Yeast Intolerance

Intro

Many people have heard of lactose (milk sugar) intolerance but lesser known is yeast intolerance. When someone is yeast intolerant, it means that their body over produces candida. Candida is a group of yeast-like fungi that thrives in moist areas of our body, including the mouth, intestines and vagina. In most people the population of candida are kept in check by beneficial bacteria in the body. However they sometimes grow beyond levels in excess of what is required. As a result the infected person suffers from yeast intolerance and a disease called candidiasis or thrush. There are some doctors who believe heavy infections of candida in the stomach and intestines can contribute to a wide range of different disorders.

Symptoms

The patient might suffer from abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel function, soreness, and itchy patches. Some other possible symptoms of yeast intolerance are bloating and excess gas. A person with yeast intolerance might have diarrhea and headaches. They might also suffer from mouth ulcers and a furry or coated tongue.

Causes

It is possible that candidiasis is caused by an individual's health and diet. The fungi typically feeds on simple sugars, bread, and biscuits. They also thrive on fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and alcohol. For the most part, a person in good health can usually keep candida under control, but if the immune system is weakened by illness or stress, the fungus can grow rapidly. Helpful bacteria within the body can also be killed off by antibiotics causing the fungus grows rapidly as well. Other possible causes of candida include a hormone imbalance, stress and poor nutrition. When a person's normal diet is lacking in the right nutrients, it can weaken the immune system as well making it difficult for the body to cope with the toxins that the excess yeast produces. People who are suffering from candidiasis often have cravings for sweets and yeast-containing foods and drinks. Candidiasis can be treated with a special diet that controls the person's intake of yeasty food and the food on which candida thrive.

Cures

The only way for a yeast intolerant person to completely eliminate its symptoms is to follow a yeast free diet. This might have to be a change that lasts for the rest of their lives or at least until the symptoms have subsided. A yeast free diet requires one to take food like cheese, yogurt, caffeine out of their diet. The foods that are causing the problems within the body can sometimes be re-introduced into the diet once the correct balance of yeast has been produced in the stomach. Typically it is recommended that the diet should be followed for a period of three months before any of the high yeast foods can be re-introduced into the diet. There are also anti-candida drugs that doctors can prescribe, such as nystatin. While yeast intolerance is a problem that can be frustrating and painful, it is easy for the sufferer to get their body back on track. With a simple change of the diet, the symptoms can subside and the body get re-gain control over the natural bacteria in the body.