subject: Yeast Intolerance - What Does It Mean? [print this page] Mot people have heard of lactose or gluten intolerance but little is known about yeast intolerance. Yeast intolerance is defined as an intolerance to the fungus types organisms that we call yeast. This includes yeast used in bread making, beer production and other types of foods. Yeast type fungus is also present within the body and is generally known as candida albicans.
We can see from this that if you are diagnosed as yeast intolerant it may be necessary to reduce the intake of yeast type products. It would also be necessary to reduce the intake of foods that are generally regarded to feed the candida. This would include sugar foods, fermented and 'mold' foods.
Yeast intolerance can occur as a result of a number of things.
- A course of antibiotics or other drugs.
- A prolonged illness or stress.
- An unbalanced diet.
The initial problem with the yeast in the body is that like all yeast, if it is fed and kept warm it grows rapidly. You don't really need a vivid imagination to simulate what is happening in your stomach. If the balance of the beneficial bacteria in the body is upset then the candida is able to gain a foothold.
From the stomach the candida will move into the intestine and if left will take 'root' into the lining. It is at this point that the yeast feeds on the part digested food which your body needs for nutritional value. Some of the symptoms a result of candida infection are:
- Production of gas or flatulence after eating any sugar based food
- Bloating of the stomach
- Oral thrush and bad breath
- Skin problems like psoriasis or eczema
- Mood swings
- Food cravings, especially for sugar foods
- Feeling tired and lightheaded
It is important to get the condition diagnosed as the symptoms are similar to other illnesses and you may incorrectly diagnose yourself. Unfortunately the symptoms also differ from person to person but there are tests a doctor can do that only take a few minutes.
If left unchecked the candida will take root in the intestine wall which then allows the passage of the toxins it produces into the bloodstream. The toxins will then spread to other parts of the body and affect the major organs. The yeast spores will also travel and take up position anywhere they find suitable. Again, the major organs are prime targets. While this type of infection is rare it does highlight the potential danger to you as an individual.
The initial method of treatment by the doctor will be with a range of drugs. However, this can be a long, drawn out and painful method. The drugs also kill the 'good' bacteria and there is no guarantee that the infection will not occur again. The second method of treatment is to change your diet although it may have side affects as your body gets rid of the toxins and dead cells. The normal span of the diet is 4-6 weeks and after that time if you feel better you can introduce some of the banned foods at intervals.
Changing your diet and reducing the amount of 'yeast' foods can significantly improve your overall health as well as reduce the possibility of a candida growth getting out of hand and reoccurring. Some of the benefits also recorded of a yeast free diet include weight loss and increased energy levels.
