Holistic Treatment for Candida Infection

Many may not realize that chronic yeast infections were what actually stimulated my passion in natural medicine. I read Dr. William Crook’s book, The Yeast Connection,¹ in the mid '80s and eventually deployed some of his recommendations in my practice – with quite extraordinary results from some seriously diseased patients.

The results spoke for themselves so I set out on a 15-year journey of exploring natural healing strategies that has lead me to where I am today. Dr. Crook passed nearly six years ago but he was really one of my primary initial role models.

For anyone who is struggling with yeast problems, I highly recommend you review www.yeastconnection.com. It is based on Dr. Crook’s pioneering work, and the site is loaded with the latest insights on how Candida yeast causes problems in your body, and how to alleviate it.

He taught that an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast, can cause a variety of chronic health problems in men and women, not the least of which are yeast infections.

Keep in mind, though, that not all yeast is bad. In fact, Candida albicans normally exists on your skin, in your digestive tract and, for women, in your vagina. In your intestines, the good bacteria should, theoretically, keep the yeast and bad bacteria under control and in a healthy balance. This complex system is largely responsible for protecting your body from outside offenders.

However, many people’s gut bacteria -- all 100 trillion strong -- are not in the correct balance. Using antibiotics, taking birth control pills, and eating a lot of sugar and grains – all of these things disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, which allows Candida cells to rapidly develop, and overwhelm, the good bacteria.

What Happens When Your Body Has Too Much Yeast?

Two things. First, the lining of your intestines weakens, which allows allergens and toxins that don’t normally leave your intestines into your bloodstream. Next, you develop a craving for sugars and carbohydrates to try to feed the unnaturally large amount of yeast in your intestine.

This is a double-edged sword because the more sugar and grains you eat, the more the yeast grows out of control. Eventually, this will further weaken your intestinal lining and your immune system.

This imbalance in intestinal flora, sometimes called dysbiosis, can lead to:

• Vaginitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Weight gain
• Food allergies
• Migraines
• Asthma
• Depression
• Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

In fact, there are 79 different toxins released by the metabolism and die-off of Candida. This is why people with yeast overgrowth often feel so lousy; the Candida toxins are regularly entering their bloodstream. Two of these toxins, alcohol and acetaldehyde (the breakdown product of alcohol that causes hangovers), are in such high amounts in people with chronic yeast problems that you may actually end up feeling “drunk.”

Acetaldehyde also reacts with the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is why people with yeast overgrowth often experience mental and emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and feeling spaced-out.

Ditch the Creams and Pills: Here’s How to Cure a Yeast Infection

Both the “12-hour cure” and the two-week dietary modification mentioned in the article above are based on holistic principles that actually address the underlying reasons why Candida is multiplying so quickly in your body. This is something, by the way, that over-the-counter and prescription drugs miss entirely.

Dr. Crook formulated a treatment for yeast overgrowth and the many symptoms that accompany Candidiasis, and it is truly effective. The highlights of the approach include:

1. The Right Diet and Exercise
   
   

   A balanced diet rich in meats, chicken, eggs, seeds and nuts, vegetables, and healthy oils (free-range and organic) -- while avoiding sugars and carbohydrate-rich foods -- will restrict the amount of fuel the yeast in your intestine has available to it. I would add to this to make your diet in tune with your nutritional type .

   Once you’ve started on the diet, exercising will begin to rebalance the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain and improve your mood.

   One of the elements of diet that does seem counterintuitive is the absolute restriction of even fruits when one is seeking to eliminate yeast, as even the tiniest amounts of sugar seem to worsen this condition.

2. Getting Plenty of Good Bacteria
   
   

   You will want to increase your probiotic (good bacteria) intake with a high-quality probiotic supplement or by eating cultured and fermented foods, such as natto. These contain the good bacteria that keep your vagina and gastrointestinal tract healthy and will ultimately replace the Candida.

3. Avoiding Exposure to Chemicals
   
   

   Paints, household cleaners, perfumes, and scents may cause allergic reactions, and chemical sensitivities are very common in people with yeast overgrowth.

4. Addressing Emotional and Psychological Issues
   
   

   Food cravings, especially those for sweets, often are exacerbated by emotional dependencies. Tools like the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) can help you to overcome unhealthy food cravings and other emotional hurdles.

If you make the proper lifestyle changes that I’ve listed above, your body will be able to conquer Candida albicans. However, because yeast overgrowth can be extremely complex, I generally recommend finding a health care practitioner who is knowledgeable about the holistic treatment of yeast to help oversee your recovery.