iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll citlhscProteus bacterium also liquefies casein, causing it to leak through the intesti-
nal walls and resulting in an immune reaction to casein. Proteus species bac-
teria have been implicated in causing rheumatoid arthritis through molecular
mimicry as their cell walls look similar to our internal tissues.
Candida
Candida albicans, while not a bacterium, is an opportunistic yeast that
is normally present in our intestines but that can become infectious or
pathogenic when there is a depletion of beneficial bacteria, nutrients, or
a compromised immune system. A history of antibiotics, steroids, preg-
nancy, recurrent vaginal yeast infections, birth control pills, and a diet
rich in simple carbohydrates increases the risk of Candida overgrowth,
which is present in many people with Hashimoto’s.
Candida loves starchy foods, sugar, and alcohol. If you, too, share this
common love with Candida, you may inadvertently end up with excess
Candida growth in your intestines.
The symptoms of a Candida infection can mimic many of the symptoms
of hypothyroidism, including feeling spacy, having cold extremities, and
lethargy.
Candida can be controlled by diet, probiotics, supplements, and antifun-
gal herbs and medications.
It is generally recommended to starve the fungus through the Candida diet,
which includes cutting out simple carbohydrates in addition to nuts, seeds,
grains, corn, mushrooms, potatoes, fruit, dairy, and alcohol. Ketogenic di-
ets may continue to feed the Candida. (See Diet chapter.)
Candida exists in two forms: the normal yeast spheres and an elongated
pathogenic hyphae form. Responsible for intestinal permeability, the hy-
phae form allows Candida to penetrate into the mucosal lining.
Several supplements have been shown to either prevent conversion to the
hyphae form or convert it back to its yeast form, rendering it no longer
pathogenic. These include biotin, thymol (from thyme), carvacrol (from
oregano), eugenol (from cloves), caprylic, and undecylenic acid.
Biotin may be especially beneficial for Hashimoto’s patients as it is helpful
with adrenal function and hair loss. I recommend 5,000 mcg daily.
While many cases of Candida can be controlled with diet and supple-
ments, some may require the use of antifungal herbs and even antifungal
medications like nystatin and fluconazole.