The gut and the oral cavity are closely linked in more ways than you might think. Of course it is well known that the digestive process begins in the oral cavity through the combined action of chewing and saliva impregnation of the food which is prepared for the next step in the stomach. The mouth is thus an integral part of the digestive system. Any problems affecting your ability to chew properly can adversely affect digestion and good nutrition.

What is less well known is the effect of certain dental materials on the health of the microbial flora in the gut. The microbial flora in the gut is an integral and essential part of the digestive process and a healthy gut flora is a key element in nutrients absorption. A healthy gut flora contains a mix of good bacteria and yeast organisms. Under certain conditions, an imbalance in the gut flora can induce a yeast transformation into mycelial Candida which can overgrow and infiltrate the gut lining causing increased permeability ( leakage ) and inflammation. The well behaving Candida, in the healthy gut flora, is in a budding form as single cells whereas the "nasty" Candida grows in a filamentous form called a mycelial fungal growth. Increased gut permeability, also called leaky gut, can reduced absorption of nutrients and reduce elimination of metabolic waste, a very undesirable situation that can lead to secondary nutrients deficiency and poor detoxification.

THE ROLE OF A PATHOLOGICAL GUT FLORA IN DISEASES

An abnormal gut flora ( dysbiosis ) has been shown to be involved in a number of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple system organ failure.

THE ROLE OF TOXIC METALS

Toxic metals such as mercury and silver ( from amalgam for instance... ) can contribute to such an imbalance, called gut dysbiosis, because Candida Albicans , a fungus frequently involved in gut dysbiosis, is more resistant to these toxic metals than the good bacterial organisms. Furthermore Candida Albicans can convert elemental mercury into the organic form, methylmercury, particularly toxic to the nervous system. Thus such toxic metals will favour the excess growth of Candida Albicans while inhibiting and even destroying the beneficial gut bacteria.

Candida Albicans also produces toxic by-products such as aldehydes, ethanol and gliotoxins which can contribute, on their own, to a range of symptoms and worsen other pre-existing problems. It has been suggested that mycelial fungal organisms can produce up to 75 different toxins. However the major toxin is acetaldehyde, a toxin that accumulate in the intestinal environment, the circulating blood, liver, other tissues and organs of individuals with Candida Albicans overgrowth. This compound can affect the metabolic, neurological, endocrine and immune systems of the body. Acetaldehyde may directly inhibit the osteoblastogenic potential of the bone marrow, and this effect may contribute to decreased bone formation and osteoporosis.

Furthermore the immune system may respond to Candida by-products and food molecules in the blood stream by secreting histamines, a pro-inflammatory substance, which can results in classic symptoms of allergies and food intolerances.

Of course a poor diet, rich in refined sugar and refined flour, repeated antibiotic treatments and other factors can also contribute to gut dysbiosis so nutritional changes are an important part of the solution.

Some Symptoms:

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Even subclinical ( that does not cause obvious symptoms ) Candida overgrowth in the gut can play a role in apparently unrelated symptoms and diseases, so frequently goes undiagnosed and untreated. Call the Centre to book a consultation with Dr. Jacques Imbeau if you think you may have an amalgam related Candida problem.