Dr. Joseph J. Burrascano's Guidelines http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_1102.htm

MANAGING YEAST OVERGROWTH

Many patients with chronic illnesses including Lyme Disease develop an overgrowth of yeast. A basic strategy to combat this is to eat a full container of sugar-free, non-fruit flavored yogurt that contains active cultures daily, and take acidophilus, two after each meal. Here are some other suggestions:

MOUTH: Yeast problems usually begin in the mouth, for when thrush is present, organisms may repeatedly pass down into the GI tract where they cause the most problems. A tongue with a beige coating, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth are signs of oral yeast. Patients should use a toothpaste that contains surfactants (detergent-like cleaning agents), and antiseptic mouthwashes (Scope, Listerine, etc.), and brush the teeth, tongue, gums, cheeks and the roof of the mouth while holding the mouthwash in the mouth.

The most effective treatment, employed as a last resort, consists of using ``Dakin's Solution'' as a mouth rinse. This is a mixture of household liquid bleach (Clorox), one teaspoon in four ounces of water. A small amount is held in the mouth while brushing, then spit out, and repeated until the thrush has cleared. This is usually a one-time treatment, but may have to be repeated every few weeks.

After using an antiseptic to clean the mouth, it is necessary to immediately eat yogurt or chew an acidophilus capsule to replenish the beneficial flora in the mouth. Because the germ count after such a cleaning will be artificially reduced, and because yeasts are opportunists, they would be the first to come back. By having the yogurt or acidophilus then, a more normal oral flora will result and thrush will be better controlled.

Since yeast germs feed on sugars and starches, avoid simple carbohydrates including sugars, starches, and some fruits. Refer to the diet outlined below.

Prescription medications may be necessary. Mycelex troches and Nystatin liquid are not the best choice, for they contain large amounts of simple sugars. Instead, Nystatin oral powder is preferred, as it does not contain sugar. It is mixed with water, and swished and swallowed four times daily. Systemic antifungals tablets (Diflucan, Lamisil, Nizoral) may be necessary.

INTESTINAL TRACT: An overgrowth of yeast here will ferment dietary sugars and starches, forming acids, gas, and alcohols. Symptoms include gas, heartburn and/or pain in the stomach area, and because of the alcohol, there can be headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, wooziness and post-meal fatigue. To clear intestinal yeast, first the oral cavity must be cleared so yeast does not reenter the system with every swallow. Avoid sweets, starches, fruits and juices to starve the germs. Use PLAIN yogurt daily, and acidophilus, 2 capsules three times daily after meals. Systemic antifungal medications may be needed.

VAGINAL: An occasional vaginal yeast infection can be controlled with products such as Monistat cream or suppositories. If it is a recurrent or ongoing problem, then it often reflects a simultaneous intestinal infection, re-infecting the genital area with every bowel movement. Therefore follow the above protocol for intestinal overgrowth, and use topical preparations such as Monistat concurrently for up to two weeks.

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YEAST CONTROL DIET (Restricted carbohydrate regimen)

FOODS ALLOWED

Meat, fish, fowl, cheese, eggs, dairy, tofu

FRUITS

Only high fiber fruits are allowed
Fruits are only allowed at the end of a meal, and never on an empty stomach
ALLOWED
Grapefruit, tomatoes, avocado, lemons, limes

SMALL AMOUNTS ONLY! (The high fiber content in these makes up for the carbohydrates)
Pears, apples, strawberries, etc.

NOT ALLOWED
Oranges, watermelons, bananas, grapes, etc. (too much sugar and not enough fiber)

VEGETABLES

Green vegetables and salads are O.K. Avoid starchy vegetables (potato, rice, beans, etc.)

STARCHES

If it is made from flour, it is not allowed! (No breads, cereals, cake, etc.)

SWEETENERS

NOT ALLOWED
No sugars at all; no fructose or corn syrup, and no honey

ALLOWED (if tolerated)
Aspartame, Nutrasweet, Equal; saccharin products allowed but not recommended

DRINKS

ALLOWED
Vegetable juices, water, seltzer, diet sodas, coffee and tea without sugar or caffeine NOT ALLOWED Fruit juices, regular sodas, any drinks sweetened with sugars, syrups or honey