Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

About the Episode

Reduce Candida overgrowth and balance your mycobiome!

Join microbiome scientist, Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, as he unravels the profound connection between gut health, sugar cravings, fungal imbalances, and the Gut-Brain Axis. Using his years of experience, Dr. Ghannoum sheds light on the important role of Candida Tropicalis and the profound influence of our microbiome on our holistic well-being.

Listen now to start feeling better by balancing both your micro- and mycobiome!

What We Discuss

Microorganisms, including Candida Tropicalis, are crucial for our overall health and well-being. However, Candida overgrowth and other imbalances in the microbiome can lead to various health issues including the formation of antibiotic resistance, gastrointestinal symptoms, inflammation, sugar cravings, and more.

Candida and the Microbiome

The microbiome is the collective term for the various microorganisms that inhabit the human body. This community includes not only bacteria but also other microorganisms such as fungi, viruses, archaea, and parasites. When in balance, this community helps our well-being. One such resident is Candida Tropicalis.

While Candida can be a normal resident of the gut, it becomes problematic when its population increases. When this happens, like with too much antibiotic use, our bodies start to crave sugar, which serves as its primary source of sustenance.

If you find yourself craving too much sugar, addressing Candida overgrowth and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome can be a great strategy to help you make better dietary choices.

Addressing Imbalances

The overgrowth of microorganisms such as Candida Tropicalis, E. Coli, and Sia Mar can create a symbiotic relationship that results in a biofilm that can make them resistant to antibiotics and our body’s immune responses. This can turn into gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Strategies to address these imbalances include using probiotic strains and enzymes to break down this biofilm, making dietary adjustments to support gut health, and encouraging the growth of beneficial microorganisms like lactobacillus. The short-chain fatty acids produced by these beneficial microbes help heal the gut lining and boost the immune system, contributing to overall gut health.

Adopting a holistic approach that includes exercise and stress reduction will also aid your gut microbiome and overall health.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain connection is the communication network between our gastrointestinal system and our central nervous system. While it’s widely acknowledged that the brain can influence the gut—for example, stress can lead to digestive issues—, it’s equally important to recognize that the gut exerts a substantial influence on the brain.
An essential player in this dynamic is the gut microbiome. When it is balanced, it contributes to overall health, including mental well-being.
As we strive for better health, it’s essential to adopt a holistic approach that encompasses all areas of life. Diet, exercise, stress management, and mindful choices all promote a thriving gut and overall vitality.

Listen now and start feeling better by balancing your mycobiome!

Guest Bio

Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum is a microbiome scientist (known for naming the mycobiome) and is Co-Founder of BIOHM. Dr. Ghannoum has dedicated the last 40 years to microbiome research, publishing 500+ peer-reviewed papers. His work has been cited in over 29,000 scientific papers, and he discovered more than 100 native species of fungi in the oral cavity.

Dr. Ghannoum received his PhD from the University of Technology in Loughborough, England, and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. He is currently the Director of the Center for Medical Mycology at Case Western Reserve University.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/biohmhealth/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.mahmoudghannoum/
https://www.biohmhealth.com/
https://poweredbybiohm.com/
Book: Total Gut Balance: Fix Your Mycobiome Fast for Complete Digestive Wellness

Related Episodes

Heal Leaky Gut, with Dr. Vincent Pedre
Phytonutrients: the Key to Your Health, with Dr. Deanna Minich
Heal the Gut-Brain Connection, with Dr. Will Cole

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is comprehensive testing for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, helping clinicians accurately diagnose and treat these complex infections. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood, Urine, or Ticks

COST

may have a $200 copay

INSURANCE

Covered by most insurance.

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Galleri® is a multi-cancer early detection test, a blood test that screens for many of the deadliest cancers before they become symptomatic,1,2,3 including those with no recommended screening tests today. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home or in lab.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$999

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This DNA test analyzes a person’s genetic markers to provide insights into their health and wellness price. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Swab

COST

$299

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is a key tool for assessing the impact of long-term exposure to environmental chemicals. By quantitatively measuring 14 select metabolites, this test helps determine an individual’s toxic burden, offering essential data to guide targeted nutritional and detoxification interventions for improved health outcomes. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$129

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

The Hormone and Urinary Metabolites Assessment Profile (HuMapTM) provides a comprehensive overview of steroid hormones, their metabolites, and the efficiency of the enzymes that metabolize these hormones. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$199

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a dried urine test for comprehensive hormones to help providers solve complex patient cases. DUTCH is a group of validated tests that provide a complete evaluation of sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$300

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive stool test that relies on quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, H. pylori, fungi, and more by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$399

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This is a comprehensive test that uses blood and urine to evaluate over 125 biomarkers. It provides recommendations for vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood and Urine

COST

$179 – $439

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage.

INSTRUCTIONS

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Genova’s SIBO Profiles are non-invasive breath tests which capture exhaled hydrogen (H2) and methane (CH4) gases following patient ingestion of a lactulose solution to evaluate bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$310

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$150 – $329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$439 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

COST

$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health
Balance Candida and Improve Your Gut Health

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted