Signs and Symptoms of Yeast Overgrowth

Though yeast organisms usually reside harmlessly in the gut and on the skin of most healthy people, sometimes the delicate balance of bacteria that keeps yeast in check can be upset, resulting in yeast overgrowth.  This overgrowth of yeast may result in acute or generalized infection, also known as candidiasis.  Candidiasis is named after the species of Candida fungal organisms that most often cause yeast infections.

Yeast overgrowth can result from a variety of different factors.  Poor diet, certain medications, stress, and certain illnesses may predispose people to yeast overgrowth, which is becoming increasingly common.

A diet that is high in sugars, and food containing yeast like breads and fermented alcohol, may feed yeast overgrowth.  Medications that upset hormonal balance – especially hormonal birth control – may play a role, as do broad spectrum antibiotics.  While antibiotics work to kill harmful infection-causing bacteria, they also kill beneficial bacteria that keep yeast in check.

Stress weakens the immune system and predisposes people to yeast overgrowth.  This can actually happen quite quickly, bringing on sudden symptoms of yeast infection or yeast overgrowth.  This is the same mechanism that causes some people to break out in cold sores when under stress – stress reduces immune function, causing latent infection to emerge.  In the case of yeast, this weakened immune function can no longer keep yeast growth under control.  Chronic illnesses like diabetes, HIV, and cancer also predispose people to yeast overgrowth.

Many people with yeast overgrowth may display only generalized symptoms.  Most commonly, these are fatigue and a feeling of “cloudiness” that makes it difficult to think well and focus.  Muscle cramping, aches, and pains can also result from yeast toxins released from the gut into the bloodstream.  Gastrointestinal symptoms are very common, resulting in cramping, diarrhea (or constipation followed by sudden diarrhea), and abdominal pain.

These symptoms form part of a complex of symptoms collectively termed chronic candidiasis.  There is controversy in conventional medicine about whether this syndrome really exists.  Theories surrounding chronic candidiasis were popularized by William Cook, MD in his book “The Yeast Connection”.  Dr. Cook described a complex of symptoms caused or exacerbated by antibiotics, oral contraceptives, hormonal changes of pregnancy, and the consumption of sugary and yeast containing foods.  While the medical debate rages on, countless people have indeed experienced these symptoms and found relief in treating the root causes of yeast overgrowth.

Other generalized symptoms of yeast overgrowth include the same symptom patterns as those found in people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and other types of allergic and inflammatory respiratory conditions, like asthma.  These symptoms may result from long term yeast overgrowth the infiltrates that throat, lungs, and nasal mucosa.

In addition to chronic candidiasis syndrome, yeast overgrowth can also result in acute yeast infections.  The most common of these are vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, and topical (skin) yeast infections.  Symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include painful redness and itching of vaginal tissues, and an unpleasant-smelling, cottage-cheese like discharge from the vagina.  Oral thrush is characterized by white patches in the mouth that have a cream cheese consistency and reveal patches of red or bleeding tissue when scraped away.  Topical yeast infections are common where skin remains moist and warm, providing ideal conditions for yeast overgrowth.  Fungal rashes in the groin area, beneath the breasts, and diaper rashes in babies can result from yeast overgrowth.