Guest Author - Carolyn Chambers Clark, ARNP, EdD

What is yeast syndrome?

Yeast syndrome is a condition that affects approximately 1/3 of the Western industrialized countries. When the syndrome invades the vagina, it results in vaginitis. In the mouth, it's thrush. Athlete's foot, ringworm, jock itch and even diaper rash can develop as a result of this syndrome.

What are the signs of yeast syndrome?
The major signs of yeast syndrome are:

*Diarrhea
*Belching/bloating
*Chronic heartburn
*Scaly skin
*Itching
*Blurred vision
*Tearing or burning eyes
*Sore or bleeding gums
*Dry mouth
*Bad breath
*Muscle aches and pains
*Nasal congestion
*Cough
*Frequent urination
*Vaginal discharge
*Vaginal itching

What causes yeast syndrome?

Yeast syndrome is caused by Candida albicans, a fungus already present in every normal body in small amounts. It's only when its growth increases drastically that it is devastating.

What other signs tell you that yeast syndrome may be your problem?

Two signs of yeast syndrome are:

1. Craving sugar or sugary foods
2. Craving bread or other carbohydrates

What prevents yeast syndrome?

The presence of the "friendly" bacteria in your intestinal tract, Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria, are essential to inhibit the growth of yeast cells. Avoiding sugar and sugary foods and using only natural (undyed and unscented) clothes and products are essential.

What factors lead to yeast syndrome?

Factors that lead to yeast syndrome include:

*Drugs that upset the friendly bacteria balance (especially antibiotics, birth control pills, cortisone)
*Commercial douches
*Sugary foods and sugar, including honey (candida thrives on them)
*Chocolate
*Fermented foods (beer, wine, vinegar, aged cheeses, breads made with yeast and any other foods or drink that are fermented)
*Fungi-containing foods such as pickles and mushrooms

Some experts also believe nut butters, sprouts and fruits may be problematic

What prevents yeast syndrome?

If you want to prevent, control or eradicate the yeast syndrome, you must find the cause and eliminate it naturally.

*Avoid or minimize any use of a medical antibiotic.
*Make your diet fruit-free, sugar-free, and yeast-free.
*Use a natural diet to enhance your immune system that is rich in vitamin A (carrots, broccoli, turnip greens, beets, spinach, parsley, yellow squash, garlic), B-complex (sunflower seeds, oats, green peas, soy, asparagus, lima beans, wheat germ, eggs, salmon, tuna, wheat germ, cooked cabbage, walnuts, Spanish mackerel, kelp, sesame seeds, cauliflower, lettuce, hazel nuts), vitamin C (peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, parsley, watercress, cabbage, onions, spinach), vitamin E (wheat germ, cabbage, spinach, asparagus, oats, eggs, sweet potatoes), magnesium (whole grain cereals and nonyeast breads, peas, soy, wheat germ, nuts, green leafy vegetables, spinach, kale), and zinc (fish, nuts, eggs, wheat germ).
* Eat plenty of vegetables and proteins along with sugar-free yogurt, brown rice, millet and acidophilus. Whatever you eat, make sure you add plenty of garlic, an anti-fungal and antibacterial substance. (If you prefer, take 1 to 2 garlic capsules three times a day.)
* Use thyme and oregano in cooking. Both are antifungals. Consider taking 2 to 3 capsule a day or Thyme/Oregano oil, available at your local health food store.
*Try grapefruit seed extract (another antifungal from the health food store).
*Take probiotics (health food store) to restore friendly bacteria.

What can I use to help with the itching?

*apply aloe vera gel or take 3 ounces internal after meals
*apply tea tree oil to your vagina or use as a douche or oil suppository
*take alternating hot and cold sitz baths (fill tub until water covers your vagina
*drink chamomile tea (destroys fungi)
*eat dandelion greens or drink dandelion tea to inhibit the growth of Candida
*douche with 2 capsules of garlic or with fresh garlic juice in a quart of warm water; alternate with acidophilus douches by opening 2 acidophilus capsules and add them either to 1 quart of warm water or to plain yogurt.
*keep the vaginal area clean and dry after bathing by holind a blow dryer set on cool 6 to 8 inches from the vagina until thoroughly dried
*wear loose fitting clothing and white cotton underwear
*after wearing cotton underwear, wet the garment, wring it out well and microwave on high for 30 seconds
*launder clothing in unscented detergent and avoid fabric softeners
*avoid scented or colored toilet paper, all perfumes, scented deodorants, dyed underwear, feminine hygiene sprays, and commercial sexual lubricants

This article is for information purposes only. Consult your health care practitioner for treatment.