Yeast is classified in the Fungi family with as many as 1,500 species currently described. Yeast is typically single celled organisms although some can exist as multi-cellular. The word yeast comes from Old English roots meaning boil, foam or bubble.  Through the process of fermentation yeast converts carbohydrates to carbon dioxide and alcohol. People have used yeast for thousands of years in the making of foods such as bread and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and distilled spirits.

Yeast commonly lives in, on, and alongside all living things. Yeast, like bacteria and viruses, is looking for a suitable environment in which to set up shop, live and propagate. Although most types of yeast are not damaging to the Human body, one in particular, Candida albicans, a type of pathogenic yeast fungus, can be quite harmful and lead to a condition known as Candidiasis.

Candida is the most common yeast living in and on the body and has been doing so since the beginning of the Human race. Candida starts out living in the gut and in a healthy host it is kept in check by a robust immune system and healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract commonly referred to as probiotics. But if this balance is disrupted, Candida can multiply out of control. If unchecked Candida are ultimately able to spread throughout the entire body and infect any and all organs and tissues including the brain. Therefore any health problem has the potential to be traced directly to Candida overgrowth.

Some of the most common health issues associated with Candida are:  Vaginal yeast infection in Women, jock itch in Men, suppressed immune system, diabetes, thyroid problems, adrenal problems, hormonal imbalance, body odor, foot odor, bad breath, rectal itching, thrush (characterized by white spots on the mouth and tongue), gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort, heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, hives, dandruff, skin rashes, allergies, acne, etc.  And this is only the short list.  Among other conditions there are three areas where Candida must be considered as a contributor: Weight gain that can lead to Obesity, Addiction (mainly sugar and alcohol cravings), and mental disorders including mood swings, depression, irritability, ADHD, schizophrenia ,etc.

Candida, like all yeast, feed on carbohydrate sugars as their main source of food. When Candida take over in the body they are looking for food and the best source is simple refined carbs and sugars. Unfortunately excessive consumption of these carbs leads to weight gain. Additionally one of the best sources of quick acting carbohydrates is alcoholic beverages hence the reason Candida must be suspected with respect to alcoholism.

It’s important to note that because of a Woman’s physiological makeup and sensitivity to hormonal balance Candida can be particularly disruptive to females. Menstrual cycles can become more intense and menopause complicated in addition weight gain around the mid section is also a factor. When Candida sets in it not only causes cravings that can lead to weight gain but the metabolic processes of the yeast as it feeds also produce waste that is toxic to the body. The body will try to rid itself of this waste with excess fluid to carry it away which can lead to inches around the waste.

To put all of this in perspective, essentially what is happening here is even though yeast is a single celled organism, when it multiplies and takes over the body it collectively becomes a living organism within a living organism and now it has a mind and needs of its’ own.  It’s an opportunist and when the opportunity presents itself it goes for it and settles in. Once established it then starts calling the shots and influences everything from the foods we eat to the decisions we make in order to serve itself and the stronger the infestation the stronger the influence it can have both mentally and physically.

Written by DMK of Seven Grains