Yeast Infections Aren’t Just a Women’s Issue—Men Are Affected Too
When most people think of yeast infections, they typically associate them with women, but men are not immune to this common health issue. In fact, male yeast infections are more common than you might expect, sweet foods and alcohol consumption can play a significant role in their development.
Alcohol Disrupts Gut Microbiota
Alcohol, particularly when consumed in excess, can disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut and weaken the immune system, creating the perfect environment for Candida, the fungus responsible for yeast infections, to thrive.
Studies show improved liver health after alcohol abstinence was associated with lower intestinal abundances of Candida and Malassezia, and lower serum anti-C. albicans IgG levels (Jahreis et al., 2018).
Understanding the connection between alcohol and male yeast infections is crucial for men who want to maintain their health and avoid the discomfort and complications associated with this often overlooked condition.
Article of Interest: Male Yeast Infection
Alcohol Increases Risk of Yeast Infection
Alcohol has long been a staple of social gatherings and relaxation, but its impact on the body goes far beyond the occasional hangover. For men, regular alcohol consumption can lead to more serious health concerns, including the increased risk of developing a yeast infection.
The sugars and carbohydrates in alcohol feed Candida, promoting its growth and potentially leading to an overgrowth in the body. This overgrowth can manifest as various symptoms, from digestive issues to skin irritations and even sexual dysfunction.
In a study, researchers discovered that individuals with alcohol dependency had notable differences in their intestinal fungi compared to healthy individuals. Blood samples indicated heightened exposure and immune reactions to fungal byproducts. (NIH 2017)
By exploring the link between alcohol and male yeast infections, we can better understand how lifestyle choices impact our health and how to take proactive steps to prevent these infections.
Beer Drinkers and Jock Itch
It’s perfectly fine to enjoy a glass of beer or your favorite wine occasionally, but it’s crucial to avoid overindulgence, especially if you’re dealing with jock itch or another type of yeast infection.
Regular alcohol consumption, combined with Candida overgrowth, can create a “perfect storm” in your gut, particularly when paired with a high-stress lifestyle and poor dietary choices. The good news is that there is a solution. Jock itch is often seen in beer-drinking men who also suffer from autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, and other chronic health problems. Alcohol can exacerbate these issues, especially in the presence of a Candida yeast infection.
I’ve also observed that these men often report symptoms like bloating, burping, and excessive gas. A significant number may also have fungal toenails and frequently scratch their ears or groin, common habits in this group.
Anal Itchiness Can Be A Red Flag
One of the lesser-known issues with Candida infections, especially when it comes to beer, is the quantity of living yeasts that remain in the drink. While many sources incorrectly blame the sugar content in beer for exacerbating Candida problems, the real culprit is the yeast residue left behind, along with the alcohol content.
Although most of the yeast used in brewing is fermented, not all of it gets converted into alcohol. This is particularly true for beer, where some yeast invariably remains, even after the brewing process. In contrast, most wines and spirits are brewed or distilled to remove live yeast entirely.
Through my conversations with craft beer brewers here in New Zealand, it’s clear that it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all the yeast from beer, and the yeast that remains can end up in your digestive tract. For those with jock itch or other yeast infections, this can exacerbate the problem, as you’re essentially adding more yeast to an already compromised system.
Beer Drinkers and Itching
Itchiness, particularly anal itching, is a common issue among regular beer drinkers. I’ve observed that those who drink beer daily often experience itching in various parts of their body, including the ears, face, beard, hairline, groin, armpits, and skin folds. Anal itching, in particular, is a telltale sign of yeast overgrowth in the gut, as the yeast in the beer passes through the digestive system and causes irritation near the anus. Studies have shown a link between caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and anal itching, with symptoms often subsiding within 14 days if these are avoided (Siddiqi 2008).
Having worked with countless men suffering from both jock itch and anal itching, I can attest that these conditions often occur together in those who regularly consume beer or alcohol.
I’ll discuss later on my time-tested 30+ year method for re-establishing gut harmony. But first, let’s briefly review beer and its relationship with men and Candida. Whether you’re a man dealing with jock itch or a woman with a vaginal yeast infection—or simply someone who enjoys beer and wants to avoid these infections—this article is for you.
Is Sugar The Problem In Beer?
Does beer contain sugar? Not really. During the fermentation process, the sugar in beer is converted to alcohol, meaning beer contains carbohydrates but not sugar. This may surprise some, as beer is often associated with weight gain, a widening waistline, and the notorious beer belly—similar to how sugar is linked to weight gain.
To understand why beer lacks sugar, it’s essential to know how it’s made. Beer is crafted from water, malt, hops, and yeast. The sugar in beer comes from the grain, usually malted barley, which also contains gluten. What many don’t realize is that beer is a gluten-containing drink.
Yeast plays a crucial role by fermenting the carbohydrates from the malted barley, transforming them into alcohol. The hops contribute to beer’s distinct bitterness. Yeasts, including Candida, thrive on sugar and can use the sugar we consume to fuel their growth and colonisation. However, in beer, there is no sugar left to feed a Candida overgrowth. Instead, it is the alcohol in beer that poses a significant problem, negatively affecting the body in multiple ways and increasing susceptibility to bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases.
Alcohol Is The Problem In Beer, Wine and Spirits
In many cases, a small, familiar-sized bottle of beer contains one gram or less of sugar, making its low carbohydrate content relatively insignificant. It’s not the beer itself that causes weight gain or harm, but rather the alcohol.
The real culprit in beer that contributes to weight gain and overall health problems isn’t the sugar or the carbs—it’s the alcohol. Alcohol contains almost twice the calories of sugar, with one gram of alcohol packing 7 calories (29 kJ) compared to the 4 calories in a gram of sugar. But the issue goes beyond just caloric content.
Alcohol is a toxin, strongly linked to an increased risk of six types of cancer and responsible for countless deaths globally each year. The ethanol in alcohol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, are classified as group 1 human carcinogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). (Okaru et al., 2021)
Alcohol is often described as a “pleasurable poison,” significantly impacting human health by being a leading cause of both acute and chronic conditions. In the U.S. alone, alcohol contributes to about 5 million emergency department visits and over 140,000 deaths annually.
While I don’t dislike beer, I’m cautious about alcohol and its effects on the body. It’s wise to reconsider that second or third beer, especially with a better understanding of alcohol’s impact on health. When making choices for your health, opting for low- or no-alcohol beer is often preferable to those marketed as low in sugar or carbohydrates.
Alcohol Is Why Beer Is Making You Fat, Not Sugar or Gluten
There’s been a recent trend among beer companies the past several years to add nutrition labels to their bottles, a move that’s voluntary since alcoholic beverages aren’t legally required to display such information. These labels are marketed as a way to help consumers make “informed choices” and to address the misconception that beer is high in sugar.
One common label you’ll find now reads, “This beer is 99% sugar-free.” While technically true, this statement is somewhat misleading and side-steps the real issue. It’s as silly as the statement “Our pasta is 99% fat-free”.
Women and Beer
It’s no surprise that in Australia, as well as in the USA, beer is overwhelmingly favoured by male drinkers. Approximately 65% of adult males drink beer in any given week, compared to only 22% who consume wine during the same period.
In contrast, beer consumption among Australian women is significantly lower, with only 14.3% of women drinking beer, and the highest rate of consumption occurring among those aged 18 to 25 (Pettigrew 2001).
While beer is often seen as a male-dominated beverage, many women enjoy it just as much. However, the effects of beer, particularly on gut health, are worth considering, especially for women. It is proven that the higher the percentage of alcohol in beer, the bigger the harmful impact of beer on gut microbiota and overall health. (Zugravu et al., 2023)
Although prostate issues are exclusive to men, women are not exempt from the potential harm beer can inflict on the gut microbiome, particularly if they are already experiencing signs of Candida overgrowth, such as vaginal yeast infections.
Alcohol and Bacterial Vaginosis Connection
Alcohol has also been linked with increased incidence of B.V. in women (bacterial vaginosis). A study of women attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Baltimore, Maryland found a significant positive association between alcohol use and bacterial vaginosis. (Froehle et al., 2022)
Candida-related issues are not confined to the gut. If leaky gut syndrome develops, it’s likely that fungal issues have spread throughout the body. The feeling of a hangover the morning after drinking beer can be a clear sign that your body is struggling to process the acetaldehyde produced from alcohol consumption, regardless of how much you drink. Frequent hangovers (dull headaches) could indicate that your digestive tract is already compromised due to an excessive biochemical reaction to acetaldehyde. (Mackus et al., 2020)
A hangover is more than just an unpleasant reminder of overindulgence—it could be signaling long-term harm to your body. Even though there may not be extensive scientific studies proving this, the effects are noticeable and concerning.
Additionally, alcohol, including beer, can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like thrush. (Sarkar et al., 2015). For your body to recover fully, it needs to be in peak condition, which means steering clear of alcohol altogether.
How Is Alcohol Linked With Yeast Infection?
Alcohol can cause yeast infections in various ways, let’s talk about 5 of them.
1. Alcohol Destroys Good Gut Bacteria
When you consume alcohol, it doesn’t just have a fleeting impact; it can cause long-term damage to your gut health. After drinking, about 20% of the alcohol is absorbed in the stomach, with the remaining 70% absorbed in the small intestine. The liver then metabolises alcohol using an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), converting it into acetaldehyde—a compound notorious for its harmful effects on gut microbes.
Alcohol Disrupts The Gut Lining
As alcohol travels through the gut, it makes initial contact with the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine, before being absorbed into the bloodstream. One of the immediate effects of alcohol on the gut is the disruption of the gut lining’s structure and integrity. (Bode et al., 1997)
Alcohol impairs the intestinal barrier, a critical component of the immune system, making it easier for harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream. (Calleja-Conde et al., 2021). This weakening of the gut barrier is a key factor in the development of leaky gut syndrome, a condition that can affect both men and women who consume alcohol regularly.
Alcohol Causes Dysbiosis
Moreover, alcohol consumption increases the risk of gut dysbiosis—a state where the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria is disrupted. Dysbiosis is particularly concerning because it can lead to an overgrowth of gram-negative bacteria, which are associated with various health problems, including inflammation and increased gut permeability.
Research, such as the study by Lee et al. (2021), has shown that regular alcohol consumption can increase our level of gram-negative bacteria in our gut, exacerbate these risks, further highlighting the detrimental impact alcohol can have on gut health.
2. Alcohol Reduces Immune Responses
In addition to its impact on gut health, alcohol can significantly weaken the immune system, which plays a critical role in preventing infections, such as jock itch. By altering the composition of the gut microbiome, alcohol disrupts the balance of beneficial bacteria that are essential for both the development and function of a person’s immune system.
This microbiome imbalance, as noted by one researcher, can lead to a compromised immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections. (Sarkar et al.,2015)
Young men, in particular, are at a higher risk of developing jock itch, especially if their immune systems are compromised. Binge drinking, common among young adults, has been shown to significantly disrupt immune function, further increasing the likelihood of infections. A study by Afshar (2014) underscores this point, highlighting how even in healthy individuals, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to significant immune system disruption.
Reducing alcohol intake is one of the most effective ways to improve gut health and, consequently, bolster immune function. A healthy gut, characterized by a high count of beneficial bacteria, is less likely to be vulnerable to yeast infections. Given that the gut is home to up to 70% of the body’s immune system, maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial for overall immunological health.
It’s important to note that anything that adversely affects the gut, such as alcohol, will also negatively impact the microbiome and the immune response. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining this balance.
According to research conducted by Wiertsema (2021), there is a clear connection between gut health, the microbiome, and the immune system, particularly in the context of infectious diseases like yeast infections. This highlights the importance of balanced nutrition in both the prevention and treatment of such conditions.
3. Alcohol Contributes To Adrenal Fatigue
The Impact of Stress, Alcohol, and Adrenal Health on Yeast Infections
During times of emotional stress or fatigue, your adrenal glands—those small but crucial organs located atop your kidneys—can become overworked. These glands are integral to managing your body’s stress response and play a vital role in preventing infections, including fungal infections like jock itch. Similar to chronic conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or allergies, fungal infections place significant stress on the body’s immune system, further taxing the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and influence various organs, including the brain, kidneys, and reproductive system. When functioning optimally, they ensure that your immune system remains robust and capable of fighting off infections. However, continuous stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, where the glands are no longer able to maintain this balance effectively. This can increase the risk of infections and other health issues.
Alcohol Exacerbates Adrenal Fatigue
One of the key factors that exacerbate adrenal fatigue is regular alcohol consumption. Alcohol causes imbalances in blood sugar levels, placing additional strain on the adrenal glands. When blood sugar levels drop, the adrenal glands release cortisol, a stress hormone, to stabilize the situation. However, the constant fluctuation in cortisol levels—triggered by alcohol—can eventually exhaust the adrenal glands, leading to diminished immune function.
The type of alcohol consumed also plays a role. Drinks high in sugar, such as cocktails or bourbon mixed with sugary sodas, can temporarily spike blood sugar levels. These elevated glucose levels can disrupt the body’s delicate balance and create an environment conducive to rapid fungal growth, including Candida. The sharp changes in blood sugar not only stress the adrenal glands but also impact the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which links the brain with the pituitary and adrenal glands, further depleting your body’s stress-response system.
Moreover, alcohol can lead to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods. Have you ever noticed that after drinking, you’re more inclined to reach for snacks that are high in fat and sugar? This is because a drop in blood sugar triggers cravings for these types of foods, which can result in unintended weight gain and further complicate your health.
In conclusion, maintaining adrenal health is crucial for preventing infections like jock itch, especially during periods of stress. Reducing alcohol consumption and managing stress levels can help preserve the function of the adrenal glands, thereby supporting your immune system and overall well-being.
4. Alcohol Is The Wrong Ferment
Candida and other yeasts thrive on sugar, relying on it as a primary energy source. In the gut, food is naturally fermented by your microbiome, which converts carbohydrates into glucose for energy. However, not all fermentation processes are beneficial when dealing with Candida. Alcohol fermentation is one such process where yeast consumes sugars like fructose and glucose, producing ethanol, carbon dioxide, and heat as byproducts. This type of fermentation not only feeds Candida but also exacerbates the overgrowth of yeast in the body. (Hartmann et al., 2021)
In contrast, lactic acid fermentation is a type of fermentation that can be beneficial when dealing with Candida. Fermented foods like sauerkraut are rich in lactic acid, which helps support a healthy gut microbiome. This process creates an environment where beneficial bacteria thrive, effectively competing with and reducing the populations of harmful yeasts like Candida.
Research from Germany has shown that intestinal cells work in synergy with lactic acid bacteria, which multiply and outcompete yeasts like Candida by depriving them of vital nutrients (Zeise et al., 2021)
Introduce Fermented Foods Slowly
When introducing fermented foods like sauerkraut into the diet, it’s important to start slowly, especially if you’re dealing with Candida overgrowth. Some patients may initially experience aggravation, a temporary increase in symptoms when they first start consuming lactic acid-rich ferments. However, this reaction typically subsides as the body adjusts. Even starting with just half a tablespoon daily can be beneficial, and there’s no need to avoid fermented foods entirely, despite what some medical sources might suggest.
The decision to incorporate fermented foods (like sauerkraut) into your diet should be personalised, considering factors such as your genetics, current gut health, immune status, microbiome composition, dietary habits, lifestyle, and stress levels. These factors uniquely shape your gut microbiome and determine its ability to tolerate lactic-acid-rich foods.
While lactic acid fermentation can be beneficial, it’s essential to exercise caution with certain fermented beverages like kombucha. Some wild strains of fermentation in kombucha may worsen Candida symptoms, so it’s crucial to choose fermented foods and drinks that are cultivated from safe, controlled starter cultures. Beneficial fermented foods such as kefir and kombucha, when made from a reliable source, can support gut health and help maintain a balanced microbiome.
In conclusion, alcohol fermentation feeds Candida and contributes to yeast overgrowth, whereas lactic acid fermentation can support a healthier gut environment, potentially helping to manage Candida symptoms. Personalising your approach to fermented foods is key to finding what works best for your unique gut health.
5. Acetaldehyde and Candida
Acetaldehyde and Candida: A Double-Edged Sword
As previously discussed, the liver plays a central role in metabolizing alcohol through an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). This enzyme breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that can severely damage beneficial gut bacteria. Normally, acetaldehyde is further broken down by another enzyme into acetate, which is then used as fuel by cells. However, when the liver is overloaded with excessive alcohol, it cannot produce enough enzymes to metabolize all the acetaldehyde. This results in an accumulation of acetaldehyde, a scenario that spells trouble for your gut health.
Excess acetaldehyde is particularly harmful because it has been shown to compromise the tight junctions of the intestinal wall, leading to a condition known as leaky gut syndrome. This condition allows harmful substances to pass through the gut lining into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and other health issues throughout the body. A study published supports this connection, highlighting the damaging effects of acetaldehyde on intestinal integrity (Purohit 2008).
Candida Tropicalis The Highest Acetaldehyde Producer
But the story doesn’t end there. Candida, a common yeast that can overgrow in the gut, also produces acetaldehyde. Research indicates that all species of Candida generate significant amounts of acetaldehyde when exposed to ethanol, with Candida tropicalis being the highest producer and Candida krusei the lowest (Niemenen 2009). This means that if you have Candida overgrowth, your body is dealing with a double dose of acetaldehyde—one from alcohol consumption and one from the Candida itself.
This dual burden on the liver and the gut can exacerbate health problems. When you consume alcohol, especially beer, you’re not just introducing a foreign toxin for your liver to process; you’re also fueling the production of acetaldehyde by Candida. This can lead to a vicious cycle where the liver struggles to keep up with the excess acetaldehyde, further weakening the gut lining and promoting more Candida overgrowth.
The situation is even more complicated when beer is involved. Unlike other alcoholic beverages, beer contains live yeasts, which can add to the existing yeast population in your gut. This can tip the balance in favor of Candida overgrowth, leading to an even greater production of acetaldehyde and compounding the problems associated with leaky gut syndrome.
In summary, the relationship between alcohol, acetaldehyde, and Candida is a dangerous one. Drinking alcohol, particularly beer, not only introduces acetaldehyde into your system but also encourages Candida to produce more of it. This creates a toxic environment in your gut, damaging the gut lining and overwhelming your liver. To maintain optimal gut health, it’s crucial to be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially if you are prone to Candida overgrowth or symptoms related to leaky gut syndrome.
Drink Alcohol and Have Jock Itch or Vaginal Infection?
Take These Actions!
If you’re generally healthy with a well-balanced gut microbiota, indulging in a beer or a glass of wine every now and then is unlikely to trigger a yeast infection like jock itch or a vaginal yeast infection. However, making alcohol—especially beer—a regular part of your daily routine can significantly increase your risk. If your gut health is already compromised, even one drink per day could tip the scales toward a yeast infection.
If you enjoy alcohol and are concerned about developing a yeast infection, or if you simply want to lower your risk in the future, consider the following actions:
By taking these steps, you can still enjoy the occasional drink while minimizing the risk of yeast infections. Remember, your overall health and gut microbiome play crucial roles in determining how your body responds to alcohol.
Eric Bakker N.D.
Greetings! I am a naturopathic physician from New Zealand. Although I’ve retired from clinical practice since 2019, I remain passionate about helping people improve their lives. You’ll find I’m active online with a focus on natural health and wellbeing education through my Facebook page and YouTube channel, including this website.
