As researchers learn more about the delicate balance of the human microbiome, approaches to correcting imbalances are evolving as well. In the case of yeast and fungal overgrowth issues, even in the holistic world, the role of these organisms has often been misunderstood. Candida or candidiasis, or systemic yeast overgrowth, has been a popular blanket diagnosis for decades, with sometimes very aggressive antifungal medicines and highly restrictive, difficult to follow diet protocols, aiming to completely starve and wipe out the yeast. While some have found benefit in this approach, others have faced frustration at lack of results and even harm from the treatment itself.
Presently, the attitudes and approaches are shifting away from this ‘slash and burn’ approach to dealing with many issues of imbalance in the microbiome. To be fair, there are serious medical risks with yeast and fungal infection, especially among those with compromised immunity, that require full-on medical intervention and aggressive treatments. However, we understand better now that yeast organisms, within the right balance, play a beneficial role in the ecology of our body, both inside and out, and should not be viewed simply as an invader to be eradicated. As the medical community has been learning in recent years, “nature abhors a vacuum”, and sometimes wiping out overgrowth in the established community of bacteria and yeast opens the door for more dangerous pathogens to take over.
While there isn’t a magic bullet potion to an often complex and individualized issue, health researchers are finding clues and potential remedies in naturally derived substances. More and more, their aim is to find approaches that modulate and rebalance the microbial community and their ‘habitat’, so to speak, rather than destroy and replace. Support host immunity and inhibit overgrowth and imbalance.
Our director Warren Cargal recently introduced a new brand, Microbiome Labs, to the clinic, which he discovered in his ongoing research on gut health. The company brings some innovative products and compelling research to the table. In particular, their product MegaMycoBalance is a different approach in the heavily populated space of ‘yeast balance’ supplements.
MegaMycoBalance combines two powerful but perhaps lesser known ingredients to support yeast and microbial balance in the body. The formula combines 250mg each(per serving) of undecylenic acid and bee propolis, two compounds known for their antimicrobial activity 1.
Undecylenic acid, while it may sound like a foreign chemical, is a naturally occurring fatty acid derived from castor oil. It is commonly used in antifungal topical remedies for athlete’s foot, ringworm, anti-dandruff shampoos and more. In more recent years, in integrative practice, it has been used orally due to its antifungal properties, inhibiting candida’s spread through germ tubes and hyphal roots that can invade the body systemically. Candida can spread this way through the gut lining and the bloodstream and beyond, potentially triggering an immune response that leads to chronic inflammation. Undecylenic acid may also help inhibit biofilm formation which can make candida resistant to immune defense and antifungal treatment. Undecylenic acid is safe taken as directed for oral use, but capsules should not be broken and mixed with liquid, as it can cause irritation 2.
Bee Propolis is a waxy, resinous substance that bees use to line their hives and protect against fungi and bacteria. It has been used as a traditional remedy dating back to at least 300 B.C. both topically and internally for all sorts of health issues. It is rich in flavonoids that have highly antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These flavonoids inhibit fungal cell division and also help breakdown fungal cell walls 3. Bee propolis also contains CAPE, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, which appears to have even broader health benefits 4.
Propolis and undecylenic acid share an ability to limit and inhibit the overgrowth of multiple candida species in a way that doesn’t destroy friendly bacteria and disrupt the entire microbiome. As research continues, these types of formulas could potentially serve as a viable alternative for those who don’t tolerate traditional antifungal treatment well.
MegaMycoBalance is not limited to simply intestinal health, but also can positively impact other systemic issues related to yeast overgrowth. Most importantly, the role of gut health has been increasingly recognized as important to women’s health, particularly with vaginal yeast infections, as they appear to be linked 1.
MegaMycoBalance Usage
First and foremost, because candida and yeast overgrowth has become a well known concept, it has also become over-diagnosed and self-diagnosed in the natural health community and online 5. It is important to work with a knowledgeable practitioner using proper diagnostic tools to determine the most appropriate protocol for your individual health issues.
Typical protocols with MegaMycoBalance graduate from 1 capsule a day up to 2 capsules 2-3 times daily. Microbiome Labs also recommends using it along with their MegaSporeBiotic as a replenishment protocol.
MegaMycoBalance is not recommended for those with allergies or sensitivities to bee products.
References
- MegaMycoBalance Product Brochure: https://microbiomelabs.com/wp-content/uploads/MegaMycoBalance-Brochure.pdf
- Koc, An et al. ‘Antifungal activity of the honeybee products against Candida spp. And Trichosporon spp.’ J. Med Food. 2011 Jan-Feb;14(1-2):128-34.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21128826
- Coral, Omene. ‘Propolis and its Active Component, Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, Modulate Breast Cancer Therapeutic Targets via an epigenetically mediated mechanism of action’. J Cancer Sci Ther. 2013 Oct 21;5(10):334-342. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3898618/
- Moyer,Melinda Wenner. ‘The Candida Overgrowth:Too Much Yeast? No, Too Little Science’. Published online, July 10, 2017. https://www.self.com/story/candida-overgrowth-problem-too-much-yeast-no-too-little-science
