Unfortunately, there has not been any significant research on yeast-related causes of depression since Dr. Crook introduced the topic in an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association 20 years ago in 1984.
And sadly, there is no magic bullet drug treatment, so a holistic approach has been unused by most physicians in favor of the easy option: Prescription antidepressants that merely treat the symptoms and not the underlying cause, while causing a wide range of serious side effects.
Yeasts themselves produce dozens of different substances that can cause allergic responses. Seventy-nine such "antigenic substances" were identified before 1977.
One of the yeast-related problem-causers is acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that is produced in the metabolism of alcohol. When acetaldehyde reacts with the neurotransmitter, dopamine, it can cause mental and emotional disturbances such as anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and feeling spaced out.
Is it any surprise, then, that depression and fatigue are two of the most common complaints of people suffering from dysbiosis? Is it any wonder that yeast overgrowth plays a role in the symptoms of such a wide variety of chronic health conditions? See www.yeastconnection.com for more information about overcoming these conditions and finding relief and health.
Treatment for dysbiosis and the symptoms that accompany it involves a five-step approach:
- Diet and exercise
A diet rich in meats, fish, chicken, eggs, seeds and nuts, vegetables, and oils while avoiding sugars, carbohydrate-rich foods, and fermented products like vinegars and preserved meats begins to restrict the amount of fuel the yeast in your intestine has available to it. With time, in combination with the appropriate anti-candida supplements (see below), your digestive tract returns to its natural, healthy balance of organisms and your immune system becomes stronger. In turn, your brain chemistry returns to normal and your low moods stop. A grocery list of foods to get you started is available on www.yeastconnection.com.
Once you’ve started on the diet, exercising, even if for only 5 minutes a day, will also begin to rebalance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. You’ll find help for deciding where to start with exercise on www.yeastconnection.com.
- Supplements
Probiotics. These supplements contain friendly bacteria that help you keep a natural, healthy balance of microorganisms in your digestive tract. There are many different forms and brands of probiotics available in foods and pills and capsules. However, to be effective, they need to be able to bypass the harsh stomach acid and deliver at least 1 billion live organisms to the intestines.
Digestive Enzymes. These supplements provide a combination of digestive enzymes to help maintain a natural, healthy digestion. Most good products contain several enzymes to promote optimal digestion. It’s also helpful to include phyto-nutrients to help maintain and calm an upset stomach. Among their many benefits, digestive enzymes help you comfortably digest problem foods like broccoli, cauliflower, beans, fruit, and milk.
Herbs and nutrients to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. In addition to prescription antifungal medications, a variety of herbs and nutrients can help support a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, reining in yeast growth. Among the nutrients that work together to stop candida overgrowth: caprylic acid, pau D’Arco, oregano oil, black walnut, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, beta carotene, and biotin.
Vitamins and minerals. Taking a good quality daily multivitamin and mineral supplement helps supply your body with the nutrients it needs to help you regain your health. A good calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplement is also essential to optimal health, especially for women.