CDC: Energy-sapping infections from soil fungus up 420%

An epidemic of fungal infections is sweeping the U.S. Incidence of valley fever, caused when the soil fungus Coccidioides (prevalent in the Southwest) is inhaled, has increased by 420 percent since 1998. And that’s not the only problematic fungus—there’s Histoplasma in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys; Blastomyces in the Central and Southeastern U.S.; and Cryptococcus in the Northwest. It’s such a concern that the CDC initiated the “Think Fungus” campaign to raise awareness. Says Tom Chiller, M.D., chief of the CDC’s mycotic diseases branch,“It’s one of our highest priorities.”

Symptoms mimic those of colds and allergies, so most women don’t see a doctor right away. When they do, they’re often diagnosed with bronchitis, sinus issues or bacterial pneumonia, and up to 80 percent are given antibiotics, CDC data reveals. But these drugs don’t kill fungi, and can actually help them thrive by killing the good gut bacteria that would eradicate fungi. If not properly treated, fungi can spread to cause body-wide concerns like depression and IBS.

A blood serum analysis can diagnose an infection. But be armed with material to help educate the M.D., as misconceptions are common. (Go to CDC.gov/Fungal for printouts.) “If someone is otherwise healthy, fungus is never thought of,” explains pulmonologist Mukesh Saraiya, M.D. “And conventional wisdom falsely contends that fungi are just an irritant that you don’t have to treat.”

The first key to wellness: a diet that doesn’t feed fungi. Dr. Saraiya advocates the Kaufmann Diet (see KnowTheCause.com), which limits wheat, sugar and foods that convert to sugar. “I still get goose bumps when my patients do so well on this diet—improving their overall health and losing weight as well!”

Vitamin D3 boosts immunity to ward off infection. Dr. Saraiya advises 20,000 IU four times a week.