Evidence of yeast overgrowth is a common finding under my microscope at any time of year, but it does seem to be more prevalent in and around the holidays as well as peak travel times such as March break. This is likely due to over-indulgence in sugary foods and drinks.
Although there are many types of yeast (aka fungus), candida albicans is the most likely troublemaker. Candida Albicans occurs naturally in the human body. Normally it lives in harmony with a variety of other microorganisms and performs a couple of important functions. The problem occurs when something upsets the balance of bacteria in the body and this allows the yeast organism to proliferate and take over.
After years of studying the effects of such protocols on blood samples with evidence of yeast overgrowth, I have observed that the best results come from a three-pronged approach.
Candida normally resides in the intestinal tract, mouth, throat, and genitals, however, it can burrow holes in the intestinal tract, enter the bloodstream, and then make its way into any organ of the body. To make matters worse, it emits over 70 different toxins into the body. Some people may even become allergic to the yeast itself.
Once this hardy organism proliferates in the body, it wreaks havoc in many ways and is the initiator of many common unpleasant signs, symptoms, and ailments. Common symptoms include bloating, constipation, rashes, fungal infections, fatigue, brain fog and mood swings.
Throughout my career I have come across many treatment protocols to help combat yeast overgrowth – some are extreme, other are insufficient.
Step One: Make a Dietary Change
The first step in any anti-candida protocol is to starve the yeast from by following a Candida diet. The purpose of the Candida diet is to deprive the Candida yeast of its food sources. Candida thrives on sugar and carbohydrates. When it does not have food, it cannot proliferate. But this is easier said than done because the candida makes you crave the foods that it wants. These cravings are usually very intense and can be completely overpowering. Not to mention, many Candida diets are extremely restrictive, and compliance is limited. Therefore, I like to provide a more manageable list of foods to avoid in combination in combination with step two and three.
Step Two: Weed & Feed
The second step is to undertake a “weed, feed and seed”. This approach includes herbal or homeopathic products that will help to “weed out” or kill the yeast and probiotics intermittently to “feed” the gut with an army of healthy bacteria. There is no perfect product – just like one shoe does not fit all. I always take into consideration the sensitivity and degree of the overgrowth in order to individualize product selection. As you “kill the yeast,” you can encounter a host of symptoms due to the die-off effect. Not to mention, all microbes are super smart and sneaky and can often require a protocol that rotates through several different products. It is very important to work with a practitioner to ensure your body is ready for a weed and feed and to lean on for support should you encounter any trouble in the process.
Step three: Change the Terrain
The final step that is all to often overlooked is addressing the biological terrain – or the pH. If you starve the yeast and kill the yeast, but do not change the terrain, the yeast will overgrow once again the moment you stop your protocol. This is why many people become frustrated with chronic or repetitive yeast issues. Testing your urine pH and understanding how to naturally balance your pH is an important educational component in most of my live blood cell analysis constatations. To reiterate, pH balance is paramount in achieving a successful outcome.
5 Tips to Get Started Now:
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, as we approach spring break, keep in mind these 5 factors that contribute to yeast overgrowth.
- High carb and high sugar diets fuel Candida overgrowth – assess your diet, are there foods you can ditch or switch?
- Excessive alcohol consumption weakens your immune system (and feeds yeast) – consider a dry month or cutting back overall
- Most medications change your pH, providing the perfect environment for Candida to flourish – talk to your practitioner about ways to offset this potential impact
- Chronic stress impairs your immune system and shuts down your digestive system – consider 3 deep breaths before meals
- Autoimmune diseases are treated with immunosuppressants, which will reduce your body’s ability to fight infections – connect with your practitioner about ways to support this
If you would like to check out your blood for evidence of yeast overgrowth (or other microbes…) come visit me at Sprout for Live Blood Cell Analysis.
Knowledge is power, and every date with my microscope is sure to be an educational experience.
Wishing you a happy and healthy spring break.
Andrea Hauser, Homeopath and Darkfield Microscopist
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