From headaches to rashes, from itching to brain fog, systemic yeast infections can cause an almost unlimited array of symptoms. This concept is according to Dr. William Crook, the family doctor who noticed that many of his patient's chronic health problems improved when he addressed the yeast inside the body.
Identification
Although the problematic yeast organisms exist peacefully in most individuals, issues occur when you disturb the intestinal flora and these yeasts colonize the gut wall. Dr Lawrence Wilson, a physician familiar with the condition, notes how antibiotic use and a high sugar diet stand out as common causes for this change in bacterial balance.
Features
Yeasts get their fuel from sugars, so Crook recommends the dietary restriction of carbohydrate and the removal of sugars. Carbohydrate-rich foods, like pasta and rice, break down into sugars in the intestines, explaining why their moderation remains an important part of the regime. You must also remove all sweet foods, including fruit, during the die-off period.
Theories/Speculation
While the restriction of carbohydrates weakens the yeast population through starvation, the addition of foods with an anti-fungal action expedites their dying off. Dr. Jonny Bowden, weight loss coach and nutrition expert, suggests using a range of anti-fungal foods, highlighting coconut oil, grapefruit seed extract, garlic and pau d'arco tea as good for this purpose.
Expert Insight
The replenishment of the bacteria in the intestines remains an important part of any diet that deals with yeast infections. Regularly providing probiotics, which contain millions of beneficial bacteria, help to restore a positive balance in the intestines. Dr. Wilson explains how good amounts of these beneficial bacteria help crowd out the problematic fungi to avoid a recurrence of the problem.
Considerations
One of the toughest challenges of any diet that addresses yeast infections involve the die-off reaction. Also called the Herxheimer response, Dr. Crook explains that the killing of vast number of yeast cells can release a load of fungal toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can cause irritation and inflammation, as well as a period of severe fatigue. This die-off reaction tends to last for several days but does pass.
References
- Dr Lawrence Wilson: New Information about Yeast Infections
- TotalHealthBreakthroughs.com: Jonny Bowden -- Get Rid of Candida For Good
- "The Yeast Connection": Dr William Crook: 1979
