Yeast (Candida) Overgrowth
Candida is technically a digestive mold or yeast that lives off of your digestive system and gives off toxic waste. There are more than 70 different toxins that are produced by candida. Yeast is normally present, in small amounts, in our digestive system. It is the internal balance of yeast that makes the problem a health risk. Ideally there should be 1 yeast to 1 million bacteria.
The “yeast” problem with Candida albicans has been written about by many prominent physicians, including C. Orian Truss in The Missing Diagnosis, William Crook in The Yeast Connection, and Keith Sehnert in The Candidiasis Syndrome. It is much more common problem than many traditional physicians recognize – perhaps because it is a side effect of commonly prescribed medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills and steroids. The problem of yeast is made worse with the high consumption of refined foods and sugar in the typical American diet. To make matters worse our food has reduced mineral content (poor soil quality) as well as fewer naturally occurring enzymes (due to refining processes) that aid in digestion which ultimately keeps the intestines healthy.
Exposure to toxins such as chemicals, heavy metals, inadequate digestive enzymes, nutrient deficiencies and weakened immune system can also contribute to the yeast syndrome. It is a multidimensional problem of poor diet and exposure to certain drugs or toxins while affecting many different organ systems. This often makes the process of identification difficult. The problem of yeast overgrowth can go on for a long time without detection further contributing to nutritional deficiencies, allergies and weakened immune system. The following are chronic health conditions that can be caused by yeast:
- Fatigue,
- Fibromyalgia,
- Chemical Sensitivities,
- Depression,
- Digestive problems,
- Headaches,
- Joint Problems,
- Allergies
Very often these “symptoms” of yeast overgrowth are treated in isolation of the source problem with little success. It is important to address the yeast syndrome while also getting to and correcting the underlying cause.
In my experience of working with a large female population and dealing with problems such as weight loss, autoimmune problems such as Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia the yeast syndrome plays a major role in the presenting complaint.
Here are a few common problems associated with the yeast syndrome:
- History of frequent recurrent infections as a child with the use of antibiotics or the use of tetracycline for acne
- Birth control pill use in women
- Premenstrual symptoms
- Recurrent vaginal yeast infections in women or prostate problems in men
- Regular use of corticosteroids
- Cravings for sweets, breads, or alcohol
- Sensitivity to molds, dampness, and smells
- Mental symptoms such as depression, mood swings, or confusion
- Chronic fatigue, indigestion, or food reactions
- Recurrent skin fungus infections, such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, “jock itch,” or nail problems
How does it get started?
The yeast syndrome begins when a common yeast, Candida albicans, begins to overgrow in the intestinal or genito-urinary tract. When normal intestinal bacteria are killed off by antibiotics, yeast, as an opportunistic organism, takes over interfering with the health of the GI system and the immune system. Mild infections of the skin, vagina, throat, or bladder may develop in the early phase of this syndrome. However, with long-term presence or with a weakened immune system, the yeast shifts into its fungal form, attaching to the intestinal wall or other mucosal linings. Toxic by-products of fermentation by the fungus can then seep into the body through the weakened intestinal lining. Overtime the body will make antibodies to the Candida albicans organisms leading to a hypersensitivity reaction by the body and the immune system affecting multiple organs in a chronic nature, now known as the yeast syndrome.
The yeast problem ranges from localized infections such as skin rashes and vaginitis to the more serious systemic reactions. Range of symptoms include:
- recurrent ringworm,
- athlete’s foot, “jock itch,” or
- nail problems,
- headaches,
- fatigue,
- bladder inflammation,
- prostatic inflammation,
- mood swings,
- poor memory or concentration,
- depression, or confusion,
- premenstrual symptoms,
- recurrent herpes infection,
- joint pains,
- cravings for sweets, bread, or alcohol,
- indigestion or food reactions, and
- sensitivity to molds, dampness, environmental pollution, cigarettes, and various smells.
This yeast syndrome is more common in women than in men and affects hormonal balance contributing to premenstrual symptoms of irritability, depression, fatigue, and bloating as well as abnormal and/or painful menstrual periods.
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