Yeast is among the microorganisms that normally reside in the human body. Present in the digestive tract, the mouth and the genital tract, among other places, yeast is kept in check largely by the beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, that also colonize the body. However, if yeast proliferates beyond the limiting capacity of probiotic bacteria, it can penetrate mucous membranes and spread into new territories. When yeast becomes a systemic problem (known as systemic candidiasis), the cure involves treatment on several fronts.
Conventional Therapies
Conventional treatment of yeast overgrowth depends on the location and the severity of the problem. For an oral yeast infection (thrush), nystatin is very useful; vaginal yeast may be treated locally with anti-fungals such as miconazole or orally with fluconazole. Yeast infections on the skin can be treated with a variety of medications, like ketoconazole. In severe cases of candidiasis in which the immune system of the patient is compromised (from chemotherapy or HIV, for instance ), fluconazole is the first-line treatment, but there are a host of other anti-fungals that physicians may use, including caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin, voriconazole, and posaconazole in specific circumstances.
Dietary Recommendations
The foundation for eliminating candidiasis is a diet that creates a systemic environment that is unfavorable to yeast. Consumption of lean proteins, healthy fats and low-glycemic carbohydrates are recommended and should form the basis of the diet. On the other hand, foods that feed yeast include yeast-containing products (such as beer and yeast breads) and sugar. For the first several weeks of anti-yeast treatment, sugar of all kinds should be eliminated, including concentrated natural sugars like honey and fruit juices. Fermented foods (like alcohol and vinegar) as well as moldy foods (such as some cheeses, dried fruit and peanuts) should also be avoided.
Beneficial Supplements
Supplements can attack a yeast overgrowth in different ways; they can either kill yeast directly or fortify the probiotic bacteria that are naturally responsible for limiting yeast proliferation. Derived from coconut oil, caprylic acid is a nonherbal supplement with antimicrobial properties. Supplemental probiotics are also very useful for keeping systemic yeast in check; a multistrain supplement that includes at least the lactobacillus and bifidobacteria families is best for recolonizing the body. In addition, FOS and other prebiotics selectively feed probiotics and permit them to proliferate more rapidly than yeast and other microorganisms.
Herbal Treatments
Many herbs can effectively destroy yeast; among them are garlic (dietary and supplemental), grapefruit-seed extract, oregano oil and goldenseal. The precise combinations and quantities of herbs should be discussed with a knowledgeable practitioner.
Lifestyle Recommendations
Stress can exacerbate candidiasis by reducing immune function and increasing blood sugar levels. Stress reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation and yoga are beneficial. Antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria that balance yeast in the body, and exposure to these drugs should be limited if possible during yeast elimination treatment. In addition to antibiotic medications, another source of these drugs is the food supply, since antibiotics are often given to animals that produce food products to prevent disease. Consuming organic (presumably antibiotic-free) animal products is a good idea until a healthy balance of systemic probiotics and yeast is restored.
References
- "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living"; Janet Zand, Allan Spreen and James LaValle; 1999
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1998
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