The Yeast Menace

 Ms H

Yeast is a microscopic single- celled organism, which is a type of fungi. There are more than 600 different types of yeast cells; the most ordinary around human bodies is Saccharomyces  (baker’s yeast)

Positive roles of yeast:

·      it consists of valuable vitamins, example B vitamins

·      helps to control certain bacterial colonies in the intestine

·      nutrition yeast provides nutrients as a cheese substitute for vegans

Yeast cells multiply very quickly in a warm moist environment and they grow using sugar, which is the food for them, because they use the organic acids, carbons as their nutrients in it.

Bad roles of yeast cells :

·       can spoil our food and

·       can be pathogens causing infections of:

vagina,

skin,

mouth

stomach,

digestion track

all of these are moist and warm places where the  yeast can reproduce  quickly.

The symptoms of yeast infection are:

• itching,
• burning,
• redness,
• pain,

Usually the yeast cells, most common in the human body called Candida Albicans, are balanced by Lactobacillus Acidophilus bacteria in the digestive tracks.  Yeast infection can develop in stomach and digestive tracks, when the balance of these healthy yeast cells is disrupted. The abundant yeast cells can cause stomach cramp and diarrhoea leading to yeast allergy or yeast intolerance.

The symptoms of yeast menace:

• Flatulence
• Bad breath
• Fatigue
• Irritable
• Excessive cravings for sugar filled foods
• Stomach cramps
• Feel bloated
• Bad skin e.g. ache and eczema
• Indigestion

Yeast is present in a variety of different foods, generally baked goods (bread) and alcoholic beverages (beer). If a yeast intolerance is suspected a yeast elimination diet and a thorough record of the food diary associated with the symptoms are required. The yeast allergy can be diagnosed by an immunoglobulin test (IgE). (The immune system produce antibodies, which can be tested.)

Our Microflora

Ms H

We have trillions of bacteria, microflora living on our skin, in our mouth, nose and our intestines These bacteria take residence in our bodies from the day we are born and remain with us throughout our lives. The gut contains the largest numbers of bacteria and the greatest number of species compared to other areas of the body.  The human gastrointestinal tract contains stable population of bacteria that play an important role in nutrition, metabolism, regulation of immune function and protection. We know that the ideal pH in the colon should be between 6.7 and 6.9.  The colon needs to be slightly acidic, which inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli. Our beneficial bacteria are made up of hundreds of different species, the principal two of which are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.  

These bacteria are found in the normal microflora of the intestine and research shows that they play an important role in improving digestion and intestinal health as well as helping to regulate the immune system. Some situations and lifestyle habits can damage gut bacteria such as taking antibiotics and drinking highly chlorinated water.  The effective ways to achieve healthy microflora  are the followings.

·      Traditional fermented foods

Eating fermented foods is the most natural way to improve gut flora and get the beneficial of probiotic bacteria. Fermented foods help to balance acetylcholine.  Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that enables the transmission of nerve impulses. Within the context of digestion, it helps increase the movement of the bowel, and can help reduce constipation. Fermented foods inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and are beneficial for people with diabetes. 

·      Probiotic supplements

Many people find it difficult to consume sufficient amount of fermented foods in this case an effective alternative is to take a probiotic supplements

Probiotic supplements help in; easing IBS, improving mood, soothing eczema, boosting immune system, aiding weight loss.

·      Lactic acid yeast wafers

Lactic acid yeast is a modified form of brewer’s yeast that works in your intestines to produce significant amounts of lactic acid. Lactic acid yeast wafers work the same way fermented foods do.

If we take probiotic supplement or/and eat traditional fermented foods will be enough to increase the number of beneficial microorganisms in our gut. These bacteria will then start to ferment more soluble fibre into products like butyric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, and propionic acid, which in order provide energy and improve our ability to absorb minerals, vitamins, and fat.