If you have ever experienced a yeast infection, athlete's foot, bladder infection or even a canker sore, it may be due to a yeast overgrowth. Candida, a yeast microorganism, resides in the bowels of your digestive tract. When imbalance occurs due to various causes, candida overgrowth results. This can lead to a number of health conditions.
Your Diet
The food you eat is possibly the second largest cause of candida overgrowth, as yeast loves sugar. The more sugar-filled foods you consume, the greater your risk of candida overgrowth. Any foods ending in "-ose," such as sucrose and fructose, may increase your risk of candida-related conditions. Examples include soda, syrups, honey, candy, chocolate, juices and ice cream. The National Candida Center, NCC, reports sugar cravings as an obvious sign of candida overgrowth. Choosing raw vegetables, high protein meat, nuts and seeds may help. Yogurt, another option, contains probiotics and can help restore balance to your digestive tract.
Alcohol
Alcohol contains large amounts of sugar, which not only increases your sugar cravings, but increases your risk of candida overgrowth as well. The NCC explains alcohol also destroys the good bacteria in your bowels. If you drink daily or several times each week, it is likely that you also have an overgrowth of yeast.
Antibiotics and Prescription Drugs
Antibiotics destroy the healthy bacteria in your digestive system, leaving you prey to health conditions such as bladder and yeast infections. Ironically, doctors prescribe antibiotics to "cure" these conditions. You also ingest antibiotics through the food you eat. Milk contains added antibiotics to destroy the bacteria it has. Prescription medications such as birth control pills, steroids, anti-inflammatory medications and antacids contribute to candida overgrowth. Although these drugs are helpful, you should speak to your doctor about their long-term use.
Considerations
Other causes of candida, such as hormone imbalance, excessive stress, tap water, bowel problems and environmental toxins, are all contributing factors as well. The National Candida Center, NCC, states these are not as common and usually result in candida when these situations are extreme. Women are more likely to develop a yeast infection during their menstrual cycle when PMS strikes, for example. Constipation and diarrhea can be the cause or the result of yeast overgrowth, while chronic stress can affect your immune system. Your water may contain toxins that destroy healthy bacteria. The NCC suggests drinking filtered water instead.
