Yeast cleansing is a natural, healthy way to treat the overgrowth of the yeast known as Candida albicans. Yeast overgrowth can be responsible for many medical conditions including fatigue, memory loss, depression, headaches and lack of concentration. There are many other medical conditions associated with yeast overgrowth as well. Working with a naturopathic doctor can help determine your severity and determine a cleansing plan that fits your needs. There are many cleansing packages available at natural health food stores and vitamin shops.
Candida Albicans
Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is capable of producing an infection in a normal, healthy individual by colonizing on moist or mucus membranes. Yeast generally only causes infection in a person who has weakened defenses. When the immune system is unbalanced, Candida cells grow quickly. The cells overwhelm the healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, skin and vagina. According to "The Yeast Connection" by William Grant Cook, Candida albicans accounts for the vast majority of diseases caused by the yeast.
Contributing Conditions
Many conditions and influences can predispose you to yeast overgrowth. Overuse of antibiotics can kill the healthy bacteria as well as the harmful bacteria, providing a good environment for yeast to flourish. Processed foods---especially those low in vitamins and minerals---can also contribute to yeast overgrowth. White sugar and white flour are major contributors. Chemical food additives, artificial flavors and unhealthy eating habits---such as overeating, skipping meals and replacing meals with coffee---can put you at risk as well. Commercial meats can contain antibiotics or artificial hormones that are fed to the animals. Other contributors include alcohol, recreational drugs, heavy metals, birth control pills, poor air quality, stress and inhaled chemicals.
Diet
Part of the process of cleansing candida from the body includes a special diet. The diet rules out processed and junk foods and sugars and limits other foods. The diet should be high in vegetables and healthy grains such as buckwheat. The diet also includes lean meats, eggs, fish, nuts, unprocessed oils, cold pressed oils, whole grain bread without yeast (usually found in the health foods section) and legumes.
Supplements
Often, the elimination diet is not enough to kill off Candida by itself. There are different supplements and cleansing products available to use in addition to the diet. Cook stats in "The Yeast Connection" that antifungals can be used to kill off yeast. Nystatin is a commonly prescribed antifungal medication.
"Chronic Candidiasis: Your Natural Guide to Healing with Diet, Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Exercise, and Other Natural Methods" by Michael T. Murray, N.D., recommends enzymatic products, which attack the cell walls of Candida. Enzymatic products can help kill yeast, but often do not prevent more from growing.
Murray also suggests using probiotics, which are very important to the body's ability to fight off harmful bacteria and yeast. Acidophilus is an important probiotic and can be taken as a supplement or found in food products such as yogurt.
Polysaccharides are products that help prevent Candida from returning, Murray reports. Polysaccharides are made from sugars found in certain mushrooms that are known for their healing properties. Cook also states that garlic is known for its ability to fight yeast, in addition to its many other health benefits.
Considerations
Cook talks about how yeast overgrowth is a controversial subject among many doctors. Many medical doctors feel that yeast overgrowth is over-prescribed by holistic health practitioners. Treatment of yeast, however, is starting to be recognized by many medical practitioners.
References
- The Yeast Connection; William Grant Cook; 1986
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