Yeast and Yeast Treatments

Yeast and Yeast Treatments:

Statistics and facts about Yeast:

	Yeast is one of the largest undiagnosed causes underlying many medical problems.
	Surprisingly, more than half of the women who are self-treating yeast infections don't actually have a yeast infection.
	Diseases mimicking yeast symptoms which should also be ruled out are bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTI's), vulvar vestibulitis, lichen planus, herpes, trichomoniasis, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)
	Yeast cells divide every 24 hours and feed on simple sugars.
	Yeast can burrow through the intestinal wall and into the blood stream
	Yeast is a part of our normal bowel flora.

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The signs and symptoms of yeast are the same if you are male, female, dog, cat or hippopotamus! It doesn't matter what species you are. The trick is finding those products or techniques that work for you and your lifestyle (or will-power!) Yeast are just cells, they feed off simple sugar (that includes pasta,) and they divide every 24 hours.

Complaints associated with vaginal yeast include intense severe itching, redness of the external area of the vagina, cheesy and sometimes sweet-smelling discharge, burning, irritation, and even intercourse pain.

Hormonal changes, antibiotic use, illness, stress, parasite infections and other factors can upset the vaginal ecosystem, causing yeast cells to grow more rapidly than normal.

Men can contract a yeast infection if they have unprotected sexual with a partner who has a yeast infection. If both partners are not treated, they can keep re-infecting each other. Let me tell you, this is a real bummer. Men may develop genital irritation and genital itching, especially if they are uncircumcised, but usually there is no discharge. They can show signs of jock itch, athletes foot, carbohydrate cravings, bad tempers, craving for beer/alcohol, rashes on the skin, dandruff, and most of the other symptoms listed by category.

Cancer many times has what we call "mutated yeast" as one of its core causes. What naturopaths mean by mutated is that the yeast is not a visible and obvious symptom in the body (like a vaginal yeast infection). This mutated yeast has penetrated the circulatory system and lies quietly in the entire body. Getting rid of this can be very traumatic. That is why we sometimes need to focus on detoxification and rebuilding programs so that the body will be strong enough for a yeast "die-off". This is also why we often have to use several products in sequence to get the yeast under control and why the yeast diets are so hard to stick with. When the yeast divide, they need simple sugar. If you are not eating simple sugars the craving for them can be intense.

Some naturopaths also believe that the yeast carries in viruses and may be carried into the body itself by parasites.

The first step in getting your yeast under control is to identify that you have it. The charts below list symptoms of yeast in the different organ systems of the body and how to treat it using both natural and "real drug" treatments. This is one of those diseases where it would be very helpful to have an expert's opinion. I feel it is money well spent to find out what the core cause of your yeast situation is so that you can rectify them. Patience is a key, here. Treating yeast takes time.

Fasting is a great way to get a jump on controlling yeast, but you will want to do this under supervision (at least phone supervision) if you have never done a "water only" five-day fast. There are some contraindications to fasting. Review the fasting handout.

Definitions:

Thrush (also called mycotic stomatitis and white mouth)--Yeast (candida) of the mucous membranes in children especially in the mouth and diaper area. The yeast form white spots that are raw underneath and not easily wiped off.

Candida--The common yeast in the skin, mouth, gut and vagina.

Aspergillosis--Yeast in the ear, nose and lungs. Aspergillus molds are common also in corn, peanuts, grains, dried and salted beef, cheeses, manure, and soil. If you are allergic to penicillin, this may be associated with Aspergillus sensitivities (yeast infections).

Monilia--Former name of candida. Moniliasis is the term commonly used in medical records signifying yeast in the vagina.

Trichophyton (also known as ringworm)--Monilia yeast attacking the skin, nails and hair. Homeopathic drops are EXCELLENT in treating this. I use Professional Complementary Health Formulations, Tinea Aid.

Yeast in food is known by the names--Yeast, yeast autolyzates, yeast extract, yeast malt sprout extract, tortula yeast, brewer's yeast and baker's yeast.

Note: Eating Nutritional Yeast does not give you a yeast infection.

Some Common Signs of Yeast:

	Autoimmune diseases
	Burning sensation during urination
	Chronic body aches
	Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
	Constipation
	Depression
	Endometriosis
	Fibroid cysts
	Fibromyalgia
	Headaches
	Itching of the rectal opening
	Leaky Gut Syndrome
	Manic depression
	Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome (MCSS)
	Pain during sexual intercourse.
	Poor memory
	PMS
	Redness, swelling, and/or cracking of the vulvar skin
	Sugar craving
	Terrible fatigue
	Thick, white, possibly curd-like vaginal discharge
	Vaginal irritation
	Vaginal itching

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Signs of Yeast in the Gastrointestinal Tract (gut):

	Belching or regurgitating
	Coated tongue
	Constipation alternating w/ diarrhea
	Cramping
	Diarrhea
	Distention or stomach pains
	Frequent heartburn
	Gas
	Growling/Gurgling noises
	Hemorrhoids
	Itching anal area
	Sore gums or tingling
	Sour Stomach
	Unusual sensation on tongue
	White area on gums
	White on corners of mouth

Signs of Yeast in the Respiratory Tract:

	Asthma
	Bronchitis
	Chronic cough
	Earaches
	Halitosis
	Pneumonia
	Postnasal drip
	Runny nose
	Sinusitis
	Sneezing
	Sore throats
	Stuffiness
	Swollen eyes/face

Signs of Yeast in the Skin:

	Chronic skin blemishes
	Dry skin
	Eczema
	Foul body odor
	Fungal growths on skin or nails
	Hives
	Itching
	Psoriasis
	Rashes
	Smelly feet/underarms

Signs of Yeast Surrounding Menstrual Cycles:

	Bladder problems (increased frequency/burning)
	Chronic bladder problems after pregnancy
	Concentration, reasoning and memory problems
	Cramping
	Decreased interest in sex
	Depression or bizarre emotions
	Depth perception is off
	Excited or anxious
	Feelings of clumsiness
	Helplessness
	Irritable
	Itching without discharges
	Light-headed or dizzy before period
	Lost of self confidence
	Mild hearing loss
	Nervous
	Night blindness or vision blurred
	Noises sound "too loud"
	Overly sensitive to odors
	Personality changes
	PMS
	Salty or metallic taste in mouth
	Secondary bacterial infections due to scratching
	Some loss of taste/smell
	Sore burning or itching vagina
	Vaginal discharges (may be in the past)
	Weight gain due to water retention

Signs of Yeast in the Musculoskeletal system:

	Acute pain in the joints before rainy or damp weather
	Arthritis
	Inflammation of the joints
	Stiff joints

Signs of Yeast in the Nervous system:

	Anxiety
	Change in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep)
	Depression
	Exhaustion or the feeling of "not being right"
	Feelings of fogginess or "spaced out" feelings
	Memory loss
	Migraine, sinus or tension headaches
	Multiple Sclerosis
	Uncontrollable crying

Natural Treatments for Yeast:

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Treating yeast is tough, because many times the man and woman pass yeast back and forth from one to another. It can be harbored in the vaginal tract and in the male urethra or prepuce. When one partner is treated, it is often a temporary fix as that partner just gets reinfected the next time the couple has intercourse. It's best to treat both partners at the same time.

With as many treatments for yeast on the market, none of them will work unless you can get the load down in your system enough that it doesn't overpower the other gut flora. Yeast is a part of our normal bowel flora. You can't ever totally get rid of it, but you can prevent it from controlling your life.

Acidic douches restore the natural pH of the vagina:

	Use 2 tablespoons of white or cider vinegar, or the
	Juice of half a lemon, or
	One teaspoon Vitamin C powder, per quart of water. Use every day to treat mild infections, or in combination with other treatments for more severe infections.

Note: Vinegar is not to be used for Blood Type O people. Any vinegar is on the Avoid List.

	Retention douches made of bentonite clay, Pau D’Arco tea, yogurt, tea tree oil and Goldenseal used as a douche two times a day for seven to 10 days.
	Bifidophilus bacteria
	Boric acid--protect labia w/ Vitamin E oil if irritation occurs
	Candida vaccine
	Caprylic acid
	Dioxychlor
	Essential Fatty Acids
	Fasting (5 days, water only)
	Fiber increase in diet
	Gentian violet
	Hydrogen peroxide
	Immune Stimulation formula
	Lactobacillus acidophilus
	Multi-vitamin
	Multi-mineral supplement
	Mycological Immune System Stimulator
	Nutribiotic Grapefruit seed extract
	Ozone Therapy
	Photoluminescence
	Potassium sorbate
	Probiotics

Yogurt (Plain of course!) Not that effective as there is not enough live organisms in it to make a huge difference. Good as a douche though.

Zinc

Herbs used for Yeast:

	Ashwaganda
	Barberry
	Bentonite Clay
	Berberis (Oregon Grape root)
	Cinnamon
	Echinacea (orally)
	Fennel
	Garlic vaginal suppository
	German chamomile
	Ginger
	Goldenseal root
	Horopito (AKA Psuedowintera colorata)
	Herbal douches
	Kyolic (aged garlic)
	Licorice
	Mathake
	Myrrh Gum Powder (VERY effective for adults and dogs, but not a good choice for infants or cats.)
	Oregano
	Pau D'Arco AKA: Taheebo, La Pacho (Tincture is best)
	Rosemary
	Tanalbit (a Tannic Acid medication)
	Tea Tree Oil soak a tampon with diluted tea tree oil and keep it in the vagina overnight.
	Thyme

Allopathic Medicine "Real drugs" used for yeast:

(Note: You may want to have your partner partake in the treatments the same time you do, as you can pass it back and forth to each other.)

	Amphotericin B (Fingizone)
	Antifungal creams or suppositories inserted directly into the vagina.
	Astroglide or Slippery Stuff to prevent irritation
	Butoconazole
	Clotrimazole
	Diflucan--have your sexual partner treated, use condoms in the meantime
	Diflucan--taken by mouth, every third day for two weeks
	Diflucan--taken by mouth, up to 200 mg., in a single dose
	Femstat 3
	Fluconazole (Diflucan)
	Gyne-Lotrimin
	Itraconazole (Sporanax)
	Ketoconozole (Nizoral)
	KY Jelly to prevent irritation
	Lidocaine gel for painful irritation
	Miconazole
	Monistat
	Mycelex
	Nizoral (Ketoconozole)
	Nystatin
	Sporanax (Itraconazole)
	Terazole
	Terconazole
	Tioconazole

Note: Some yeast medicines make latex condoms and diaphragms weak and more likely to break. If you use a condom or diaphragm, ask your pharmacist or health care provider which medicine you should use.

To relieve vulvar itching, try making a paste of slippery elm powder and a little water, and then apply as needed. Another option is to keep aloe vera juice in the fridge, and then soak a cotton pad in it and apply it to your vulva as needed. Note: Slippery elm or aloe will only relieve itching, though, and won't kill yeast, so they must be combined with an antifungal treatment to really stop the problem.

Causes of Yeast and Factors that may disturb the vagina or penis balance include:

	Adrenal insufficiency
	Allergic reactions to spermicidal creams and gels
	Amalgam fillings (mercury/silver)
	Antibiotic treatments (esp. broad-spectrum)
	Birth Control Pills
	Cancer therapies (chemo and radiation)
	Condom allergies (to lubrication or latex)
	Detergent allergies
	Diabetes
	Eating spoiled, moldy, live yeast containing foods
	Food allergies
	High carbohydrate intake, especially refined sugars and alcohol
	History of "jock itch" (common in men)
	History of athlete's foot (more common in men)
	History of past yeast infection
	History of ringworm
	Hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy
	Hot weather
	Inadequate sleep
	Intravenous drug users using dirty needles may inject the yeast directly into their bloodstream or deep tissues.
	New sexual partner
	Non-ventilating clothing
	Oral contraceptives
	Panties without cotton crotches
	Pantyhose (synthetics directly next to skin)
	Pollen allergies
	Pregnancy
	Repeated intercourse over a short period of time
	Scented toilet paper
	Semen allergies
	Sexual intercourse w/ infected partner
	Situations which increase moisture and warmth suitable for fungal growth
	Spermicidal jelly allergies
	Steroids
	Stress
	Suppressed immune system (including leukemia and HIV)
	Too much junk food
	Unprotected genital contact
	Use of corticosteroid medications
	Use of devices implanted in the skin (catheters)
	Washing vagina with soap (OK to wash labial area)
	Wiping from the back to the front (females)

Dietary factors influencing and exacerbating yeast:

	Alcohol
	All simple sugars
	All suspected food allergens
	Cheeses
	Dairy (except if cultured)
	Dried fruits
	Melons
	Peanuts

Foods commonly containing yeast:

Yeast is a fungi that is high in folic acid. Yeast produces enzymes that convert sugar to alcohol and carbon dioxide.

	Bakery products
	Barbecue sauce
	Catsup
	Cheeses of all kinds
	Corn grits
	Dried fruit
	Enriched cornmeal
	Farina
	Fermented brews (beer/wine)
	Flavor enhancers
	Hot dog/hamburger buns
	Meat fried in cracker crumbs
	Milk fortified w/ vitamins
	Mushrooms
	Pretzels
	Rolls
	Truffles (the mushroom, not the candy)
	Vinegars

Other Rule-Outs for Yeast Infection:

	Bacterial vaginosis.
	Herpes
	Lichen planus
	Trichomoniasis
	Urinary tract infections (UTI's),
	Vulvar vestibulitis
	Other sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)

Ways to prevent yeast infections:

	Antibiotics can also cause a yeast infection, since they kill or decrease normal flora. If you need to take antibiotics, you can ask for an anti-yeast prescription, or you can buy over-the-counter creams or suppositories.
	Avoid feminine deodorant sprays and douches--They irritate the vulva and vaginal areas
	Avoid tight-fitting clothing
	Check for an underlying disease, such as AIDS or diabetes.
	Consider changing your birth control pills
	Discontinue bath soaps
	Don't douche unless instructed by a physician.
	Don't use deodorant tampons
	Don't wear pads or panty-liners beyond the length of your period.
	During sex, make sure that no body part contacts the area around the anus, and then goes in the vagina or around the vaginal opening. This can happen easily and inadvertently. His penis may be brushing up against the your anus during foreplay.
	Eat a healthy, low-sugar, low-grain diet
	Get enough sleep
	Have your partner wash his penis prior to having intercourse. He can pick it up from you and give it back to you. The yeast will be harbored in the urethra and prostate area.
	If you go swimming, get out of your swimsuit as soon as possible.
	Limit sugar intake
	Menstrual blood raises the vaginal pH, causing the number of yeast cells to decrease because they can't grow in the pH present during menstruation.
	Pat yourself dry before getting dressed with an unscented clean tissue or a towel.
	Use a non-hormonal form of birth control, as hormone levels are factors in yeast infections.
	Wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic
	Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing
	Wear skirts, dresses or other open ended clothing without underwear, whenever practical.
	Wipe after using the toilet from the front to the back
	Wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movement

Resources:

Yeast Connection Handbook by William G. Crook, M.D.
The Yeast Connection and the Woman by William G. Crook, M.D.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay