Yeast: The deceptive invader

Yeast:  The deceptive invader

From Alternatives Newsletter March 2006

Say the word “yeast” and the first thing that may come to mind is the fermenting agent used in making bread, beer, wine, and other goodies.  But no good can come from yeast when it takes over the intestinal tract and disrupts fragile internal balances. 
Yeast and its symptoms often masquerade as illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, diarrhea, constipation, menstrual cramps, depression, lethargy and skin eruptions.  Other common localized problems are vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush and diaper rash.  “When I first saw the list of problems that yeast can cause, I thought, ‘How can this be?’” said Dr. Patricia Ryan.  “But I’ve learned from working with patients that yeast is truly a deceptive invader.”
The medical term for yeast is Candida albicans, a fungus that may affect as many as 80 million people, 70 percent of whom are women, according to Dr. Ryan.  Typically yeast is an organism that is present in the blood, gastrointestinal tract and vaginas of warm-blooded animals.
A healthy immune system and “good” bacteria, typically keep yeast in check.  However, when balances are disrupted through illness, poor diet, overuse of antibiotics or hormone fluctuations, Candida albicans cells are transformed from benign yeast into a troublesome fungus.  When this occurs, long, root-like filaments extend and penetrate cells lining the intestinal mucosa in their search of food, Dr. Ryan said.
Fighting yeast can be a full-time job that includes lifestyle and diet changes, and supplements that help build good bacteria back into a system.  For more information, contact Alternatives, A Center for Conscious Health.

A frustrated mom discovers the yeast connection

When Harrison was 10 days old his parents, Amy and Jim, rushed him to the hospital.  “He was burning up and moaning, and we discovered he had a urinary tract infection,” Amy said.  “He spent 10 days in the hospital and the tests were inconclusive.  He screamed non-stop after that.”

Three weeks later, another urinary tract infection landed Harrison back in the hospital, this time for 15 days.  Other symptoms included fever and rash over his entire body, and a diagnosis of acid reflux disease was made.  A visit to a chiropractor brought some relief and helped Harrison sleep.  “But then he started slipping again,” Amy said, “and the chiropractor said he couldn’t help anymore. He suggested Dr. Ryan.”

Her diagnosis was yeast infection.  “It made perfect sense, because I’ve had yeast problems for much of my life,” said Amy, who is being treated by Dr. Ryan as well.  While Harrison continues on antibiotics for his urinary tract problems, Dr. Ryan is treating his yeast with medication and supplements, so he is more comfortable.”  He’s improving more every day as his grateful family’s routine gradually returns to normal.