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Community > Expert Q & A > Fibromyalgia > Does a Yeast Cause Fibromyalgia?
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Does a Yeast Cause Fibromyalgia?

Q: A friend passed along an article that said the symptoms of fibromyalgia (including fatigue, achiness, bloating, depression and irritability) may be from having systemic candida overgrowth. After eight years with fibromyalgia, I have never heard of this. Is it possible there’s something to it?

A: There is no scientific evidence that fibromyalgia or any of its symptoms are caused by candida (yeast) overgrowth. Candida is a type of yeast that most people have living in their gastrointestinal tract, such as the mouth and intestines. 

In some situations – such as when the immune system is weakened by immunosuppressive drugs, like the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug cyclosporine (Neoral) or long-term use of the corticosteroid prednisone – naturally occurring organisms such as candida increase in number because the normal immune system activity that keeps them in check is reduced. 

A decade or two ago, it became popular to blame candida overgrowth for problems ranging from hyperactivity to infertility. It’s not surprising that people have connected fibromyalgia with excessive yeast as well.

The yeast-overgrowth theory is just one of many untested theories about the cause of fibromyalgia. It is possible that one or more of these theories may be true – at least for some people with fibromyalgia.

For now, until a theory is confirmed, it is best to pursue tested treatments, including exercise, relaxation therapies and a variety of prescription medications.

Daniel Clauw, MD,Rheumatologist

S
08 Sep 2011, 14:15
Unless you have an actual vaginal yeast infection or thrush, "intestinal candida overgrowth" is as bogus a diagnosis as fibromyalgia is real.
Charity
03 Nov 2010, 08:20
I have suffered from Fibro for the past 4 years and nothing has brought relief. A friend told me about the yeast which made sense because not only did I have sensitivity to gluten and sugar but doctors have had me on so many blessed antibiotics over the years - even some every 3 months that yeast overgrowth made sense. I just finished a 60 day sugar fast to kill off the yeast. I only ate brown rice, eggs, sweet potatoes, meat (w/o vinegar of any kind, nuts, green veggies (except peas), & Triscuits. I only drank water. Did it for 60 days and now I am PAIN FREE!!!! I also lost a lot of weight. I won't ever eat refined sugar again but I am now eating fruit & natural sugars like honey. I do believe in my case the yeast was causing all the fibro pain. Our bodies are not made to consume processed foods, refined sugars, fake sugars, and soda (really bad!) It's like putting paint in a gas tank of a car. It doesn't function properly.
There was some side effects of yeast die off syndrome but I took Hydrangea and that helped my body flush out all the toxins a lot better.
I haven't been pain free in 4 years and now I am!
So I am a believer!
Marty
19 Aug 2010, 06:18
Nice site with helpful information. I have been researching how to get natural remedies for yeast infections. Finding good information about candida and yeast infections can be tough. I search all over the internet to find good content and good products.
Thanks
Marty
ps: I have some helpful articles on my site as well here: <a href="http://getridofcandida.net/articles/yeast-infection-knowledge-the-tru th-behind-your-yeast-infection/">Candida Yeast</a>
Lydia Smith
17 Sep 2009, 17:01
Re: The yeast connection to Fibro.

I am guessing that the yeast theory came from Doug Kaufman and "Your Health" tv program. Mr. Kaufman believes that yeast causes every disease known to mankind.

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