Treatment of Yeast Overgrowth

Symptoms and Naturopathic Treatment options

Yeast overgrowth is a pervasive infection, usually stemming from imbalances in the intestines. In a group of people it does not cause any symptoms that could alert them to this infection. Intestinal overgrowth of yeast (also known as Candida) may be associated with skin rashes or redness (in areas of skin folds such as the groin, armpits or under breasts), as well as genital infections.

Candida can also spread upwards in the digestive system causing esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus) or thrush (white stickly plaques in the mouth); this is more common in people with weakened immunity (e.g. cancer patients) or poor stomach digestion.

Overgrowth is common in chronic diseases that are classified as autoimmune disorders (e.g. Hashimotos Thyroiditis, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis) and childhood illnesses such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic infections, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Factors in a person's health history that may point to this yeast overgrowth include use of antibiotics, steroid or hormone medications, or digestive disturbances (Malabsorption, IBS, Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative colitis).