Colitis and the Yeast Connection

Written by Jonell West Francis

Author of The Feel Good Cookbook: Whole Foods and Allergy-free Recipes.

            Ten years ago, my life changed dramatically. I had a history of declining health that worsened with each pregnancy. My daily life included chronic headaches, lack of energy, sore muscles, aching in joints and limbs, occasional dizziness, skin problems, anxiety, and continual abdominal complaints.  There were rarely more than 4-5 days in a row that I felt well. I knew that eating very much cheese, sugar or chocolate gave me stomach aches, especially if eaten on an empty stomach, and that emotional stress was also a factor, but even at times when I was relaxed and avoided these foods, I frequently felt just “blah.”

            My search began. I consulted every specialist my medically connected family could find. Several physical exams, a scope, an ultrasound, repeated blood work and stool tests all came back normal. I acquired several labels for my worsening symptoms: colitis, spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome, and finally fibromyalgia. I begged God to teach me the good that could come from this miserable condition and to find the resources to help me get well. I did find answers and recovered from auto-immune disease over a two year period. I am forever grateful to God for this tremendous blessing, and desire to help others receive it too. After 10 years sharing my story over and over in long phone calls and letters, I put it all into a book “The Feel Good Cookbook: Whole Food and Allergy Free Recipes”. 

The Cause: A Leaky Gut     

            My return to health began when a friend, plagued by similar symptoms, taught me about food allergy and the possibility of an unhealthy gut infested with carbohydrate loving yeasts. As I began researching systemic yeast and autoimmune disease I learned that many of the physical complaints we share as a culture, virtually all autoimmune diseases, share a common condition called “Leaky Gut Syndrome XE "Leaky Gut Syndrome" .”

            Among these autoimmune diseases and inflammatory states are:

• Arthritis (inflamed joints) 
• Alzheimers (inflamed nervous system) 
• ADD/autism (inflamed nervous system) 
• Asthma (inflamed bronchials) 
• AIDS 
• Cancer 
• Chronic fatigue (inflamed bowel) 
• Crohn’s disease (inflamed bowel) 
• Diabetes (inflamed pancreas) 
• Epilepsy (inflamed central nervous system) 
• Eczema (inflamed skin) 
• Fibromyalgia (polysystemic inflammation) 
• Heart Disease (inflamed heart and lining of blood vessels) 
• Hypoglycemia 
• Hypothyroidism 
• Lupus 
• Multiple Sclerosis (polysystemic inflammation) 
• Osteoporosis 
• Schleroderma (inflamed skin) 

            Leaky Gut Syndrome is a condition where the gut is more porous and permeable than normal, allowing partially digested food particles to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. These particles trigger a series of inflammatory responses from the immune system that can affect any of the body’s systems including the brain. By healing the cause of the leaky gut and healing the gut itself, these same foods, in their whole and natural state can be tolerated once again, and a life free from inflammation, discomfort and “dis-ease” regained. (Read “Gut Reactions” printed in Newsweek Magazine Nov. 17, 1997 for more on this condition.)  

            Candida Yeast

                        One cause of a leaky gut is the overgrowth of Candida yeast that normally live in limited numbers in the mucous membranes of the body.  Recently, the headline on Women’s Weekly magazine read: “80% of women have a yeast problem.”  Here’s why that projection is entirely plausible: The mucous membranes that yeast inhabit are pervasive throughout the body. They line the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system including ears, nose and throat. They also line the skeletal structure, muscles and skin of the body allowing our parts to move comfortably around each other. Mucous membranes are also part of the reproductive and urinary systems, they’re everywhere! Just think of all the discomfort you could create by inflaming the soft linings inside of us! Several factors contribute to yeast getting out of hand:

• compromised immunity
• repeated use of broad spectrum antibiotics, kills off friendly flora allowing invaders to take-over
• diets high in simple carbohydrates including sugar
• exposure to hormones (real or synthetic) via the monthly menstrual cycle, pregnancy, “the pill” or other hormone therapy, or commercial meat.
• Use of corticosteroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs.)  Because our medical doctors do not have background in nutrition to impart, these medications are their “first” and often “only” defense in dealing with inflammation. And they do erode the gut.

            What has some medical circles spinning is the apparent connection between Candida and the multitude of auto-immune diseases that until now have had no cure but to treat symptoms individually with medications. Not only do these “syndromes” share many of the same symptoms, but clinical evidence over the last 20 years shows that many people with these conditions respond positively to a special diet and antifungal (yeast killing) treatment.

It is common knowledge among the medical community today that 80% of the bodies immunity occurs in the gut.  Of course the foods we feed it will, in time, powerfully impact our wellbeing.  Truly, “Health begins in the navel” as the Bible and other ancient texts suggest.

Over the last ten years we, at Feel Good Foods, have developed tools to help people suffering from gut-linked disease to find relief and independant health, naturally and more effectively than drugs. By cleansing and nourishing this vital organ, you can experience a higher level of health and wellbeing and view life again as a joy and not a burden.

How do YOU spell Relief?      Y-E-A-S-T  B-E-A-T-E-R-S!

“After trying special diets, increasing my water intake, concocting various fiber drinks, and spending lots of money on natural and not so natural treatments--I was still in search of something that would help me with chronic constipation without cramps and other side effects. I tried your cleanse and saw immediate positive results. I have given samples to friends and family whose symptoms were similar to my own. Each, including a three year old, reported success.”

                                                                                    M.B. Johnston, Charleston, SC

“After two series of antibiotics this year my husband’s gut was in distress almost continually, primarily upset stomach and diarrhea. After three days using the Yeast Beaters Cleanse, he reported feeling a lifting of these uncomfortable symptoms. By the end of the week he felt no more discomfort at all. Hooray! He is now symptom-free and able to just use the capsules here and there to help "mop up" after an occasional overindulgence.  Thanks so much!”    

                                                                                    Nikki K., Highland, Utah

“What I have noticed since using your cleanse is that I haven't had any colitis attacks or episodes of spastic colon. It seems that the cleanse has healed my colon, or even my whole intestinal tract, and I haven't been tied to the bathroom as I use to be. I am very pleased with that result.
                                                                                    G. Grunander, Orem, Utah

"I've struggled with the "irritable bowel syndrome" for almost twenty years, finding only very spotty relief and fearing that I'd never be completely regular and forever plagued by randomly occurring debilitating stomach aches. With the Yeast Beaters Cleanse, my gut has finally begun to settle down and operate properly and regularly. I'm more able to tolerate gluten and wheat. I feel much healthier overall and have even been able to maintain my ideal weight. Best of all, I haven't had a single crippling stomach ache during that time!"

                                                                                    M. Brown, Utah

“I have been thrilled with my experience using your cleanse. I had my gall bladder out 3 years ago and have had many digestive issues since then. The cleanse has helped me not only with those issues (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea), but it has also helped me lose fifteen pounds, sleep better and have more energy for my family and for exercise. It has made me want to improve my eating habits as well. I feel like it has put me on a better path to overall good health-mentally, emotionally and physically.”                   

                                                                                   Amy G., Provo, Utah

The Yeast Beaters Cleanse is a safe, effective, 14 day program that brings together the most powerful cleansing and nourishing agents to relieve colitis symptoms such as; gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation.  It is also helpful for relief from symptoms of spastic colon and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

For more information about The Feel Good Cookbook and The Yeast Beaters Cleanse CLICK HERE