In the years since Dr. Crook's death, there have been new discoveries as well as interesting new theories about the connection between yeast and depression. Of the more than 180 toxic byproducts of candida yeast that have been identified, two, alcohol and acetaldehyde, are known to be particularly harmful. Measurable levels of alcohol and acetaldehyde in the blood have been found in some patients with severe overgrowth.
When acetaldehyde reacts with the brain-chemical dopamine, it can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, poor concentration and a sense of being "spaced-out."
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| How Do You Treat Yeast Infections |
Thus it should be no surprise that depression and fatigue are the most common complaints of people suffering from yeast overgrowth.
Another of candida's predominant toxins, canditoxin, depletes essential dietary nutrients and has also been associated with behavioral changes. Clearly, without proper treatment for candida, a multitude of serious problems arise that can trigger even deeper depression. Here is why this is a vicious cycle:
- Candida toxins directly affect your brain, leading to feelings of depression.
- Candida overgrowth causes sugar and carb cravings, which can cause your diet to spin out of control.
- More nutritional deficiencies develop.
- More endocrine disturbances occur.
- Your immune system is further weakened.
Remarkably, despite overwhelming anecdotal evidence from sufferers, there has not been any significant research on yeast-related causes of depression over the past 20 years - since Dr. Crook introduced the topic in an article he wrote for the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
While there is no doubt in my mind that yeast overgrowth can and does cause imbalances in brain chemistry that will trigger depression, the happy news is that our 6-Point Yeast Fighting Program can ease depression, even if you've suffered for years. If you've battled with depression, you'll be interested in Michelle's story, told in her own words.
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Depression and manic depression, like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and other disorders described in this blog, can develop from many different causes. These include genetic factors, nutritional deficiencies, endocrine disturbances, viral infections, chemical sensitivities and toxicities and psychological stress or trauma.
I do not want you (or anyone) to think I'm saying that Candida albicans is the cause of depression. Yet, if you suffer from depression and/or any other disabling disorder and have a history of the following:
- repeated or prolonged courses of antibiotic drugs
- persistent digestive symptoms
- and/or recurrent vaginal yeast infections
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| How Do You Treat Yeast Infections |
For my patients, antifungal medication and a sugar-free special diet did not necessarily provide a "quick fix," but 85% of them improved significantly following the anticandida program. To find out more, you can check out How Do You Treat Yeast Infections.