According to "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology," the most common cause of systemic yeast infections is Candida albicans. An oval budding yeast denoted by its distinctive pseudohyphae, Candida frequently colonizes the gastrointestinal and oral tracts. Problems begin to occur when the yeast overgrows the natural flora in the digestive system.
Candidiasis
In the book "The Yeast Syndrome," Dr. John Trowbridge, M.D. and doctor of Podiatry medicine, Morton Walker indicate polysystemic candidiasis has a large span of symptoms based on the affected systems in the body:
Gastrointestinal overgrowth can present with bloating, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.
Vaginal candidiasis results in recurrent vaginitis, itching, burning and thick "cottage cheese"-like discharge. Women can also experience menstrual problems from yeast infections, including severe premenstrual syndrome and irregularities in their menstrual cycle.
Respiratory symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, and wheezing. These generally manifest as chronic unilateral sinus infections.
Central nervous system effects of candida include brain fog, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, memory loss and difficulty concentrating.
Causes
According to Michigan State University, the causes that predispose you to contracting a yeast infection are namely diets rich in sugars, antibiotic use, excessive steroid use, oral contraceptives, chemicals such as commercial douches and sexual transmission.
Amalgam fillings, dental hygiene and a suppressed immune system can also be added to the list of causes, according to the book "Candida Albicans: Could Yeast Be Your Problem" by Dr. Leon Chaitow, D.O.
Significance of Diet
In a study published by the "Archives of Oral Biology," researchers concluded that there is a definite link between diet and the prevalence of oral yeast infections. They found that out of 300 children, none of those that were fed with only breast milk were colonized with Candida species, while 18.5 percent of those that were bottle fed were Candida carriers.
Candida Diet
An important part of yeast infection treatment, according to "The Yeast Syndrome" and "The Yeast Connection Handbook," the Candida Diet is separated into three phases. Phase one is limited to eating only proteins, such as free-range lean meats, eggs, nuts except for peanuts and seeds. The second phase a week later adds in vegetables and fruits, especially apples. The third phase slowly adds back to your diet whole grains.
How the Diet Works
"The Yeast Connection Handbook" indicates that sugary foods are easily metabolized by yeast thus promoting its growth. "The Yeast Syndrome" states that Candida species ferment carbohydrates in a primitive digestion, producing copious amounts of ethanol. The Candida Diet, through avoidance of sugars, flours, alcohol and vinegar, virtually starves the yeast by removing its sources of energy.
References
- "Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology" 5th ed.; Klaus Wolf, M.D., et al.; 2005
- "The Yeast Syndrome"; John Trowbridge, M.D. and Morton Walker, D.P.M.; 1986
- "The Yeast Connection Handbook"; William Crook, M.D.; 1999
- "Candida Albicans: Could Yeast Be Your Problem"; Leon Chaitow, D.O., N.D.; 1998
- "Archives of Oral Biology"; Prevalence of Candida Species in Turkish Children: Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Carriage; Tanju Kadir, Ph.D., et al.; Jan. 2005
