Yeast Overgrowth

YEAST OVERGROWTH By Kimberly Wagner

Candida Albicans is a naturally occurring yeast and is among the many organisms that live in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Candidiasis is an overgrowth of this yeast. This complex, which is usually referred to as Candida, causes a broad spectrum of symptoms, many of which are centered around, but certainly not limited to, gastrointestinal distress. Candida can be pervasive and truly wreak havoc upon one’s physical and mental state if it isn’t addressed.

Candidiasis has been considered an important factor in AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, schizophrenia, hyploglycemia and at least 20 other conditions. Some also believe that it is a causative factor in “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”.

Some of the symptoms which one might experience if there is an overgrowth of yeast are;

fatigue

depression

painful joints

poor memory

feelings of “spaciness’

digestive disturbance

food allergies & sensitivities

abdominal pain-bloating

sugar cravings

dry, itchy, tingling or burning skin

vaginal infections

low body temperature

PMS

hormonal disturbance

While these symptoms can be caused by other factors, certainly adopting a protocol which will eliminate yeast, will most certainly help with many of these symptoms. A shift to a healthy, nutritive diet, free of yeast-feeding foods, will be the first step to better health, whether or not you have yeast!

Some elements which can make Candida grow are;

antibiotics

birth-control pills

faulty diet; high sugar or carb. content

yeast containing foods

alcohol

some drugs

compromised immunity

sugar, white flour, caffeine, aspirin, chocolate, fluoride, nitrates, sedatives and STRESS are all “nutrient destroyers”

If you suspect that you may have an overgrowth of yeast, it’s important not to self-treat or diagnose this condition. You can go to www.theyeastconnection.com for a wealth of information. There you can answer questions to begin to determine if you might have a yeast problem. Then, see your Doctor or licensed health care practitioner, and have a GI panel done to get accurate testing and diagnosis.

Once you know that yeast overgrowth is an issue for you, you must eliminate the factors which are causing the problem. If you choose to rely on drugs, know that future outbreaks are probable. Antibiotics promote the growth of Candida and kill good bowel flora. Synthetic anti-fungals and other drugs used for Candidiasis can be toxic to the organs, damage the liver, weaken the immune system and many people find that their symptoms persist after taking drugs.

We highly recommend choosing a natural approach to addressing Candidiasis. The body/mind has a powerful self-healing ability, and given the right elements, will find it’s way back to balance without the use of drugs. Boosting immunity through a healthy, mostly alkaline diet (see Acid/Alkaline discussion), supplementation, rebuilding healthy intestinal bacteria and creating a balanced emotional life is a powerful arsenal!

Begin by eliminating all sugars and sugar products, especially processed white sugar. Also; high fructose corn syrup, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, honey, corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, lactose, etc. Fruit juice is best avoided, as it is concentrated sugar. Do not ever use artificial sweeteners. Do not ever drink soda pop or sweetened drinks.

You will also need to eliminate dairy products, butter, all white flour products, bread, pasta, pastries, white rice, potatoes, alcoholic beverages, vinegar, fermented foods, salad dressings, pickled products, roasted nuts, soy sauce, tamari, crackers, fried foods, pork,  bacon, cheese,  and processed foods of any kind.

Cheese, alcohol, melons, peanuts, dried fruits, cured meats, raw mushrooms, yeast breads and brewer’s yeast all contain mold or yeast and must be avoided. You should also avoid citrus fruits, pineapples and tomatoes.

Fresh vegetables (except potatoes, corn and yams), small amounts of gluten-free grains (millet, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth), eggs, fish, chicken, turkey (preferably organic) should be emphasized. You want to be more alkaline, get optimum nutrition and increase your fiber, thus creating healthy elimination. You may want to consider a colonics or enemas as you begin to rid the body of any toxins.

There are many herbal remedies and supplements for Candida-probiotics are essential. As mentioned before, the website www.theyeastconnection.com gives very helpful and more comprehensive information on yeast overgrowth and how to address it.

Do your own research online to find other websites which may be helpful and to find products which are specifically designed to attack the yeasts. If you want to consider a cleanse, the book “Cleanse & Purify Thyself”, by Richard Anderson is a wonderful resource.

Emotions are a strong component with Candida and it is crucial to look into yourself and do some mental and emotional cleansing. Consider the assistance of an experienced professional to help you reveal subconscious emotions, beliefs and programs which can be the underlying cause of yeast overgrowth. Breathwork is also very useful and will benefit you for a lifetime.

Best wishes on your journey to greater health, joy and clarity of mind. The efforts it takes to rid yourself of yeast overgrowth is a small thing in the light of vibrant health and happiness!!!