Yeast Connection Handbook: How Yeasts Can Make You Feel "Sick All Over" and the Steps You Need to Take to Regain Your Health

by William G. Crook

Having developed a strong following with his first book, The Yeast Connection, Dr. Crook updates his findings with this handbook, which contains the latest research on yeast-related conditions and effective treatments. Dr. Crook outlines 10 easy-to-understand steps toward regaining one's health, and his thoroughness makes this book a must for anyone interested in how yeast affects their health. 41 line drawings, worksheets, and charts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Personal Development

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1996

About the author

Received his medical education and training at the University of Virginia, The Pennsylvania Hospital, Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology and the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and the American Medical Association. He also served as a Visiting Professor at Ohio State University, the University of California at San Francisco and the University of Saskatchewan.

His willingness to listen, learn and work with patients brought this revered pediatrician adult patients as well. Always open to new information and ideas, he became interested in adults' chronic health complaints connected to yeast overgrowth and to nutritional and environmental factors. In addition to yeast-related health problems, he spoke passionately about the role of nutrition in children's hyperactivity and learning disorders.

The author of 14 books and numerous articles in medical and lay literature, Dr. Crook addressed professional and lay groups in 39 states and eight countries. For 15 years, he wrote a nationally syndicated health column for General Features and Los Angeles Times syndicates and was a popular guest on national television and radio programs, along with the BBC and other international networks. Many of his publications have been translated into French, German, Japanese and Norwegian.

Dr. Crook's self-effacing manner and his genuine desire to help people suffering with chronic conditions earned him friends throughout the world. While his theories were often criticized, his professionalism earned him the respect of colleagues worldwide.

The father of three daughters, Dr. Crook lived and practiced medicine in Jackson, Tennessee for almost 40 years. He had compiled most of the manuscript for The Yeast Connection and Women's Health before his death in October 2002.

Reviews

[Jacquline Ard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, I wasn’t a complete believer in “leaky gut” syndrome, but I slowly began to change my mind in the last year. Even though this book was a gift, I was curious about what this doctor had to say. Instead of referring to this situation as “leaky gut,” which is what it is, food sensitivity is a better label. It somehow sounds more “serious.”

I am sure that I have issues due to an overabundance of yeast in my digestive system. Do I consume an excessive amount of sugar (or anything that is quickly processed into sugar)? Yes. Do I eat a lot of dairy and wheat products? Yes. Do I get fatigued and bloated easily? Yes.

Basically, every food group that could result in a sensitivity gives me a reaction. I have a yeast overgrowth.

I look healthy enough, somehow (my diet is somewhat unhealthy even if I hardly ever overeat and I run daily). I still feel sick.

While I think the author was repetitive throughout the book, which is somewhat annoying, I agree that too many Americans are overweight, prone to other diseases, and allergic to certain foods.

Sugar, white flour products, corn, caffeine, dairy, antibiotics, hormonal birth control, household cleaners and other synthetic chemicals, air pollution, and stress cause candida albicans yeast overgrowth. Why wouldn’t we become so sensitive when we are regularly bombarded with chemicals that don’t belong in our bodies and environment?

Our American diet is not a healthy one.

Personally, I think it triggers even more sensitivities and actual allergies.

If I was a reasonable person, I would follow the advice in the book and avoid most of the foods and products that are causing these types of sensitivities. Certain anti-yeast medications, vitamin and mineral supplements, and rotation dieting were recommended. I am inspired to bow down to the vitamin and mineral gods, but I’m going to ask my doctor about the anti-yeast medication. As for rotation dieting, I can minimize much of what was listed, but I am officially addicted to so many of these foods.

I was already making some changes based on the information from a different health book I recently read, but this book has me wondering about my sensitivities. I think more people should consider researching about candida, sensitivities, hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, and why Westerners continue to get sicker and fatter (even when they try not to).

Something isn’t right when a person feels "sick all over." It may just be that “leaky gut.”

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. I felt it was sort of repetitive in the sense that the author would introduce an ailment, discuss some success stories, and then end that he wants to stress that he does not believe that yeast is the direct cause of the ailment. It's frustrating.

There were several little quizzes to aid in determining if yeast could be behind some of your health problems (but remember - the author does not want you to think it's just the yeast).

The author also includes some sample diets to help rid your body of yeast.

I felt the material was a bit dated and that there are probably better books that address the yeast issue. However, I did feel this was a good starter book - to get one analyzing if yeast may be playing a role in their health issues.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I have read about Candida. He starts out simply by talking about our bodies physiology as it relates to the yeast bacteria. He shows pictures and diagrams that help to explain what takes place. It is a very well written book for the average person trying to find out what is going on inside (and in my case with multiple rashes - on the outside). He gives many different levels of the candida diet for you to choose to go on. I found the first level where you just eliminate high carbs, white rice/flour/sugar, and all sugar including honey, maple syrup and etc, and then of course yeast... the most adaptable. He said, unlike other sources, that we could still have fruit, but try to have it on an empty stomache. This book by helped me out the most by far.

[Cher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative explanation of how allergies (& food allergies) may be connected to an other growth of yeast in the body.
When you're sick & tired of being sick & tired, this may provide some insight to what's going on.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 1983 edition, but it had some very insightful information...helped me to get back on track with a better diet. It's amazing the symptoms that have diminished by following the candida diet.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read for people with systemic candidiasis.

[Frog7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough research. Great suggestions. A must have for those learning about candida.