Yeast infections have been around since ancient times. Although ancient healers couldn't identify Candida as the organism most often responsible for yeast infections, they relied on herbs such as oregano, black walnut and wormwood. Microscopic fungi like Candida have always thrived, but yeast infections in humans were rare until modern times when two major factors set the stage to make yeast overgrowth in America as common as apple pie:
1.Antibiotics The overuse of antibiotics is a major cause of yeast infections and other forms of fungal overgrowth. Modern antibiotics don't discriminate between the pathogens they target and the beneficial microorganisms or probiotics that normally inhabit the gut in large numbers.
When the delicate balance of essential flora in the GI tract is disturbed, yeasts and other pathogens are quick to capitalize on the opportunity to multiply. Left to flourish untreated, candida can invade the intestinal walls, breaking them down until they begin to leak harmful bacteria and larger proteins into the blood stream. The resulting long term "leaky gut" toxicity and constant immune system burden can have devastating consequences to your health.
2.Refined Carbohydrates Our high carb diet alters pH levels, lowers baseline immunity, and directly feeds the cycle of yeast infection in our bodies.
Types of Yeast Infection
There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida Albicans. These and other fungi normally live in and on all surfaces of our bodies with no ill effect. Under certain conditions, they can become so numerous they cause infections, particularly in warm and moist areas. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush (infection in the mouth), skin outbreaks and diaper rash, sinus and nail bed infections. Rarely, the infection may spread throughout the body. Most people do not survive systemic infections because of the massive amount of inflammation and toxicity produced.
Underlying Causes of Yeast Infection
Like antibiotics, corticosteroids also deplete the body of beneficial bacteria and undermine baseline immunity, encouraging the overgrowth of yeast. Birth control pills can also promote yeast infections.
A number of factors influence the body's ability to directly or indirectly control Candida overgrowth:
Mineral Imbalance or Deficiency Trace minerals like zinc and copper are essential to the body's ability to keep yeast under control.
Stress impairs immune system function and depletes the body of essential minerals.
Excessive Alkalinity favors yeast overgrowth. Adrenal exhaustion and thyroid insufficiency contribute to increased alkalinity.
Heavy Metal Toxicity Candida sufferers often have high levels of mercury, lead or cadmium in their tissues. Hair analysis can be helpful in identifying toxicities.
Inadequate Cellular Energy Production - Biochemical energy is required for all body functions, including immune system function, and all other body systems.
Impaired Short-chain fatty Acid Metabolism - Short-chain fatty acids are protective compounds that are manufactured as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Caprylic and butyric acid are fatty acids often included in yeast-balance formulas. Hair analysis and Organic Acid Testing can be helpful in identifying deficiencies.
Thyroid Suppression is both a cause and a symptom of yeast infection because of its role in impaired immunity and energy production. Candida overgrowth in turn causes a buildup of mycotoxins that suppress thyroid function.
Symptoms of Yeast Infection
Symptoms of candidiasis can vary widely depending upon where the infection takes hold, from vaginal itching, burning and discharge to allergies and skin disorders to brain fog, thyroid and immune suppression, sugar cravings and chronic fatigue.
Some natural practitioners estimate that because of the factors mentioned above, 70-80% of Americans are dealing with some form of fungal overgrowth. Don Dennis, MD, Board Certified EENT and plastic surgeon in Atlanta claims that fungal infection accounts for the suffering of a vast majority of chronic sinusitis patients. According to Dr. Dennis, "Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects over 37 million Americans, making it more common than arthritis or high blood pressure."
Most CRS patients, like virtually all sufferers of chronic fungal infection, are caught up in an endless and seemingly hopeless cycle of infection and secondary reinfection with repeated antibiotic and steroid exposures that lead to its familiar pattern of symptoms.
Morgellons Connection
Many people living with Morgellons also report long-standing yeast and gut-balance concerns, and some practitioners see the two as connected. Research on Morgellons is still limited, so if you are dealing with it, work with a healthcare provider you trust. Supporting a healthy yeast balance, digestion and normal immune function is one part of the overall wellness approach many in the Morgellons community follow.
A Multifaceted Approach to Yeast Balance
Restoring a healthy yeast balance takes time, patience, determination and a multifaceted approach. Natural practitioners typically focus on five areas:
1. Diet - Anyone who has struggled with yeast overgrowth knows how hard it can be to shift, especially when other challenges such as heavy metal exposure are present, even with a strict diet. But without a proper diet, lasting change is very hard. Basically, we need to eat what God has provided. a diet of veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, while limiting meat and dairy and avoiding anything processed... especially refined carbs.
2. Restore Digestion Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes are necessary to restore adequate numbers of beneficial bacteria to the GI tract and improve digestive efficiency. Enzymes also support the body's normal "house cleaning" functions. Hydrochloric acid (Betaine HCL) can also be helpful in restoring pH levels and improving protein and mineral absorption.
A broad spectrum, high potency probiotic helps support a healthy balance of flora in the gut. Don't fall for the sales hype about enteric coated delivery systems. God doesn't package our probiotics in tiny plastic bubbles; neither should we.
3. Herbs and Nutrients Many natural practitioners use herbs and nutrients such as oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, proteolytic enzymes, butyric acid, black walnut and wormwood to support a healthy yeast balance. Several of these are combined in our yeast-balance blend. For medical treatment options, talk to your doctor.
4. Detoxification Support Whatever approach you take, it is wise to support the liver and the body's normal detoxification pathways, which carry a heavy load during this process.
5. Support the Gut Lining This may seem redundant as all of the above strategies support the digestive process, but certain nutrients may be particularly helpful in supporting the integrity of the intestinal lining, such as L-Glutamine, Omega-3 fats and Whey Protein Isolate (a great source of pure amino acids, the building blocks the body uses to maintain tissue).
If you'd rather not assemble these pieces one by one, The Logos Candida Cleanse Protocol combines five formulas in one regimen, including Candida Rid, Essential Flora and Liver CS Plus, to support healthy yeast balance, digestion and the body's normal detoxification.
Yeasts like Candida have been with us all along, but our collective choices have made yeast infections and other types of fungal overgrowth and secondary infections a growing epidemic around the world. For those who have struggled with chronic yeast infections and fungal overgrowth for years, know this:
Because the microbes involved are so adaptable, don't expect quick results. Think of it as a long process rather than a single step: with steady, consistent effort, things improve a little at a time.
With faithful determination and by God's grace, this is a battle worth fighting; it is a battle that can be and is being won.
