Does This Make Sense?

[Janeti]

Hello everyone...I was def glutened 2 days in a row, and I have candida issues that I try to keep under control. Does it make sense that if you are glutened that it can make the candida worse? The stomach soreness, daily headaches and over all feeling crummy is back big time. I would appreciate your opinions. Thanks

[RiceGuy]

Well, I know that leaky gut allows more of the toxins from candida into the bloodstream, so in that way I suppose being glutened might make you feel more of the candida effects. However, since many symptoms of the two seem to overlap, I don't know how one could be sure without some very comprehensive testing.

Also, anytime your immune system is weakened, I guess that could allow various things, including candida, to multiply.

Do you take caprylic acid or other candida fighters?

[Janeti]

Yes, I just came off of a week of diflucan, and now I am taking golden seal f. I also take digestive enzymes when I eat. I am noticing that for a short period after I eat, I sweat, followed by alllooootttt of gurgling in my belly. Something just isn't right?

[Crimson]

I was having some of the same issues except I was getting rapid heart beat instead of sweating. I started taking betaine hcl. It seems to be helping with digestive issues. Might be worth a try.

[Lovey25]

Hello everyone...I was def glutened 2 days in a row, and I have candida issues that I try to keep under control. Does it make sense that if you are glutened that it can make the candida worse? The stomach soreness, daily headaches and over all feeling crummy is back big time. I would appreciate your opinions. Thanks

Janeti,

I have read research that describes the structure of gluten and yeasts to either be similar such that they work in the same way in the body to cause distress and symptoms, or that they work together to cause distress and symptoms. So, perhaps that's why most people with a gluten problem may also have Candida, and vice versa.

Also, the gluten you ate was most likely a starch and starches act like sugars in the body. And sugars feed Candida. So, if you ate bread or pasta or whatever it was (any kind of starch), it could have essentially acted like a sugar once in the body. Therefore the Candida would get worse.

So, if you are experiencing your Candida getting worse once you've eaten gluten, you're probably correct. Trust what your body is telling you!!

[Janeti]

Lovey25, I hope you see this...I noticed that you have been fighting candida also...do you feel any better? Some days I feel strong, and others(like today) I just want to cry. Last night I had complete insomnia. I have a wonderful husband, 2 kids, a beautiful home and a great job....but I can't enjoy any of it becasue I always feel like crap. I can't function on no sleep. I feel my candida coming back 2 fold. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Lovey25]

Lovey25, I hope you see this...I noticed that you have been fighting candida also...do you feel any better? Some days I feel strong, and others(like today) I just want to cry. Last night I had complete insomnia. I have a wonderful husband, 2 kids, a beautiful home and a great job....but I can't enjoy any of it becasue I always feel like crap. I can't function on no sleep. I feel my candida coming back 2 fold. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Janeti,

I feel your pain! I'm still in this long process of fighting Candida and it's pretty miserable. So, there are a ton of people who know what you're going through. Alot of people have pretty quick success, but other people (like me) have been eating right for quite a while now, with minimal results.

How long have you been on an anti-Candida diet? If you're new to it, then it's completely understandable why you may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Also, what exactly have you been eating?

Give me some more details and I can try and help you and figure it out!

[Janeti]

I was on 1 week of dilucan in December, and one week in January..But since January of 07 when I was diagnosed with celiacs I believe that really was the start of it all. I was on b12 shots, and deficient in all vitamins...I didn't have the strength to get out of bed. This was followed by 3 months of antibiotics...I think that did me in. I think I have tried every anti-candida under the sun. I begged my md to let me go to a specialist during the holidays and reluctanly he let me go. Actually, I have another appt at the end of the month. I am now taking golden seal f. My insides feel like they are pulling apart, and I get dizzy. I also have it my mouth. I have these under the skin blotches on my forearms, and my hands look red from time to time. I know that I am having a hard time digesting, and so I take enzymes before I eat. I can't remember the last time I had sugar..I use stevia. I also have muscle twitches or spasms. I do take vitamins and probiotics. I had my vitamin levels checked..all is good except D..just a little low. I just don't know what to do anymore...I would say pull my hair out, except I don't have too much left. I also have hashimotos. Any thought would be wonderful.

[RiceGuy]

Are you taking 200-400mg of magnesium daily?

Can you outline what you eat from day to day?

As for what else can fight candida, what worked for me was caprylic acid capsules. It worked quite well, though I know not everyone gets the quick results I did. I've never heard goldenseal suggested for candida. Usually the suggestions include Caprylic Acid, Pau D'Arco, Black Walnut, Oregano Oil, Biotin, and certain products such as Threelac or Florastor. Here's the first article that came up on Google: Open Original Shared Link

[Lovey25]

I was on 1 week of dilucan in December, and one week in January..But since January of 07 when I was diagnosed with celiacs I believe that really was the start of it all. I was on b12 shots, and deficient in all vitamins...I didn't have the strength to get out of bed. This was followed by 3 months of antibiotics...I think that did me in. I think I have tried every anti-candida under the sun. I begged my md to let me go to a specialist during the holidays and reluctanly he let me go. Actually, I have another appt at the end of the month. I am now taking golden seal f. My insides feel like they are pulling apart, and I get dizzy. I also have it my mouth. I have these under the skin blotches on my forearms, and my hands look red from time to time. I know that I am having a hard time digesting, and so I take enzymes before I eat. I can't remember the last time I had sugar..I use stevia. I also have muscle twitches or spasms. I do take vitamins and probiotics. I had my vitamin levels checked..all is good except D..just a little low. I just don't know what to do anymore...I would say pull my hair out, except I don't have too much left. I also have hashimotos. Any thought would be wonderful.

Okay, Janeti, thanks for the info. I was going to send you a personal message, but decided instead that there are a ton of other people with Hashimoto's (or other autoimmune disease) that can definitely benefit from this thread.

I TOTALLY (and I mean TOTALLY) know what you're going through. I say that because we both have Hashimoto's and Celiac and Candida. I know how miserable you're feeling. The fact that you have an infection in your mouth tells me alot because I have this problem too (and have for about five years!!!)! It is INCREDIBLY COMMON in Hashimoto's people to get oral infections... except nobody ever tells us this and we're left wondering why this is happening! Ughhh.... I probably understand every emotion you're going through. It is painful, embarrassing, and emotionally draining. Please know... it does NOT reflect on you as a person... it is a symptom of our disease, and all we can do is keep fighting it. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

Okay, the info I'm going to offer you here may be stuff you've already heard before. About eight months after finding out I have Hashimoto's, I went on an anti-Candida diet. That makes it about a year that I've been on it. I know how frustrated and drained and embarrassed you are feeling because even now, after nearly a year, my Candida is still alive and well. The only problem I'm still having with it is the oral infection... every other symptom really has cleared up. But the fact that this infection is so visible and affects everything in your life, it seems like the world is ending. Seriously.

What you have to do is this:

1. Stay on the anti-Candida and gluten-free diet! Don't give up. Live it every day!

2. Nystatins are successful for alot of people, but if your immune system is still so suppressed, it's not going to give you any good results because the yeasts will keep coming back.

3. I know you said you have digestion problems, but I would suggest that you slowly start transitioning to raw veggies. They have more nutrients and vitamins/minerals than cooked ones. So, whenever you have your meals, instead of cooking the veggies, eat them raw. Also, you can buy a juicer and make green veggie juices (celery and cucumber and parsley) for snacks or breakfast. Any raw veggies will boost your immune system and give your cells pure energy.

The probiotics you're taking are great. I know it probably seems like they're not doing anything, but keep at it. Also, I take an oral probiotic lozenge a few times a day. You can try one of those, from your healthfood store. It contains different strains of good bacteria that are unique to the mouth/throat and won't come in a probiotic pill that you digest.

Try strengthening your immune system with the raw veggies. In a few months, maybe you'd want to try a Nystatin again. I'm actually currently trying an oral lozenge Nystatin. So, if you do decide to go on another, ask your doctor for a lozenge so it will affect the area directly.

I just want to clarify really quickly... so, you don't eat sugar (including natural ones), anything processed or pre-made or that contains man-made chemicals, or dairy? Are you checking every ingredient in the foods you eat? Are you checking food labels for chemicals/sugars/gluten? Are you cooking all your foods from scratch? Are you eating foods in their natural and whole form? Are you eating alot of raw veggies? Just want to see if anything there could be the problem.

Write back and let's see what else we can figure out! I'd love to help you because I am going through the same thing you are and I know how lonely and sad it can be!

[Janeti]

Riceguy...I take daily 600mg of magnesium/potassium along with a long list of other things. Each day I eat differently because some days I react to one thing, and then the next it seems ok.(Its got me nuts) Breakfast maybe yogurt or lite toast(7gms carbs, no sugar) I can't have cereal...too many carbs, and I can't tolerate the milk. Once in a while, I'll have fruit..berries Eggs off and on bother me. I do eat alot of salads. I only drink water and hot tea. Dinner is always meat and veggies. There are times that I would rather not eat because I hate to feel the way I do. I must at this point have a huge list of allergies/intolerances. One day I can eat raw almonds, the next day they bother me. A glass of wine is a thing of the past. I can't figure it out.

Lovey25...Golden seal f is thyme, licorice, lapacho, marigold, cayenne, tumeric and golden seal. Ya know, just another thing I am trying. I will always be gluten-free, I am an extremely sensitive celiac...How annoying! It would never cross my mind. I am a fanatic when it comes to shopping for my family. My home is completely gluten-free for 2 years now. Even when we have guests, they eat what we eat. I would love to eat raw vegetables, but can I have carrots too? I thought they were too sugary. I am excited to hear about the throat lozenge, I will get that this weekend. I also wanted to mention that since June I have been taking "symbion" That has saved me from losing my mind all together. I had such a leaky gut, and symbion promises to heal it...and it did. It is loaded with different strains of probiotics. If you get a chance google it, it is something I cling to every day. You know what I don't understand is if my immune system is so bogged down, why haven't I gotten so much as a sniffle in the past 2 years. Not that I am looking for one, but I just can't understand what is happening to me. We go to bed at night listening to the music that my stomach is playing, that means the following day will be a difficult one. I hope this makes sense to you. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your help

[Ms Jan]

I was on 1 week of dilucan in December, and one week in January..But since January of 07 when I was diagnosed with celiacs I believe that really was the start of it all. I was on b12 shots, and deficient in all vitamins...I didn't have the strength to get out of bed. This was followed by 3 months of antibiotics...I think that did me in. I think I have tried every anti-candida under the sun. I begged my md to let me go to a specialist during the holidays and reluctanly he let me go. Actually, I have another appt at the end of the month. I am now taking golden seal f. My insides feel like they are pulling apart, and I get dizzy. I also have it my mouth. I have these under the skin blotches on my forearms, and my hands look red from time to time. I know that I am having a hard time digesting, and so I take enzymes before I eat. I can't remember the last time I had sugar..I use stevia. I also have muscle twitches or spasms. I do take vitamins and probiotics. I had my vitamin levels checked..all is good except D..just a little low. I just don't know what to do anymore...I would say pull my hair out, except I don't have too much left. I also have hashimotos. Any thought would be wonderful.

Hi Janeti,

Good suggestions from others.

Just want to add that having battled candida/leaky gut for three years without success, because no one found the gluten connection until 3 months ago - that definately there's a connection. Since I went on the SCD/no dairy/no sugar 3 weeks ago while at the same time rotating natural anti-fungals, I've begun to get better rather quickly. Unfortunately, your case sounds much more complicated.

Lovey25 really outlined a lot of essential points - similar to everything I ever picked up in my battle.

Just wanted to add, that I have good experience with golden seal, which as far as I know should be a systemic anti-candida remedy. Also, I know there is discussion about it, but for me the probiotics three-lac worked very well, and since they can be taken as a sub-lingual, they might work on the mouth candida ... (have no personal experience with this though)

also - did you ever try raw garlic? it sounds so simple that I didn't try it until like half a year ago, but it does real wonders for me, clears fogs in my head, kills any sense of mouth bacteria I might have, wakes up my whole system and enable digestion, fights off candida etc. I take a couple of chopped cloves morning and evening, sometimes more, 'eat' them with a tea spoon and swallow with water. normally I don't chew it but I don't know it might be a good idea for the mouth candida ...

Good luck - hope you find something that works.

Jan

[AliB]

I would absolutely endorse Lovey's suggestions - Antifungals won't work in the long term unless you change the environment for the yeasts/Candida. Although I don't have Hashimoto's I am diabetic and suspect that the 'auto-immune' problem with my Pancreas may well have been triggered by the Candida and/or other pathogens.

I had a glut of colds, coughs and chest infections as a child and was dished out the Antibiotic 'sweeties' on a regular basis. I don't blame my Mum - doctors were revered as 'Gods' back then and she only did what she thought was the best thing - unfortunately it wasn't - as the Medical Profession has finally figured out.

It has only taken them 80 years, since Fleming discovered Penicillin and stated that it shouldn't be given unnecessarily (ha, ha) to realise the generations of damage they have inflicted on us all by their totally unrestrained use of the rotten things. They have their place but in so many cases, instead of giving our bodies the tools and the support to fight infections itself (and, with good wholesome diet, having strong enough immune systems to withstand them in the first place), they have dished them out at the first knockings and weakened our immune systems more and more every time.

By the time I hit 15 I had hit a 'brick wall' and have spent the next 35 years just dragging myself around having little energy, unable to have energetic fun with my family or enjoy anything much unless I can do it sitting down!

These rotten beasts and the 'Western' diet that has contributed to their existence has robbed me of a decent level of health (I don't expect perfection, but any level of improvement on what I have had is a bonus) and I finally understand what is going on. what to do about it is another thing but something I have made a start on by changing my diet and ridding my body of a lot of the 'crud' that was supporting them, and not me.

It is working, albeit slowly and I am beginning to see a 'sea change' in the way my body is working. Certain 'evidence' of Candida's presence is gradually diminishing and I am also taking things like Goldenseal and Echinacea, Garlic and other things.

I do feel as does Lovey that we need to start from the mouth down. It is systemic - in other words, right through the whole gut from the top to - literally - the bottom. Preparations in capsule form have their place but they are swallowed and do not start working until they hit the stomach. Meanwhile the beggars are still merrily growing away in the mouth and washing down with every mouthful of food, drink or saliva we swallow (I know they are in mine because of the 'dog breath' and morning 'sewage pit' mouth - I am using plain bicarb to clean my teeth and swish around for 5 minutes for a while to see if it helps - anyone else tried that? The longer it is in the mouth apparently, the more bugs it kills).

If you can eat garlic raw, it is a fantastic antimicrobial (I have a friend who does that all the time and she is fit and healthy, is 67 and looks 50, mind you though, she doesn't think she has ever had any antibiotics, so that may well be why she is so fit and healthy!).

I tried eating a raw garlic clove a few weeks ago and it burnt my mouth something awful - I had to spit it straight out! I have every admiration for those who can eat it raw. My Dad used to be able to do it too - I suppose the burning could be the beasties reacting. I have no problem eating it cooked, but I don't suppose it works nearly as well.

Candida and its pals are like the 'unseen enemy within'. It is incredible that something way too small to be seen with the 'naked eye' can exert so much power over my body. As much as I hate it, I have to admire its tenacity and ability to grab any opportunity it is given!

[Lovey25]

Riceguy...I take daily 600mg of magnesium/potassium along with a long list of other things. Each day I eat differently because some days I react to one thing, and then the next it seems ok.(Its got me nuts) Breakfast maybe yogurt or lite toast(7gms carbs, no sugar) I can't have cereal...too many carbs, and I can't tolerate the milk. Once in a while, I'll have fruit..berries Eggs off and on bother me. I do eat alot of salads. I only drink water and hot tea. Dinner is always meat and veggies. There are times that I would rather not eat because I hate to feel the way I do. I must at this point have a huge list of allergies/intolerances. One day I can eat raw almonds, the next day they bother me. A glass of wine is a thing of the past. I can't figure it out.

Lovey25...Golden seal f is thyme, licorice, lapacho, marigold, cayenne, tumeric and golden seal. Ya know, just another thing I am trying. I will always be gluten-free, I am an extremely sensitive celiac...How annoying! It would never cross my mind. I am a fanatic when it comes to shopping for my family. My home is completely gluten-free for 2 years now. Even when we have guests, they eat what we eat. I would love to eat raw vegetables, but can I have carrots too? I thought they were too sugary. I am excited to hear about the throat lozenge, I will get that this weekend. I also wanted to mention that since June I have been taking "symbion" That has saved me from losing my mind all together. I had such a leaky gut, and symbion promises to heal it...and it did. It is loaded with different strains of probiotics. If you get a chance google it, it is something I cling to every day. You know what I don't understand is if my immune system is so bogged down, why haven't I gotten so much as a sniffle in the past 2 years. Not that I am looking for one, but I just can't understand what is happening to me. We go to bed at night listening to the music that my stomach is playing, that means the following day will be a difficult one. I hope this makes sense to you. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your help

Janeti,

Nuts make my infection worse too. But it's really hard to eliminate them from my diet because there are already so few things I can eat, and nuts sort of have a filling effect. I think people in our predicament, however, would do better not eating them. I know alot of people who advocate anti-Candida diets say nuts are a no-no because they contain lots of mold. Also, I saw you said that you eat eggs. I know eggs are an allergen for many people. Any time I would eat eggs, they would definitely make the oral Candida worse. Maybe you want to go off them for a while and see what happens.

As far as the anti-Candida extracts, I think those are great. I was on so many last year but they never did a darn thing for me! It was just so frustrating, so I went off of them all completely. However, here's a list of good extracts, in case you want to try any of them: olive leaf, capryllic acid, grapefruit seed (you can get this in a liquid form and mix it into water a few times a day and gargle with it. But beware: the liquid form is extremely potent and bitter! It takes getting used to!), oregano oil, and garlic of course (as other people have rightly suggested to you). And thanks for the advice on the probiotic -- I'll look into that!

That's so fantastic that you are strict about what you and your family eats!! When it comes to veggies, I know people say that we shouldn't eat high-sugar ones (carrots, beets, sweet bell peppers, corn). I try and abide by this, but I know it gets really hard -- I still crave sugar, and being restricted even on vegetables is just a bit insane to me. So, in reference to your question, I think we would be best to avoid them, but I know it's so hard!

It's so funny that you mention that you haven't had a cold. I have had the exact same experience!! Since I've changed my diet last year, my immune system seems to high in one regard (I haven't had any sort of cold, sneeze, cough, headache), but I just haven't beat this oral infection! How odd, right??? My body can fight viruses and colds but not this darn bacteria??? I just don't get it either!

Also, how long ago were you diagnosed with Hashimoto's? How has your treatment experience with that been? Had you been on many antibiotics before you were diagnosed with Hashimoto's, in your lifetime?

I don't have the perfect answer for you because I'm still in the same boat you are. These are the things I know we should be doing, but it's not a quick road by any means. But I just keep fighting it and trying not to get down on myself... no matter how much "healthy" people don't understand it all. They simply can't imagine how torturous this really is.

I'm here whenever you need me! I may not have the answer, but I'm having the same experience you are! Hang in there!

[Lovey25]

I would absolutely endorse Lovey's suggestions - Antifungals won't work in the long term unless you change the environment for the yeasts/Candida. Although I don't have Hashimoto's I am diabetic and suspect that the 'auto-immune' problem with my Pancreas may well have been triggered by the Candida and/or other pathogens.

I had a glut of colds, coughs and chest infections as a child and was dished out the Antibiotic 'sweeties' on a regular basis. I don't blame my Mum - doctors were revered as 'Gods' back then and she only did what she thought was the best thing - unfortunately it wasn't - as the Medical Profession has finally figured out.

It has only taken them 80 years, since Fleming discovered Penicillin and stated that it shouldn't be given unnecessarily (ha, ha) to realise the generations of damage they have inflicted on us all by their totally unrestrained use of the rotten things. They have their place but in so many cases, instead of giving our bodies the tools and the support to fight infections itself (and, with good wholesome diet, having strong enough immune systems to withstand them in the first place), they have dished them out at the first knockings and weakened our immune systems more and more every time.

By the time I hit 15 I had hit a 'brick wall' and have spent the next 35 years just dragging myself around having little energy, unable to have energetic fun with my family or enjoy anything much unless I can do it sitting down!

These rotten beasts and the 'Western' diet that has contributed to their existence has robbed me of a decent level of health (I don't expect perfection, but any level of improvement on what I have had is a bonus) and I finally understand what is going on. what to do about it is another thing but something I have made a start on by changing my diet and ridding my body of a lot of the 'crud' that was supporting them, and not me.

It is working, albeit slowly and I am beginning to see a 'sea change' in the way my body is working. Certain 'evidence' of Candida's presence is gradually diminishing and I am also taking things like Goldenseal and Echinacea, Garlic and other things.

I do feel as does Lovey that we need to start from the mouth down. It is systemic - in other words, right through the whole gut from the top to - literally - the bottom. Preparations in capsule form have their place but they are swallowed and do not start working until they hit the stomach. Meanwhile the beggars are still merrily growing away in the mouth and washing down with every mouthful of food, drink or saliva we swallow (I know they are in mine because of the 'dog breath' and morning 'sewage pit' mouth - I am using plain bicarb to clean my teeth and swish around for 5 minutes for a while to see if it helps - anyone else tried that? The longer it is in the mouth apparently, the more bugs it kills).

If you can eat garlic raw, it is a fantastic antimicrobial (I have a friend who does that all the time and she is fit and healthy, is 67 and looks 50, mind you though, she doesn't think she has ever had any antibiotics, so that may well be why she is so fit and healthy!).

I tried eating a raw garlic clove a few weeks ago and it burnt my mouth something awful - I had to spit it straight out! I have every admiration for those who can eat it raw. My Dad used to be able to do it too - I suppose the burning could be the beasties reacting. I have no problem eating it cooked, but I don't suppose it works nearly as well.

Candida and its pals are like the 'unseen enemy within'. It is incredible that something way too small to be seen with the 'naked eye' can exert so much power over my body. As much as I hate it, I have to admire its tenacity and ability to grab any opportunity it is given!

AliB,

I can definitely relate to alot of what you've written here. I too was on so so many antibiotics in my childhood and lifetime prior to my Hashimoto's diagnosis. No one knew, nor do they seem to know now, the terrible consequences and implications of so many rounds of antibiotics. It makes me so sad because I'm a freelance writer, but I support my writing habit with a "real" job working with children and I see so many kids with infections and colds here and there and their parents take them to the doctor right away for a round of antibiotics. The parents have the best intentions, but I'm looking into their children's future and seeing myself and my own terrible, awful health problems and feel such despair. To think that subsequent generations of people will only have it worse and worse makes me wonder how those generations of people will even be able to function daily. Western society needs a return to the earth. Conventional medicine has it's place and has done alot of good. But when we completely ignore the basic elements of health -- raw/pure/unprocessed food, probiotics and unpasturized food, and other natural means of healing -- our bodies stop working properly. And the thing is that, so few people know the things that you and I know. So few have any real understanding of how their body works in relation to the food that we eat and the other things (medicine, caffeine, beverages) we consume. All that Westerners know is weight management. Fad diets are never focused on nutrients -- always just on fat and calories. And fat and calories don't necessarily make for healthy food or a healthy person. Bodies run on nutrients and vitamins and minerals and have little bacteria inside of them that are either fed or balanced!

Also, I know you said you don't have Hashimoto's, but I know from my readings that Diabetics can also be terribly prone to oral infections. I swear, I probably hate Candida Albicans more than anyone! I see you mentioned you're trying Baking Soda. I had been doing that too, a few months ago. I would use baking soda by itself, and then also mix it with hydrogen peroxide and gargle with those two. For me, they did not make anything better. The more I thought about it, I think it's because they probably stripped me of ALL bacteria, and I really needed the few good bacteria that happened to be in my mouth. Hopefully you'll have luck with it though! I feel like, at this point, I've tried everything!!! And yeah, I'm with you on the raw garlic. I was doing that for some time. It burns terribly!!! Also, the taste stays in your mouth for days, and if I'm eating it every day anyway, I've always got the taste of garlic in my mouth and who really wants that?

[RiceGuy]

The raw garlic is really good. I remember when I was little, and had a cold, my mom tried cough medicines, but none worked. So she went back to the garlic mayonnaise or garlic butter on toast. I liked it, and would ask for it even if I felt fine. The best way I've found to use it, is to toast the bread until it's near burnt, so it's very dry and will irritate your throat on the way down. This seems to help the garlic get right where it needs to go. And of course, load it with garlic - as much as you can tolerate. It'll burn like...a lot!

I noticed, after having rid my body of candida, that I could chop onions without my eyes burning so much. Before, it was so bad I just couldn't get through it. There'd be a flood of tears pouring down my face, and I simply couldn't see what I was doing. I do know that there was candida in my eye sockets and/or tear ducts, because changes in the weather would make my eyes itch something awful, especially in the corners. Not any more, thank goodness!

Looking at how difficult it is for others, I'm really not sure how I got rid of it so comparatively quickly. I didn't yet know about gluten, and was eating tons of pasta and bread every day. Loads of veggies too, including carrots and corn.

[Janeti]

Msjan...Thank you for your suggestions. Yes I did try threelac. Ironically, it did seem to help at first, but then it petered out. Maybe because I had such a leaky gut. (I do believe that is better now) Also, I am not sure if there is a difference, but I cook alot with fresh garlic. I'm not sure that I can be that brave to eat it just like that lol

Alib...you are so right about the antibiotics. Growing up I really can't remeber being "off" them. I always had chronic sinus infections, strep thoat and fevers. I was born in the same place that I live now. The Drs would say that my infections were environmental. Funny, I haven't any any infections in the past couple of years...Ya think maybe they were wrong?

Lovey25...OMG!!!! Is that what happened to me? I was rinsing with peroxide each time I brushed my teeth, then I would leave my toothbrush to soak in it. I probably stripped all the good bacteria from my mouth...my mouth has been sore and on fire for the past couple of days. Do you think that I am overloading myself with probiotics? I know my PH is off, and I belive that if were balanced, it would help with the candida.

I was diagnosed with hashimotos in 1999. Six months later, the Md told me that all my levels were fine, and that I should be on the top of the world. Ugh, I still had neuropathy, fatigue, brain fog insomnia(one MD thought I had MS). It makes me crazy....why couldn't someone just check my vitamins levels ? One time when I went to donate blood, they prick your finger, and I was turned down because they said I was iron deficient. When I told that to my MD, he just brushed it off...There were so many signs that I was heading for a downfall...uhh...do I sound like I have any grudges??

Can you give me some ideas what to eat. I am a morning person, i love a cup of tea with a little something for breakfast. Anything, as long as its not a piece of meat...I don't think I could handle that.(and I think it would confuse my dog as to what time of day it is, he usually waits for the leftovers, lol) Lunch and dinner are ok...Also, what kind of snacks do you eat if any. I do like to munch on a little something at night. (oh, the days of ice cream sundaes are long gone) Have a great weekend!

[Lovey25]

Msjan...Thank you for your suggestions. Yes I did try threelac. Ironically, it did seem to help at first, but then it petered out. Maybe because I had such a leaky gut. (I do believe that is better now) Also, I am not sure if there is a difference, but I cook alot with fresh garlic. I'm not sure that I can be that brave to eat it just like that lol

Alib...you are so right about the antibiotics. Growing up I really can't remeber being "off" them. I always had chronic sinus infections, strep thoat and fevers. I was born in the same place that I live now. The Drs would say that my infections were environmental. Funny, I haven't any any infections in the past couple of years...Ya think maybe they were wrong?

Lovey25...OMG!!!! Is that what happened to me? I was rinsing with peroxide each time I brushed my teeth, then I would leave my toothbrush to soak in it. I probably stripped all the good bacteria from my mouth...my mouth has been sore and on fire for the past couple of days. Do you think that I am overloading myself with probiotics? I know my PH is off, and I belive that if were balanced, it would help with the candida.

I was diagnosed with hashimotos in 1999. Six months later, the Md told me that all my levels were fine, and that I should be on the top of the world. Ugh, I still had neuropathy, fatigue, brain fog insomnia(one MD thought I had MS). It makes me crazy....why couldn't someone just check my vitamins levels ? One time when I went to donate blood, they prick your finger, and I was turned down because they said I was iron deficient. When I told that to my MD, he just brushed it off...There were so many signs that I was heading for a downfall...uhh...do I sound like I have any grudges??

Can you give me some ideas what to eat. I am a morning person, i love a cup of tea with a little something for breakfast. Anything, as long as its not a piece of meat...I don't think I could handle that.(and I think it would confuse my dog as to what time of day it is, he usually waits for the leftovers, lol) Lunch and dinner are ok...Also, what kind of snacks do you eat if any. I do like to munch on a little something at night. (oh, the days of ice cream sundaes are long gone) Have a great weekend!

That's funny that you've tried the peroxide too. I was soaking my toothbrush in it too. Yeah, that didn't help me at all. I think it's important to disinfect the tooth brush after using it, so what you can do instead is go to your healthfood store and they usually sell natural antibacterial toothbrush cases that contain strong herbs that are known to disinfect, so you just leave the toothbrush in there after each use. I got two little toothbrush head cases for a few dollars, and they last for about two months. Or, you can buy an electronic disinfectant, where some sort of ultraviolet light will kill the residual bacteria. Those are available all over the internet.

I think it's important to not over-brush. Brushing already breaks up the yeast cells and causes them to split and multiply. Of course we have to brush our teeth everyday 2-3 times, but I just mean that when we over-do it, we're causing more damage than good.

Also, it's important that you're using alcohol-free and sugar-free mouthwash and toothpaste and other dental products. Of course alcohol converts to sugar and sugar feeds Candida. I use a natural toothpaste and mouthwash that contain strong herbs that are known to kill Candida (oregano oil and cinnamon, for example).

I have to say, I think you're totally correct on the PH. I've been doing alot of reading lately about the acid/alkaline connection to Candida overgrowth, and it all makes sense. Here's a link to a list of foods that alkaline the PH in the body to prevent Candida overgrowth: Open Original Shared Link

I'm thinking of trying this myself. It's just so much as it is already: anti-Candida diet, no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no starches, and now another thing to limit my food choices. It gets really overwhelming. Honestly, I have panic attacks over this sometimes.

Okay, when it comes to food, I have had to readjust my tastebuds. So, I've gotten used to eating untraditional things for breakfast, so I don't know if you'll be comfortable eating this stuff in the morning. I usually make a veggie juice (celery, parsley, cucumber) the night before and have that for breakfast... alot of it! Don't limit how much you have. I make a huge jug of it and have it for breakfast and then sip it all day. Or I'll cut up a whole cucumber (has a mild flavor for that early in the morning) or shred some raw carrot and mix in some raw nuts (cashews, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts) and have that.

Or, something more traditional... you can buy something called Quinoa Flakes, which are just flakes of the grain quinoa that are fast-cooking, and it has the consistency and taste of oatmeal. So you could mix in some rice milk/soy milk and some cinnamon (maybe some stevia for sweetness). Or, also, at the healthfood store, you can buy Puffed Millet, which is the grain millet in a puffed cereal form and it just tastes like unsweetened breakfast cereal. You could eat that with rice/soy milk or you could mix puffed millet into some unsweetened soygurt. Soygurt is another good one... buy it unsweetened and then mix in cinnamon.

For snacks, I just eat alot of raw veggies or veggie juices. I also eat nuts, but am trying to cut back because it really does make my infection worse. If you have the time and want to get fancy, try making your own dehydrated veggies or crackers. Slice veggies thin and place them in the oven on the lowest setting for maybe like 6 hours. Or, for crackers, mix in a food processor some flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whatever veggies you have in the house (celery, tomato, etc.) with some salt and spread thin on a baking sheet and place in the oven on a low heat for several hours. Flax seems to bother me, but maybe you'd do okay.

I do drink alot of herbal tea. I know some people say we shouldn't because tea contains mold, but I did start drinking it about a month ago. I figured I had not been drinking it for a year, and it didn't help, so I tried it again and I'm not noticing any reaction. Make sure the tea you're drinking is decaf, by the way. Our immune systems can't handle caffeine.

If you shop your local healthfood store, there are a bunch of good products that they sell, which you could have for a snack. Again, I don't know how adventurous your taste buds are, but mine got used to "different" foods just out of pure necessity. The store may sell some non-vinegared and raw sauerkraut (cabbage, lemon juice, salt), which contains good bacteria and is fermented in an acceptable way so that it doesn't feed Candida. That would be a good snack. I used to make my own popcorn (buy plain popcorn kernels and place them in a brown paper bag and put in microwave on the popcorn setting, then toss in olive oil and sea salt) but noticed that it caused the Candida to react. Maybe try that and see if you have any intolerance.

Hmm... how does all that sound?

[AliB]

Millet is a grain, soy is a starch as is rice milk, corn is also a starch - all of which are best avoided when you are fighting candida. Soy is terrible stuff and best avoided in any processed form. Unlike the ancient traditional ways of preparing it like in miso, tempeh and tofu which used soaking and fermenting to neutralise phytates etc, modern processed soy does not go through that route and is not beneficial.

Open Original Shared Link

(note the reference to thyroid)

Fortunately I have never liked the stuff (its like drinking flour and water! Ugh!) although I did try a chocolate soy drink which was nice - trouble is it made me cough and gave me instant goo - just as well, the further away I stay from it the better!

For breakfast I usually have either a couple of eggs, scrambled, or fruit and veg smoothie. Snacks - carrot and/or celery sticks and/or slices of apple and (not too much) sugar-free peanut butter, a few nuts, home-made crackers and pate, or sliced chicken, etc.

There are a few snack recipes on these sites that would be suitable for a Candida diet.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

I'm not sure that herb teas are too bad a thing, Lovey. Usually they are steeped for at least 5 minutes in boiling water and that in itself ought to be a pretty good protection from molds. At the end of the day, molds are all around us - we are breathing in the spores from the air all the time. If we give our bodies the tools to protect itself they should not be a problem. Not all molds are detrimental. The natural molds on cabbage turns it into sauerkraut for instance. The molds on grapes produces wine.

I have always had a bit of a query over the need to remove mushrooms on a Candida diet. They are very nutritious. Perhaps they are best avoided raw, but surely cooking will destroy any yeasts? Maybe I have missed something there.

[Lovey25]

Millet is a grain, soy is a starch as is rice milk, corn is also a starch - all of which are best avoided when you are fighting candida. Soy is terrible stuff and best avoided in any processed form. Unlike the ancient traditional ways of preparing it like in miso, tempeh and tofu which used soaking and fermenting to neutralise phytates etc, modern processed soy does not go through that route and is not beneficial.

Open Original Shared Link

(note the reference to thyroid)

Fortunately I have never liked the stuff (its like drinking flour and water! Ugh!) although I did try a chocolate soy drink which was nice - trouble is it made me cough and gave me instant goo - just as well, the further away I stay from it the better!

For breakfast I usually have either a couple of eggs, scrambled, or fruit and veg smoothie. Snacks - carrot and/or celery sticks and/or slices of apple and (not too much) sugar-free peanut butter, a few nuts, home-made crackers and pate, or sliced chicken, etc.

There are a few snack recipes on these sites that would be suitable for a Candida diet.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

I'm not sure that herb teas are too bad a thing, Lovey. Usually they are steeped for at least 5 minutes in boiling water and that in itself ought to be a pretty good protection from molds. At the end of the day, molds are all around us - we are breathing in the spores from the air all the time. If we give our bodies the tools to protect itself they should not be a problem. Not all molds are detrimental. The natural molds on cabbage turns it into sauerkraut for instance. The molds on grapes produces wine.

I have always had a bit of a query over the need to remove mushrooms on a Candida diet. They are very nutritious. Perhaps they are best avoided raw, but surely cooking will destroy any yeasts? Maybe I have missed something there.

Yeah, I think you have some good points here. I think the difference is that I'm basing my ideas off of "The Yeast Connection" by Dr. Crook and AliB, you're is basing your info on the SCD. Although they may advocate many of the same things, there are some dissenting ideas. With "The Yeast Connection" diet, you're told to avoid foods that contain fungus/yeast/mold in their natural form, as well as those that feed Candida as they are metabolized. So, a mushroom is a no-no on "TYC" diet because it itself is a fungus and dried tea is a no-no because it has been allowed to sit and mold, whereas they are legal on the SCD.

In terms of the grains, you're correct that they are a starch and we know that starches feed Candida because they act like sugars in the body and therefore they should best be avoided. However, they are allowed on "TYC" diet.

And like I said, nuts really do make my Candida worse, even though they are legal on the SCD as well as TYC diet.

I think the bottom line is that there are take-aways from both diets and figuring out what works for each individual body is key.

[RiceGuy]

Last I knew, soy wasn't "a starch". At least not like white rice, or corn. Also, there are many ways in which soy products are prepared, so there is no one classification that fits them all. Compared to many grains, beans (including soy) are relatively low in carbs.

What surprises me is that nuts seem to make candida worse for some people. That suggests to me that there's more to it than avoiding simple carbs/sugars. Plus, I'm still not convinced that complex carbohydrates should be avoided like some articles suggest. I've seen numerous articles on the subject, and they are all over the spectrum with respect to carbs. My personal experience says complex carbs don't feed candida all that much, but heck, if you feel better without them, go for it.

Just Googled this:

There is debate over whether high protein or high complex carbohydrate (like whole grains) diets are desirable or not for Candidiasis patients. Protein breakdown can produce ammonia, which in turn creates an environment hospitable to yeast. Complex carbohydrates (starches) can pass far down the gastrointestinal tract before being broken down into glucose and absorbed. Since Candida is thought to sometimes reside and proliferate in the lower gastrointestinal tract, complex carbohydrates could potentially feed Candida there. However complex carbohydrates are necessary for energy and also feed friendly intestinal flora.

Open Original Shared Link

A complex carb that fights candida:

Open Original Shared Link

Looking further, it seems to have some relationship to glucosamine!

More about carbs:

Open Original Shared Link

Alkalizing/Acidifying foods:

Open Original Shared Link

Perhaps a key to effectively ridding the body of the yeasty beasties, is knowing where they reside within the body.

[AliB]

Most legumes and pulses including soy contain long-chain (di- and poly-saccharides) and those are the carbs that many of us lack the enzymes that would break them down into mono-saccharides that can be absorbed by the body.

The following is a short basic explanation to that extent.

Open Original Shared Link

Soy has to be a starch to a certain extent as it is used a gluten-free flour constituent. Yes it contains protein too, but it is the carbohydrate element that is the problem, and also the phytates that are not removed in the modern processing techniques.

All fruit and veg contains carbs but most are mono-saccharides that can be absorbed without the need for enzymes so any lack of the enzymes does not leave the carbs providing food for the pathogens.

Thought this was an interesting article too -

Open Original Shared Link

Low carb diets help the body to burn excess liver fat. Contrary to popular opinion we don't need a vast amount of carbohydrate for energy. Many cultures live on very little carbs - like the Inuit and those on the eastern seaboard of Siberia who exist mainly on meat, fish and fat. Two UK doctors did a TV program over here where they went to Siberia and checked out the locals. The men would burn four and a half thousand calories a day, were fit as a fiddle, their cholesterol was less than 3.0 and people in the community usually only died either through accident or old age. There was very little sickness.

Interestingly the 'boss' of the fishing crew had a cholesterol level of over 6 and the Docs couldn't figure out why until they went for dinner. His wife had a table groaning with stodge that she had baked, cakes, cookies, bread, and his favourite - tinned hot dogs - all packed with gluten of course. All the ingredients had been bought from the tiny store, but most people preferred their local food.

The 2 docs did an experiment (they were twins). They both started with cholesterol levels around 4.2. One ate whatever he wanted that was available at the shop - Western style, the other ate the local food - putrid fermented walrus and all! At the end of the 2 weeks they were there, the one on a 'normal' diet had unchanged cholesterol, on the local traditional diet the other Doc's cholesterol had gone down to 2.8 - no carbs in that diet!

I read the other day that high cholesterol means high inflammation in the arteries. The body sends cholesterol to 'patch' damage in the arteries. So the less damage to the arteries, the lower the cholesterol - makes sense - wish I could find where I read it!

I also read this evening that there was a study done that found that Probiotics can help reduce high-fat diet insulin-resistance in Diabetics (although I am not convinced it is high-fat that is the problem, but more high-carb as the carbs very often carry the fats and the two in conjunction may well be problematic. It must depend on the type of fats too - some of the fats like hydrogenated and trans-fats that are very often used to cook the high-carb foods in or with are downright evil and could undoubtedly contribute to the problem). Couldn't find the source, but I will keep searching for that one - annoying isn't it when you click on an interesting snippet but it doesn't take you to the actual article.

This one is similar and interesting too.

Open Original Shared Link

Found it -

Open Original Shared Link

[vikingtom]

I read the other day that high cholesterol means high inflammation in the arteries. The body sends cholesterol to 'patch' damage in the arteries. So the less damage to the arteries, the lower the cholesterol - makes sense - wish I could find where I read it!

I've also read a similar theory linked to the effect of vitamin C in combatting scurvy (thinning of the arteries) It suggested that cholesterol in evolutionary terms was the bodies way of strengthening the arteries when vitamin C was in shorter supply ie. during periods of extreme cold.

Not sure about the validity of this and can't remember where I got it from but it's certainly interesting.

[AliB]

I had also read somewhere that Vit C helps to strengthen the arteries so that would tie in with your thought Tom.

Not sure if cold would be the issue though - those people on the Eastern Seaboard of Siberia with Cholesterol of 2.8 or so would be living in a very cold environment, but then what is extremely cold to them may be absolutely freezing to us, as they are used to it! Extremely cold to us in the UK and probably most of the States would be around -5, to them would be around -40!

[Janeti]

I know that when your body is in crisis, it needs to be supported through the tough times, and then some. I think that vitamins, minerals are important now at all times.

Lovey25-I have to tell you that I am such a baby when it comes to food. I grew up in a very old world italian home. My mother never put a cold bowl of cereal down in front of me for breakfast. It is really hard for me to have a shake first thing in the morning. I would try the soygurt, that doesn't sound bad. I do think that the golden seal f is helping me. So we'll see. Next month my husband and I will be going to florida for a vacation and all I can think is how will I feel? Its such a hit or miss thing. I am so sick of worrying about what can I eat..will I be able to find a place that won't set me back 2 weeks of misery... I think I will have to bring somethings from home. I do love home made popcorn w/olive oil

Alib-Nuts doesn't bother you? And peanutbutter is ok? Meline had PM me, and told me about the healing naturally by bee. I didn't get a chance to read it all.