Yeast Overgrowth

Jan 15

Written By Brittyn Coleman, MS, RDN/LD

What is Yeast Overgrowth?

A healthy gut (microbiome) is populated with both yeast and bacteria and should be in a healthy balance with one another. Many kids with ASD have an imbalanced microbiome, which can mean that either yeast or bacteria (or both) are out of whack. An imbalance of yeast often leads to yeast overgrowth. An imbalance of bacteria is called dysbiosis.
There are many different strains of yeast that are in the gastrointestinal tract, though Candida is the most common species to overgrow and cause symptoms.
Yeast can grow anywhere on the body but prefers warm, moist, and dark areas -making the gut the ideal place to grow. It can also grow the mouth, skin, on your nails, and vaginally for females.
Yeast overgrowth can increase symptoms and cause behavioral changes in children with autism including brain fog, hyperactivity, increased stemming, sleep issues, and inappropriate laughter. It can also be a major contributor to gastrointestinal issues and may also contribute to picky eating.
- Yeast’s favorite foods include sugar and starch (think: white bread and pasta, sweets, candy, etc). When yeast overgrowth takes place, it can cause the host (the individual with yeast) to crave these foods and quite literally have tunnel vision for these foods only. A vicious cycle begins of craving sugar, simple carbohydrates, and starchy foods that feed the yeast, help it grow, and then crave more and more sugar. Disrupting this cycle with diet and supplements is the best way to naturally rid the gut of yeast.
It’s thought that yeast overgrowth is more common in certain disorders/diseases including autism, ADHD, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), seizures, depression, fibromyalgia, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Down Syndrome, Schizophrenia, migraines, Alzheimer’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s disease, and Celiac Disease.
Properly managing yeast overgrowth often involves the use of dietary change, supplements, and lifestyle changes (see all of our recommendations in “Next Steps” below)

Causes of Yeast Overgrowth

Antibiotic use
Dysfunctional immune system
Poor digestion or low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria)
High sugar or starchy diets
Dysbiosis (imbalance of bacteria)

Signs & Symptoms

Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Foul gas and stools
- Bloated belly
Neurological
- Brain fog or confusion
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Anger and aggression
- Inappropriate laughter or squealing
- Increased sensory sensitivity
- Increased stemming
- Craving foods high in sugar or starches
Physical
- Eczema, diaper rash, or athlete’s foot
- Oral thrush
- Recurring ear infections
- Rash and cracking between joints, fingers, or toes
- Recurring vaginal yeast infections in females
- Some report joint pain, but the evidence is weak

Testing for Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast can be detected via stool and urine, though stool tests are the gold standard in clinical practice. Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory offers a stool test called the GI-MAP which tests beneficial bacteria, overgrown bacteria, yeast and fungal growth, parasites, and digestive function, among other markers. You can ask your physician to order this for you, but they may need to be contracted with the lab. You can call Diagnostic Solutions Customer Service to find a provider in your area to order and review it with you.

Other labs such as Genova, Vibrant America, and Doctor’s Data also offer stool analysis. Some labs may also a Urinary Organic Acid Test (OAT) that measures fungal metabolites (i.e. yeast byproducts) in the urine. Labs that offer the OAT include Great Plains Labs, Vibrant America, and Doctor’s Data.

The labs listed above will often not take insurance, so if you prefer to use standard lab testing, you may be able to order a few of the markers that are on the other panels through your physician. If possible, we recommend ordering straight from one of the specialized labs (listed above) for the most accurate and extensive results.

Next Steps

Diet

Focus on:
- Low fructose fruits such as lemons, limes, berries, and pears. Eat other fruits in moderation or avoid them altogether.
- Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula, etc), artichokes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumber, eggplant, onions, tomatoes, & zucchini
- Low-starch grains such as buckwheat, millet, oat, quinoa, teff, and grain-free flours such as almond flour, cassava flour, chickpea flour, or coconut flour.
- Organic, lean protein like pastured chicken, pastured eggs, wild salmon, turkey, and grass-fed lean beef
- Low-mold nuts & seeds like almonds, coconut, flax, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds
- Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut (see a full list here)
- Healthy fats like avocado, olives, unrefined coconut oil, flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil
- Herbs & spices like black pepper, salt, cinnamon, dill, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, paprika, turmeric, thyme
- Non-caffeinated beverages such as herbal teas, filtered water, homemade almond milk, coconut milk, and water with lemon or lime

Reduce or avoid:
- High-fructose fruits such as bananas, dates, raisins, grapes, and mango
- Starchy vegetables such as white potatoes, carrots, radishes, beets, sweet
  potatoes
- High-starch & glutenous grains such as wheat, barley, rye, corn, rice and commercial grain flours
  High-mold nuts & seeds such as peanuts, cashews, pecans, and pistachios
- Dairy products
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners like cane sugar, corn syrup, honey, maple syrup,
  molasses, agave
- Certain condiments like ketchup, soy sauce, white vinegar, BBQ sauce, horseradish, mayonnaise
- Caffeine and sugary beverages like caffeinated teas, coffee, energy drinks, soda,
  fruit juice

Supplements

High-dose probiotics, especially Saccharomyces boulardii
Herbals/botanicals can be very effective against yeast. Some include:
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Oil of Oregano
- Garlic Extract
- Caprylic Acid
- Undecylenic acid
- Berberine
- MCT Oil
- Goldenseal
- Tea Tree Oil
- Herbal combinations
  - We love using herbal combinations, such as Biocidin, to treat yeast. One round of treatment often lasts 2-3 months, and depending on the person, it may take 1-3 rounds.
In severe cases, a physician may recommend a pharmaceutical antifungal. Nystatin is often suggested because it stays in the GI tract.
It may be a good idea to also combine a Binding Agent at the same time as treating yeast, as it can help reduce die-off reactions. Our favorite binder is GI-Detox as it contains both activated charcoal and bentonite clay. Doses will depend on size and age, but generally, 1/2 capsule is where we start.
- *NOTE: Be sure to drink plenty of water because both activated charcoal and bentonite clay can be constipating! activated charcoal
Consider digestive enzymes to support proper digestion.

Lifestyle

Get as much time outside as possible to increase vitamin D, which is a vital nutrient for the immune system and gut.
Find a registered dietitian or functional medicine practitioner that is knowledgable about autism and the gut-brain connection to support you during this journey and treatment
Be patient and consistent. Yeast can be a difficult beast to manage, and sometimes takes multiple rounds of treatments or different approaches over time.
Consider using Comprehensive Stool Analysis (our favorites mentioned above) to monitor yeast. We recommend testing every 3-6 months.
Use antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. Consult your physician about your preferences and ask if there are other natural options.
Change wet diapers and wet swimwear as quickly or as frequently as possible. Be sure to dry off well after sweating or bathing.

DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.