Dysbiosis is a term used to describe yeast, harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites in the intestines and an overgrowth of pathogens. Severe dysbiosis sufferers will have overgrowth of both yeast and pathogenic bacteria or viruses in their intestines. Dysbiosis interferes with digestion, makes you tired, and alters your immune system, upseting your hormonal balance. Dysbiosis can make it difficult for you to think clearly (brain-fog) and is known to cause anxiety, depression or mood swings. (1)

(1) http://www.crohns.net/Miva/education/dysbiosis.shtml

*Author: Courtney
I had depression before I got candida, but the candida growth seems to make it worse. I get depressed and annoyed easily whenever there’s more growth or die-off. Does anybody else have this problem? I was thinking about taking natural remedies for depression or even getting on a prescription med, but it seems like that won’t do any good considering the depression seems exist mostly because of the candida. This bums me out because it looks like I won’t be able to get rid of the depression until I get rid of the candida. That isn’t very likely being that I’ve had candida for 8 years and I haven’t been successful in completely eradicating it. This really sucks.

*Author: Paul UK
Ive just put up a new page on the subject ..i hope it helps

http://www.yeast-candida-infections-uk.co.uk/node/58

*Author: Marilyn in Sidney
I am experiencing some of this… as I am not prone to depression, I am finding it a bit difficult to deal with the side effect. The only thing I can offer as an antidote is nature. Go feed the seagulls maybe?

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/news-birds-keep-the-beat.html

*Author: Marilyn in Sidney

http://stevebass.posterous.com/how-smart-is-a-crow-very

*Author: veronicablk
Hi there, i’m just wanting to share a great site with loads of info on yeast infections etc., check it out at http://www.yeastinfectionssavior.com and i hope it can help someone!
Veronica

*Author: Marilyn in Sidney
I wrote this and it was published in my local newspaper today:

I have a very easy answer to the marijuana boondoggle. Just approve medical marijuana to treat depression. Every Canadian will qualify! I mean really, there is swine flu, the economic meltdown/job losses, the lack of reform to the EI program, the Taliban in Pakistan potentially getting a hold of nuclear weapons, politicians that cannot focus on actually serving their electorate….who in their right mind is not depressed? Once approved to treat depression, we can all grow a plant or two in the backyard. Problem solved.

Marilyn Bachmann
Sidney BC

*Author: Kelly
I’ve struggled with depression too – and suspect it was caused largely now from the candida. I had a clinical depression that was severe enough to cause me to take 3 months off work in 1997. This followed after one year of recurring vaginal yeast infections. I have treated myself for infection since then, and although I don’t consider myself entirely cured of yeast problems, I have never had a repeat of that type of intense depression – despite having stopped the use of the antidepressant I was told I needed to stay on the rest of my life.
What’s worked best for me has been use of the diet, antifungals and probiotics (carefully). I do use prescription xanax (sparingly) when I experience too much anxiety or insomnia. I agree with you that die-off seems to possibly increase my symptoms – for me; anxiety and insomnia. When I feel them coming on, I just try to reduce the antifungals till I can tolerate the treatment.
Wish I had a fast fix for you – but I don’t! Keep working at it – and let us know what works for you – I’ve read that magnesium can help, but haven’t really noticed a big difference yet since I’ve started taking it. Polly mentions in posts here that if magnesium bothers you intestinally (it can cause loose stools) you can buy and use epsom salts.

*Author: Victoria in NY
I have had a LOT of problems with the depression and irritability you mention over the years. At times it was almost unbearable, and I have also had to take a leave of absence from work because of it. Die off for me was also HORRIBLE. I was so sick and depressed I was almost suicidal at times. It totally effected my brain in really bad ways. While my die off rxns still persist and are still unpleasant, they are certain bearable and I can at least function, even though I don’t feel great. I can attribute my improvement to several factors:
1. I had a severe milk allergy that was making me very depressed and giving me debilitating migraines. Have since developed and discovered other food allergies which adversely affect my moods. Cutting out dairy (and then other offending foods) helped dramatically.
2. I take high quality St John’s Wort and L-Tyrosine for mild depression due to remaining candida. I take GABA and L-Theanine for anxiety, as well as Calms Forte homeopathic formula.
3. I go to yoga.
4. I detoxed out a ton of mercury and am currently working on a bunch of lead that is still in me (I heard that the presence of mercury can make candida die off much worse).
5. I got kind of spiritual and into the belief that we can change and shape our own thoughts and attitudes. Read up a lot on buddhist philosophy, cognitive behavioral therapy, went to some meditation groups (this really helped me a lot).
6. Got acupuncture once a week for a year. This also really helped me to be more positive–I suppose by unblocking a lot of stuck chi or something.

This is all in addition, of course, to the stupid diet I’ve been trying to follow forever, and millions of detox, immune-boosting, anti-fungal and general nutritional supplements I’ve been taking. Oh, and IV chelation and a portable Far Infrared Sauna.

If I had saved all that money I probably could have bought a house! Or at least payed off my student loans….

*Author: Kelly
wow! I’m impressed with the healthy approach you’ve taken. I wish I had known about half of those ways to combat depression. I’m finding the information on the forum to be very helpful – but I’m trying to use what I learn in small doses – it’s so easy to get overwhelmed emotionally, mentally, and financially with this disease. The problem is – I want to get well fast!

*Author: Victoria in NY
Hi Kelly! I am writing this from my far infrared sauna! Sweating out some of the toxins. It has been a long road of discovery for me. I am 39, have struggled with depression since I was 15 and with serious candida and auto-immume problems since I was 31 (after getting a Hep B vaccination). I feel like I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, although I am still not sure if I will ever be rid of the candida after having it for so long. I try to find some positive reason that all this has happened to me, instead of just feeling that I have had years of my life stolen (which is easy to do). I like to think it has make me a more caring and compassionate person. It definately has slowed me down a LOT–but probably in good ways. No more partying all night for this girl! Make a plan for yourself and persevere! You can do it! If I can offer any advice or support, I am happy to do so!