Although the yeast syndrome is viewed by mainstream medical professionals as "alternative," "speculative," or even outright quackery, there's more to the condition than one might think-all you have to do is take the time to do the research.

What is the yeast syndrome? Yeast, or Candida Albicans, is a single-celled organism present in the bodies of all humans. It is usually kept in check by the healthy bacteria in the intestine, but a number of things can tip the balance so that the yeast overwhelms the intestines and spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Once it becomes overly abundant in the intestine, it changes into its more damaging fungal form by putting out roots, or "feelers," allowing it to steal nutrients from the body. In addition, these "roots" can pierce the intestinal wall, causing undigested food particles to escape into the bloodstream.

So what does all this have to do with allergies? A lot, actually. When the body is in a state of chronic infection, the immune system is in a constant battle to overcome it. This causes the immune system to over-react to every little particle of pollen, dust, mold, dander, food proteins, and other unavoidable things, turning them into allergens in the eyes of the body.

There are a number of things that cause the yeast syndrome, including insults to the immune system in the form of repeated antibiotic use, birth control medications, corticosteroids, malnutrition from a deficient diet, air pollution, and all other cumulative exposures to molds, viruses, bacteria, etc. In order for the harmless yeast to become a problem, the immune system MUST experience a period of ineffeciency for whatever reason, as it usually controls yeast overgrowth easily when functioning properly.

Yeast infections often present as vaginal yeast infections, thrush, dandruff, sinus infections, and allergies, but Candida is thought to cause much more serious

and even life-threatening problems. Among these are schizophrenia, autism, autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, and even AIDS. One strong indicator of whether an HIV+ person would go on to develop AIDS in the days before AIDS drugs was the presence of oral thrush. In addition, the symptoms signaling AIDS-night sweats, diarrhea, easy bruising, weight loss, and others-are common symptoms of the Candida syndrome.

So the next time you're on the couch with a miserable sinus infection or sneezing into your 22nd Kleenex on a leisurely walk through the park, consider the CAUSES behind your allergies, as well as how to treat the underlying problem. Treating the symptoms with trance-inducing and often ineffective antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, or others can cause more misery than relief, as we who suffer from allergies all know...so why not look into the Candida syndrome?

For more information on the yeast syndrome, simply search for "candida" "yeast syndrome" "yeast overgrowth" or "monilia" on your favorite search engine and you will be overwhelmed with a wealth of information, much of it worthless. There are plenty of books on the topic available that are more reliable; just type in author names 'John Parks Trowbridge' 'Morton Walker, D.P.M.' 'William G. Crook' or 'C. Orion Truss'- the fathers of yeast research.

Above all, don't take any doctor's word as law, be they orthodox physicians, alternative health practitioners, nurses or dentists or psychiatrists. Be your own advocate by doing the research. Only you know your body-a fact that can either hurt you or save your life.