Intestinal Yeast Infection Symptoms

Intestinal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast. Yeast is a type of fungus that can be found in the gastrointestinal tract. Under normal situation, Candida albicans do not cause any health problem. This is because, their population is kept under control by the beneficial bacteria of the intestine and a healthy immune system. But factors that can weaken the immune system or destroy the beneficial bacteria in the intestine can contribute towards the rapid proliferation of yeast or Candida albicans.

Causes of Intestinal Yeast Infection
As has been mentioned already, yeast infection or candidiasis is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, which in turn can be caused by the reduction in the number of friendly bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This can be caused by the prolonged use of medications like antibiotics. A weakened immune system due to the use of certain medications or a disorder is another important cause of yeast infection. Conditions like HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of its development. Apart from these, cancer treatment like chemotherapy, use of steroids, a poor diet, and illnesses like diabetes can also put an individual at an increased risk for getting this infection.

Intestinal Yeast Infection Signs
An over growth of yeast in the intestine can eventually affect several parts of the body. As a result, there can be a large number of symptoms of this condition, out of which some of the most common symptoms are:

• Indigestion
• Gas and bloating
• Constipation and flatulence
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Stomach or intestinal cramps
• Food sensitivity
• Chronic fatigue
• Depression
• Allergies
• Lethargy
• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Frequent urinary infections
• Muscle and joint pain
• Athlete's foot and jock itch
• Rectal itching
• Mood swings
• Problems in concentration and poor memory
• Frequent acne breakouts
• Severe premenstrual syndrome
• Oral thrush
• Prostate problems

It should be kept in mind that many of the above mentioned symptoms can also be produced by conditions other than yeast infection.

Treatment for Intestinal Yeast Infection
It can be treated with the help of medications and dietary changes. Dietary modification is basically about following a yeast infection diet that excludes the foods on which yeast thrives. Some common examples of foods that can aggravate the symptoms are, sweets, sugar, fruit and fruit juices, bread, baked goods (like cakes, pastries and cookies), processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sauces and condiments, mushrooms, alcohol, vinegars, pickles, smoked and dried meat, processed cheese, tea, coffee, malt and food containing malt, peanuts and peanut products, honey, maple syrup, and simple carbohydrates, such as corn syrup, white flour, and white rice.

On the other hand, a diet for this condition should include fresh vegetables (raw or steamed), complex carbohydrates such as, whole grains, beans, fresh proteins in the form of fresh chicken, beef, pork, eggs and fish, unprocessed nuts, unrefined olive, sesame and corn oils and lemon juice. Plain unsweetened yogurt is another food that can be included in the diet. In fact, it is considered as an effective home remedy. Certain other home remedies are raw garlic, onion, and colloidal silver.

Even dietary supplements like probiotics and digestive enzymes can help to alleviate the painful symptoms. But, if all these measures fail to relieve the symptoms, then it is better to get the condition properly evaluated with the help of your physician. For severe infection of the intestine, medications can be prescribed by your physician along with supplements and dietary changes. Usually, antifungal medications are used for treating candidiasis.