Yeast infection is an abnormal overgrowth of the organism Candida Albicans, which can create disabling physical symptoms.
While this condition predominately affects women, men are also affected since it is easily tranferred to partners. In women Candida is usually found in the vagina, appearing as a white discharge that may or may not itch.
If not attended to, Candida can become so entrenched that it spreads throughout the body, becoming a systemic disease which is more difficult to eliminate.
At the more advanced stage, Candida mimics many other illnesses such as…
- severe allergies
- multiple sclerosisis
- cystitis
- colitis
- psychological and emotional imbalances
Some more effects include…
- dizziness
- depression
- lethargy
- poor concentration
- impaired memory
- digestive problems
- spots before the eyes (floaters)
- headaches
- joint pain
- bloating
- oral thrush
Some natural health care professionals have found that Candida often plays a role in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatique Syndrome.
It is believed that most of the ill effects of Candida are from the toxins it produces which spread throughout the body via the bloodstream creating the myriad symptoms mentioned above.
The cause of yeast infection is blamed on the over-use of medications like antibiotics and birth control pills. Under ideal conditions, Candida Albicans is kept in check by “friendly” bacteria like lactobacillus found in the intestines. Chemical antibiotics make no distiction between “friendly” and “unfriendly” organisms which can quickly upset the balance between them, resulting in overgrowth of pathogenic organisms.
A low fat, low protein, high carbohydrate diet also plays a large role in candida overgrowth, as carbohydrates like pasta, breads, snack foods and sugary soft drinks are “fuel” for the spread of Candida.
Treatment and Long Term Prevention
Your body has a defense mechanism against all types of bacteria, virus, fungi, mold and yeast invasion – the immune system. Any health condition or illness weakens the bodys immune system and can encourage the abnormal growth of candida.
One of the most important things you can do is to increase the energy and overall health of your body so it has the strength to return to balance. This is done by cleansing and detoxification, diet and high quality nutritional supplements.
The colon is one of the main strongholds for yeast infection. If antibiotics have been used frequently colon cleasing is an important step to reduce the symptoms of candida. A clean colon is very important to promote the excretion of toxins with ingredients such as apple pectin and psyllium husks.
As mentioned earler, diet also plays a role in candida. If you have a long standing systemic overgrowth condition with severe symtoms (see above) going on a special diet can help you to feel better faster.
Diet Suggestions
Yeast grows on sugar and starch and is fed by gluten-containing grains like wheat, oats, rye and barley, so some things to avoid would be…
- all yeast products like brewers yeast, breads, rolls, pastries, etc.
- beer and alcoholic beverages
- all sugars and sweets
- vinegar
- pickles
- fruit and fruit juices
- soft drinks (both regular and diet – diet contains aspartame, which is documented
to harm health) - canned and boxed food preparations (most contain sugar)
Yeast Reducing Foods
- Meats – chicken, fish, turkey, seafood, bacon, venison, duck, ham, etc.
- eggs
- vegetables – all except carrots, corn and potatoes
- plain yogurt – may be flavored with vanilla, sweetened with stevia
Another positive side effect of eating this way is weight loss!