When conventional treatment provides no answers, the introduction of a yeast- and sugar-free diet often delivers impressive results. This was the conclusion of Dr William Crook, a physician and the author of "The Yeast Connection," who found that many of his patients with chronic illness were suffering from systemic yeast infections. He successfully used a yeast-free and sugar-free diet to improve their symptoms.
Yeast Infections
Problematic yeast organisms like candida albicans reside peacefully in most people's bodies. However, following antibiotic use or periods of sustained stress, these pathogenic yeasts can opportunistically take over the intestines before translocating into the bloodstream and causing a range of symptoms.
Sugar Free
The elimination of sugar reamins a crucial aspect of any treatment plan, explains Dr. Rodger Murphree. The physician highlights that sugar feeds the yeast organisms. He recommends cutting out sugar entirely, including fruit, during the die-off phase of the diet to help to starve the organisms.
Yeast Free
The human body contains many different types of yeast, most of which cause no problem whatsoever. However, during chronic yeast infections, the body produces antibodies to these organisms. Japanese researchers found that these antibodies cross-react in people, and cause adverse reactions after the consumption of an otherwise safe item like baker's yeast. Their study, published in the "Clinical and Experimental Allergy" journal in 1995, explains that some individuals must remove yeast from their diets before their symptoms disappear.
Diet Additions
Although the removal of sugar and yeast can reduce symptoms, it may not completely eradicate the problematic yeasts on its own. Jonny Bowden, a board-certified nutritionist and the author of several books on natural health care and nutrition, suggests that you add anti-fungal foods for several months to complete the process. He highlights coconut oil, garlic, pau d'arco and grapefruit seed extract as useful in this regard. He also recommends the addition of live yogurts or probiotic capsules to restore a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria.
Die-Off
The changes involved in the diet can initially trigger a worsening of symptoms. Dr. Murphree describes this as the die-off reaction, which results from the death of yeast cells; this results in a accentuated release of fungal toxins into the bloodstream, which causes irritation and aggravation for around 24 hours.
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