Ear Infections, Hyperactivity and the Yeast Connection
by William G. Crook, M.D.
In the May 1987 issue of Clinical Pediatrics Randi Hagerman, M.D, and Alice Falkenstein, M.Sc. W., from the University of Colorado in Denver, and Yeshia University, New York, published a study in which they reported a clear relationship between repeated ear infections and hyperactivity.
Seventy-four percent of the hyperactive children had experience more than ten ear infections. By contrast, only twenty percent of a control group of children who were not hyperactive gave a history of more than ten ear infections.
In commenting on the observations these observers said, "These facts ... show a highly significant association between early ear infections and the subsequent development of hyperactivity. However ... how these two conditions are linked together is just now known.", and they suggested further investigation of this interesting phenomenon.
Here's why I feel that repeated ear infections and hyperactivity are yeast connected:
Kazuo Iwata, M.D,, a Japanese researcher, and his co-workers isolated a potent toxin from Candida albicans over 20 years ago. These investigators found that injecting Candida toxins into mice caused immunosuppression, irritability and other severe systemic and nervous symptoms.
C. Orian Truss, M.D., in his book, The Missing Diagnosis, described the effects of Candida on the immune system and nervous system. Moreover, Truss speculated on the relationship of Candida to repeated ear infections and learning problems in children.
Steven S. Witkin, Ph.D., reported that repeated or prolonged administration of antibiotics may cause changes in the microbial flora of the gut leading to an overgrowth of Candida. He also noted that these changes may in turn results in "defects in cellular immunity" leading to further infections.
observations by W. A, Walker, M.D., of Harvard (and others) show that when the mucous barrier of the gut is irritated or compromised, enterotoxins and ingested food allergens may penetrate the intestinal surface and cause adverse reactions.
My own observations and those of many other professionals including Rapp and Egger show that hyperactivity in most children is diet-related. here's the sequence of events that seems to be occurring:
Recurrent or persistent ear infections are treated with repeated or prolonged courses of antibiotic drugs.
These drugs wipe out normal gut flora.
Overgrowth of Candida is encouraged.
Candida produces toxins which weaken the immune system.
When the immune system is weakened, more infections develop.
More antibiotics are given so that a vicious cycle develops.
Candida-related changes in gut flora weaken the mucous barrier of the gut.
Food allergens are allowed to penetrate the intestinal surface and enter the bloodstream. Food allergens cause nervous system symptoms in most hyperactive children.
Candida toxins also affect the nervous system.
Iwata, K. and Yamamoto, Y. Glycoprotein Toxins Produced by Candida albicans. Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on the Mycoses, June 1977, PAHO Scientific Publication #356
Walker, W. A. in Brostoff, J & Challacombe, S. J. Food Allergy and Intolerance, London, Balliere & Tindall, 1987 pp 209-22
Rapp, D. A. Does Diet Affect Hyperactivity, Journal of Learning Disabilities, 11:56-62, 1978
Crook, W. G. Can What a Child Eats Make Him Dull, Hyperactive or Stupid? Journal of Learning Disabilities, 13:281-286, 1980
Egger, J. et al: Controlling Trial of Oligoantigenic Treatment (elimination diet) in the Hyperkinetic Syndrome, The Lancet, March 9, 1985 1 (8428)540-45.
The International Health Foundation Healthline. Vol 1. Number 2. Fall, 1989.
Reproduced with permission.