The human body contains small levels of the fungus candida albicans (also known as yeast). The presence of this yeast is checked by friendly bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus, which reside in the digestive system. A drop in the quantity of friendly bacteria allows the yeast to produce beyond normal levels. The growth of yeast in parts of the body is a condition known as candidiasis or yeast infection. As the yeast multiplies out of control, the body develops a yeast allergy.
Causes of Yeast Allergy
A yeast allergy is caused by anything that upsets the balance between yeast and friendly bacteria in the body. This could range from antibiotics (which kill good as well as bad bacteria) to birth control pills and steroids. Once the allergy is present, it could be further triggered by certain foods which stimulate the growth of yeast. These include the following:
- foods containing refined sugar
- dairy products – i.e. eggs, milk, cheese
- foods containing yeast – ie bread, pasta, mushrooms, alcohol, cheese, vinegar, soy sauce
- chocolate
- caffeine and tea
- certain fruits
- foods preserved in vinegar
Symptoms of Yeast Allergy
The overgrowth of yeast attacks the immune system. As such, yeast allergies often give rise to random and seemingly unconnected symptoms that leave patients scrambling for relief. What is particularly frustrating is that a group of symptoms may subside for a period of time only to flare up later. Furthermore, the symptoms vary from one individual to another. This has led some medical professionals to question the validity of a yeast allergy diagnosis. Still others believe that yeast allergies could be the underlying cause of several serious diseases.
In general, if several of the following symptoms are experienced, they could be indicative of a yeast allergy:
- headaches
- itchy skin / rash
- psoriasis/dermatitis/eczema
- fatigue (particulary after eating/drinking foods containing yeast)
- joint/muscle aches
- acne postules / nodules
- frequent urination
- digestive problems, including bloating
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal cramps
- nasal congestion
- oozing white liquid or thrush (yeast infection)
Prevention and Treatment of Yeast Allergy
Due to the undefined nature of yeast allergy symptoms, no specific treatment has been designed to cure it. One useful prevention technique is to take probiotics rich in lactobacillus acidophilus along with a prescribed course of antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, as yeast tends to exist in moist parts of the body, women are particularly advised to be vigilant about vaginal cleaning techniques, as a change in the delicate pH balance of the vagina is often an invitation for the yeast to multiply.
Probiotics can also be used to address an overgrowth of yeast. Other recommendations include taking dietary supplements like enzymes, calcium, magnesium, zinc, fish oils and vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D and E.
Ultimately, the most effective approach to yeast overgrowth is to abstain from or reduce the intake of foods that provide a conducive environment for it to produce, as listed above.
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