BEAUTY AND THE YEAST

Call it what you like, but fungus or mold or yeast is a real health problem. 

Many people discover these organisms growing on their food. It’s disgusting. When the characteristic fuzzy mold appears on refrigerated or other food, we know to discard that.

It gets into the walls of buildings and elsewhere in your home. Living in this environment can cause a wide variety of uncomfortable symptoms. There is no diagnostic test that points to environmental yeast as the cause of your discomfort. Difficult to detect, this weird life form resists efforts to be excised.

Yeast is part of the normal flora which live symbiotically within each of us. There are known problems caused by these fungi, like nail infections, skin inflammation, and mucosal abnormalities. Often, a clinical diagnosis is adequate. The organism can be cultured if there is a question.  

More serious systemic infections may complicate an acute illness. These are treated after appropriate cultures and other tests are ordered. 

These pathogens cause mischief when there are no obvious signs or laboratory findings. A syndrome consisting of a broad spectrum of bothersome symptoms is associated with yeast. It has been called the Yeast Syndrome. Fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive difficulties, and neurological dysfunction are some of the complaints. Epidemiologic factors include all the traumas and stresses of life. Having experienced surgery, significant antibiotic usage, and trauma are a few of the medical historical clues that yeast overactivity is contributing to chronic illness.

Whenever someone has symptoms that do not lead to a definitive diagnosis, and presumptive or empirical therapy has not solved the problem, consider yeast. These microorganisms alter biologic processes, causing a wide variety of maladies. 

Itchiness, tiredness, pain, and brain fog are frequent unsolved mysteries that may respond to treatment for yeast. Abnormalities arising anywhere in the digestive tract should raise suspicion of a yeast causation after attempts at diagnosis are unsuccessful. Many people with allergic symptoms respond to antifungal therapy. These patients may present with chronic cough, a rash, or intestinal gas.

A medical problem should always be evaluated by a physician before deciding to prescribe antifungal medicines. The organism is usually overactive, but not overgrown. Therefore, cultures will not aid in making a diagnosis. This problem must be considered when formal medical evaluation is negative.    

The Yeast Syndrome can be treated with a diet free of alcohol, refined sugar, and caffeine. Nicotine and other drugs should be avoided. Some find that eliminating as much processed foods as possible is also helpful.

Taking a broad spectrum of very high doses of probiotics may reverse the problem. Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Lactobacillus Bifidus are the predominant probiotics, but a wide variety may be needed to combat this syndrome. It is most important to include the fungal probiotic – Saccharomyces Borrelia – in the regimen. A broad spectrum of digestive enzymes in high doses enhance the actions of the probiotics, bringing the patient closer to a cure. A potent multivitamin/multimineral supplement hastens healing. Extra magnesium glycinate or oxide is also useful.

Prescription antifungal medicines often provide a dramatic cure. Intramuscular magnesium sulfate can make a huge difference. Finding a sympathetic and cooperative physician to prescribe these drugs is a worthwhile effort.

Many people live with and adjust to chronic irritating symptoms because a definitive diagnosis is not made. Why continue suffering when there may be a hidden answer? In these cases, consider a fungal factor. The yeast organism may not be identified in the laboratory, but the response to treatment is frequently gratifying. The self-administered therapy may work. Under physician guidance, antifungal drugs are very safe.

More on this syndrome and treatment can be found in my new health book: “If Everyone Says I Look So Good, Then Why Do I Feel So Terrible?” It is currently available at Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle forms. Many health insights and useful ideas are present in this book. Check it out. Tell your friends about it. Post it on your social media.