Yeast is a type of microorganism that is commonly found in our digestive systems.  It can’t live outside of the body.  Almost everyone has candida colonies in their intestinal system.  When the body is functioning properly the yeast is able to live in harmony with us due to a delicate bacterial balance.

About 900 species of yeast are in existence, but the candida yeast that we must deal with is similar to bread yeast.  It is an oval-shaped microorganism which reproduces quickly by a process called budding.  Yeasts that live in the digestive tract are considered to be parasites.  These parasites live by feeding on other organisms (or hosts).  Candida is a parasite that eats nutrients that are found in the digestive tract.  It produces over 70 known toxins as a by-product of their digestive process.

In a digestive system that is healthy, there is 1 yeast cell for each million probiotic (good, friendly bacteria) cells.  The yeast, under these circumstances must fight to survive.  A healthy pH in the gut means the candida cannot thrive because they are competing for nutrients with the good bacteria.  Often this ratio becomes unbalanced and many negative health problems are the result.  Candida can grow very rapidly and significantly in number.  In a healthy person the immune system and probiotics in the intestines keep the over-growth under control. 

Candida overgrowth means that a person has more harmful bacteria and yeast than beneficial bacteria.  When this happens it is called Candadiasis.

Candida overgrowth causes major digestive tract damage, and promotes a condition in the body known as auto-intoxification, which is the process whereby the body pollutes itself.  There is a mucus membrane that lines the entire digestive tract.  This barrier keeps harmful microorganisms and partially digested food in the intestines for proper breakdown and removal.

As Candida multiplies and grows, it mutates into a form of fungus that grow a root system and creates acid secretions.  The roots and acids puncture holes in the mucus lining of the digestive tract.  This is called “Leaky Gut Syndrome.”  The contents of the digestive tract can then leak through the barrier and into the bloodstream.  These include:  fecal material, toxins, undigested food particles, bacteria and yeast.  This is the main reason that Candida can make you feel so ill.

What Weakens The Immune System?

Birth control pills

Cortisone/Prednisone

Chemotherapy

Excess Sugar in diet

Stress

Obesity

Diabetes

Cancer

Causes of Candida or Mold and Fungus Overgrowth

Antibiotics

High acid foods/drinks

Mildew and mold in living area

Mold in showers

Excessive cheese consumption

pH imbalance

Signs and Symptoms

Gas and Bloating (carbon dioxide in the intestine that is produced by candida)

Brain fog—poor memory

Fatigue

Inability to lose weight

Sick-all-over feeling

Thrush

Rectal itching

Vaginal yeast infections

Jock itch

Athlete’s Foot

Nail fungus

Rashes

Diarrhea & constipation

Allergies of any type

Chemical intolerances

Heartburn/Acid Reflux

Decreased libido/impotency

Frequent urination/UTIs

Frequent colds

Coated tongue

Anxiety

Depression

Headaches

Dry, scaly skin

Acne

Joint pains and stiffness

Nasal stuffiness, congestion, runny nose

What can you do about candida yeast and fungus?

To virtually kill off overgrowth of candida yeast, or at least "even the odds," physicians may wish to prescribe a drug by the name of Nystatin.  It is an anti-fungal antibiotic.   This means that it is composed of a single germ (such as a mold) which is used to kill another germ (such as staph, strep, etc.)

Nystatin kills yeasts.  Yeast are the only fungus that it eliminates.  It is actually one of the less toxic of all the known drugs; even in large quantities.

Nystatin is quite effective in killing candida, however, a lot of people may develop an allergic sensitivity to it if it is used for long periods of time.  this is one reason that many physicians are now looking to alternatives to help treat candida yeast.  One of the best in the alternative market is caprylic acid.

Alternatives for Candida

Herbs and natural things that can kill candida are:  caprylic acid, garlic, pau d' arco, quercitin, an extract of grapfruit seed, has also been shown to be of great value.

Diet is of the utmost importance when trying to inhibit candida overgrowth.

You must also deprive the candida yeast of the food that makes it flourish: sugars, honey, molasses, sorghum, syrup, fructose, maltose, dextrose, refined foods, fermented foods, yeast products, cheese, milk, beans, fruits, fruit juices, soda pop, breads, grains, cereals, peas, sweet potatoes and some squashes, potatoes, peanut butter, beer, wine, yeasts, dried fruits, melons; and fermented and mold foods such as cider, miso, soy, tofu, buttermilk, sour cream, vinegar, catsup, mustard, mayonnaise and mushrooms.

Diet is of the utmost importance when trying to inhibit overgrowth of candida.

The Die-off Effect

Candida yeast produces over 70 known toxins.  It is no wonder it makes you feel so bad.  When using something like Nystatin or caprylic acid, be aware that since these substances are deadly to candida, and that candida could be killed off at a very rapid rate.  This often can cause something called the "Die-off" effect.  This is where the yeast releases many toxic substances into the blood stream faster than the body is naturally able to eliminate it and clean it out.  It will usually only last a few hours to a few days, and can be controlled by the amount of substance you are using to kill off the yeast.  It may temporarily seem as is the original symptoms have gotten worse, or gas, bloating, nausea, dizziness and possibly itchy skin could appear.  It is uncomfortable, however, it is temporary and it also means that what you are doing is actually working!

It is helpful to make sure you are drinking 8 - 10 glasses of pure water daily and to make sure that your bowels are eliminating at least 3 times a day.