There are numerous advantages to using yeast. Yeast aids in the rise of bread. Yeast creates the fermentation process that allows brewers to make beer and wine. Yeast microorganisms are a type of fungus, like mushrooms. They are present in the soil and part of the mix of microbes needed for soil health. Yeasts are among the dozens of microorganism species that live in our intestines. This collection of microbes is known as the intestinal microflora, and it is essential for health. So, under the right conditions, yeast can be extremely beneficial.

Under the wrong conditions, however, yeast can create problems with our health. For most people in modern Western society, yeast or fungal infections have become a serious problem. In particular, one species of yeast, Candida albicans, has been shown to be at the root of a wide variety of health problems including chronic sinus problems, vaginal yeast infections, frequent colds and flu, earaches, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, reduced immunity, brain fog, leaky gut syndrome, athlete's foot, jock itch and more.

Antibiotics are widely acknowledged to contribute to yeast overgrowth by disrupting the balance of the intestinal microflora by killing friendly bacteria, but antibiotics aren't the only reason yeast grows out of control. Many other chemicals in our environment are also harmful to our intestinal flora. Alcohol, chlorinated water, MSG, nitrates, and sulfates are examples. Because yeast feed on sugar, excessive sugar consumption contributes to yeast overgrowth.

When yeast becomes out of control, it secretes substances that weaken the integrity of the intestines (causing intestinal inflammation and leaky gut syndrome) and are absorbed into the bloodstream, weakening the immune system and causing us to crave more sugar. It's almost as if the yeast take over the body and make us want to preserve the environment that allows them to thrive.

Determining If You Have a Yeast Infection

Candida often becomes one of those “catch-all” diagnosis. Many people think they have yeast overgrowth even though they have done extensive yeast cleanses. Here is a little quiz to help you determine if yeast overgrowth may be contributing to your health problems. If your answer “yes” to any of the following questions check the box on the left. If you check five or more boxes, you may have a problem with yeast overgrowth. However, many of these symptoms may also be signs of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

• Do you frequently feel tired or run down?

• Do you suffer from food sensitivities or allergies?

• Have you been detected with nail fungus, athlete's foot, or jock itch?

• Do you suffer from recurring vaginal yeast infections?

• Have you taken antibiotics with a broad spectrum?

•Do you have a sweet tooth (candy, soda pop, etc.)?

• Do you frequently experience gas, bloating, or indigestion?

• Do you have a craving for refined white flour (bread, pasta, and baked goods)?

• Have you been taking birth control pills for at least 6 months?

•Do you suffer from brain fog, mental confusion, or fatigue?

If you do appear to have a problem with yeast overgrowth, here are four steps to getting it under control.

1. Change Your Diet to Stop Feeding the Yeast

The first and most important step in getting rid of yeast overgrowth is to stop feeding it. Yeast adores carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars. As a result, you must eliminate all simple carbohydrates from your diet for a period of time. Remove all simple sugars and refined grain products from your diet for two to four weeks. Table sugar (or sucrose), glucose, fructose, corn syrup, and even natural sugars like honey, brown sugar, and fruit juices are examples of simple sugars. White flour, white rice, corn chips, and breakfast cereals are examples of refined grain products. Because most prepackaged foods contain sugars and refined grains, you'll need to read labels carefully.

It is also important to avoid alcohol because it is also converted to sugar in the body. In fact, if your problem is severe, you may wish to avoid even whole grains, most fruit and starchy foods like potatoes for at least the first two weeks.

It is also a good idea to avoid foods that contain yeast or mold, such as bread, beer, aged cheeses and so forth. Many experts also recommend avoiding pickled and fermented foods and vinegar. These foods don’t cause yeast overgrowth, but eliminating them for a period of time seems to help get yeast under control.

Eat a low glycemic diet and include some good fats in your diet. A particularly good fat for fighting candida is coconut oil because it contains a medium chain saturated fatty acid called caprylic acid that helps control yeast.

2.Enhance Overall Digestive and Intestinal Health

Yeast get out of control when the environment becomes conducive to their growth. So, in order to regain control, we must alter the environment of the digestive tract. Normally, the hydrochloric acid and enzymes found in our stomach help keep these microbes in check. Take Digestive Bitters 15-20 minutes before meals to stimulate these. It will also help to relieve the gas and bloating common in people with yeast overgrowth. Consider taking Proactazyme or Food Enzymes with meals as well. Taking High Potency Protease between meals will also assist in the regulation of digestive microbes.

Yeast overgrowth is often accompanied by intestinal inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. You may want to check out remedies to bring these problems under control, too.

3.Yeast Overgrowth Could Be Reduced With Antifungal Agents

We can use antifungal herbs and supplements to kill yeast after cutting off its food supply and changing the digestive environment to make it unfriendly for yeast growth. The Candida Clear Pack is a convenient way to accomplish this. This is an excellent prepackaged program for yeast overgrowth control. Other options include taking Pau d'Arco in capsules or tea form, taking Yeast/Fungal Detox by itself and/or using Silver Shield.

Essential oils are also effective against yeast infections. Tea tree, lavender, thyme, clove, and oregano are all antifungal essential oils. These can be used in baths, diffused around the room, or taken internally in one drop doses for one to two weeks.

4. Repopulate the Body with Beneficial Bacteria (Probiotics)

The final step in taming the yeast is to repopulate the intestines with friendly bacteria or probiotics. Naturally fermented foods such as yoghurt, raw sauerkraut and miso are good dietary sources of these friendly microbes to take after your cleanse, but you will probably want to also take probiotic supplements.