Researchers at the American Psychological Association's¹ annual meeting presented multiple studies linking the frequency of childhood ear infections to the risk of obesity. None of the researchers seemed to grasp the meaning of their findings, suggesting that taste-related nerve damage from the infections skewed taste systems to desire sweet and fat tastes and not like vegetables – resulting in the clearly observable trend of later life obesity.

The actual cause of obesity in this situation is an overgrowth of Candida albicans from repeated antibiotic use, which is known to alter the taste system away from bitter tastes like vegetables, as the bitter parts of plants are natural antifungals that reduce excessive Candida albicans. Conversely, sugar and polyunsaturated fats like those found in French fries, potato chips, and corn chips fuel the growth of Candida albicans and lock in the problem.

When Candida is in an overgrown condition it releases multiple signals that directly confuse the human immune and endocrine system. This “communication confusion” suppresses the immune system and also makes it hyperactive, leading to a history of infections, asthma, and later-life autoimmune problems including autoimmune thyroiditis. On the metabolic side, Candida generated signals that directly interfere with metabolism and also raise blood sugar – which in turn further feeds the growth of Candida.

It is nice to see research that confirms the link between early infection frequency and obesity. This research lends support to a significant existing body of scientific information regarding the devastating long-term consequences of repeated antibiotic use. To avoid such problems digestive and sinus health must be corrected, as needed, following the use of antibiotics. Natural methods of immune support should be part of the toolbox of health so that children are not plunged down a path of poor health that is difficult to manage. Bad parenting, meaning that children are allowed to consume sugar, junk fats, soda, and candy whenever they desire, is also a major factor that directly causes poor health and adds insult to injury when there has been a history of ear infections.