Yeast Infections (Candidiasis)

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a group of microscopic fungi or yeast. There are more than 20 species of Candida, the most common being Candida albicans. It is normal for these fungi to live on all surfaces of our bodies, but if they become too numerous they cause infections. Examples of such infections are vaginal yeast infections, thrush, skin and diaper rash, and nailbed infections.

Rarely, a yeast infection may spread throughout the body, and is then called systemic candidal disease or a systemic yeast infection.

The mainstream medical community used to insist that only those who had a weakened immune system because of cancer treatments, steroids, or diseases such as AIDS could have a candidal infection that would occur throughout the entire body. But, recently some medical professionals have changed their thinking to admit that “yeast infections that return may be a sign of more serious diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, or AIDS.” They also admit that in rare cases, systemic candidia does occur in people who don’t otherwise seem to be at risk for it.

I went through a time after my initial diagnosis of fibromyalgia where I alternated between yeast and bacterial infections. The frequent use of antibiotics, which are prescribed for bacterial infections, can cause candidal organisms to build up because antibiotics kill the bacteria that normally keeps yeast under control.

I also developed thrush, which is a yeast infection of the mouth. And during this same time, I developed symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS).

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, you should see a doctor of course. But if those symptoms seem to continue over time and are present in multiple places in your body, you might also want to make some lifestyle changes.

If you have issues with Candida my advice is to change your diet, especially if you have issues with your stomach or bowels.

Here are things you can do to help yourself heal:

• Avoid sugar.

• Eat a cup of yogurt every single day (Yogurt contains acidophilus which is the good bacteria that will rid you of yeast and keep your digestive system working well). As an alternate, you can take acidophilus supplements, but in order to be “live and active” they need to be refrigerated. At least where I live, I haven’t found any supplements for sale that have been kept refrigerated.

• Avoid antibiotics if at all possible (if you have a life-threatening illness and your doctor insists you take them, of course you should. But be aware that some doctors are quick to prescribe them. You might want to ask if they are absolutely necessary.)

• Eat only fresh fruit. When fruit begins to rot, fungus grows on it. You don’t want to add any kind of fungus to your body.

• Avoid cheese and mushrooms (Again, don’t add any kind of fungus to your body)

• Avoid alcoholic beverages

• Drink lots of liquids (Nothing beats water, and green tea is almost as good)

• Avoid artificial sweeteners (sorry, with the no sugar policy, this means absolutely no soda pop)

• Avoid chemical additives (An easy way to do this is when you shop for groceries avoid buying anything with an ingredient list. Buy things that are what they are, with nothing added, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, milk, nuts, & eggs. Shop around the outside of the store and avoid the inner isles.)

If you have read my previous blog, “What has made the most difference for me,” you know that I advocate the hypoglycemic diet for people with fibromyalgia. There are only a few differences you will find between the hypoglycemic diet and the diet to help eliminate Candida. People who are worried about Candida should eat a yogurt every day and they should not eat cheese and mushrooms. People with Candida should be able to tolerate whole grain products. The Hypoglycemic diet advises avoiding starches like rice & pasta, while eating bread in moderation. The two really provide very similar advice.

If you have fibromyalgia and especially if you have yeast infections along with it, your diet can make all the difference in the world. I’ve had fibromyalgia for 15 years. I was in the middle of year #6 when I started a strict diet like the one I am describing to you. Almost immediately I started having pain free days, my irritable bowel syndrome disappeared, and my yeast problems vanished. I have felt pretty good ever since.

You may not have to strictly adhere to the diet forever. If you are like me, you might need to strictly observe certain aspects (for me that means no aspartame, ever), but you might get to a point where you can “cheat” pretty liberally without it causing any problems for you. I can drink wine with my evening meals. I can even get away with eating chocolate in moderation. But in the beginning, you will need to be strict.

If you try the diet for awhile and it makes you feel better, you’ll understand why. That will cause you to listen to your body. Your body will tell you what you can get away with and what you can’t.

You might not be able achieve a total “win” against fibromyalgia, but you definitely can win where some of the symptoms are concerned. With the help of your doctor and a few lifestyle changes, the battle against yeast infections is a battle that can definitely be won.