Is it natural to have yeast present in the body? Yes. Candida albicans live in the mucosal lining of our gut. It is a “good bacteria.” This type of yeast plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy gut, urinary tract system and skin. However, the overgrowth of yeast colonies in the system may cause trouble.  The abundance of yeast is commonly caused using antibiotics, steroids, aspirin or ibuprofen. When antibiotics are prescribed to destroy targeted bacteria, they also annihilate the billions of friendly flora that protect the intestinal tract. There are over two hundred varieties of friendly flora in perfect balance within our guts that are extinguished.  It is important to note that one single pro-biotic, acidophilus will not create the designed balance. Candida albicans, a hardy flora variety, is beneficial to us but is not affected by antibiotic use. Candida albicans will grow uncontrollably when the other flora is no longer present and will move in full force taking up all available space in the intestinal tract. Then comes the change. The yeast changes its structure, growing appendages. These whip-like projections thrash against the walls of the intestinal wall, causing thousands of small lesions creating a pathway for Candida to enter the blood stream, causing Systemic Candidiasis which may cause symptoms that imitate many known diseases. These perforations inside the bowel wall allow undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream. Our immune system recognizes an invader and attacks. Later, our immune system will remember the protein invader and respond with an allergic reaction. Food allergies may result. So, if you find yourself developing food allergies, repair your gut. 

Some common symptoms include flatulence, bloating, brain fog, fatigue, emotional disorders, skin problems and joint discomfort. It is critical to recognize the signs to aggressively make changes to avoid chronic diseases as seen with autoimmune conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, liver toxicity, bleeding bowels, hemorrhoids, Leaky Gut syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, systemic inflammation, indigestion, acid reflux and ulcers. 

Excessive sweetener consumption, even natural sweeteners, such as agave, coconut sugar, honey and maple syrup may cause an overgrowth of Candida. Sugar and alcohol use may also be the culprit. Since yeast overgrowth causes symptoms imitating many diseases, misdiagnosis is common. All the while, undetected yeast overgrowth continues to colonize creating more side effects and illness. Most alternative therapies focus on killing off the yeast and providing the body with pro-biotics. But there is more. Consider the cause of the problem. Restoring the intestinal lining damage and balancing the friendly flora is essential for gut recovery.  

Cleansing, strengthening, and toning this system to balance and promote a healthy friendly flora environment is the goal.  The following herbal aid procedures will get you started along with eating oodles of fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds and sprouted legumes.