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What Is Yeast Overgrowth?

Yeast overgrowth occurs when there is an imbalance between the "good" bacteria and yeast in the intestinal tract, causing digestive issues and other health problems.

  1. Significance

    • According to WomentoWomen.com, yeast normally resides in the intestines along with good bacteria, and is a necessary element for the digestive tract to work properly and assimilate nutrients from the food we eat.

    Effects

    • Antibiotics, physical or mental illness, or poor diet can kill off the good bacteria, allowing yeast to grow out of control. The yeast can get into the bloodstream and cause mental fogginess, allergies, asthma, sinus problems and other autoimmune disorders, reports WomentoWomen.com.

    Misconceptions

    • Many people think of yeast only as it relates to vaginal yeast infections. But yeast is a fungus---when it grows out of control in the digestive tract, it can get into the blood and travel elsewhere in your body.

    Prevention/Solution

    • During antibiotic use, according to WomentoWomen.com, you can take probiotics---foods or supplements containing good bacteria---which put friendly bacteria back into the gut, where it should be.

    Potential

    • The conditions known as athlete's foot and jock itch can also develop from yeast overgrowth.

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