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What Are the Symptoms of a Bowel Yeast Infection?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

There are several possible symptoms of a bowel yeast infection, including depression, headaches and chronic fatigue. The infection might also cause bloating, gas and indigestion. Itching in the rectal area or vaginal yeast infections are common signs as well. Diarrhea or constipation can also indicate the presence of a yeast infection in the bowel.

Some of these symptoms can get worse after an individual does certain activities. For example, eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods might cause exhaustion or a disconnected feeling. If eating certain kinds of foods generally leads to gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas, it also might be a sign of a yeast overgrowth.

Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing a bowel yeast infection.
Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing a bowel yeast infection.

Many other conditions can develop as the result of a bowel yeast infection, such as athlete’s foot, vaginal or urinary infections, and impotence. It also can contribute to learning disorders, particularly in children. A typical patient will tend to be more sensitive to environmental factors, such as smoke and heavy scents, in addition to certain kinds of foods. Many patients are also less alert and more susceptible to illness.

One of the primary causes of this type of infection is a person's diet. Eating a lot of processed foods that contain sugar, fruit, and fruit juices all encourage the growth of yeast. Large amounts of carbohydrates may also contribute to the problem.

A bowel yeast infection may cause bloating and gas.
A bowel yeast infection may cause bloating and gas.

Another cause of bowel yeast infection is the excessive use of certain drugs. Overusing antibiotics can kill the bacteria in the intestines that balance out the growth of yeast. Some birth control products, such as patches and pills, can contribute to a copper imbalance, which also can lead to a yeast infection. Steroids and antacids can cause the growth of yeast as well.

Toxic metals can contribute as well, and excessive amounts of mercury, lead, and cadmium in the system are the most common culprits. A deficiency of selenium and zinc can make the problem worse.

An untreated bowel yeast infection may lead to dehydration.
An untreated bowel yeast infection may lead to dehydration.

The primary treatment for a bowel yeast infection is to detoxify the patient by finding the offending elements and removing them from the body. This might be as simple as having the patient eat a healthier, more balanced diet or discontinue the use of a problematic drug. Flushing toxic metals out the system can be more complex but might also be partially accomplished through the diet.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

I think I have a bowel yeast infection. I have the major symptoms. I feel ill after eating carbohydrates and sugars. Sometimes I have nausea, other times I have terrible bloating and indigestion. My stomach becomes huge and it's even uncomfortable to breathe. I've been feeling drained and tired since a very long time as well.

Initially I thought that I have gluten intolerance but I have been tested for it and the test came back negative. I have another appointment with my doctor soon, I'm going to ask him about bowel yeast infections.

bear78

@fify-- I'm not an expert on this topic, a doctor would explain it best. However, I think what happens is that if a bowel yeast infections grows out of control, yeast can penetrate in the tissues and membranes of the bowels and intestines. This in turn can cause toxins from these areas to leak and enter the blood stream. When these toxins reach different parts of the body through the bloodstream, a variety of symptoms can result including depression. Brain fog, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and anxiety are not uncommon as well.

Having said this, I don't think that depression as a result of a yeast infection is very common. I think it requires a long term infection that is very serious for this side effect to develop. Those diagnosed with a leaky gut syndrome are at greater risk of developing depression and other complications.

fify

How can a bowel yeast infection cause depression? The gastrointestinal symptoms are understandable, but depression?

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    • Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing a bowel yeast infection.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Women taking birth control pills are at a higher risk for developing a bowel yeast infection.
    • A bowel yeast infection may cause bloating and gas.
      By: michaeljung
      A bowel yeast infection may cause bloating and gas.
    • An untreated bowel yeast infection may lead to dehydration.
      By: koszivu
      An untreated bowel yeast infection may lead to dehydration.
    • A diet high in mercury -- which is often found in tuna -- may exacerbate bowel yeast infections.
      By: bit24
      A diet high in mercury -- which is often found in tuna -- may exacerbate bowel yeast infections.
    • Eating a well-balanced diet that's rich in nutrients can help boost a the immune system.
      By: marrakeshh
      Eating a well-balanced diet that's rich in nutrients can help boost a the immune system.
    • Yogurt -- which contains acidophilus -- may help treat a yeast infection.
      By: nenetus
      Yogurt -- which contains acidophilus -- may help treat a yeast infection.
    • Symptoms of a bowel yeast infection may include headaches.
      By: Alliance
      Symptoms of a bowel yeast infection may include headaches.
    • Symptoms of a bowel yeast infection may include chronic fatigue.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Symptoms of a bowel yeast infection may include chronic fatigue.