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Our microbiome is made up of a community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in our digestive system. Yeast, also known as Candida, is a very important part of our health. It can be found on the skin, in the mouth, vagina, and small intestines as part of our microbiome.
When there are not enough digestive enzymes released during chewing or not enough hydrochloric acid in the stomach to break down food, undigested food gets passed into the small intestine. The yeast in the small intestines, found in the jejunum, creates a blood barrier protection that keeps undigested proteins from entering the blood. The yeast eats undigested proteins and other particles not properly digested.
When undigested proteins are passed into the small intestines meal after meal, day after day, yeast begins to grow out of control. We often refer to this as yeast overgrowth. This leads to not only localized areas of yeast infections like toenail fungus, but Candidiasis. Candidiasis is a systemic infection that can affect the blood, heart, eyes, bones and other areas of the body.
Common Conditions Associated with Yeast Overgrowth:
Chronic fatigue
Recurring urinary tract infections
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Mood swings
Headaches
Joint pain
Memory/concentration issues
Sore throat
Panic attacks
Vaginal yeast infections
Thrush
Sinus infections
Flatulence, persistent
Bloating, persitent
Burping, persistent
Constipation/diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Brain fog
Poor physical coordination
Athlete's foot
Toenail fungus
Hormone imbalance
Early onset menopause
PMS
Low sex drive
Migraines
Endometriosis
Water retention
Inability to lose weight
How to Get Rid of Yeast Overgrowth
According to DrAxe.com, there are several ways to get rid of yeast overgrowth. Here are 2 options:
Liquids Only (Duration 1-2 days)
Raw Salads and Steamed Vegetables (Duration 3-5 days)
Foods that Fight Yeast Overgrowth
Onion
Garlic
Rutabaga
Olive Oil
Fermented Foods
Aloe Vera
Black Walnut
Coconut Oil
Cinnamon
Cloves
Ginger
Goldenseal
Radish
Turmeric
Apple Cider Vinegar
Green Veggies
Green Drinks
Manuka Honey
Ground Chia and Flax Seeds
Unsweetened Organic Cranberry Juice
Cultured Dairy like Kefir
Supplements to Eliminate Yeast Overgrowth
Pau d'Arco
Olive Leaf Extract
Caprylic Acid found in coconut oil
Undecylenic Acid found in castor oil (6 times more effective than caprylic acid)
Oregano Leaf Extract
Berberine
Betaine Hydrochloric Acid
Garlic Extract
Oregano Leaf Extract
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Tips to Prevent Yeast Overgrowth
Chewing your food completely. My friend, a retired nutritionist, says "chew your food until it's soup."
Having adequate amounts of stomach acid are necessary as well. Most people suffering from reflux think they have too much stomach acid. Most people don't have enough. Check out my blog post Stomach Acid: Too Much or Not Enough for the truth about stomach acid.
Watching your portions. Eat only what your body needs for fuel.
Avoiding sugar and foods that turn into sugar like simple carbs.
Resources
Hovis, B. (n.d.). Yeast Overgrowth. Trinityschool.org. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://trinityschool.instructure.com/courses/807/pages/week-2-lecture-yeast-overgrowth
Axe, Dr. J. (2023, April 27). Symptoms of candida overgrowth & how to get rid of it. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/health/candida-symptoms/
Balance ONE. (n.d.). Top 7 strongest candida killers to fight candida overgrowth. https://balanceone.com/blogs/news/top-7-antifungal-supplements-to-fight-candida
Natural antifungals: The strongest candida killers " The candida diet. The Candida Diet. (2022, January 28). https://www.thecandidadiet.com/guide-to-antifungals
Axe, Dr. J. (2023b, November 17). The candida diet: How to treat candida naturally with food. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/health/candida-diet/
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