Candida, also known as Candida Albicans, Candidiasis, and Monilia, is the most well-known of the problematic yeasts, but it is just one of many different types of yeast commonly found in human bodies, in bread, and even in the air. From the time we are born, we have had some Candida and other yeasts living in our intestinal tracts. Normally, Candida and other yeasts live in harmony with us, their hosts. It is only when they overgrow their normal boundaries that begin to cause a problem.
When you have too much yeast in your system, it is called a ‘Yeast infection’ or yeast overgrowth. Since yeasts love warm, wet places, infections show up in places like your intestines, vagina or mouth, which is commonly known as ‘thrush’. When enough of these yeasts overgrow in your body, they can become quite troublesome. They also have the chameleon-like ability to change to fungi as they overgrow, producing long root-like structures that are invasive and can penetrate the lining of your intestine. A fungus can release toxins and incompletely digested food and faecal matter into your bloodstream. This damages the digestive tract and causes food sensitivities, allergies and other problems.
Yeast infections are fairly common. Researchers estimate that 25-35 percent of the population suffers from yeast and related fungal conditions. Many more women than men are affected.
Yeast infections have become a much greater health risk in the second half of the twentieth century than ever before. Modern medicines introduction of the wonder drugs known as antibiotics started yeast on its rise to prominence. Antibiotics kill all bacteria, regardless of type. This means that antibiotics also destroy good bacteria, mainstays of our immune defences. The ‘friendly’ bacteria such as lactobacilli acidophilus and bifidus are killed off by antibiotic therapy. Opportunistic yeasts quickly overgrow, stepping in to fill the void left behind after antibiotic therapy kills off the friendly bacteria that used to line our intestinal tract. Birth control pills and steroids can also directly contribute to yeast overgrowth.
When you swallow sweets and starchy carbohydrates, you feed the yeast, which starts a fermentation process, hence the gurgle and bloat. Of all the food groups, undigested and unabsorbed carbohydrates (sweets, starches and alcohol) most directly feed the growth of these intestinal microbes. Good digestion absorbs the carbohydrates that you eat quickly into your body, but if you have been eating too many sweets and starches, you may have overwhelmed your gut’s ability to digest and absorb them. As the yeast feeds on excess carbohydrates, it multiplies and spreads, and its feeding frenzy is felt as the overwhelming cravings for carbohydrates that so many people now suffer from.
How Does It Spread?
When yeast spreads in the gastrointestinal tract, you will certainly know that it is there. The symptoms that you may develop are wind, bloating and indigestion. You may also get major cravings for sugar, starches and alcohol which are the foods that yeasts prefer. The more you feed the yeast, the more it proliferates, releasing toxins and interfering with your digestion as it expands.
Eventually, the yeast may enter your bloodstream and spread through your body. At this point, your immune system really can begin to be overwhelmed and to falter. A frail, sluggish immune response is an open invitation for the yeast to overgrow, as yeasts are far more aggressive even than viruses.
As the yeast spreads, your symptoms may grow more diverse such as depression, lethargy, mental fog, mood swings, PMS, confused thyroid function, susceptibility to infections (sinus, respiratory, bladder, gums etc), sensitivity to pollutants and fumes, achy muscles and joints, and skin and nail fungus.
How Can You Combat It
There are five ‘lines of attack’, that is five different ways we can combat a Candida infection. To stand the best chance, we should really combine all five together:
Control the yeast;
Prevent it changing to the fungal form;
Replenish friendly bacteria;
Boost the immune system;
Change the diet – stop feeding it sugary, yeasty foods.
Control the Yeast
Pau D’Arco (La Pacha) it is reported that this South American herb contains three anti-yeast compounds that are active against Candida Albicans and fungi. It may also act as an immune booster. Not to be used if suffering from stomach ulcers;
Grape Seed Extract the active ingredient is berberine, (which is also found in goldenseal.) This according to anecdotal evidence may kill yeasts but is non-toxic to humans. It may also discourage parasites such as tapeworms;
Garlic (Allium sativum) may inhibit microbes of all kinds, including yeasts and parasites. Garlic has traditionally been used as a potent anti-fungal agent, and also to increase resistance to infection, its active ingredient is allicin;
Aloe Vera Juke anecdotal evidence suggests that it has an anti-fungal action, as well as improving overall bowel flora condition and improving the local acidity balance. It may have a similar effect on bacterial and fungal infection on the skin and be applied to such conditions locally;
Bio-strath Elixir a specially cultivated good food yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) is combined with a mixture of selected herbs. This herbal yeast is (without heat) liquefied by fermentation. The herbal yeast has no relationship with the parasitic strain of yeast known as Candida; in fact, Bio-strath may inhibit Candida growth, synthesise its own B vitamins and help to boost vitality and immunity for people with Candida overgrowth.
Caprylic Acid The anti-fungal action of Caprylic Acid aids in fighting yeast in the body, which is particularly useful to someone suffering from Candida or Thrush.
Prevent Yeast Changing To Fungal Forms
Biotin this is a member of the B vitamin group that may help stop sugar cravings and has, according to anecdotal evidence, inhibitory effect on yeasts by preventing the change to the more harmful fungal form.
Ginger may inhibit both fungus and yeast while promoting the growth of friendly bacteria like lactobacillus acidophilus.
Replenish Friendly Bacteria
Acidophilus Lactobacillus acidophilus encourages friendly bacteria to re-establish a residence in the bowel. It could also push back the yeast, which may have crowded into the vacant space left when antibiotics or other drugs destroyed acidophilus colonies;
Regucol this contains both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria Bifidum, which is another helpful friendly bacterium. If both are used together, it may help to relieve the Candida more effectively. The bacteria seem to manufacture substances that retard the growth of Candida. Supplementing with bifidobacteria also enhances detoxification via the liver, as well as its extremely useful detoxifying role in the intestinal tract itself.
Boost the Immune System
Echinacea – anecdotal evidence suggests that active ingredients are polysaccharides enhance the immune system, and echinacosides that help to stimulate the immune system;
Astragalus also contains polysaccharides which may help stimulate the immune system;
Kelp if you have an unbalanced thyroid, it could contribute to a low immune system. Always check with GP if on any medication or are aware you have a thyroid problem;
Multi-Vitamin may help to boost the immune system. Ensure that they are yeast and sugar-free.
Recommended lifestyle changes
According to Oriental and Ayurvedic medicine, the digestive
the process is supposed to be a ‘hot one’. To break down food, the stomach requires ample hydrochloric acid, and other digestive enzymes. When you have too much yeast, this digestive fire is extinguished or reduced. An effective way to rekindle that flame is to use warming foods, such as ginger, oregano, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper, all of which increase gastric secretions and assimilation of nutrients.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol and yeast containing foods alcohol, alcohol-containing foods, baker’s yeast;
Dairy – milk and cheese from cows, cottage cheese, sweetened yoghurt (remember the lactose in these foods is a form of sugar, which the yeasts feed on, and cheese is a fungal product, which encourages yeast growth). However, butter and unsweetened yoghurt are usually okay;
Fermented food products like apple cider vinegar, other vinegars (except rice vinegar), hops, malts, soy sauce, pickles, and pickled vegetables;
Fruits just, in the beginning, you won’t be able to eat any fresh fruit at all, let alone dried fruit or fruit juices, due to the natural sugars;
Mushrooms of all types;
Processed meats all processed and smoked meats, bacon sausage, corned beef, ham and others;
Starches grains in general with the exception of whole rice, corn and millet. Bread, biscuits, gravies, muffins, pancakes, pasta, sauces, tapioca, waffles, crisps, etc. However, some are yeast and sugar-free so check the labels;
Sweets all kinds of fizzy drinks, desserts, sugar (white, brown, raw), honey, molasses, maple syrup, sweeteners, ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce;
Meat cattle feed often contains antibiotics to stop the spread of disease. These antibiotics are then passed down the food chain and may reduce the activity of the friendly bacteria in the human gut.
Safe Foods
Eggs cooked at a low temperature;
Freshly prepared soups without cream or milk;
Fresh nuts and seeds preferably soaked in water overnight;
Goats cheese, unsweetened yoghurt made from cow’s milk, and buttermilk;
Pulses beans, lentils, peas;
Protein fish, organic poultry, beef and lamb;
Vegetables particularly steamed;
Whole Grains basmati rice, millet, quinoa
Anti-Yeast, Anti-Fungal Foods
Avocado Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Garlic,
Kale
Onions
Spices
cinnamon, cloves, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric, Coconut oil or full-fat coconut milk, extra virgin olive oil, flax oils, Fresh lemon as a flavouring (to help the body detoxify)
