subject: What is Yeast Intolerance? [print this page] What is yeast intolerance, anyway? Well, in short, it is when the digestive system is irritated by foods that contain yeast. It usually is the result of the human body producing too much candida. Candida is a fungi-like bacteria that can be found in the moist parts of the body, such as the mouth, vagina, or intestinal tracts of the digestive system. Normally the beneficial bacteria in the body will keep the candida from growing to unhealthy levels, but when the body's beneficial bacteria fails to do this, a condition called candidiasis develops, and that person will become yeast intolerant, the reason being because yeast enables candida to grow. Candidiasis leads to many problems, including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel function, and itching and soreness among others.
Candida not only feeds on yeast as we said before, but also breads, milk and dairy products, alcohol and sugars. However, diet is not the only cause or contributor to candida or candidiasis. Antibiotics are also known to sometimes kill the beneficial bacteria needed to keep the candida in the body in check, and without it, candida is permitted to grow and flourish. Hormone imbalances, high levels of stress and insufficient nutrition can also lead to yeast related problems as well. Fortunately, you can treat candidiasis through proper diet and prescription medications, such as Nystatin.
Common symptoms of the yeast intolerant sufferer include but are not limited to headaches, furry or coated tongue, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, bloating, and excess gas. Committing to a yeast free diet is the easiest and best approach to alleviating these symptoms until they vanish. Unfortunately for some people though, following a yeast free diet for life may be the only viable choice. In any event, it is recommended that a yeast free diet be followed for at least a few weeks before re-introducing a few formerly prohibited foods back into the diet, one at a time.
