, sucrose, dextrose, fructose, and possibly potatoes
• Avoid alcohol, fermented and yeasty foods
• Avoid food allergies/sensitivities
• Eat sugar free yogurt, whole grains and organic meats
• Avoid anti biotics
• Follow candida diet ( a rotation may be helpful if allergies are present)
• Avoid moldy places, chemical household products and chlorinated water
• Avoid birth control pills
• Promote healthy intestinal flora and increase fiber to eliminate toxins in the gut

Dr Edward Group of the Global Healing Center in Texas explains:

“With more and more of these organisms developing drug resistance, researchers are often looking for alternative remedies. A recent study looking at lavender oil may be just what any nature-loving herbalist needs for supporting immune health and possibly fighting candida. But while the essential oil shows good resistance to fungus, more research is needed to explore all its benefits.  Some reports suggest colloidal silver could be helpful against candida.  Now, while you might have heard taking garlic can help, recent research suggests that it’s actually not as beneficial against yeast as originally thought.  That being said, I highly suggest using garlic every day.

Candida overgrowth could also lead to a condition commonly called leaky gut, something that can lead to food sensitivities and intolerances, among other things. If you suspect you have candida or have been diagnosed, you need to take immediate action.”

Several studies cited on pubmed suggest supplementing with Vitamin B12 can improve both tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss. The most recent ” Therapeutic role of Vitamin B12 in patients of chronic tinnitus” was published in 2016 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4918681/)

The anti-vertigo treatment DiVertigo contains both Vit B12 an Vit B6. B12 is also part of the B complex used in Lipoflavonoid Plus

What is Beta-Glucanase?

Beta-glucans are health-promoting in that they act as intestinal fiber.  People suffering from an overgrowth of the candida fungus may benefit from taking beta-glucanase. Candida is notoriously difficult to eliminate because of its inherent ability to resist antimicrobial agents. Sadly, many people treat digestive problems and infections with prolonged and high-dose antibiotics which can be totally counterproductive.

Beta-glucanase is an enzyme that has been found to be particularly useful in reducing the coating or biofilm of Candida..

A great number of studies on enzymes have been conducted in Europe and Russia on human participants. The great majority suggests that a broad-spectrum enzyme preparation containing beta-glucanse can improve overall digestion and reduce a large amount of negative gastrointestinal issues.

Conclusion

Judging by the accounts of some sufferers, controlling your candida overgrowth and rebuilding your immune system may be all it takes to live free of Meniere’s symptoms but more than likely in most cases it may also take other positive proactive measures depending what other issues are present in the individual.

Each individual case may have varying pathology and root causes for Meniere’s. It is a case of gaining knowledge, knowing your own body and taking the appropriate action needed. If you are waiting for a ‘definitive’ root cause to be found and a wonder drug to appear you will be disappointed. Understanding what you are dealing with and taking the appropriate action in your own individual case, as we repeat ad nauseum throughout the Meniere’s Help website and blog can free you from Meniere’s. It can be done, it has been done by multiple thousands (just that we know of) and is being done all the time.

To restore overall gut health consider eliminating fungal causing foods, eating foods that promote good gut bacteria (see above) and supplementing with a quality probiotic and Vitamin B12 .

Sources: Menieres-Help.Com, The Global Healing Center, The Clinical Nutrition Desk Reference, University of Hindustan, PubMed, Noise & Health International Journal.

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Related articles:

By Mike Spencer

Founder of Menieres-Help.Com -Supporting Sufferers Since 2004

Researcher & Author of Managing Meniere’s Disease and The Need for Balance – Dealing with the Causes of Meniere’s

Help other Meniere’s sufferers. What are your experiences with candida albicans, fungal infections and Meniere’s. Tell us all about it in the comments boxes below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com

References/Further reading:

Looking into Candida albicans infection, host response, and antifungal strategies