The Effects of Yeast on the Body

At The Center • A Place of HOPE, we are especially aware of the effects of yeast, specifically Candida albicans, on the body. Almost 75 percent of our eating-disorder clients have experienced recurrent yeast infections. As we treat them for these yeast infections, their physical energy improves, their insatiable cravings decrease, and their depressive symptoms are remarkably lightened.

Yeast infections are a common problem among women, as eight to ten times more women will experience them than men. Most yeast infections are vaginal, but bladder infections can also be a sign of a yeast overgrowth. Yeast is a fungus (like mold, mildew, or mushrooms) that lives in the digestive tract, the vagina, and just about anywhere in the body that is warm and moist. We have even seen clients who had such an overabundance of yeast in their system that it was growing in the folds of their skin. Yeast can also be found in the sinus tract, ears, and mouth. An overgrowth of yeast in the mouth is commonly known as thrush.

Some yeast is normally found in the digestive tracts, where it lives in balance with healthy digestive bacteria. However, there are situations where the population of healthy bacteria is diminished, allowing the yeast, especially Candida albicans, to overproduce. Yeast feeds on sugar, so the more yeast in your system, the more your body will crave sugar. As the yeast feeds on sugar, it produces toxins as by-products.

One of these toxins is ethanol, a known central nervous system depressant. These toxins are dumped into your system where the body must work overtime to flush them out. Overgrowth of yeast in the small intestine interferes with protein digestion and amino-acid absorption. In addition, the toxicity of the yeast can cause the body to become allergic to foods it tolerated before.

Overproduction of yeast can occur if we inadvertently suppress the amount of healthy bacteria in our digestive tract. The suppression can be done as an unintended consequence of treating other physical problems. Antibiotics in use today are called broad spectrum, meaning they kill a wide variety of organisms. The downside to these medications is the destruction they cause to our healthy digestive bacteria. Candida albicans, however, is not affected by antibiotics. Friendly bacteria can be decimated by antibiotics, while yeast is left to thrive and grow, unrestrained, in your intestinal tract.

Yeasts can do further damage. They weaken the lining of the intestinal wall, so food substances can actually “leak” into the bloodstream before being fully digested. These under-digested food particles are then interpreted by the body as foreign invaders, triggering an immune reaction. This is a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. As the body works overtime to fight off this leakage, fatigue and a general loss of vitality result.

Yeast overgrowth can be a factor in chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a condition where fatigue is not relieved by sleeping. The person never feels rested or refreshed. With the immune system under constant assault, vital resources and nutrients are being delivered, unavailable for the body’s general use to restore and repair itself. As a result, the person continually feels run down. In such a condition, depression can often take hold.

Our team at The Center • A Place of HOPE specializes in uncovering the toxic layers that have accumulated over time, and revealing the person that you are truly meant to be. We specialize in whole person care—in understanding the full dimensions of an individual, and the life script that brought them to where they are today. Each person that comes to The Center • A Place of HOPE is unique, which means that their recovery journey will be equally unique. We are ready to help you on this journey to uncover your true, healthy, happy self. If you are ready to take the first step on this journey, fill out this form or call 1-888-747-5592 to speak with a recovery specialist today.