Remedy for an Intestinal Yeast Infection

Intestinal yeast infections can be caused by poor dietary habits, food allergies, the overuse of antibiotics, pollution and even corticosteroids. These substances can disrupt the normal growth of candida albicans in the system, creating a number of symptoms ranging from headaches and gastritis to full-blown autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and Crohn's disease. Intestinal yeast problems can usually be treated through changes in diet, supplements, medicine and colon hydrotherapy.

Diet Changes and Supplements

• If you are diagnosed with an intestinal yeast infection, you will need to eliminate yeast and glutens from your diet. Unfortunately, most commercial foods such as breads, pasta, pastries, milk, ice cream, pizza, cereal, macaroni, frozen desserts and even beer contain these substances. But there are a number of tasty substitutes. Brown rice is gluten-free and can usually be eaten every day. There are hot cereals, breads, pasta, crackers, ice cream, milk and numerous other foods that are now made from rice. You can also eat many other grains such as amaranth, quinoa and millet. Potatoes, yams, nuts and most meats are gluten-free. Eat lots of vegetables, too, but limit your fruits to two a day, as they contain certain sugars.

  Eating out at restaurants will also be a challenge. Many meals are prepared with sauces and marinade that contain yeast or glutens. It is best to limit restaurant meals until you get your intestinal yeast infection under control.

  The grocery and health food stores have many supplements that can kill yeast. Probiotics will replenish your gut flora and help fight the overproduction of yeast. Digestive enzymes are also effective in breaking them down. Garlic is a well-known yeast killer. It is even used effectively to kill yeast in septic tanks. Paul D' Arco tea can be taken to eliminate systemic yeast. It is available in pill form, or you can use the bark to boil your tea. It may take you awhile to get used to the taste, but it is highly effective. Other yeast killers include cayenne, calendula, grapefruit seed extract and reishi mushrooms. Start out with one or two of these items, then introduce others if you need them. It is probably best to start with a probiotic and garlic or Paul D' Arco tea.

  Realize that when systemic yeast is killed in the system, it releases toxins. Since you are in the recovery process, these toxins can make you feel ill at times. This is normal and these symptoms will eventually pass.

Medication

• Doctors usually prescribe nystatin for a few weeks when they diagnose patients with intestinal yeast infections. Nystatin is available in many forms, but pills or powder are usually used for internal yeast. One caveat is to realize that most doctors do not ascribe to many of the alternative medicine practices. You will often have to get help on your own. Fortunately, many people have had this type of problem and the alternative cures have worked well.

Colon Hydrotherapy

• You may not need colon hydrotherapy, but it is highly effective in flushing systemic yeast out of your body. This treatment usually flushes out the toxins produced from the dying yeast. These toxins can end up in your bloodstream, cells and vital organs if left untreated. Colon hydrotherapy is highly recommended for people with more complicated illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities and even multiple sclerosis.

  Colon hydrotherapy is normally performed by a licensed colon therapist. You can find them in the Yellow Pages or through independent health food stores. Most practice with other alternative medicine specialists such as reflexologists, acupuncturists and massage therapists. Though this treatment may seem invasive, it is done with a high degree of privacy. Most people have more energy and feel better after one treatment, though you will usually have multiple sessions.