The scientific name for a yeast infection is a Candida infection. Yeast organisms are fungi, and these tiny organisms are too small to be seen and can lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Under normal circumstances, your immune system will keep yeast from multiplying and gaining control, but if you become sick or take an antibiotic, yeast can grow and cause an infection.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are common today because people are living longer with compromised immune systems and taking more antibiotics, which allow the yeast to proliferate. Yeast commonly lives in the mouth, genital tract and intestinal tract, according to Life Extension. When the yeast multiplies it can cause a thrush infection in the mouth, esophagitis as the esophagus becomes inflamed with yeast overgrowth, vaginal infections, skin infections and yeast overgrowth infections in the intestinal tract or bloodstream.
Toxins
Yeast and molds are one-celled organisms that can be beneficial, such as nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast and lactobacillus acidophilus or the yeast culture found in yogurt. However, under the right conditions the yeast Candida albicans can grow and secrete poisonous chemicals that can contribute to a wide range of health conditions. Richard N. Podell, M.D., Ph.D., a clinician specializing in integrating complementary treatment with allopathic medicine, writes that in his practice he has seen Candida-related chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, migraines, eczema, insomnia, gastritis and heartburn, asthma, depression and anxiety.
Effects of Diet Changes
Following a low-carbohydrate and low-sugar diet can be effective in treating the symptoms of yeast infections, since yeast uses simple sugars in the body to proliferate and grow. Candida thrives in an acidic environment in the body, according to Disabled-World.com. Sugar and simple carbohydrates will increase the acidity of your stomach and reduce your copper balance, states Nancy Appleton Ph.D., nutritional consultant, researcher and author. An appropriate copper balance also helps prevent the overgrowth of yeast in the body.
Considerations
Bruce Semon, M.D., Ph.D. recommends, besides minimizing sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, also eliminating all foods that contain yeast, such as breads and alcohols. His recommended Candida-fighting diet contains 70 to 80 percent cooked vegetables and includes raw dairy products, cooked animal protein and raw yogurt or kefir. Disabled-World.com points out that Candida diets can be restrictive and limit your nutritional intake; use a multivitamin to supplement your diet until you finish the treatment protocol. Always check with a health-care provider before self-treating a yeast infection.
References
- Life Extension: Fungal Infections: Candida
- Nutrition Institute; The Yeast Candida Albicans, the Health Problems it Causes and How to Treat It; Bruce Semon
- Dr. Podell: Candida/Yeast Infections
- KidsHealth.org: Carbohydrates, Sugar and Your Child
- Disabled-World.com: Candida Yeast Infections; November 2007
- NaturoDoc; 49 Ways Sugar Can Ruin Your Health; Nancy Appleton
Member Comments