It's "The Beast" called yeast and it affects over 60 million Americans each year, and though it can occur in both men and women, it is much more prevalent among females. Few women would sign up to do battle with microscopic plant life, especially if they knew that the plant life would use guerrilla tactics at every opportunity. Unfortunately, most women are destined to fight this battle. An estimated 75 percent of women get at least one yeast infection during their lives and 40 percent of those will have multiple attacks. Understanding your enemy and knowing what weapons you have at your disposal to defeat them is your best strategy to win the war against "The Beast."

Candidiasis is a disorder caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. It is important to note that a certain level of candida yeast is useful, natural part of the human system, helping to balance normal body function. However, when there is an abnormal increase in the amount of yeast, it can secrete a large volume of toxins into the body, which may weaken the immune system.

Once this happens, a self-perpetuating cycle can develop. The longer the yeast is in the system, the weaker the immune system becomes. The weaker the immune system, the higher the tolerance it has to the yeast itself. This allows yeast colonies to propagate, releasing more toxins and further impairing the immune system. The result is a wide variety of conditions at different levels of severity and discomfort.

When it comes to chronic or recurring infections, the heart of the problem is often the intestines rather than the vaginal area. Candida albicans, the organism that most frequently causes yeast infections, can sometimes become overgrown in your intestines. Yeast that exists in the gastrointestinal tract can migrate into the vagina.

Yeast infections can also mimic urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases, so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis from a medical practitioner before beginning treatment.

Oral antibiotics are a common cause of increased yeast production. While fighting harmful bacteria, they also kill off much of the normal bacteria in the system as well. Since yeast has a different biochemical structure than bacteria, it is not affected by the antibiotics. Therefore, when these medicines destroy bacteria, the yeast is left with more room to spread and food upon which to grow. This is a significant point because as the candida yeast may manifest itself in various conditions, antibiotics are often used for symptomatic relief of those conditions. The antibiotics then allow the candida to reproduce elsewhere, causing recurring infections and other maladies.

There are certain physical conditions that make it easier for candida to spread. Pregnancy and menopause create an environment in which estrogen levels vary greatly from the norm, this may cause a higher rate of infection. And, in general, women are more susceptible at the end of each month's menstrual flow. Diabetes can also lead to increased risk for candidiasis. Other factors that weaken the immune system and create the perfect environment for candida overgrowth are stress, and a diet containing large amounts of sweets and processed foods. Oral contraceptives can further promote yeast growth.

Since candida can cause multiple systemic illnesses, a whole gamut of symptoms, ranging from the general to those affecting specific areas, are possible. These include low energy and fatigue, irritability, anxiety, fear, depression, brain fog, memory loss, headaches, lightheadedness, muscle and joint (arthritis), poor circulation, sensitivity to chemicals, urinary tract infections, rectal itching, white coating on the tongue or esophagus, heart palpitations, and irregular pulse.

Symptoms that show up in the digestive tract include gas, bloating, periodic constipation and diarrhea, indigestion, and intestinal cramps. In the respiratory tract, problems caused by candida range from chronic post nasal drip and coughs to sore throats, colds, and asthma. The skin can be affected too, with eczema, itching, rashes, acne, and fungal infections.

A variety of gynecological symptoms are possible with candida, the most common one being a vaginal yeast infection characterized by itching, redness, irritation, and a cheesy, white discharge.

Once candida has become a flaming yeast infection and the vaginal itching, redness and pain is driving you absolutely nuts, doctors commonly recommend over-the-counter medications such as miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) or the new one-dose, prescription only fluconazole (Diflucan), all of which will have you sitting comfortably again in less than a week. But since these medications won't kick candida out for good, and since yeast infection recurrence is common, doctors say you have to be a bad host if you want to stay yeast-free. "Treating the vagina alone is often a waste of time and money," says William Crook, M.D. author of The Yeast Connection and the Woman. "Although vaginal suppositories may help, we also need to concentrate on putting the right things in your body to take care of the source of the problem."

According to the experts, that means boosting your immunity through good diet and nutritional supplements. The following are my recommendations based on extensive research from various sources.

Environment
Candida loves a warm, moist environment. As a preventive measure think of the code word D-R-Y. Panty hose, tight jeans, wet bathing suits, and sweaty exercise clothes all provide the yeast with an ideal set of moist conditions. If you get damp clothes off as fast as you can and change into something dry and airy, you just might discourage the little diehards. Also, wear only pure cotton underwear and change it daily. Avoid "feminine hygiene" sprays and powders, which can cause irritation, and also understand that douching is not necessary, as a healthy vagina is naturally clean.

Diet
A person's approach to food is important, as it can either inhibit or accelerate yeast-related problems. In using dietary strategies as a treatment for candida overgrowth, a restricted diet should be followed for several weeks. If symptoms reappear after a particular food is reintroduced, that food should then be avoided.

1. Say no to sugar. Sugar is the main food source for yeast and does not benefit the immune system. This includes granulated sugar, honey, corn and maple syrup, fruit, maltose, artificial sweetners, fructose, cornstarch, sodas, and lactose (a milk sugar found in dairy products).

2. Say no to these foods. Eliminate fermented, or yeast- and mold-containing products such as breads, including muffins, cake, cookies, and other refined carbohydrates; fruit, including fruit juice and dried fruit; cheese; vinegar; pickled and smoked foods; alcohol; mushrooms; tomatoe sauce (unless prepared with fresh tomatoes); nuts; and food products containing monosodium glutamate and hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

3. Say yes to these foods. Whole grains (brown rice, millet, amaranth, quinoa, and barley); fresh vegetables; tofu; miso; lean meats; fresh fish; eggs from free-range hens. Yeast growth may also be held in check by using small amounts of organic extra virgin olive oil.

4. Say yes to yogurt. You should try to eat a cup of it everyday, and it has to contain active Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures. It will say so on the label.

Probiotics
A probiotic supplement containing the "friendly" bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum can help limit the growth of candida. When the level of acidophilus is down, candida starts growing like wild. One way to get more acidophilus is to eat live-culture yogurt as mentioned earlier. Acidophilus also comes in supplement form for those of you who do not like yogart or find taking a capsule more convenient.

Taking oral doses of acidophilus for just two to four weeks can help decrease candida in both your vagina and your intestines. This will make you less prone to repeat infections. Look for acidophilus capsules that are refrigerated and contain at least one billion organisms per capsule. Take two capsules one hour before breakfast and two capsules one hour before dinner, for one month.

Acidophilus capsules can also help with prevention. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you can help prevent a yeast outbreak by starting the acidophilus capsules at the same time as your prescription. Continue taking the capsules for two weeks after stopping the prescription.

Nutritional Supplements
Natural supplements can be used to specifically target yeast-induced illnesses.

1. Garlic. Garlic contains an antimicrobial agent known as allicin. Research shows that candida simply hates garlic. The DHEA Plus I have recommended and take daily myself comes with an odorless form of garlic.

2. Vitamin C. Vitamin C works double duty in fighting candida. First, research has shown that vitamin C boosts immunity by keeping disease-fighting white blood cells up and running, so the body is better able to stave off infections, especially opportunistic ones such as candida that take advantage of a weak immune system. As a bonus, vitamin C adds acidic zip. Candida-fighting lactobacillus grows in acid. I recommend taking 1 teaspoon of Super C twice a day. This will give you will give you 8000 mg in a divided dose. This is sodium ascorbate so it will not upset your stomach.

3. MSM. MSM does two things, first it will kill off the candida and second it is the glue that bonds vitamin C to the cells in your body. I recommend taking 3 caplets of MSM2000 or take FlexeoPlus (liquid MSM) twice each day, the same time you take your Super C.

4. Body Balance. Aloe vera is good for expelling the yeast from your body. I recommend taking Body Balance. Not only is this a great tasting aloe vera juice, but it also contains 121 nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and enzymes. Taking a good multi-vitamin/mineral is important. It is important that it contains zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and B6, folic acid, iron, essential fatty acids, and trace minerals.

5. Taheebo. Pau D' Arco is a powerful herb extracted from the inner heartwood of the Lapacho tree found only in the ozone-pure high Andes of South America. It has antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunostimulant properties. Put one dropperful in 8 ounce beverage, hot or cold, both morning and night.

6. Fossil Fuel. Grape seed extract is a very potent antifungal that can kill candida. Fossil Fuel is a great tasting liquid that contains a very powerful form of grape seed extract known as Activin.

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If you are at war with "The Beast" called yeast, then I hope this battle-tested information will come in handy to help you defeat the little bugger

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