Yeast Syndrome

Yeast Syndrome, as it is known, owes its well-noted modern medical history to William Crook, M.D., in his 1983 book, The Yeast Connection. Dr. Crook's landmark books (along with our own medical advisory board member Doug Kaufmann) have arguably done more to focus attention on Candida albicans yeast than any other source of information-and today his ideas continue to resonate with consumers.

We came to know Dr. Crook over the years professionally here at DPHL and often talked with him about his work at various expositions and seminars. He was kind, passionate and articulate, and a very well-respected medical doctor. Dr. Crook said the seminal article on the topic that inspired him to write his book was Dr. C. Orian Truss's article, "Tissue injury induced by Candida albicans: Mental and neurologic manifestations." (Journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 1978;7[1]:17-37.)

"Candida albicans, a yeast growing on the warm interior membranes of the body (including the digestive tract), could play an important role in problems throughout the body. Symptoms in patients with candida-related health problems included fatigue, headache, PMS, depression and other disorders of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems," according to yeastconnection.com.

The results were good when he put chronically ill patients from his practice on a sugar-free diet and the antifungal drug nystatin.

When people are healthy, usually quite low background populations of this fungal organism can be found in the digestive tract and vagina. But these populations are kept in check by beneficial bacteria and a proper diet.

There's no end to the attack on the body's defenses by fungal invaders like candida. For some, commonly prescribed antibiotics kill off good and bad bacterial populations. For others, the immune system becomes weakened through chemotherapy or radiation, AIDS, or aging, and candida multiplies rapidly.

Other culprits, according to Dr. Crook, include increasing use of oral hormone contraceptives, steroids, antacids, and anti-ulcer medications. More recently, immune-suppressing drugs for arthritis and autoimmune disease also depress the immune system.

Dr. Crook strongly recommends sufferers avoid eating sugary foods and simple carbohydrates. Dr. Crook's diet restricts carbohydrates to less than 60 grams per day. He recommends low-carbohydrate protein meals such as chicken and seafood. Furthermore, some foods actually contain yeast-including cheese, tomato paste, and beer. Dr. Crook recommends their elimination, too. He also states that nutritional supplementation is a critical part of the program.

Certainly at the top of his list are probiotics. These live bacteria supplements help repopulate the body with beneficial microorganisms that keep populations of bad bacteria at normal low levels.

He recommends caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, beta carotene, and biotin, plus other herbs like oregano and pau d' arco. He also recommends an antioxidant-rich vitamin and mineral formula.

If you suspect you have Yeast Syndrome, experts recommend working with a qualified complementary health care specialist who may prescribe antifungal prescription medications. If so, basic and antifungal nutritional support during the course of use of such medication is often recommended, but check with your doctor.

Although Yeast Syndrome might seem to be a difficult health condition to overcome (and can require medical treatment), thanks to the sage work of medical pioneers like William Crook, we are more empowered than ever to enjoy healthy living.