Fungal Dysbiosis and Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Both conditions can cause significant discomfort, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It causes inflammation, ulceration, and thickening of the bowel wall, which can lead to blockages and other complications.

IBS, on the other hand, is a functional bowel disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that affect the large intestine, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Unlike Crohn’s disease, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation or damage to the intestinal lining.

Fungal gut dysbiosis and Crohn’s disease

Recent studies suggest that fungal gut dysbiosis, an imbalance of fungal species in the gut, might be the underlying culprit in Crohn’s disease. Fungi are a natural part of the gut microbiome, but when their populations grow unchecked, they can cause harm.

Research has found that patients with Crohn’s disease have higher levels of certain fungal species, such as Candida albicans, than healthy individuals. This overgrowth of fungi can lead to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, similar to the inflammation seen in Crohn’s disease.