Yeast is a unicellular organism that colonizes the human body. Because Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen, it can overgrow and contribute to dysbiosis (a microbial imbalance in the body). Factors that can predispose to yeast overgrowth include use of birth control pills, cortisone or steroid type drugs that are inhaled or taken internally, and antibiotic use. I automatically check for yeast when I check for food allergies in my patients if I suspect it to be a contributing cause to ill health. Some signs and symptoms of yeast overgrowth include poor concentration, lack of focus, depression, anxiety, bloating, weight gain, vagitinis, diarrhea, constipation and prostatitis. Chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance and sinusitus are often found with a yeast problem as is the association of more serious diseases including cancer and autoimmune disease.
Because yeast thrives and feeds off of sugar and simple carbohydrates, following a yeast free diet is imperative. Yeast diets are restrictive for a reason. Yeast is a very resilient organism and its food sources must be completely eliminated so the yeast will not have a hospitable environment in which to grow in. Eliminating sugar and all simple carbohydrates is a must. Flour is out so no baked goods or pasta are allowed. Fruit must be greatly minimized-one low sugar fruit daily may be tolerated but no juice for some time can be included. Dairy is eliminated because of the milk sugar content (lactose). Nuts and seeds are eliminated that can harbor yeast as are mushrooms. No tea- black, white or green are recommended initially when you treat yeast. What does one eat on a diet so restrictive? A whole foods diet- whole grains can be included but not the flour of the grain, grass fed organic meat, free range organic poultry, or wild sources of seafood are allowed, plenty of vegetables the more non-starchy the better. As one starts to treat the yeast with antimicrobials, the diet can expand a little more.
Antimicrobials that I like to treat yeast with include oregano, cloves, ginger, wormwood, garlic and cinnamon. Gemmotherapies including Juglans nigra and Ficus carica can re-establish the inner ecology of the gut while weeding out the ‘bad organisms’. Supplements like caprylic acid can support suppression of harmful microorganisms. Pau D’arco tea is an antimicrobial tea that is supportive to treat yeast. Once treatment has been in place for a short time, beneficial probiotic organisms can be introduced into the system. I use a range of probiotics to reestablish proper gut flora. In addition, I recommend consuming nutritional prebiotics in the diet-consume asparagus, artichoke root, carrot root, cabbage, beet to support the healthy flora. Fermented foods like kim chi, miso, raw sauerkraut, coconut kefir and tempeh make the gut do its happy dance.
Lastly. Biotherapeutic drainage can drain intercellular toxins contributing to dysbiosis- liver support in the form of Unda 1, 20 and 243 is supportive as is Unda 3,39, 50 which establishes proper ecology in the intestines. This is a brief introduction on treating yeast. Please book an appointment if you want to talk yeast, test for yeast or treat for yeast 4032321283. Until next time, be well!